Fashion psychology, as a branch of applied psychology, applies psychological theories and principles to understand and explain the relationship between fashion and human behavior, including how fashion affects emotions, self-esteem, and identity. It also examines how fashion choices are influenced by factors such as culture, social norms, personal values, and individual differences. Fashion psychologists may use their knowledge and skills to advise individuals, organizations, or the fashion industry on a variety of issues, including consumer behavior, marketing strategies, design, and sustainability.

Significance

Fashion psychology is an interdisciplinary field that examines the interaction between human behavior, individual psychology, and fashion, as well as the various factors that impact an individual's clothing choice.[1] The fashion industry is actively seeking to establish a connection with fashion psychology, with a focus on areas such as trend prediction and comprehension of consumer behavior.[2]

It is important to acknowledge the significance of clothing choices, irrespective of gender. Fashion choices can have a profound impact on self-perception, the image a person projects to others, and consequently, the way people interact. In fact, they can influence a wide range of scenarios, from the result of a sporting event to how an interviewer perceives capability to perform well in a job role.[3][4]

Fashion psychology holds significant relevance for marketers as they strive to comprehend the variables that enhance the likelihood of a product's adoption by a consumer group. Additionally, marketers must predict the duration for which the product remains fashionable. Hence, a segment of fashion psychology is dedicated to analyzing the shifts in acceptance of fashion trends over time.[5]

Clothing

Clothing serves as an extension of identity and provides a tangible reflection of a person's perceptions, dissatisfactions, and desires.[6] The terms "clothing" and "dress" typically denote a type of body covering that can be worn, which is commonly made of textile material but may also utilize other materials or substances to be fashioned and secured in place.[1] Clothing primarily served the purpose of providing warmth and protection against the elements. However, in modern times, it is important to note that clothing serves multiple functions beyond just protection, including identification, modesty, status, and adornment. Clothing is used to identify group membership, cover the body appropriately, indicate rank or position within a group, and facilitate self-expression and creativity.[7] The clothing a person chooses to wear is significant in terms of their image and reputation, as it sends out messages to both familiar and unfamiliar people, showcasing the person's image. When an object is worn on the body, it takes on the social significance in relation to the person wearing it.[7]

Fashion

The prevalent understanding of fashion refers to the prevailing style that is adopted by a significant portion of a particular group, at a given time and location.[5][8] For example, during the era of cave dwellers, animal skins were considered fashionable, while the sari is a popular style among Indian women, and the miniskirt has become a trend among women in Western cultures.[9] Fashion psychology is typically characterized as the examination of how the selections of attire effects perceptions and peoples' evaluations of one another.[5]

Psychology of clothing

Throughout history, clothing has not held the same degree of importance in conveying personality as it does in present times. Technological advancements over the centuries have resulted in fashion choices becoming a significant aspect of identity.[3] During early civilizations, clothing served the primary purpose of keeping us warm and dry. Today, with the advent of technological facilities such as central heating, we have become less reliant on clothing as a means of survival. Clothes have evolved from being merely a practical necessity to becoming a social marker, influencing self-perception and allowing people to present themselves in the desired light while also showcasing their personalities and social status.[3]

In numerous societies, one's dress sense is considered a reflection of personal wealth and taste, as highlighted by Economist George Taylor through the Hemline index.[3]

The fashion impulse is a highly influential and potent social phenomenon owing to its pervasive and expeditious character, its capacity to influence an individual's conduct, and its close association with the societal and economic fabric of a nation.[10]

The phrase "You Are What You Wear" implies that people can be judged based on their clothing choices. It suggests that clothing is not just a means of covering the body, but a reflection of a person's identity, values, and social status.[6][11][12] The garments we choose to wear serve as a representation of our current thoughts and emotions. Frequently, instances of clothing mishaps can be attributed to underlying internal conflicts manifesting themselves outwardly.[6] Choosing clothing that provides comfort, joy, and a positive self-image can genuinely enhance one's quality of life. Even the slightest modification in one's wardrobe can trigger a sequence of events that leads to new experiences, self-discovery, and cherished moments.[6]

Socio-psychological Impact

Madonna Rebel Heart Tour 2015 - Stockholm

The clothing a person chooses can reflect mental and emotional state, making clothing mishaps a visible manifestation of internal struggles.[6] According to Mary Lynn Damhorst, a researcher in this field, clothing is a systematic method of conveying information about the person who wears it. This suggests that an individual's selection of attire can significantly impact the impression they convey and, consequently, serves as a potent means of communication.[13]

