"Expensive" is the wrong question. What a piece costs per wear over its life is the right one. Enter a price and be honest about the wears.
| Category | Good CPW | Typical lifespan | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality white tee | < $0.80 | 2–3 yrs | Buy three, rotate, retire yearly |
| Raw denim jeans | < $1.00 | 4–6 yrs | The more you wear, the better they get |
| Leather boots (welted) | < $2.50 | 10+ yrs | Resoleable = the CPW keeps falling |
| Unstructured blazer | < $4.00 | 5–8 yrs | Fit beats fabric beats brand |
| Mechanical watch | < $1.50 | Decades | Worn daily, almost anything justifies itself |
GUIDANCE VALUES FROM GAUGE EDITORIAL BENCHMARKS.