The world of fashion has a significant impact on the environment and society, from the exploitation of workers to the generation of toxic waste. Furthermore, the culture of fast fashion has led to an increase in the consumption of low-cost clothing, with negative consequences for both the environment and our economy.
In this context, Cost per Wear (CPW) is becoming increasingly relevant as a way to assess the value of a garment not only in terms of price, but also based on its environmental and social impact. This approach leads us to consider the quality and longevity of the garment, rather than the short-term price, and helps us make more informed and sustainable purchasing choices.
More specifically, cost per wear (CPW) is the way of calculating the value of clothes based on the number of times they are worn.
The calculation is very simple: the price of the garment divided by the number of times it is worn. In this way we obtain the number that represents the cost of the product based on its life cycle: a quality garment lasts longer and is worn longer, in this way the CPW is lowered, as is the environmental impact.
The constant demand for low-cost clothes has allowed fast fashion to normalize a type of mass production that is responsible for the inhumane conditions of many workers and one of the main causes of pollution. Cost reduction and process simplification have led production to double and the number of garments purchased each year to increase by 60%, following a linear life cycle that is no longer sustainable.
We are talking about values in every sense: taking the Cost per Wear into consideration means changing your approach in your purchasing decisions; it is an objective way to understand that a quality product, even if apparently more expensive, is an economic and environmental advantage.
Recycling, re-use and circularity are keywords for consciously orienting one's consumption choices.