How to Start Making Sustainable Fashion Choices
By making informed and intentional choices, eco-conscious consumers play a significant role in promoting sustainability and reducing the overall environmental impact of their lifestyles. One examples of eco-conscious consumer behavior in fashion involves choosing clothes from sustainable brands, buying second-hand or vintage clothing, and focusing on quality over quantity to ensure longer use.
In order to actively considers the environmental impact of your purchasing decisions. You need to understand some of the fashion industries terminology.
Understanding Cost Per Wear in Fashion
Fast fashion might initially seem cheaper than sustainable fashion, but it has hidden costs: environmental impact and cost per wear (CPW). By considering CPW, you can save money and make more sustainable fashion choices—a win-win!
What is Cost Per Wear?
Cost per wear (CPW) is a metric that helps you understand the real value of your clothes based on how often you wear them.
How to Calculate Cost Per Wear
Calculating CPW is simple. Divide the price of an item by the number of times you’ve worn or plan to wear it. For example, a €30 jumper worn 10 times has a CPW of €3 (€30 ÷ 10).
What is a Good CPW?
There’s no universal standard for a “good” CPW because it varies based on personal budgets and types of garments. Occasionwear typically has a higher CPW compared to casual wear, even if the initial price is similar. CPW is most useful for comparing clothes and understanding why buying many cheap fast fashion items can be more costly in the long run.
Cost Per Wear: Fast vs. Slow Fashion
Fast Fashion’s Higher CPW
The fast fashion industry thrives on creating disposable clothing, contributing to a high CPW:
- Fast fashion introduces 52 micro-seasons annually, pushing consumers to buy more frequently.
- These garments are often designed to wear out quickly, leading to higher CPW.
For instance, a €15 fast fashion dress worn twice has a CPW of €7.50 (€15 ÷ 2).
Slow Fashion’s Lower CPW
In contrast, slow fashion focuses on durability, ethical production, and timeless designs:
- Sustainable clothes often have higher initial prices but lower CPW due to their longevity.
- They are designed to match personal styles rather than fleeting trends.
A €70 organic cotton dress worn 20 times has a CPW of €3.50 (€70 ÷ 20), demonstrating better value over time.
The Environmental and Financial Benefits of Slow Fashion
To justify a garment’s environmental impact, aim to wear it at least 30 times. Investing in durable, high-quality clothes reduces both CPW and environmental harm. Although fast fashion seems cheaper initially, its higher CPW and environmental cost make slow fashion the more sustainable and economical choice.
By prioritizing cost per wear, you can make fashion choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
