Have you ever given thought to the possibility that the clothes we wear on a daily basis may have an effect on both our physical and mental state? Isn’t it true that there are days when we feel energized and refreshed, and other days when we feel lethargic and depressed? In point of fact, the clothes we wear have the potential to influence not only our physical but also our mental and emotional well-being. When we get dressed in the morning, the colors and clothing that we pick represent both the positive and bad parts of our attitude, depending on the context. At the same time, the attire is a reflection of our mental capabilities for the day ahead. Enclothed cognition is a term used in the field of psychology to refer to how the garments we wear can have an effect not only on our physical but also on our mental condition.
Enclothed cognition is a phrase that was developed by psychologists Adam Galinsky and Hajo Adam of Northwestern University. This word simply defines the symbolic significance of garments and the psychological processes that occur when wearing them. They conducted two tests that focused on the effects of wearing and viewing a particular kind of clothing. The first one included carrying out an experiment while wearing a lab coat. It was shown that when people were required to execute tasks while wearing lab coats, not only did they pay greater attention to detail but also improved their overall performance. According to the results of the study, a person’s choice of garments conveys a certain level of symbolic intent. Therefore, it is important that we are aware that the clothes that we wear have an impact on our performance.
The second experiment involved observing a person who was dressed in a white physician’s coat. In the next minute, individuals begin to portray them as intelligent symbols. A few individuals find that wearing high heels boosts their confidence, while donning bright colors makes them appear more laid-back and approachable. When we go in for an interview wearing a blazer that has been expertly sewn, we have a better chance of getting the job. In a similar vein, wearing athletic clothing encourages us to engage in greater physical activity and participate in more sports. While wearing clothes in brighter colors might help lift your spirits, dressing formally can make you feel more powerful and authoritative. This provides an explanation as to why there is something unique about the bodily sensation that is associated with the garments that we wear. Our mental process is affected by the clothing we wear and the clothes we see, and this has repercussions for both our performance and the quality of our lives. The clothing is also a reflection of the way we think and the thoughts that we have.
The findings of research on enclothed cognition may be incorporated into mundane, day-to-day activities, such as deciding how to dress for the day or what to eat for breakfast. You might wear these clothes to your regular job, on a special occasion or to an interview, or even when you just want to relax and do nothing all day. Take a few moments to reflect about the event that you are attending, how you are feeling, and how you want to convey those thoughts and emotions via the clothes that you wear before beginning to get dressed for the day. The emotions might range from pleasant and sporty to gorgeous and confident, and everything in between. After that, you’ll have the freedom to dress as you choose, and you’ll certainly find that your newly uncovered thoughts influence how you act in general. Your outside appearance reflects your inner optimism, and vice versa. Increasing the amount of bright colors in your wardrobe might help lift your spirits. Positivity may be improvised via the use of inner acts and self-talk. We have the ability to regulate our feelings and significantly change the quality of our lives just by changing how we dress. The garment not only allows our personalities to shine through, but it also helps us get through the day’s tasks more quickly. When we are feeling down, apprehensive, or pressured, employing enclothed cognition can help us explain our identities and locate our sense of direction. A dress with a floral design or other comfy clothing may improve one’s disposition and elevate one’s spirits. We have the ability to develop self-awareness and become more transparent about our thinking. Self-reflection is the step we take before getting dressed in order to ensure that our disposition is congruent with the clothes we have chosen to put on.
According to The Times, Dr. Dawnn Karen, the world’s first fashion psychologist, came up with the words “mood augmentation,” “mood illustration,” and “repetitive wardrobe complex” to explain how the behavior of an individual may be influenced by the way they dress. Dressing in such a way as to increase one’s mood is referred to as “mood enhancement dress.” Dressing to illustrate your mood is known as mood illustration dress, and repetitive wardrobe complex refers to the practice of wearing the same clothing on a regular basis and reiterating the aesthetic in order to boost productivity in day-to-day living.
Now, there is a pressing need to provide customers with the right knowledge on how to dress in order for them to feel as they feel and to be presented in the manner in which they like to be presented. A person may lessen their worry, improve their mood, slow down their anger, attain better concentration on their task, and maintain their composure just by selecting the suitable clothing. In essence, it will be a circumstance in which all parties come out on top, as well as a fresh start for fashion and health.
Reference:
Priyadharshini, K. “Enclothed Cognition: We Are What We Wear.” Fibre2fashion.com, Fibre2Fashion, 15 June 2022, https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/9410/enclothed-cognition-we-are-what-we-wear
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