Why Clothing Choices on Campus Matter More Than We Think
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Everyday fashion choices can shape focus, performance, and opportunity in college life.
Upon stepping onto any college campus, you will likely notice students dressed in what seems to have become the university uniform: sweatpants, a hoodie, and perhaps a pair of headphones or AirPods to complete the look. It is also not far-fetched to say you could even spot some students sporting pajamas pants. Comfort-based, casual clothing has evidently been established as a custom of campus life.
The long walks across campus, library study sessions, and narrow lecture hall seats make comfort a practical choice in dress, a truth that once helped drive the rise of jeans and comfortable shirts or sweaters as sensible college outfits. The rise of athleisure in fashion has transformed casual dress over the past decade, making hoodies and yoga pants commonplace outside of home or athletic settings, according to Vogue. This trend has been reflected across college campuses all over the United States in recent years.
But are jeans and sweaters where the push for casual dress should have been considered a success? It seems now that these articles are deemed much too formal for daily dress among today’s youth. Sweatsets have instead claimed the title of casual wear. Part of this movement stems from the COVID-19 pandemic, which left countless employees working from home and thus triggered more flexibility in what is considered professional or office attire, according to Forbes.
Still, a significant shift in attitudes regarding clothing choices can be seen between today’s university-age young adults and previous generations. It is arguably a positive change that harsh criticism and judgement on others for the level of professionalism in their dress seems to be going out of style. However, this also opens up a discussion on the benefits of more formal fashion choices and what may be lost if boundaries between comfort and preparedness dissolve. These behavioral and cognitive influences of clothing choice have long been observed by psychology researchers.
Studies show that the way one dresses can have an impact on mood and productivity. Psychology research has examined the concept of “enclothed cognition,” where certain clothing choices can carry symbolic meaning and trigger cognitive patterns, according to Science Direct. Wearing a lab coat, for example, showed correlation with higher performance in attention tasks due to the wearer’s mental association of lab coats with expertise and skill, which suggests that the clothing choices students make can affect their academic performance.
Sweatsets, for example, are often associated with lounging, relaxing, or days without many responsibilities. When students do not differentiate between lounge or bedwear and what they wear while studying or taking class, they are more likely to move through the day feeling sluggish or tired, inhibiting efficiency and energy. Choosing clothing that they associate with productivity or hard work can thus promote feelings of motivation and focus.
However, dressing comfortably can also increase academic performance as feeling uncomfortable or restricted in one’s clothes can be a distraction. Putting thought and effort into getting ready is ultimately what can help set one up for success, according to Forbes. Thus, a style of dress that allows students to feel comfortable but makes them feel “ready” may be a sensible approach to college fashion.
Additionally, college campuses regularly host guest speakers, business owners, and experts in several fields, and the chances of a student having the opportunity to speak to an influential figure in the field of their interest is relatively high in this environment. The way one presents themselves can shape first impressions and convey professionalism, possibly contributing to the development of a lasting relationship that opens up meaningful opportunities.
Still, some may cite older social attitudes that were overly critical about clothing choice as evidence of the negative impacts of rigid expectations around dress. However, dressing with intention is not about appealing to others’ perception of professionalism. Rather, it involves choosing authentic attire that makes one feel energized and self-assured, according to the Academy of Management.
Evidently, a successful approach to choice of clothing on campus requires intentionality. Electing comfortable pieces that make one feel ready and confident to approach the tasks of the day is psychologically and organizationally impactful. Dressing intentionally can enhance productivity, engagement, and mood, and is thus a worthwhile action for students to consider in the busy haze of college life. The goal is to approach comfort thoughtfully, not completely abandon it, and recognize the way clothing can shape how students view themselves and their capabilities.