Cost Per Wear

Cost per wear is a garment’s price divided by the number of times you actually wear it over its life (wears per month × 12 × years). It reframes "expensive" and "cheap": a $120 pair of welted boots worn for a decade can cost pennies per wear, while a $25 pair replaced every winter costs more per wear despite the friendlier tag. The honest limit is the lifespan estimate — averages from published durability data and broad user consensus, not a guarantee for your specific garment. Used carefully, cost per wear is the single most clarifying tool for buying fewer, better staples.