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The fashion world provides more to the grand scheme of human existence than just looks. In fact, it could just be the answer to improving your health and wellbeing…I know, who’d have thought it! Here we look at Ways the Fashion World can Improve Health and Wellbeing.
Fashion is one of the biggest constants in our lives. The daily ritual of getting up each day, choosing what to wear, and strutting out of the house in a look you love is part and parcel of being human. But, is there more to it than this?
The fashion world may just be the key to easing some of our mental health worries. Whether you need a confidence boost due to bad skin, or issues with hair growth like alopecia and need to wear a wig, have a hospital negligence injury, feel self-conscious about wearing glasses and desperately want laser eye surgery or you’re simply feeling down and need a pick-me-up, fashion can give us a much needed boost.
Ways the Fashion World can Improve Health and Wellbeing
Negatives of the Fashion Industry
Before we dive into the numerous positives that fashion has on peoples’ lives, we’ll briefly look at the negative impact it has. Due to the media representation of the fashion industry, the mental health and wellbeing of millions of men and women has been negatively affected.
Whether you work in the fashion industry, or simply scroll through social media each day, the negatives of the fashion world will have impacted you in some way.
Examples of how fashion affects our world include:
Work pressure
Competition
Negative body image
Links to drugs, alcohol, and addiction
Increased suicide rates
One of the biggest destroyers of our planet
That said, every year we see new developments in how the fashion world moves forward to combat these issues. In recent years, in particular, the general public are becoming more aware of the impact of fast fashion on our environment. Because of this, there’s been an upsurge in people shopping sustainably, at charity shops and kilo sales.
One particularly big step for body image occurred when France banned unhealthy-looking models from the runway in 2017. This was the push the fashion industry needed to embrace women of all different body types.
More and more fashion companies are exploring plus-size ranges. To top this off, plus-size influencers are taking to the social media stage to show people that one size doesn’t fit all and their fan bases grew as a result.
10 Ways the Fashion World can Improve Health and Wellbeing
Despite these negative impacts, we can’t deny the positive impact fashion has on many of us daily. Fashion has the power to give us more than just a look. It empowers us within our day-to-day lives.
Sustainable Clothing Choices Can Make You Feel Better About Yourself
Certain clothes can incite feelings of confidence and power. This can improve your health and wellbeing in the workplace. I’m sure we’ve all been there; donning our best power suit so we can ace the latest meeting. Or perhaps, by wearing heels, we can feel as though we can strut into a room and own it.
Considering sustainable fashion is essential for reducing environmental impact and promoting ethical labour practices. Brands like The Emperor’s Old Clothes are a perfect example of this commitment by using eco-friendly materials and ensuring fair working conditions. Choosing sustainable fashion helps combat the detrimental effects of fast fashion, such as pollution and exploitation. The Emperor’s Old Clothes offers custom-made, high-quality garments, proving that style and sustainability can coexist. By supporting such brands, consumers can make a positive difference, which in turn can make you feel better and increase wellbeing.
Adds Colour to Our Lives
First and foremost, fashion allows everyone to bring a splash of colour into their lives. Whether you’re more into black, grey and white, and it’s just the odd colourful accessory, or you love to wear full-frontal brightness, it’s up to you. Either way, there’s a strong link between colour and the way we feel. For example, blue and purple colours have the ability to make people feel calmer and more relaxed. Alternatively, the colour red is shown to incite feelings of dominance. So, depending on how you want to feel, or how you want others to feel about you, you can chop and change your clothes to fit your goals.
Allows You to Express a Sense of Self
Fashion enables you to express your feelings and emotions, as well as your true self. Whether you like to stick to the fashions to fit in, or wear more quirky styles to show off your own personal style, the fashion world is your oyster.
Expresses/Influences Mood
Some people say that wearing clothes that fit your emotions is a good way to express yourself. For example, if you’re feeling a little sad, you might don an all-black look. That said, some studies suggest that it may be better to dress how you want to feel to make you embody that feeling.
As we’ve seen, wearing certain colours can improve our mood, or wearing that power suit could make you feel more dominant in the boardroom. This also translates to how we feel about ourselves, and whether we feel happy or not. So, by dressing the way you want to feel, you could start your day off on a high, even if you’re feeling a little low.
Gives a Professional Air
Humans are visual creatures, which means that first impressions mean a lot. Many first impressions will come from the way you dress. Therefore, dressing to fit the environment and your personality is paramount. By showing off your character through your clothes, you can give people a tailored impression of the unadulterated you.
That said, it’s not all about the direct way that others perceive you; it’s also about the air you give off. The confidence your clothes can incite can work in your favour in a professional situation. If you’re feeling particularly confident, this will show, giving people trust in what you say and your ability.
Allows You to Be Creative Daily
Fashion, in many ways, is an art form. Naturally, if you work in the fashion industry, you’re expressing your creativity every day through the clothes you design, and the looks you put together. That said, you don’t have to work in fashion to express a bit of creativity daily.
The everyday person has the power to put a sprinkle of creativity into their morning routine. Pairing colours and patterns, styling clothes, hair accessories, and jewellery, and creating matching make-up looks to top it off, can all be achieved before you head out the door. From rolling out of bed, you can transform into a completely new you, just through your own imagination.
Can Boost Your Social Life
Due to these important first impressions we’ve discussed, it’s clear that looking good can bring new people into your life. By dressing in a certain way, you can give off an air which attracts people to you.
To add to this, staying in the loop with current fashion trends, if this is something you’re interested in, is a fantastic conversation-starter. What you wear could start an engaging conversation, helping you to connect on a less superficial level, with like-minded people.
