Have you ever noticed the feeling you get after putting on your favorite outfit? Whether it’s the embrace of a new jacket, the comfort of fresh shoes, or simply wearing a new style that resonates with your inner vibe, it can transport you to a state of elation. This experience might manifest as confidence, happiness, or courage, but it’s undeniable. Throughout the night-out, you might realize that your actions are subtly influenced by your attire. You may notice subtle changes in the decisions you make or the way you act, speak, or walk. Conversely, if you wear something you’re not particularly fond of, feelings of insecurity and a fear of judgment may creep in. As it turns out, there’s a term for the emotions and thoughts tied to what you wear—a phenomenon known as Enclothed cognition.
Origins and studies on Enclothed Cognition
Enclothed cognition was first coined by Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky in a paper published in 2012. The paper set out to show how clothes can indeed influence the wearer’s psychological processes. While this study, as with every study, is not without limitations, it brings to light an important concept that directly influences us in our daily lives. Importantly, in their paper, the researchers noted that participants who wore a lab coat showed an increase in selective attention compared to their counterparts who did not. While not many studies were successful in replicating this effect, a meta-analysis published in 2023 found that studies beyond 2015 provided some evidence supporting the idea that what we wear can influence the way we act, think, or feel.
Another study conducted in the UK examined the enclothed cognition framework. The researchers investigated whether wearing a tunic and associating it with a nursing scrub could enhance empathic and helpful responses compared to simply wearing the scrub, for example. Findings from their first study revealed that the tunic group exhibited increased levels of empathic concern and provided more assistance in a specific scenario compared to their counterparts in scrubs.
The influence of enclothed cognition goes beyond everyday attire; it extends to performative professions where the outfit or costume becomes an embodiment of personality. This phenomenon is evident in the entertainment industry, on film sets, and especially during holidays like Halloween. Have you ever donned a costume and felt a connection with the character’s personality? In cultural contexts, we can observe the effects of enclothed cognition, where specific clothing choices not only enhance a sense of community but also nurture emotions of unity, togetherness, and belonging.
Throughout history, notable individuals have made intriguing clothing choices that extended beyond mere fashion. Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Johnny Cash all had something in common. Despite their diverse motivations and styles, they shared a commonality—they consistently wore similar or identical outfits every day. While their styles varied, the fundamental rationale behind this choice remained consistent. They opted for clothing that provided comfort, enabling them to focus on their creativity without the distraction of wardrobe decisions. Self-Confidence naturally followed, as each found a timeless look that resonated with their character and embraced it as a signature style.
Fashion influencers thoughts on the matter
To explore the topic of enclothed cognition further, I reached out to fashion accounts on social media that posted impressive and unique styles. The talented people behind the accounts provided valuable anecdotal and personal insight on the topic. Here’s what they had to say:
Andreas Weinås
A style and watch editor for a menswear magazine (IG: @kingmagsweden) in Stockholm, Sweden. He is also the co-founder of the Swedish podcast (IG: @gentlemanualen). He started sharing his thoughts and passion for style and watches on his Instagram (@andreasweinas) in 2012, and in 2017 he built his own company around that passion. Andreas studied textile economics in Borås, allowing him to delve deeper into the industry beyond its creative aspects.
Inspiration: Andreas is inspired by the essence and swag rather than the specific piece, emphasizing that it’s all about ‘how’ someone wears the piece rather than what they might actually wear.
I asked Andreas how what he wears affects his mindset and its impact on his confidence and mood. This was his response:
“It definitely affects my mindset. I feel more professional and focused if I wear a suit to a meeting than a pair of sweatpants. It will without a doubt strengthen your confidence and belief in yourself”, Andreas adds, “ Even if you don’t wear suits, it’s crucial to feel comfortable and at ease in your cloths. It’s about self-respect really”.
Mona Said
A fashion content creator with a strong background in the field, having graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She then pursued a degree in finance and worked in consulting for a few years. Mona realized she missed the creativity that fashion offered her, so she started sharing her passion for fashion with others through social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok (@artofstylenyc). This allowed her to share her own personal creativity, showcase her personal style, and connect with like-minded people.
Inspiration: Mona’s fashion is inspired by her mother, the people of New York, and traveling.
I asked Mona how does what she wears affect her mindset, and what is the effect on her confidence and mood. This was her response:
“What I wear definitely has an impact on my mindset. When I’m dressed in an outfit that I love and feel confident in, it boosts my overall mood. I feel more lively, confident, and empowered” Mona added “Fashion has the ability to transform how we feel about ourselves and can be a powerful tool in expressing our individuality”
Niccolò Cesari
An Italian content creator and father living in Florence, Italy. His primary job was an area manager for a beverage company, then he decided to dedicate an Instagram account (@niccocesari) to creating fashion content. This now has become his main profession as he works both as a model and content creator. His journey started from attending the famous Pitti Uomo in Florence where he made himself known by showcasing his own styles.
Inspiration: Niccolò’s styles are inspired by “masters of elegance from the past” as he describes, ranging from famous tailors of the Italian school to classic films such as the Great Gatsby.
I asked Niccolò how what he wears affects his mindset and what the effect on his confidence and mood is. This was his response:
“You can be dressed casually and feel confident in the same way as when you are dressed elegantly; the most important thing is to be suitable for every situation that the day presents”. He goes on to add, “Certainly, dressing well helps in work and in social relationships; other people initially appreciate you for your good taste but obviously you must also have something else, otherwise being dressed is not enough”.
Every action we take can shape our thoughts, emotions and mental health, and the clothes we choose to wear are no exception. This isn’t a call to adopt an extravagant wardrobe or splurge on designer pieces and vintage clothing. Instead, it emphasizes the acknowledgment that our choice of clothing can impact our minds and behaviors. The most captivating styles are akin to works of art. Crafting an outfit that reflects your personality and taste requires both creativity and, at times, a touch of courage. Take notice of your emotions following a particular outfit, and leverage this self-awareness as a strategy to customize styles that best align with your desired moods. Embrace the power of your wardrobe choices as a canvas for self-expression, and watch how the threads of your attire weave a narrative that resonates with the vibrancy of your emotions and the uniqueness of your personality.
Image Credit: firman fatthul
