Does What We Wear Matter?

Have you ever wondered why we dress nice for a special outing, church or work? Why when we come home from a long day, we want to relax so we can't wait to put on something more comfortable like pajamas or sweats? Does what we choose to wear daily make a difference in the way we feel? Here are three reasons why what we wear can determine how we feel. 

1. Looking good helps us feel good. 

I remember as a kid I would look forward to school the next day by choosing what to wear. I would lay out each piece in the shape of a body on my carpet. I would go as far as tucking my socks into the shoes that were at the bottom of the pant legs. Why would I like to plan out my outfits? Because I knew that what I wore that next day mattered to me. I wanted to feel confident in my own skin. I wanted to feel good. In a LinkedIn article titled, How What We Wear Affects Our Mood and Behavior it states, "Studies have shown that the clothes we wear can affect our self-esteem and confidence. Dressing in clothes that make us feel good, such as clothing that is comfortable or flattering, can boost our mood and give us a sense of empowerment. 

2. Wearing nice clothes producing dopamine in the brain.

We all know about dopamine. It's a chemical messenger, a hormone that we feel that boosts our mood. We can get dopamine when we exercise, eat certain foods, meditate, and get enough sleep. But would you believe me if I said that what you wear can actually give you a dopamine hit? Yep! On the website sciencefocus.com we read, "if we opt for colorful clothing over the drab and dreary, we'll get a boost of dopamine and feel happier. Dopamine, as a neurotransmitter, is involved in several brain functions including the forming of emotions." so there you have it. what we choose to wear can actually make you feel good. 

3. How clothes can effect your emotions

Have you ever wondered why we dress up to go to church? Or when we stay in our jammies for a full day and opt out of getting dressed for the day, we kind of feel low or junky. There's a reason. What we wear and how we feel when we wear it is a real thing. In the same LinkedIn article as mentioned above they say, "In conclusion, what we wear is more than just a superficial choice. It can affect our mood, behavior, and well-being in significant ways. By understanding the psychology of clothing, we can make more intentional choices about what we wear and how it affects us." 

So when you get up in the morning, what will you choose to wear that day? Not sure if this rings true? Try it and see. What you put on matters.