Wardrobe Basic ROI and Cost-Per-Wear Calculator

Inspired by People's guide on Everyday Basics & $18 Staples • Smart Amortization & Longevity Analysis

Garment Specifications

Adjust parameters in real time

Item Name

Garment Category

Purchase Price ($) $18.00

$5 (Ultra fast-fashion) $18 (Amazon staple) $250 (Luxury baseline)

Wears Per Week 3 days / week

1 wear/wk (Occasional) 3 wears/wk (Regular staple) 7 wears/wk (Daily staple)

Estimated Lifespan (Months) 24 months (2.0 yrs)

3 mos (~12 washes) 24 mos (~100 washes) 60 mos (Generational)

Exceptional Value

            Cost Per Wear
            $0.06
            Initial cost amortized over all wears
          

Total Wears 312 3 wears/wk × 104 wks

Annual Cost $9.00 Cost per year in rotation

Est. Fast-Fashion Savings $42.00 vs replacing 3 cheaper $10 tees/yr

Fabric Longevity Score

Based on wash resistance & fabric resilience

88 / 100 (High Value)

High-density combed cotton construction maintains shape over 90+ standard laundry cycles without collar fraying.

Fast-Fashion Baseline (4-Month Life) $0.21 / wear

This Staple (24 Months) $0.06 / wear (71% cheaper)

Stack your everyday basics to evaluate your entire core wardrobe's daily amortization and yearly turnover cost.

Garment / Item	Category	Price	Wears/Wk	Lifespan	Total Wears	Cost / Wear	Annual Cost	Action

Total Capsule Investment $18.00

Blended Daily Cost $0.06

Total Annual Wardrobe Amortization $9.00 / yr

Reference: People Style: Shoppers Deemed This White T-Shirt the ‘Perfect Basic’ ($18+) Calculations use standard 52-week annual wear cadence and wash degradation curves.