Save money on men’s fashion: use the CPW formula when you purchase clothes

photo by Carly Jane1

How many times have you faced the dilemma of locating that one piece of clothing that you’d like to include in your closet, only you didn’t have the money to buy it or you just really struggled to shell out the $300 outlay? So how can you determine that you’re getting what you’re paying for your clothes?

A look at the cost per wear formula

You’ll need to calculate the cost per wear (or CPW) since it’s the way to justify those kinds of purchases that are great to look at but difficult for the wallet to take.

How can you save money using the CPW formula? Start by dividing the actual cost of the item and make an estimation of how many times you’d wear it. When looked it in this way, you can determine if you’re going to save money or actually waste it.

Clothing staples – These are clothes you plan on wearing for sometime, usually more than one season. The best idea is to stay below $25 CPW.
Designer clothes – These are clothes that follow a trend, usually very current; meaning you’ll wear it a few times and then give it away. The best idea for these clothes is to stay below $15 CPW annually.
Luxury items – These are attire pieces that are timeless and go beyond season and trend. These items have a CPW of $30 to $60.

As you see, the way to save yourself money is to determine how many times you would wear something.

Shoes and the CPW formula

No doubt shoes will make or break your outfit. For that reason, you don’t want to pinch your pennies. Look for shoes that are stylish but simple (so that you can wear it with any outfit). Most guys will wear the same shoe about 40 times annually. For example, you want to buy Salvatore Ferragamo Andrea Lace Up shoes with a retail cost of $475. Using the CPW formula, you can determine the shoes cost per wearing would be.

CPW formula – Divide $475 (cost of shoes) by 40 (amount of times on average shoes are worn); the price per wearing of shoe comes out to be $11.87.

Jeans and the CPW formula

In the current market, a great pair of jeans like Nudies are going to cost around $300. Many men would start to choke on that price but you need to remember that jeans are going to be worn often and are usually seen in a man’s wardrobe (yours too). Don’t forget that jeans can be worn at the office, the bar, clubs and home. If you live in Sydney, wearing jeans with a business shirt is common place. When you look at it closely, it’s not unreasonable for one pair of jeans to be worn in at least 60 times in a given year.

CPW formula – Divide $300 by 60 and you come up with $5 per wear. Now, that’s $5 per time you wear those pair of pants (not such a bad deal anymore, right?)

Watches and the CPW formula

Watches are a timeless and necessity accessory. Since you don’t want to be caught late to a date with a beautiful female, it’s best to go with a classic but reliable watch. After all, it’ll be something you wear on an everyday basis. There are all kinds of watch brands to choose from including the Oris TT3 Chronograph at a price of $3, 750.

CPW formula – Divide $3,750 by 365 and you come up with a price of $10.27 per day.

To sum up, bear in mind that it’s not what you spend but if you spend it wisely. You want to ensure that what you spend makes sense with the clothes that you’re buying. Use the CPW formula to help save money especially when it comes to the high price clothes.

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