Look Good, Feel Great: The Psychology Of Clothing

What you wear is a message to others and to yourself about who you are. The “psychology of clothing” tells us that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the clothes you choose.

Wearing a pilot uniform shows that you're a pilot. Putting on athletic clothes implies that you're sporty and fit. Rocking a bright red dress tells us that you're daring and adventurous!

But the association between clothes and perception runs even deeper than that. What you wear directly influences your thoughts and behaviors. It also impacts how others perceive your personality and actions. The social and psychological aspects of clothing are more intertwined with outfit choice than you think.

How does the psychology of clothes work? What is the social psychology of clothing? And how can you make this psychology work in your favor to be even more powerful, productive, and stunning? Let’s talk about the psychological impact of clothing.

Enclothed cognition

There’s a phenomenon scientists have dubbed “enclothed cognition.” This is simply the scientific term for the idea that clothing impacts how we think. The theory says the clothing we wear (or that others are wearing) actually changes our thought patterns.

And this isn’t anything new. Humans have been wearing clothing almost since the dawn of our existence.

Although it began out of necessity and practicality, it quickly morphed into an art form and means of communication. For centuries, dress was the number one status symbol. It told people where you ranked in society, how much you could afford, and what your profession was.

For example, certain colors (like purple) and fabrics (like silk) were reserved for the royal or elite classes. Workers would save up all of their money to buy a purple dress or accessory to try to improve their ranks. Clothing was not only a symbol of status but also a means for movement in a highly immovable society.

The same is true today. Clothes have become an ingrained part of our society. What you wear signals to others who you are and where you belong in this world. It also tells your own brain what kind of behaviors and traits it needs to possess while wearing that kind of outfit.

The Social Psychology of Clothing

Whether or not we like it, “judgment” is a part of our society. People will make a split decision about you within the first 8 seconds of meeting you. Usually, this is impacted by your handshake, greeting, and clothing.

Someone will instantly size you up based on what you're wearing - whether or not they're doing it consciously. For example, you'd think someone carrying a Chanel bag has money while someone in ripped, dirty clothes might be struggling. Someone wearing black might listen to heavy music, while someone dressed in pastels listens to pop radio music.

It goes beyond looking “neat and tidy,” though. Snap judgments based on clothing can actually make people view your behaviors and personality in a completely different way.

You’ve heard it before: dress for the job you want. And this is actually true! If you dress as though you were already in that role, people will actually start to naturally see you in that light.

If they already envision you in that way, it's not a far jump to hiring you or promoting you to that position. When you examine fashion in terms of manifestation, it makes sense.

The same is even true of dating. What you wear on a first date can tell the other person what kind of mate you would be. In fact, studies show that there are subtle cues in our clothing that subliminally hint at what kind of person you are.

For example, a woman in a form-fitting shirt and pencil skirt will appear more confident, successful, and a higher earner than those in even designer jeans and a blouse. Even subtle changes - like an extra button undone on the blouse - can create some sort of indicator or judgment in the other person.

This isn't meant to scare you away from society or wearing what you want. But it's important to realize that appearance and the way people dress does matter. You are a confident, beautiful, gorgeous woman- so don't be afraid to reflect that in your clothing as well!

The Psychological Needs of Clothing

Even more important than how others view you, what you wear can impact your own self-image as well. The image you create with your clothes can then actually direct your behaviors and actions. If your clothing doesn’t give you that “feel good” sensation, what’s the point of wearing them?

The most popular example of this was a study of clothing using doctor’s lab coats. In the first part of the study, half of the participants were given doctor’s lab coats and the other half remained in their street clothes. Those dressed in white coats made fewer mistakes and focused better than those in their everyday clothes.

In the second half of the experiment, they gave everyone the same coats, but they told half it was a doctor’s coat and half it was a painter’s smock. Those who thought it was a doctor’s coat could again focus harder and longer than those in the painter’s smock.

