The good news is that research into the impact of clothes on behavior now suggests that there may actually be a grain of truth in these sayings. Science says that the clothes we wear affect our behavior, attitudes, personality, mood, confidence, and even the way we interact with others. The term Enclothed Cognition is used to describe the effect that our clothes seem to have on various psychological processes like emotions, self evaluations, attitudes, and interpersonal interactions.
Clothes affect our behavior and our moods because of the symbolic meaning that we as a society ascribe to different types of attire. We consider some clothes to be powerful, some to be fun, and so on. We even evaluate people whom we have just met based on their clothes and the occasion. It would seem that we also evaluate ourselves and our roles based on what we are wearing at a particular time; because of the way they make you feel.
This means that the experience of wearing something subtly affects our attitudes and our choice of behavior. It seems that wearing formal office wear and structured clothes puts us in the right frame of mind to conduct business. Wearing power clothing makes us more feel more confident [possibly because we call it power clothing]; and even increases hormones needed for displaying dominance. This in turn helps us become better negotiators and abstract thinkers.
Studies have found that people tend to be less open and find it more difficult to relax when they wear formal clothes. On the other hand, a casual and relaxed dress code at work helps us become more friendly and creative.
These findings bolster the idea of wearing business casuals on a Friday; since colleagues are most likely to take out time to socialize and let their hair down on the last work day of the week.
I mean, who wants to hang out with the squares in their suits? Not motivated enough to exercise daily? Sign in. Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Discover World-Changing Science. The Red Sneakers Effect It's not news to anyone that we judge others based on their clothes. Get smart. Sign up for our email newsletter.
Sign Up. Support science journalism. Knowledge awaits. See Subscription Options Already a subscriber? Create Account See Subscription Options. Continue reading with a Scientific American subscription. News flash: You can't. Don't wear wrinkled clothing. Heard of an iron? Use it. You'll look neat and way more put together.
Wear clothes that fit you well. Always follow the dress code or dress one step above. Don't understand dress codes?
Read about them here and here. Wear appropriate shoes and accessories. Don't wear jewelry that is too flashy or obnoxious — and always wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for work.
Also, if you wear makeup, don't overdo it! Don't wear shorts. In some workplaces it's perfectly acceptable for women and men to wear shorts.
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