The Influence Of Clothing
Introduction
Clothing is more than just a fabric which is formed together. It’s a from of self expression, it’s a from of community, it’s a form of a statement. Throughout history clothing has played a crucial part in shaping cultures, influencing behaviors, and reflecting individual identities. In this project we dive into how clothing is more than just fabric stitched together.
Psychological Impact
The clothing we wear can profoundly affect our psychological state. It is been proven that what you wear can affect the way you feel and how your mood is for the remainder of your day. For example, can you recall a time where maybe you got dressed up really nicely for a wedding. Can you remember how it made your mood? I imagine you felt maybe more sophisticated, perhaps you felt more powerful, or maybe you felt lighter than usual. This is evidence that what you wear does have a psychological impact on your brain. Proving that clothing does influence your mood and attitude.
Social Influence
Clothing also serves as a social cue, as it can show certain information about one’s identity, status, and affiliations. Clothing plays a crucial role in social interactions, for example, political clothing is one where you will notice many social interactions based on something that one is wearing. If you see a person wearing a shirt of a political candidate you are in favor for, you will often tell them I like your shirt. While on the flip if you see someone wearing a shirt of a political candidate you are not in favor of, often times you will try not to look at them, say something under your breath, or if you’re this type of person you will call them out on why you dislike their shirt. Listen to the owner of Forever Faithful Apparel talk about his experience. When it comes to social interactions inspired by clothing.
Cultural Significance
Across cultures and societies clothing differs. Depending on location, occupation, time period. For example, If you work on Wall Street, you will most likely wear a suit and tie everyday. Yet, if you are a construction worker you will wear jeans a t-shirt and a hard hat to work everyday. This changes in societies too, for example if you live in Chicago you are much more likely to see people wearing Chicago Bears merchandise rather than Green Bay Packers merchandise. While if you live in Green Bay you are much more likely to see Green Bay Packers merchandise rather than Chicago Bears merchandise.
Community Influence
One of the biggest influences clothing has on individuals is it gives them a sense of community and belonging. Especially in todays day everyone is looking for their group and their community. Clothing can offer that to many, there is literally a clothing brand or type for every type of niche now. There are religious clothing brands, sports team clothing brands, even movement clothing brands. Sometimes the brand itself is the community that one longs to be in. People can also fit into a community based of the type of clothing they wear. Maybe that be western, business casual, preppy, or athletic. There are so many communities within the clothing industry that end up having a huge impact over those who participate in them.
Conclusion
Clothing is far more than a superficial aspect to all our lives. Clothing affects the way people act, the way people think, the way people blend in, or maybe the way they stand out. The point is sometimes clothing is what effects us and society, but sometimes it’s the society that affects the clothing you wear. It really all depends on who you are. Are you one to stray from the crowd and standout? Or are you one to hide amongst the masses and feel safe blending in. There’s different types of people and there’s different types of clothes. Which affects which? That’s for you to decide.