Do our clothes affect our emotions?

The perfect sundress as your Sunday best, a power suit on a day of tough negotiations and a dinner with your boss, and pyjamas for when the weight of the world feels too heavy on your shoulders? It may come as a surprise, but what you wear significantly impacts how you feel and who you become for the day.

The study on the interaction between the human body and its clothing is termed as clothing physiology which states that a person’s comfort levels depend on these interactions with their clothes. A recent study by Karen Pine, a professor in the School of Psychology at University of Hertfordshire, stated that people who are depressed commonly lose interest in and tend to reduce the amount of effort they put into their physical appearance. Pine also added, “When we are feeling depressed or unhappy, looking our best is not on our minds. In fact, it becomes a hassle and waste of time.”

The impact of clothing largely depends on two factors, colour, fabric, and fit: 

Colour :

Several studies around colour psychology corroborate the impact of colour on the state of one’s mind, stating that colours can evoke varied specific emotions that are all subjective to one’s experiences with colour. Hence, for some people dressing in brightly coloured clothing feels empowering and uplifting while others may find joy in darker colours such as blue and navy blue. With that said, choosing a colour that speaks to you can ensure that you have a positive association with the way you look and feel.

Fabric :

Fabric is one such factor that has a profound yet underrated impact on comfort. As an example, when one wears softer, breathable materials in warm climates such as cotton and linen, they might find themselves at ease to carry out their work throughout the day. However, wearing itchy and synthetic polyester may make them feel sweaty and suffocated. Moreover, the sense of touch also aids the process of emotional regulation as various textures can remind one of specific memories, associations, and moods. Hence, it is imperative to choose the right fabric for your skin, the climate, and the work you set out to achieve.

Fit : 

Karen Pine mentioned, in her study, that clothes that make women happy include those that are well-cut and enhance the body in all the desired places from bright and beautiful fabrics. Hence, leading to the interpretation that acquiring well-fitted garment in the desired colour and fabric should be the primary goal of any shopping trip to the mall, on the streets, or online. Whether, its a pair of jeans or crop top - the right fit is paramount to confidence.

Research on the physiological and psychological effects of clothes hence shows that wearing clothes of a desired colour, fabric and fit are all essential to maintaining a positive outlook on one’s physical appearance.

Article written by : Sanchita Chopra