The statement above claims that people behave differently when they wear different clothes, and people wearing different clothes influence the way people behave. While I agree, I believe that the statement above is overstated.

The statement is fraught with a number of assumptions. Firstly, the statement assumes that each person closely observes his or her fellow human beings, and secondly, that people wear clothes to hide their faults. The first assumption is flawed because most people simply do not notice what others are wearing. For instance, in a crowded mall, most people will walk right past the person wearing the most outlandish outfit while ignoring those wearing loungewear, so that, for example, the person in jeans is more likely to get noticed than the person in pajamas. The second assumption is also flawed in that, while it is true that some people wear clothes to cover up their faults, others choose to wear clothes to conceal their beauty. For example, many women wear slinky, form-fitting dresses to appear slimmer. They wear these dresses not because they are overweight, but because they want to be visible to other attractive women. While a man wearing baggy pants may be trying to hide his weight, he may be trying to appear as manly as possible. Conversely, a woman wearing a tight dress may be trying to appear more feminine. The manner in which people behave when they wear different clothes depends greatly on the situation, and it is unlikely that people’s behavior would differ depending on their clothing.

For example, some people believe that different clothes are mandatory in the workplace. In this case, they are correct, as different clothes should reflect one’s profession. For instance, a woman wearing a suit and tie to a job interview, or a man wearing a suit and tie to a board meeting, would be clearly representing the company’s professionalism. A person who dresses more casually, such as in a t-shirt and jeans, would likely give the impression that he or she was not serious about the job. However, if a man were to wear torn jeans and a spiked belt, he would still most likely be viewed as an experienced and competent worker. Likewise, a woman wearing clothes that reveal too much skin may not be taken seriously. A woman who wears a low-cut shirt to a job interview may convey that she is confident, but a woman who wears a low-cut shirt to a bar would convey that she lacks self-respect. If a woman wears high-heeled shoes to a job interview, she may convey that she is confident and capable, but if she were to wear high-heeled shoes to a family gathering, she would send the message that she is not in control of her personal life. However, a person who knows nothing about the person other than his or her clothing could assume any number of things. For instance, a woman wearing a low-cut shirt to a family gathering could simply be covering up scars from an old injury, or she could be trying to appear seductive. Since clothing is a major source of nonverbal communication, the assumptions made by the observer could be misleading.

Another way in which clothing influences behavior is that clothes can signal to others what a person wants or does not want. For example, if a woman wearing a short skirt is walking alone at night, she may be signaling to other men that she wants a man’s attention. Similarly, if a woman is wearing clothing that reveals too much leg or cleavage, she may be signaling to other women that she wants their approval. Likewise, a man wearing a tight shirt while jogging may signal to other men that he is looking for a date. In these situations, the clothing serves as a form of body language, and the way people behave when wearing specific clothes is a reflection of the goal they are trying to communicate.

The conclusion of the statement that most people wear different clothes as a way of influencing others is also flawed. Most people do not wear clothing with the intent of influencing others, but rather, they wear clothing that they feel reflects who they are. A man wearing an old, crumpled t-shirt may be able to convey a feeling of laziness or apathy, but it would not be wise to wear the same t-shirt to a job interview, as it would be viewed as a lack of professionalism. A woman wearing a low-cut top may have chosen to wear it because she wants to be sexy, but she may also wear it because she wants to communicate confidence in her appearance. A man wearing a suit and tie to a job interview may not intend to persuade anyone of anything, but anyone who notices him will likely conclude that he is a respected member of society.

A person’s behavior is often influenced by factors other than clothing and, in some cases, people wear different clothes because they are trying to compensate for undesirable personality traits. For example, a man wearing a three-piece suit to a job interview may be trying to convey a sense of professionalism and stability. However, a man who is attempting to cover up his insecurity by wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a leather jacket may come across as shallow or insecure. Similarly, a woman wearing tight clothing may not be trying to appear sexy, but may be trying to conceal her fat. A person who engages in reckless behavior, such as reckless driving, may wear clothes that express indifference, but other people may interpret the clothes as an attempt to hide his or her guilt. Likewise, a person suffering from a medical condition may try to hide his illness by wearing loose clothing, but other people may interpret his clothing as an indication that he is healthy. Clothing can influence behavior, but it is rarely the sole reason for a person’s behavior.