The Power of Clothing to Change Emotions (2024)

It impacts how we think and feel, the way we perform and act, and what other people think about us.

Laura Moffat

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7 min read

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I have always had an inkling that clothing is much more than just fabric used to keep us warm and cover-up. As a toddler, I remember having an emotional meltdown about having to wear a dress to a party. I was extremely uncomfortable in dresses and felt much more at ease in trousers. Maybe it was because I couldn’t climb trees in a dress or ride a bike, but I suspect it has a lot more to do with the subconscious symbolic associations with dresses and femininity. I am not the only one who rejected the princess outfit. Kelly, my wife and business partner, also hated dresses as a kid. But in order to conform to society’s view on how a little girl should behave and dress, Kelly and her mother had an agreement that on Wednesday’s she would wear a dress for library day.

“I felt really uncomfortable and angry that I was being forced into something that wasn’t me. It was very clear that I didn’t feel comfortable in a dress, but my Mom felt pressure to conform to what other little girls were wearing.”

Just like Kelly, I have always gravitated towards “boyish” clothes. During my teenage years and 20’s I struggled to find clothes that matched my identity and I always felt slightly uncomfortable about my appearance. Once I started to find menswear-inspired and androgynous clothes that fit me, I felt much more comfortable and my confidence grew. I noticed that people began to compliment me on my appearance and I no longer felt awkward in what I was wearing.

Iconic designer, Coco Chanel, once said, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself”. She couldn’t have said it better. When I look back to photos from high-school where I am trying to fit in with the girls wearing dresses and make up, I just don’t look confident or happy, vs today when I don a suit and a nice button-up shirt, and feel totally like myself. But why is it that clothes, just pieces of fabric sewn together, can cause such strong reactions?

Clothes are one of the main ways we express our personalities to the world. They are a reflection of who we are and give signals to people about what we stand for. People make assumptions about…

As a fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of the impact of clothing on personal identity and expression, I can provide insights into the profound influence that attire has on our thoughts, feelings, actions, and social perceptions. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive knowledge of fashion psychology, symbolism, and the intricate interplay between clothing and self-perception.

The article you've shared delves into the emotional and psychological dimensions of clothing, highlighting personal experiences that resonate with many individuals. The author, Laura Moffat, touches upon the significance of clothing beyond mere functionality, emphasizing its role in shaping our identity and influencing how others perceive us.

The key concepts explored in the article include:

1. Symbolic Associations with Clothing:

   • The author reflects on childhood experiences and emotional reactions to wearing specific types of clothing, suggesting that clothing choices may have deeper symbolic meanings.
   • There's an acknowledgment of the subconscious associations with dresses and femininity, indicating a broader exploration of gendered clothing norms.

2. Social Conformity and Personal Expression:

   • The narrative of Kelly, the author's wife and business partner, adds a layer to the discussion by highlighting the tension between personal comfort and societal expectations.
   • The agreement with Kelly's mother to wear a dress on Wednesdays illustrates the societal pressure to conform to gender norms and how individuals navigate their personal expression within those constraints.

3. Identity and Confidence:

   • Personal experiences of the author and Kelly underscore the impact of clothing choices on confidence and self-perception.
   • The transition from feeling uncomfortable in conventional attire to finding comfort in menswear-inspired and androgynous clothing speaks to the transformative power of fashion in shaping one's sense of self.

4. Expressing Personality Through Clothing:

   • The article suggests that clothes serve as a primary means of expressing one's personality to the world, acting as a visual language that communicates individual identity and values.
   • The quote from Coco Chanel emphasizes the idea that true beauty emerges when individuals embrace their authentic selves through their clothing choices.

5. Social Signaling:

   • Clothes are portrayed as signals that convey messages about an individual's identity, values, and personal style to those around them.
   • The article hints at the societal tendency to make assumptions about individuals based on their clothing choices, highlighting the broader social implications of personal style.

In summary, the article explores the multifaceted relationship between clothing and personal identity, delving into the emotional, psychological, and societal dimensions of fashion. The concepts discussed offer a nuanced understanding of how clothing goes beyond its utilitarian function, becoming a powerful tool for self-expression and social communication.