The psychology of performance in athletic footwear and apparel is very real. Most athletes do not say, “Just give me what works the best – I don’t care what it looks like.” They’re very concerned with what it looks like and how it makes them feel. ~Mark Parker
I’m not an athlete and I don’t know Mark Parker, but I’m pretty sure that when he mentions “how it makes them feel”, he isn’t necessarily talking about anything tactile. Comfort is a preference, of course, but there’s more. In what other way do your garment choices change what comes next?
Dress Code
For many of us, our selections were (or are, for you youngsters) based on terms of employment. If your company’s manual says business attire, that’s it, but a relaxed style (business casual) is common in offices today. Other places require a uniform, while outdoor occupations and manufacturers lean toward safety and practicality–whatever that constitutes for them.
Back in the last quarter of the last century, work attire was generally more formal. Nonetheless, the result was never a Stepford Wives look. People still customized their hair, jewelry, scarves, ties, and footwear. These days, there’s body art to add to that. All of it adds up to a fair amount of modification, and it can have a profound effect entirely separate from physical appearance.
What Does Science Say About Clothing
The article published by Critical Debates HSGJ provides buckets of details about why individuals wear certain colors or styles. We are familiar with a few of the reasons. We think horizontal stripes add visual pounds, and that bold colors make a statement. We obviously understand that clothing choices potentially reflect evening plans, like dinner out or a pickleball game. We may not, however, consider the internal changes that our apparel initiates. For example, colors can trigger different responses in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing emotion. But your clothes don’t just impact how you feel. They also change how you behave.
Clothing changes how we function. In fact, the author, Arisa Jinnah, says that “Clothing is a psychological language.” When we wear something specific to the job at hand, our brains become more focused on the task. Jinnah used examples such as lab coats and business suits. When our clothing reflects those personas, we are more likely to step into the role professionally. I can’t explain why it works that way, but it is as though our clothing reminds us of how to comport ourselves, given the situation.
Fit Check
Some people are highly disciplined and motivated enough to get ‘er done no matter how unprepared they appear. Or do they just think they’re operating at maximum productivity? Has complacency replaced competence? Would their performance remain the same if they consistently dressed according to the stereotypes associated with their occupation? Or would stepping up their appearance introduce a discernible improvement?
Some would say I’m an old fogey. While that may be an accurate assessment, it does not mean I’m wrong in this case. My personal observations indicate that some employees’ work mirrors their appearance—unimpressive. I have no way of knowing whether the issue is training or simply a casual attitude about work in general. Or are their clothing choices coming into play?
Back to the beginning
You may not buy what I (and science) are selling. You think your behavior is consistent, no matter what you wear. Fair enough. Skepticism can be healthy. But apart on the potential for our brains’ reaction to clothing choices, have you considered the effect it has on how others perceive you? We are always making impressions, whether or not we’re trying. Someone is always watching, deciding how to interact with the person they see. It’s up to us to understand what we’re projecting and whether it matches who we think we are. If science is right and our clothing choices do impact our behavior, we are not only chipping away at our effectiveness, but also our credibility. Can we afford to lose both?
I agree. I always consider what I’m wearing depending on how I want others to perceive me especially in a business or professional setting. At home, you’ll always find me in athletic clothing because it’s the most comfy.
Love me some overalls 💕