Researchers speculated that this was because doctors are known to be attentive and detail-oriented, so those in the lab coats began to take on similar “doctor” traits.

The emphasis of the study findings were that they were embodying the expectations of the outfit.

This isn’t the only study that shows people “live up” to the ideas of their outfits. A study in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that those who wear formal business attire feel more powerful and in control of a situation, especially when going through a cognitive processing experiment.

The Psychology Of Clothing Style via Colors

Red, yellow, blue... which color suits you today? Which matches the way you're feeling? Which may make you feel differently, if not even better? Do you feel calming sensations when you wear one color and feelings of success in another?

Is there a science to all of this? Is there actually a psychology of colors in clothing that we should pay attention to when we’re making our selections every day?

Yes! Knowing the color psychology in clothing can affect how you feel about yourself when it comes to what you wear, as we just discussed, and is something that can be fun to consider when you're getting ready to head out. For instance, according to The Science of People, the following five colors tend to send messages relating to these corresponding qualities:

• Blue: Loyalty, Stability, Tranquility
• Red: Passion, Intensity
• Yellow: Happiness, Optimism
• Green: Healing, Success, Hope
• Black: Power, Mysteriousness, Professionalism

What you may notice here with regards to the psychology of colors in clothing is that there really isn’t a negative or bad choice per se. Instead, there is a wide range of options based on the type of vibe you want to feel and you want others to experience.

Going back to the original point regarding the psychology of colors in clothing, there may be some days when you’re feeling intense, so red may be what you choose. However, if you’re feeling aggressive and you’d rather feel tranquil, maybe that blue dress is the way to go.

How Can You Dress The Part?

Clothing can change how we act and how others feel about us.

So how can we subtly “manipulate” situations based on what we’re wearing? How can we use fashion to our advantage?

1. Wearing “power clothing” makes you feel more confident and domineering. This can improve your motivation, productivity, thinking, and negotiation skills. “Power clothing” consists of a well-tailored suit, like a blazer with pencil skirt and heels. Check out my work wardrobe essentials to instantly get a boost of professional confidence!
2. Wearing casual clothes can make you more friendly, personable, and creative. That makes “casual Fridays” a great day to innovate and brainstorm with your team or to start that new art project you’ve been thinking about.
3. Throwing on your gym clothes can actually motivate you to workout and make healthy choices. It not only works as a reminder, but it actually puts you in the mindset of “healthy living.” Throw your gym clothes on first thing in the morning before running errands and you’re more likely to hit the gym on your way home. (Psst… wearing red to the gym can actually make you more motivated than wearing blue.)
4. Wearing a uniform instantly puts you in that mindset. For example, if you put on a lab coat, you’re more likely to be attentive and focused. If you put on a trucker uniform, you’re more likely to be determined and “driven.”
   This is true for children as well. That’s why a lot of schools require uniforms; a uniform creates a more formal setting of learning, which adds value to the education itself.
5. Designer clothing has actually been shown to create a more “high-class” attitude. When wearing luxury clothing, it’s shown that you’re more likely to make strong financial decisions - but you’re also less likely to contribute to other people.
6. Even the colors that you wear can impact your mood. Cheerful colors can boost your body and energy, while darker colors create a more relaxed and low-stress feel. If you’re having a bad day, throw on your brightest color and it can instantly improve your mental state!
7. Don't neglect your undergarments. Wearing high-quality underwear or lingerie under your clothing "just for yourself" can actually make you feel and act more powerful, confident, and outwardly sexy. Remember that dressing is for you!

Conclusion

What you wear doesn't define your value as a human being. But there is an important psychology of clothing that we need to be aware of. When you decide not just how clothes look but how they make you feel, it can positively impact your life.

It’s important to understand how your clothes impact your thoughts and actions - and how others perceive those thoughts and actions based on what you’re wearing as well.

How do your clothes make you feel? At Current Boutique, we take the psychology of clothing seriously. Find the style of clothing that makes you feel powerful with our pre-loved collection!