DIMS SCORE® Calculator – Clothes

Even if you pick this up in person, there might be a cost for gas, subway, or other transportation.

Sales tax varies by country! Check local rules for any exemptions on items like food or clothing.

Sales tax can vary! Some states don’t tax things like clothes that cost less than $100. Check your local rules!

In Canada Sales Tax is called the HST or PST, and rates vary depending upon where you live. Check your local rules!

If you aren't shopping in North America, please enter your local Sales Tax rate here. Make sure to check it isn't already included in the price!

When a new person gets to wear a garment, the cost per use goes down. Won't it be great to share the enjoyment of it?

Great! Hand-me-downs are usually really appreciated by parents, as well as tweens and teens who are into thrifting.

It's not always possible to hand items down, perhaps you can donate or sell it.

Won't it feel great to know that someone else will have a chance to enjoy this garment after you're finished with it?

And if you re-sell it to a second-hand/ consignment store, you can get back some of the money you originally spent on it.

Great! You can recover some of your initial cost by selling this item at a consignment store. Let's contribute as little as possible to landfills.

Perhaps you can donate it?

Schools and local charities often accept clothing donations. When you donate, you are often helping someone less fortunate than you are. And that should feel good. Way to go, you!

Schools with uniforms often have "Uniform Swaps" at the end or beginning of the school year to extend the life of gently worn uniforms.

OK, at least you've considered all the ways to make sure this garment can get as much use as possible.

Supporting local manufacturers helps your community, when you can.

It may also reduce the carbon footprint of your purchase: it takes less energy to deliver an item from close to home.

Supporting local stores helps your community, when you can. Your money helps to pay the people who work in that store, and if they spend their money locally, it helps the community again!

Shopping local is another great way to reduce the carbon footprint of your item!

Great! You're supporting your community by shopping locally.

OK. It's not always possible to buy local, but it's something to keep in mind.

Parents are often more interested in helping you buy something when you are willing to spend some of your own money.

This can be a great way to show your caregivers how much this garment means to you.

Can you get your money (versus a gift card) back if you decide you don't like the look or fit of this item and it is still tagged and unworn?

Great. Do you also know if return shipping is free? Or do you have to pay the postage/ transportation cost to return an online purchase?

Return policies are easy to uncover. Make sure you know your moves, if you change your mind or the garment fails to perform as intended.

Can you get your money back if this item fails to perform as intended (such as waterproof boots that leak)? What is covered by the warranty? What is the warranty period?

Good to know!

Salespeople will often know about the warranties for more expensive purchases such as waterproof or steel-toed boots. It never hurts to ask!

Be aware that sometimes buying one new garment leads to buying a whole new outfit, and those costs add up!

Good to know. Make sure you discuss this phantom cost with your caregivers.

Good to know!

Style is a way to tell people about yourself without saying a word!

Does the style (images, text, colour, design, length) of this item tell people what you want them to know about you?

Is it age-appropriate and aligned with your values (or your family's values )? For example, if you don't enjoy broccoli, why wear a t-shirt with broccoli on the front of it?

Style is a way to tell people about yourself without saying a word.

Does the styling (icons and sayings used, colour, design) of this item tell people what you want them to know about you? Is it age-appropriate and aligned with your values?

What is it about this garment that doesn't tell people what you want them to know about you? No one purchase says everything about you, but if an article of clothing isn't aligned with your family's values, you'll want to discuss this purchase with your parents before making it.