How Your Choice of Fashion Impacts Mental Health

As the mind grows and develops in adulthood, self-expression comes naturally to all of us. Self-expression includes how we talk, any artistic hobby or passion we have, and our personality. In this vein, fashion choices are also a necessary form of self-expression, and they can impact your mental wellness, if neglected. Mental health experts say that fashion and mental health are related. In fact, people who develop self-expression through fashion have a healthy mindset.

Garments inherently showcase your personality, culture, lifestyle, creativity, and sometimes even your mood. Introverts who struggle to express themselves with their words or actions also benefit from fashion expression to show their personalities. Apart from improving self-confidence, self-worth – fashion is an essential aspect of good mental health.

Fabrics & Colours to Consider When Designing with Mental Health in Mind

Fabrics and colours can significantly affect a wearer’s mental health. Sometimes, just knowing that you are wearing a ‘clean’ material made without any harmful chemicals or dyes can make you feel better about yourself. Fabrics such as bamboo, organic cotton, silk, linen, cashmere, and wool fall in this category.

Colours also influence mood and the state of your mental health. Some studies have described the impact of colour on mental health as –

Blue: Blue is an anti-depressant colour that has a calming effect and relaxes the viewer.

Green: Green helps reduce anxiety, nervousness and calms the nerves.

Grey, Brown, Black & White: Usually, these colours are associated with a contemplative or zen state.

Red, Pink & Purple: These colours inspire purpose and optimism.

Orange & Yellow: Both of these colours are considered bold and humorous.

When designing clothes with mental health on your mind, use colours and fabrics wisely to create the right aura and influence.

Formal Wear

Wearing formal clothes helps others perceive us as intelligent, professional, and confident. Men or women wearing formal clothes look mature and trustworthy. Besides, formal clothes make you think more creatively and abstractly compared to other outfits.

One element of formal clothes that most people forget to think about is socks. Wearing the right kind of socks can help you feel comfortable and relaxed even in a tense situation. Take it up a notch with compression socks. Copper compression socks help your legs and feet remain calm and feel less tired. They prevent blood and fluid from pooling around your feet and ankles, decrease the risk of blood clots and relieve inflammation in the ankles. Choose a pair of copper compression socks that has anti-microbial properties.

Power Dressing

Power dressing is a mental health hack that no one tells you. Choosing your clothes based on how you want to feel – is a great way to shoot up your mood. When you are feeling down and out, try on a new blazer or pop those black heels on; you are sure to feel better.

Comfortable Clothing

Sometimes beauty or style means functionality. Pick a comfortable outfit for a job where you need to focus. It will help you stay relaxed while concentrating on your career and improve self-confidence. When designing uniforms for a company’s workforce, think of comfortable and intelligent designs. It will help you create uniforms that employees are happy to wear, at work and otherwise.

Clothing and accessories are a big part of our personality and self-expression. Fashion signifies how we want to be treated. Wearing trendy clothes on the first day of college may create a good impression on your peers and help you make friends more easily. Use fashion wisely to create the right impact on your mind and others around you.

Guest Author Bio:

Rory is the R&D Director and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Defence a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone. If you’d like to get in touch, email Rory at Rory@copperclothing.com or visit copperclothing.com for copper-infused clothing, pet accessories and more.