Buying cheap clothing costs you more

Buying cheap fast fashion costs you more.

That may sound like a contradiction, however, when the top you bought at £20 only lasts 8 wears before falling apart in the wash, it is costing you far more than it initially may seem. 

The true 'cost per wear' is a handy calculation that helps you make more considered decisions when buying clothing items. 

Here's an example:

A. Fast fashion top purchased at £20. Worn 8 times before having to throw away means that the top actually costs you £2.50 per wear. This item then adds to the landfill nightmare far quicker than something of a higher quality.

B. Compare this to buying something of a higher quality and yes, a higher initial price. Let's say you buy one of our tops at £35. You wear it 18 times the first season, then 10 times the second year and 6 times the third year. The total cost per wear becomes far lower at £1.03 per wear. 

At leafy green, we work with brands that offer longevity for garments and are ideologically opposed to the fast fashion throwaway mentality. Our ethos is to buy fewer pieces but spend a little more on pieces that will last.

Not only does this work out more cost effective, it is better for the planet and let's face it, who wouldn't want to wear a higher quality item than something that doesn't feel great on your skin or is not well tailored? 

So here are some helpful tips when buying for this new season:

1. Feel the product, how will you feel wearing it? Is it going to feel luxurious on your skin and make you feel good?

2. Think about how much wear you will actually get from the piece.

3. Will it work across more than one season? Can you layer it up during colder weeks, for instance?

4. If you are buying for a special event, are you buying something that you can thereafter wear on holiday, out for dinner or will this piece lie in your wardrobe after the event? We often advise customers to buy something plain for events then add accessories to dress up the look. 

5. Avoid embellishments totally. If a product has sequins and dangly bits then not only will it restrict the occasions you can wear the piece, it is likely that these embellishments won't stand the test of time. 

6. Take more risks in colour and pattern for tops and sweaters that are replaced more often but go more neutral for trousers and jackets/coats. 

This season, think considered purchasing, longevity and cost per wear!

Image: courtesy of Greenpeace