When investing in a higher priced item like a handcrafted leather bag, many shoppers hesitate at the price. The upfront cost of such a piece often seems high, and it can be tempting to opt for a cheaper alternative. But you may have recently heard the terms "Girl Math" or "Cost Per Wear" (CPW). This simple calculation can help you understand the true value of your purchase over time, especially when it comes to items like a well-made leather bag.

What is Cost Per Wear?

CPW is a way of breaking down the price per use of an item, allowing you to justify the cost of an item by calculating how often you will use it.  To calculate CPW, you take the price of the item and divide it by the number of times you expect to wear or use it. Here’s the formula:

Cost Per Wear (CPW) = Total cost of the item ÷ Number of wears

I like to break my CPW down by year. 

So let as say you carry a bag on average 5 days a week.

5 (days a week) x 52 (weeks in a year) = 260 Days of use in one year. 

The bag costs $425 ÷ 260 = $1.63 per wear. 

Now if we plan to carry this bag for more than one year, which realistically a leather bag should last for years and years and years.  your cost per wear decreases significantly.

By considering how often an item is used, CPW shifts the focus from upfront cost to long-term value.

Why Handcrafted Leather Bags Have a Lower CPW

 On the surface, a handcrafted leather bag might seem like an expensive indulgence. However, let’s explore why its CPW might be lower than a cheaper, mass-produced alternative.

1. Longevity and Durability

Handcrafted leather bags are made with premium materials and exceptional craftsmanship. Leather, when properly cared for, can last for decades. Over time, the bag will develop a unique patina, making it even more beautiful as it ages.

Compare that to a synthetic or cheaply made bag, which may need replacing every few years. A $500 handcrafted bag that lasts 10 years offers better value than a $50 bag that falls apart after a year. Here’s how that breaks down:

• Handcrafted Leather Bag: $500 ÷ 10 years = $50 per year

• Cheap Bag: $50 ÷ 1 year = $50 per year

Yes, the annual cost is the same, but after 10 years, you’ll have spent $500 on replacements of the cheaper bag, while still enjoying your original leather bag.

2. Versatility

A well-designed leather bag can easily transition between different occasions—whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or going casual. This means you’re likely to use it frequently, which drives down the cost per wear. If you own a bag that complements a variety of outfits and situations, you’re maximizing its usage. Instead of buying several bags for different purposes, one high-quality leather bag may do the job of three or four.

3. Timelessness and Style

Fashion trends come and go, but a classic leather bag often transcends these cycles. Handcrafted bags, with their thoughtful designs and attention to detail, are rarely made to be “trendy.” Instead, they emphasize timeless elegance. As a result, a bag like this won’t feel outdated in a few years, meaning you’re less likely to feel the need to replace it for style reasons.

4. Sustainability

By investing in fewer, higher-quality items, you’re contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. Fast fashion and cheaper products may seem like a bargain at first, but they come with hidden costs in terms of environmental impact. A handcrafted leather bag, made with care and meant to last, aligns with the principles of sustainability. The longer it stays in your wardrobe, the less waste you’re contributing to.

While a handcrafted leather bag may come with a higher upfront cost, it's durability, versatility, and timeless appeal give it a much lower cost per wear over time. By investing in quality over quantity, you’re not only getting better value for your money, but you’re also making a more sustainable choice. Let the CPW guide your decision.