Why Butterflies in Ballgowns dungarees are cheaper than a coffee

While the upfront cost of a coffee is lower, the "cost-per-wear" of handcrafted, upcycled dungarees makes them a more economical and sustainable choice. A coffee provides minutes (or maybe an hour max) of joy, whilst a pair of durable, adjustable overalls from Butterflies in Ballgowns are designed and made to last for years.

a man with brown hair and a bear, wearing a sequin hat and a yellow scarf and a pair of paisley print butterflies in ballgowns custom made dungarees

The 5-Minute Investment vs. The 5-Year Journey

We all love a local treat. A coffee on Baker Street might cost you $7 and give you a wonderful caffeine rush. But once it’s gone, it’s gone.

When you invest in a Butterflies in Ballgowns upcycled dungarees, the math looks a little different. Because I use high-quality, vintage linens and reinforced stitching, these pieces are built to survive the festival, playground, the garden, and the washing machine—hundreds of times over.

‍ ‍The "Cost-Per-Wear" Breakdown

Let’s look at the numbers:

  • The coffee: (roughly) $7.00 for 1 drink = $7.00 per use - If you treat yourself to a specialty brew five days a week, that’s $35 a week or $140 a month.

  • The Dungarees: Even if you go for the most expensive pair, at $170 - if you wear them just once a week for two years (104 wears), that’s $1.63 per wear.

And since my patterns feature a relaxed fit, adjustable straps and are made slowly with extreme attention to detail and reinforced seams, they grow with you for much longer than a fast fashion pair.

Built to be Passed On

The true "coffee-beating" value comes from the end of the dungarees journey with you, because I source durable vintage fabrics like heavy cotton bedsheets and tablecloths, these overalls are made to not fall apart. They become a "Modern Heirloom." When you or your child finally outgrows them, you can pass them to a sibling, a friend, or a local consignment shop.

The coffee is a memory; the dungarees are a legacy.

Why I Make Them This Way

I don't just want to sell you a pair of dungarees. I want to provide a garment that respects the planet and your wallet. By choosing upcycled, you are paying for:

  • Time: Hours of careful construction and sewing.

  • Quality: Fabric that has already stood the test of time.

  • Sustainability: Keeping those textiles out of our BC landfills.

The next time you’re choosing between a quick fix and a long-term adventure buddy, think of the cost-per-wear.

Ready to find your perfect pair of sustainably made, one of a kind dungarees? Just click the button below to get shopping!!


Next
Next

The Magic of Bed Sheets: Why Upcycled Fabric is the Future of Sustainable Style