Upbringing and fashion choice

Madonna is known for her ever-changing style, often shortened as "reinvention"[14]: 155 

Madonna describes her upbringing in a strict Catholic family, where wearing pants to church was strongly discouraged by her father. Reflecting on this experience, she acknowledges the powerful influence that clothing can have and how it inspired her to incorporate a mix of conservative and daring elements in her personal style.[15] She refers to this combination as "combinations of strictness and rebelliousness." Madonna's fashion choices, including her crucifix earrings and rosary bead necklaces, were influenced by this realization.[16][15][17]

Body image

Clothing can be perceived as an extension of an individual's physical self and serves the purpose of modifying the body's appearance.[7] The way in which a person perceives their own physical appearance has a significant impact on their attitudes and preferences towards clothing.[7]

Millennial females, also known as Generation Y, are being socialized to begin their fashion consumption at an earlier age than their predecessors, resulting in a shift in the typical starting point of fashion consumption.[8] Even though Generation Y consumers play a crucial role in the decision-making process of the market, retailers are finding it increasingly difficult to comprehend the behavior and psychology of these consumers.[18]

Brand

Consumers purchase fashion-branded products not only to meet their functional requirements but also to fulfill their desires for social recognition, self-image projection, and a desirable lifestyle.[19] The implementation of effective branding strategies is a crucial determinant of success for all types of fashion brands, as it has a direct impact on the welfare of consumers.[19]

Marketing strategies

The fashion industry is currently shifting towards a data-driven approach, where brands are leveraging analytical services to formulate innovative marketing strategies.[20] The impact of artificial intelligence on marketing strategies is expected to extend to various areas, such as business models, sales processes, customer service options, and even consumer behaviours.[21]

Impact of clothing color

Psychologists hold the belief that the color of apparel can have an impact on emotional states and stress levels. The presence of color has the potential to augment an individual's perception of their environment.[22]

Design

Fashion psychology concerns itself with examining the ways in which fashion design can influence a positive body image, utilizing psychological insights to foster a sustainable approach towards clothing production and disposal, and understanding the underlying reasons behind the development of specific shopping behaviors.[23]

Men's fashion insecurities

Research has shown that the conventional gender stereotype suggesting that females are more fashion-conscious and observant of others' clothing and makeup choices than males is not completely accurate. Instead, these studies have highlighted that men also encounter insecurities linked to their clothing decisions. In fact, research has shown that men often exhibit higher levels of self-consciousness than women when it comes to their personal sense of style and the public perception of their appearance.[24]

Dress to impress

In research conducted by Joseph Benz from the University of Nebraska, over 90 men and women were surveyed to investigate their behavior of deceiving potential partners during dates. The study revealed that both sexes engage in deceptive behaviors while dating, albeit for distinct reasons.[3]

The study findings suggest that men engage in deceptive behavior to create a positive impression on their romantic partners. This can include highlighting their financial resources or showing willingness to provide security and stability in the relationship. Similarly, women tend to exhibit deceptive conduct concerning their physical appearance, amplifying specific bodily attributes to enhance their appeal to their romantic partner.[25]

Shopping behavior

Compulsive buying disorder

CBD or Compulsive buying disorder is a condition in which an individual experiences distress or impairment due to their excessive shopping thoughts and buying behavior.[26]

According to Bleuler, Kraepelin identifies a final category of individuals known as "buying maniacs" or "oniomaniacs." These individuals experience compulsive buying behavior, leading to the accumulation of debt that is often left unpaid and can ultimately result in a catastrophic situation. The oniomaniacs never fully acknowledge their debts and therefore continue to struggle with them.[27][26]

In contemporary consumer-oriented societies, the act of purchasing branded fashion apparel has become a significant aspect of our daily routines and economy. It is often regarded as a source of entertainment and a means of rewarding oneself. However, when this behavior is overindulged, it may lead to a serious psychological condition known as compulsive buying behavior.[28]

