When is it cheaper to buy new than to maintain

Short answer: Buying new is cheaper when a repair or upkeep costs more than the clothing has left to give, or when it no longer fits well anyway. If the clothing is still good and loved, maintaining it is usually the better choice.

Work out the whole picture

Compare what it costs to repair or look after the clothing with the price of a new piece. Remember time and effort too. If the repair is quick and simple, it usually wins. If it needs outside help, long transport and an uncertain result, new can make more sense.

The condition of the clothing decides a lot

If the fabric looks worn all over, there is little to save. A single hole or a loose seam, on the other hand, is easy to fix. Check whether the wear is in one place or spread across the whole piece. If everything is thin, a patch only solves it for a while.

Fit matters more than fabric

A piece that no longer fits well does not get worn, however nice it looks. If your body or taste has changed, it is a waste to spend money maintaining something that stays in the drawer anyway. Clothes you do not put on are expensive per wear, however well sewn.

How often do you wear it

A piece you wear often can take more upkeep, because the cost is spread over many days. Something you wear only a few times a year should not get big repairs. Count the number of wears, not only the price. It is the simplest way to see what makes sense.

Care is cheaper than repair

Most problems can be avoided with good care. Wash according to the care label, turn clothes the right way and do not overload the machine, to keep wear down. With everyday clothes such as the bamboo hoodie for men, following the label helps the fabric stay soft for longer.

When a repair does not pay off

If the waist elastic is slack or the fabric is thin in the crotch, it is usually over. The same goes if several parts of the same piece start giving up at once. Then you end up repairing again and again, and the bill grows beyond the price of a new piece.

When new really is the best choice

Sometimes it is most sensible to start over. This applies above all to basics you wear daily and which wear out fastest. Here it is good to find something that lasts a decent while. See what people choose among the bestsellers for men if you want inspiration, or read more about the range for men.

Give the old a useful ending

When you buy new, the old does not have to be thrown out. Worn pieces can become cleaning cloths, while whole pieces can be passed on. Remember to hand in textiles that cannot be used, so they can be recycled. That way you get the most from your money, whether you maintain or buy new.

Frequently asked questions

When is it worth repairing clothes?

When the damage is small, the fabric is otherwise in good shape and you wear the piece often. A loose seam or a button is quickly fixed and saves you buying new.

How do I know clothing is worn out?

When the fabric is thin in several places, the elastic is slack or the fit has changed, it is worn out. Repairs then last only a short time.

Can you work out what clothing costs per wear?

Yes, divide the price by the number of times you expect to wear the piece. This gives a sober picture that is easier to compare than the price alone.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.