By Karen Espig
Did you know that your clothing choices can impact your mood? Hop on board the dopamine dressing trend and discover how it can apparently support your mental health by increasing your happy-hormone levels. It is about bringing you joy and boosting your mood with clothes that make you feel good. This often means choosing vibrant colours, patterns, and styles.
This may sound like a new idea, but in fact, it has existed throughout history, with a significant evolution at the beginning of the 20th century with flapper culture and fashion. It was the 60s scene, however, that saw an explosion of self-expression in clothing and vibrant colours and patterns.
Let’s look at what this trend could mean for you!
What Is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter made in the brain that helps us feel pleasure and experience reward. It is involved in the processes of sleep, arousal, memory, movement, and mood, to name a few. It is one of four “feel-good” hormones. So, in short, it’s vital to the healthy function of your body and mind.
The Science Around Dopamine Dressing
The thinking around dopamine dressing is that you can improve your mood, motivation, and self-confidence by making intentional choices about the clothes you wear. Whatever your gender, spending some time experiencing your clothing more thoughtfully is a simple way to provide some self-care.
More research is needed, but anecdotal evidence shows that colour can influence mood. There are even many idioms in our everyday language: feeling in the pink, feeling blue, green with envy, paint the town red. It is thought that generally, bright, warm colours like red, orange, and yellow are energising, while the cooler tones of blue, green, and purple are soothing or calming.
Think Colour, Texture, And Symbols
You probably already know which colours make you feel happy and confident; you might already have a favourite piece in your wardrobe that cheers you up when you wear it. So to test this dopamine theory, I’d suggest you wear it more! And add additional items to the wardrobe to reinforce the philosophy further.
You can start small with a colourful accessory, like a piece of jewellery or a scarf, or go all in with a bold fuchsia sweater or shirt.
In terms of texture, clothes that feel good on your skin are the way to go. Think silk, cashmere, and soft jersey fabrics. There is no way that an itchy wool sweater or a bulky seam irritating the skin will improve your mood. Be mindful of this, and add a silkier undergarment to keep the dopamine levels up.
Depending on your culture, some colours may have a built-in positive or negative significance. Knowing this is important also. In many cultures, orange is associated with warmth, happiness, and spirituality, but in the Middle East, it suggests mourning and loss.
Sometimes, clothing or accessories have a personally symbolic meaning for you. For example, a family heirloom or perhaps a scarf your best friend gave you way back when. You can improve your mood and feeling of connection by wearing your symbols more often.
Pattern And Fit
Try experimenting with patterns and exciting embellishments or cuts. Instead of a basic blouse, find one with an asymmetrical collar, or bold buttons. Bold patterns add instant interest and are a definite win in the colours you love.
Many clothes we buy are off the rack, but that doesn’t mean they must stay that way. Don’t be shy about changing the length of that shirt or sleeve; it doesn’t cost much to make small alterations to clothes and may make you feel more confident about your appearance.
Reveal Your Personality
Choose clothing that resonates with your style and lifestyle. When you feel like your authentic self, you present a more confident you. Maybe you love vintage outfits or are more experimental in your look. Increasing your dopamine and boosting your mood can be as simple as wearing those looks more often or taking them a little further. Be bold!
The Inverse Response
It has also been shown that a lack of individuality in clothing or uniform may also dampen your mood. Hospital gowns, ill-fitting clothes, and uniforms can dampen our disposition, often significantly.
So why not try the dopamine dressing trend and see if the clothes fit? Spend some time exploring your wardrobe and bring to the forefront those brightly coloured and patterned pieces. Get rid of the clothes that don’t fit, don’t suit you, or bring you joy.
When you feel authentic and good about yourself, all of your interactions in the world go a little more smoothly, and the day seems a little bit sunnier.