Revenge buying and panic buying

In April 2020, when the lockdown restrictions were largely lifted and markets resumed operation in China, a phenomenon known as "revenge buying" took place. During this time, the renowned French luxury brand Hermès achieved exceptional sales of $2.7 million in a single day.[29] Sociologists posit that compulsive and impulsive purchasing tendencies, including panic buying and revenge buying, function as coping mechanisms that alleviate negative emotions.[30][31] The phenomena of panic buying, and revenge buying are essentially attempts by consumers to compensate for a situation that is beyond their personal control. These actions serve as a therapeutic means of exerting control over external circumstances, while also offering a sense of comfort, security, and an overall improvement in well-being.[31]

Fast fashion

The emergence of fast fashion has had a significant impact on the fashion industry, altering the ways in which fashion is conceptualized, manufactured, and consumed, resulting in negative consequences across all three domains.[32] The popularity of fast fashion among consumers can be attributed to its capability of appealing to their emotional, financial, and psychological needs by tapping into their desire for self-expression, social status, and immediate satisfaction.[33]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Maxey, Georgia (2022-02-24). "Fashion Psychology: The Relationship Between Clothing and Self". Counseling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review. 4 (1). doi:10.53309/2576-926X.1041. ISSN 2576-926X.
  2. ↑ "Understanding the psychology behind the clothes you wear". The Indian Express. 2021-03-12. Archived from the original on 2023-04-25. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Waude, Adam (2016-02-19). "Fashion Psychology: How The Clothes You Wear Affect How People Perceive You". www.psychologistworld.com. Archived from the original on 2023-04-28. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
  4. ↑ Hill, Russell A.; Barton, Robert A. (May 2005). "Red enhances human performance in contests". Nature. 435 (7040): 293. doi:10.1038/435293a. ISSN 0028-0836. PMID 15902246. S2CID 4394988.
  5. 1 2 3 "You Really ARE What You Wear!". Michael R. Solomon. Archived from the original on 2023-04-20. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Baumgartner, Jennifer J. (2012). You are what you wear: what your clothes reveal about you. Boston: Da Capo Life Long. pp. ix, xv. ISBN 978-0-7382-1520-4.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Kodžoman, Duje (2019-06-10). "The psychology of clothing: meaning of Colors, Body Image and Gender Expression in Fashion". Textile & Leather Review. 2 (2): 90–103. doi:10.31881/TLR.2019.22. S2CID 150755649. Archived from the original on 2023-04-22. Retrieved 2023-04-22.
  8. 1 2 Pentecost, Robin; Andrews, Lynda (2010-01-01). "Fashion retailing and the bottom line: The effects of generational cohorts, gender, fashion fanship, attitudes and impulse buying on fashion expenditure" (PDF). Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. 17 (1): 43–52. doi:10.1016/j.jretconser.2009.09.003. ISSN 0969-6989. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-04-25. Retrieved 2023-04-22.
  9. ↑ Solomon, Michael R. (1985). The Psychology of Fashion. Lexington Books. p. 193. ISBN 978-0-669-09128-1. Archived from the original on 2023-04-22. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  10. ↑ Hurlock, Elizabeth B. (1929). The psychology of dress: An analysis of fashion and its motive. Ronald Press. Archived from the original on 2023-04-20. Retrieved 2023-04-20 – via APA PsycNet.
  11. ↑ Beach, Nancy (1979-08-26). "You are what you wear". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2023-04-20. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  12. ↑ Raad, Mimi (2016-04-14). "You are what you wear? How your outfit psychologically affects you". Al Arabiya English. Archived from the original on 2023-04-20. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  13. ↑ Edwards, Vanessa Van (2016-06-01). "Fashion Psychology: What Your Choice in Clothes Say About You". Science of People. Archived from the original on 2023-04-27. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  14. ↑ Barcella, Laura (2016). Fight like a girl. Boston. ISBN 978-1-5415-8183-8. OCLC 1132400911.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  15. 1 2 Gnojewski, Carol (2007-06-01). Madonna: Express Yourself. Enslow Publishers, Inc. p. 30. ISBN 978-0-7660-2442-7.
