Paper
The influence of clothing on first impressions: Rapid and positive responses to minor changes in male attire
Published Apr 12, 2013 · N. Howlett, K. Pine, Ismail Orakçıoğlu
Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management
81
Citations
1
Influential Citations
Abstract
Purpose – Clothing communicates information about the wearer and first impressions can be heavily influenced by the messages conveyed by attire. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of minor changes in clothing on the perception of a male model, in the absence of facial information with limited time exposure.Design/methodology/approach – In an on‐line study, 274 participants rated four images on five dimensions (confidence, success, trustworthiness, salary and flexibility). The man was depicted wearing a bespoke (made‐to‐measure) and a regular (off‐the‐peg) suit, which differed only in minor details. Participants saw the faceless images for a maximum five seconds.Findings – The man was rated more positively on all attributes apart from trustworthiness when pictured in the bespoke suit. The earnings of participants also played a role in perception, with higher earners giving lower ratings to both suit types.Practical implications – Minor clothing manipulations can give rise to significant...
Non-RCT
Highly CitedMinor changes in male attire, such as a bespoke suit, can significantly influence first impressions, with higher earners giving lower ratings to both suit types.
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