Understanding the psychology behind Clothing
Read to know how clothes influence how we perceive ourselves as well as how others perceive us.
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.
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History of Clothing:
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, the dress was the number one status symbol. It told people where you ranked in society, how much 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.
Clothing impacts people’s perceptions:
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. 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.
It impacts your personal perception as well:
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.
The most popular example of this was a study using doctors’ 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 a 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.
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