  16. ↑ Foley, Barbara (1990-03-02). "Thoroughly Modern Madonna : Fashion: The world's most famous chameleon is about to slip into three new looks for the '90s. Copycats take note". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2023-03-26. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
  17. ↑ How your upbringing may influence your style, archived from the original on 2023-04-25, retrieved 2023-04-25
  18. ↑ Sullivan, Pauline; Kang, Jiyun; Heitmeyer, Jeanne (2012-12-01). "Fashion involvement and experiential value: Gen Y retail apparel patronage". The International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research. 22 (5): 459–483. doi:10.1080/09593969.2012.711252. ISSN 0959-3969. S2CID 167587492.
  19. 1 2 Choi, Tsan-Ming (2014-01-30). Fashion Branding and Consumer Behaviors: Scientific Models. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 3. ISBN 978-1-4939-0277-4. Archived from the original on 2023-04-25. Retrieved 2023-04-22.
  20. ↑ Bendoni, Wendy K. (2020-08-06). Social Media for Fashion Marketing: Storytelling in a Digital World. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 231. ISBN 978-1-4742-3899-1.
  21. ↑ Davenport, Thomas; Guha, Abhijit; Grewal, Dhruv; Bressgott, Timna (January 2020). "How artificial intelligence will change the future of marketing". Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science. 48 (1): 24–42. doi:10.1007/s11747-019-00696-0. ISSN 0092-0703. S2CID 255382195.
  22. ↑ Edwards, Vanessa Van (2013-12-16). "Color Psychology: What Colors Should You Wear and Why". Science of People. Archived from the original on 2023-04-20. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  23. ↑ Mair, Carolyn (2018-04-09). The Psychology of Fashion. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-21762-6. Archived from the original on 2023-04-22. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
  24. ↑ Solomon, Michael R.; Schopler, John (1982). "Self-Consciousness and Clothing". Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 8 (3): 508–514. doi:10.1177/0146167282083018. ISSN 0146-1672. S2CID 144698153.
  25. ↑ Benz, Joseph J.; Anderson, Mary K.; Miller, Richard L. (April 2005). "Attributions of Deception in Datiing Situations". The Psychological Record. 55 (2): 305–314. doi:10.1007/bf03395512. ISSN 0033-2933. S2CID 55685758.
  26. 1 2 Moon, Moin Ahmad; Faheem, Shakeeb; Farooq, Amna (2022-09-01). "I, me, and my everything: Self conceptual traits and compulsive buying behavior". Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. 68: 103075. doi:10.1016/j.jretconser.2022.103075. ISSN 0969-6989. S2CID 250712191.
  27. ↑ Brill, A. A.; Bleuler, Eugen (1924). "Textbook of Psychiatry". The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. 60 (1): 105. doi:10.1097/00005053-192407000-00071. ISSN 0022-3018. S2CID 144953864.
  28. ↑ Black, Donald Wayne; Shaw, Martha; McCormick, Brett; Bayless, John David; Allen, Jeff (2012-12-30). "Neuropsychological performance, impulsivity, ADHD symptoms, and novelty seeking in compulsive buying disorder". Psychiatry Research. 200 (2): 581–587. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2012.06.003. ISSN 0165-1781. PMC 3665329. PMID 22766012.
  29. ↑ Singh, Shelley (2020-05-02). "The curious phenomenon of revenge shopping in China after lockdown". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Archived from the original on 2022-11-23. Retrieved 2023-04-21.
  30. ↑ Arafat, S.M. Yasir; Kar, Sujita Kumar; Marthoenis, Marthoenis; Sharma, Pawan; Hoque Apu, Ehsanul; Kabir, Russell (2020). "Psychological underpinning of panic buying during pandemic (COVID-19)". Psychiatry Research. 289: 113061. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113061. PMC 7202808. PMID 32413711.
  31. 1 2 Lins, Samuel; Aquino, Sibele; Costa, Ana Raquel; Koch, Rita (2022). "From panic to revenge: Compensatory buying behaviors during the pandemic". International Journal of Social Psychiatry. 68 (4): 921–922. doi:10.1177/00207640211002557. ISSN 0020-7640. PMID 33719662. S2CID 232230029.
  32. ↑ Mair, Carolyn (2018-04-09), "Fashion consumption", The Psychology of Fashion, Routledge, pp. 75–90, doi:10.4324/9781315620664-5, ISBN 9781315620664, retrieved 2023-04-28
  33. ↑ "The Psychology of Fast Fashion: Exploring the Complex Emotions that Fast Fashion Evokes in Consumers". The Sustainable Fashion Forum. Archived from the original on 2023-04-22. Retrieved 2023-04-22.
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