Cost per wear, quality and care

A smaller wardrobe means each piece gets worn more, so quality and care matter more than they used to.

Cost per wear

Divide the price by the number of times you realistically expect to wear it. A €120 coat worn 100 times costs €1.20 a wear; a €30 top worn three times costs €10 a wear. The honest part is the estimate: be realistic about your life, not hopeful.

Quick quality checks in the shop

• Seams: small, even stitches; no pulling when you gently stretch the fabric.
• Fabric: hold it up to the light. Very thin knits and tees lose shape quickly.
• Pattern matching at seams on checks and stripes is a sign of care in construction.
• Buttons and zips: securely sewn buttons, a spare included, zips that run smoothly.
• Lining in tailored pieces that hangs freely and is not tight.

Care habits that add years

• Wash less often and colder; air knits and outerwear between wears.
• Turn dark and printed clothes inside out to wash.
• Dry flat for knits; hang shirts straight from the machine.
• Use a fabric shaver on pilling and a cedar block or lavender for moths.
• Re-heel shoes and replace buttons early. A local tailor can shorten, take in and repair for much less than replacing.