Fashionistas Embrace 'Cost-Per-Wear' Rule to Save Money

Savvy New Yorkers are reassessing their wardrobes to maximize the value of their clothes.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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As the cost of fashion continues to rise, budget-conscious New Yorkers are turning to the 'cost per wear' approach when cleaning out their closets. By dividing the price of a clothing item by the number of times it's worn, fashionistas are identifying which pieces are worth keeping and which should be purged. Experts say the strategy can help avoid impulse buys and steer people toward higher-quality, more versatile items that save money in the long run.

Why it matters

With inflation driving up prices across the retail industry, the 'cost per wear' method allows fashion-forward consumers to be more strategic about their spending and build a wardrobe of long-lasting, versatile pieces. This approach can help reduce clothing waste and clutter while ensuring people get the most value out of their fashion investments.

The details

Savvy New Yorkers are using elaborate budgeting spreadsheets and photos of their closets to calculate the 'cost per wear' of their clothing. By dividing the price of an item by the estimated number of times it will be worn, they can determine whether a purchase is truly worth the investment. Many are steering clear of cheap, disposable fast fashion in favor of fewer, higher-quality pieces that hold up better over time. Experts caution that the math isn't always straightforward, as factors like fabric quality, maintenance, and personal lifestyle can impact the true cost per wear.

  • The cost of fashion has risen nearly $20 per item on average from 2024 to 2025, with further increases expected.
  • Many New Yorkers are already starting their spring closet cleanouts and reassessing their wardrobes.

The players

Leah Van Loon

A stylist who advises that the 'cost per wear' calculation should factor in quality and maintenance, not just frequency of wear.

Jessie Frances

A fashion historian who cautions that achieving a true 'cost per wear' of less than the original purchase price is unrealistic for most people.

Aricia Symes

A stylist, author, and founder of Unfoldid who recommends allocating clothing budgets strategically between essentials, signature pieces, and trend-driven items.

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What they’re saying

“The simplest way to calculate cost per wear is to estimate how many times a year you would wear the item and divide the price by that number.”

— Leah Van Loon, Stylist (The Post)

“Unless you're a princess, the chances of getting your cost-per-wear to equal less than what you paid for the piece are slim to none.”

— Jessie Frances, Fashion Historian (The Post)

“I often see closets full of twelve to fifteen pairs of black pants that are nearly identical. The money spent on ten pairs that aren't quite right could be spent on one fantastic pair you reach for again and again.”

— Aricia Symes, Stylist, Author, and Founder of Unfoldid (The Post)

The takeaway

The 'cost per wear' approach helps fashion-conscious consumers be more strategic about their spending and build a wardrobe of high-quality, versatile pieces that provide the most value over time. While the math isn't always perfect, this mindset can steer people away from impulse buys and toward a more intentional, sustainable way of dressing.