Cost-per-wear calculator
See what one use of a garment really costs.
Cost-per-wear divides an item's purchase price by the number of times you have worn it. Use the calculator for a quick check, then decide whether the number helps you wear, repair, or let go of the piece more intentionally.
The formula
A $120 jacket worn 6 times costs $20 per wear. Worn 24 times, the same jacket costs $5 per wear.
How to use the number
- Compare the item with itself over time. The number becomes more useful as your wear history becomes more accurate.
- Spot expensive items you still want to use. A high result can be a reminder to build more outfits around the piece.
- Avoid treating it as a moral score. Occasion wear, uniforms, coats, and everyday basics naturally have different patterns.
- Include repair costs if they materially change the total. A repaired garment may still become better value through many additional wears.
Track it automatically in your closet
Panda Closet keeps wear counts next to the clothes in your digital wardrobe. Add the purchase price to an item's notes, log what you wear, and the app updates its cost-per-wear alongside your outfit history.
Frequently asked
What is a good cost per wear?
There is no universal target. Use a number that makes sense for your budget, the type of garment, and how often the item can realistically be worn.
Should cleaning and repair be included?
You can add meaningful repair or specialist cleaning costs to the purchase price before dividing. For ordinary laundry, consistency is usually more useful than perfect accounting.
Can cost-per-wear predict what I should buy?
It is evidence, not a prediction. Past wear patterns can reveal what earns space in your closet, but comfort, fit, occasion, and personal value still matter.