The initial purpose and function for clothing were reasonably practical and fundamental in nature. Clothes were initially designed to keep us safe from harm, especially with extreme weather conditions; hence, it had little to do with fashion at all. Culture-wise, its purpose was to conceal women’s skin, with the associated modesty or the lack thereof, depending on the situation.
Furthermore, clothing was utilized to indicate one’s social status through ornaments and decorations, which were frequently associated with specific social importance.
Today, clothing has gained a multitude of meanings as its importance has shifted dramatically. The items you wear reveal a great deal of who you are as an individual; the designs, styles, and color combinations we pick are all expressions of our individuality. It doesn’t matter whether we do it intentionally or unknowingly. The clothing we wear daily serves to reflect our personalities onto people around us.
Appreciation and support in specific issues, culture, and even advocacy may also be expressed through clothes. For example, in the 1960s, wearing trousers and denim pants for men and women served as a token of solidarity among the working class. Colors and hues also represent sensitive issues on genders and subcultures all over the world. Indeed, fashion is a means of self-expression that build morale and boost confidence.
Clothes are also significant as they have the power to evoke memories of happy or sad times in our life. In addition, a study conducted in 2012 discovered that wearing particular pieces of clothing influences our mood, behavior, and productivity. That said, wearing a lab coat, for instance, is connected with intellect and scientific reasoning, among other qualities.
Fashion and self-expression
Expressing oneself is an integral aspect of daily life, whether through art, actions, and fashion. Self-expression promotes a healthy attitude, helps us discover more about ourselves, and achieves our goals. One of its most essential aspects is individuality, which is beneficial to one’s emotional stability.
One’s taste and style naturally reflect their lifestyle, character, culture, uniqueness, or a combination of these. Therefore, people who struggle to express themselves verbally or those who tend to gravitate toward social anxiety might benefit from embracing their individuality through the items they wear. This way, they can have a healthy platform to freely demonstrate their personality, leading to better self-worth, confidence, and mental health improvement.
The positivity of clothing
Our choices in clothing are connected with our general wellbeing in that they are influenced by how we are feeling at the time. For instance, if we are happy, we tend to get dressed and accessorize more to display a positive mindset and outlook for the day. On the other hand, when we are sick, we seek solace and tend to lean more on clothes that offer comfort rather than style.
When it comes to our mental health, our attire can foster optimism in various ways depending on the individual. For example, people with depression and anxiety have particular articles of clothing that provide them security and protection during tough times. However, according to a study, although women had higher body dissatisfaction than men, both genders seem to be neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with their bodies on average.
Negative thoughts regarding our physical appearance can harm our overall mental state. In addition, the toxic and unrealistic hopes created by the media on how beauty standards should be across genders and cultures are emotionally taxing. Thus, the need for society to acknowledge and be more receptive to different types of bodies is crucial. We start to accept ourselves when we lift our reservations, allowing us to bridge the limitations of clothing we can wear regardless of our body type.
External validations do not equate to self-worth.
Our appearance and style can impact how we are seen and viewed by other people. This can either benefit or harm us. Wearing fashionable clothes increases social acceptance. This is especially true on digital platforms, where we attempt to keep up with the latest fashion trends. However, while posting a snapshot of our outfit on social media can get us praises, likes and might even boost our confidence, it can also negatively influence our self-esteem, causing emotions of bitterness and jealousy.
This demonstrates a clear relationship between the significance of self-image, clothing, and mental health. Thus, while it is tough to unlearn unpleasant feelings, it is just as vital to understanding that affirmation from someone else should not define your self-worth.
At the end of the day, everybody should be allowed to dress in whatever they choose and still feel good about themselves. This can result in having pleasant feelings that may increase our self-confidence and self-acceptance, therefore improving our overall mental health.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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