Wardrobe Investments That Pay Off (And What to Skip)

To help you make savvy spending decisions, this guide highlights the fashion staples worth paying for, and the pieces to rethink.

How to choose

As a starting point, you might want to follow research from Hammonds Furniture. This reveals the garments that add value and those that can be a drain on your fashion budget.

This reveals watches and designer sunglasses deliver exceptional long-term value, with both delivering just 6p per wear on average, while formal suits are shown to be a major budget drain.

With Brits owning an average of 83 items – many unworn – smart investing matters.

Timeless accessories

Watches and sunglasses providing the most value makes sense. After all, people keep them for years. In fact, according to the study, almost a quarter (24% or 12.9 million) of Brits revealed they have never replaced their watch.

While the initial cost of both watches and sunglasses can be expensive – especially if you’re looking for fashionable investment pieces or high-end brands – generally, you’re likely to get a real return on your investment as these accessories are enduring.

Take the time to research the styles that suit you and your personal aesthetic so that you can be sure of a long-term addition to your wardrobe.

Everyday essentials

Interestingly, the survey also revealed low replacement rates and frequent use for pyjamas. Around 2.7 million (5%) adult Brits have never replaced their pyjamas, making these surprisingly strong investments at around 16p per wear.

This proves that for a lot of people, once they find cosy and comfortable nightwear, they hold onto it for as long as possible. This makes pjs a great gift idea as these garments are likely to be ones they’ll come back to again and again.

High-cost, low-wear items to rethink

We need to wear something formal from time to time. Maybe it’s a black-tie event for work or your best friend’s wedding. While these are often beautifully made, showstopping ensembles, they can be expensive items that are rarely worn again, making them low value for your investment.

The Hammonds research reveals that suits and occasionwear average a huge £14 per wear due to their limited use. So, as an alternative, it might be worth looking for rental options for your next event. Alternatively, searching second-hand stores could bag you a bargain while repurposing preloved items.

Generational style habits

Your age also might play a part in the type of clothing you invest in and the garments that make your money go further.

Loungewear is worn by a third of 18 to 34-year-olds and it’s unpopular among those aged 65+, with nearly half (46%) saying they don’t wear any loungewear at all. Instead, boomers prefer jeans as part of their casualwear, with three in 10 (31%) wearing them every day, compared to only 11% of 25–34-year-olds.

By knowing what you prefer to wear, you can plan out the styles you enjoy and enjoy them for longer. This means you’ll get more for your money.