The cost per wear calculator reveals the true value of clothing by dividing total cost by how many times you'll wear it. A $400 coat worn 300 times ($1.33/wear) beats a $60 shirt worn only 8 times ($7.50/wear). Compare multiple items to see which offers real value.
Add Clothing Item
Comparison
Add items to compare their cost per wear. Or click "Load Presets" to see examples.
How to Use the Cost Per Wear Calculator
Cost per wear is the most honest way to evaluate whether a clothing purchase is truly worth it. A designer item worn constantly may cost less per use than cheap fast fashion worn a few times before falling apart.
Step 1: Enter Item Details
Add each item you want to compare. The purchase price is what you paid (or plan to pay). Wears per week reflects your honest usage — not your best-case scenario. For seasonal items like a winter coat, factor in only the weeks you'd actually wear it (~20-24 weeks for most climates).
Step 2: Add Care Costs
Care cost per wear is often overlooked. A dry-clean-only suit at $15 per cleaning adds significantly to true cost: 50 wears × $15 = $750 in care costs on a $400 suit brings total cost to $1,150. Machine-washable items might cost $0.10-0.25 per wash in water/detergent. Delicates hand-washed at home cost almost nothing.
Step 3: Factor In Resale Value
Quality items retain resale value. A $300 leather handbag might sell for $150 on a resale platform after 3 years of use. The calculator subtracts resale value from net cost: ($300 - $150) ÷ 312 wears = $0.48 per wear. Premium brands and classic styles hold value better than trendy fast fashion.
Using Cost Per Wear to Shop Smarter
Before buying any significant clothing item, estimate its cost per wear first. If the math shows $10/wear for a novelty party shirt you'll wear once, reconsider. If a quality work blazer calculates to $0.75/wear over 5 years, it's likely a smart investment even at a high initial price.
FAQ
What is cost per wear?
Cost per wear (CPW) is the price paid for a clothing item divided by the total number of times you wear it. A $200 jacket worn 200 times costs $1 per wear — better value than a $20 t-shirt worn only 5 times at $4 per wear. It's a practical way to evaluate the long-term value of clothing purchases.
How do I calculate cost per wear?
The formula is: Cost Per Wear = (Purchase Price + Total Care Cost - Resale Value) ÷ Total Wears. Total Wears = Wears Per Week × 52 × Years Owned. This calculator handles all the math — just enter the item details.
What is considered a good cost per wear?
Generally: under $1 per wear is excellent value, $1-3 per wear is good, $3-5 per wear is acceptable, and over $5 per wear suggests the item may not provide good value. Occasion wear like formal dresses or wedding suits naturally have higher cost per wear since they're worn rarely.
Should I include dry cleaning costs?
Yes — care costs significantly affect true clothing value. A suit requiring $15 dry cleaning each wear at 50 wears adds $750 in care costs. In the Care Cost Per Wear field, enter the per-wear care cost: dry cleaning price for suits, or a small amount ($0.10-0.25) for machine-washable items covering water and detergent.
Can I use this for shoes, bags, or accessories?
Absolutely. The formula works for any item you wear or use repeatedly: shoes, handbags, jewelry, watches, or even gym equipment. For items that don't directly wear out, focus on how frequently you use them and how long you expect to keep them.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. You can add unlimited items and compare them side by side. All calculations run in your browser — no data is stored anywhere.