Shopping Provides a Form of Therapy
We’ve heard the saying that “retail therapy” is the perfect way to get over a break-up, a lost job, or a loss of some sort. But, this classic saying is, in fact, a real thing! Studies show that shopping has a therapeutic effect, but not only that, it can actually make you feel excited and happy. Your brain releases dopamine when you make a purchase (a happy hormone also released when we exercise).
Even Thinking About Shopping is Beneficial
Although retail therapy may be a short-term cure to sadness, according to studies, dopamine levels actually return to normal after you’ve paid for your new clothing. By scrolling through the online shops, choosing items, popping them in your virtual bag, or even just imagining doing so dopamine is released. As long as you don’t rush to the checkout, you’ll feel happy for longer.
A Great Hobby
We’ve seen how fashion can provide you with a way to express yourself, as well as be creative. Well, if your career isn’t in fashion, but you’re a fashion enthusiast, this love could turn into a hobby! Say you love fashion and writing, why not start a blog or social media page about it? Or, maybe you could start creating or upcycling clothes in your spare time? Whatever it may be, this is the perfect outlet to express yourself through a passion.
Have You Experienced a Mental Health Boost from Fashion?
The concepts of health and wellbeing have become extremely important in recent decades. The fashion world is part of this change. Clearly, fashion is more than just something you wear! Fashion has the extraordinary ability to improve your mood and how you start your day. It also allows you to express your true self, and shape how others perceive you so you can be the best version of you. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my post Ways the Fashion World can Improve Health and Wellbeing.
How does fashion make you feel? Does fashion have an impact on any areas in your own life? I’d love to hear, in the comments below, your stories about how fashion has changed your life.
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I definitely find fashion helps improve confidence if you are dressing in the right sorts of things! I know I often feel more confident when wearing the right piece.
It can boost confidence tremendously.
Have to admit that I am loving lockdown for the fact that I can pretty much live in my leggings and comfies! I’m saving a fortune for not being let loose on the local clothes shops, though am missing the opportunity for girlie days out clothes shopping! Sim x
Ha, it is a great time to wear comfy clothing that helps make us feel calm.
An interesting post, my daugher would agree with lots of this as fashion and beauty is something that’s getting through the lockdown at the moment, and help her welbeing.
I’m glad she approves Liam. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so helpful in terms of mental health.
I have to admit I don’t have time for fashion but I always like to make sure my children have decent clothes that make them feel good.
It’s important to do this for the children but also yourself.
I think with fashion you find your own style, I have seen people have to have the latest trend others being mocked. I always wear what I feel good in and what makes me feel good. There is no denying that shopping is a feel good factor I love buying something new
It can give you a buzz to buy something fabulous and new!
There are some really good motivational points here. It is surprising how the right outfit can make or break a day xx
It sure is and is why we should always think about what we will wear each day.
I have to admit that I am not a great follower of fashion. I tend to find something that suits me and stick with that look
It can be nice to try something different sometimes although it doesn’ have to be far out of your comfort zone.
I definitely agree that fashion can boosts peoples mood and the feeling that they’re being themselves which is so important for all of our mental health x
It can have a big impact on mental health.
I wear really colourful clothes and shoes. Most of my tops are pinks, purple etc. I only have black trousers for work. Colourful clothes really help my mood 🙂
Bright colours can really brighten your day.
I have enjoyed not having to worry about what to wear or what I look like over lockdown if I am honest, but sometimes I do just want to put on my make up, treat myself to some lovely new clothes and just get out there with my friends – all in good time though, when it is safe to do so!
I think we are all missing social interaction now. It was nice to dress up and go out once in a while.
I guess all things have both good and had in them for me personally I love fashion and if I am having a bad day, wearing something nice immediately lifts my spirit and puts a smile on my face
That’s good to hear. Hopefully, you have a number of clothes that give that effect ?
My sort of fashion mental health boost is red lipstick. It always gives me a confidence boost when I’m feeling nervous or unwell.
Make up makes and outfit in a sense and can give a really big boost.
I definitely think fashion can help to boost your health and wellbeing, one of the things I really miss at the moment is the social aspect of meeting friends and going for a wander around the shops x
I know what you mean. It will start changing soon though. In the meantime, there is online shopping and facetime.
I am not a big fan if fashion and I am usually to be found in my joggers and hoody. But my sister is the complete opposite and lives buying new clothes and wearing them. It really gives her a good pick me up
Being comfy in the clothes you wear is all part and parcel. Many get a thrill out of buying new clothes although spending needs to be controlled with some people.
Absolutely agree. I use to work in the fashion industry. I can tell that the industry is highly competitive. If everyone could see Fashion through your eyes, we would be able to co-create even more.
I do believe that clothes can enhance one’s confidence, but again, there are healthier ways to do that as well. Blessings!
Not a fashion lover personally, Comfort is key for me. If I like something I don’t care if it’s fashionable. I’m more a minimalist than a fashionista. I can count on one hand the clothing I’ve purchased in the last year!
Definitely helps in lifting spirits. A fave outfit and makeup helps in revamping glum spirits and I wear bright colours in winter as it’s do dark and gloomy. If you ignore the negative body image and body comparisons, you mental health will get a boost.
My choice of clothes are always the ones that make me feel comfortable and do not limit my movement in any way. I am more of a casual dresser. Wearing high heels and a formal attire is not for me. I know it boosts confidence in others, but that is not my personality and it just makes me feel uneasy.
We all have different tastes. Where what you feel comfortable in and that will boost your confidence.
Part of being in lock down was being able to wear really comfortable clothes. But I’ve also been online shopping for new clothes for when I can go back into the office.
I heard of loads doing online shopping. It can help give you a boost.
Fashion can always help both medically and mentally because if ou are comfortable to start healing.
I can help people in a range of ways which is great.
Absolutely yes! Sometimes when I’m down, I will try to dress up. After seeing myself dressed up properly, somehow it lifts up my mood.
It’s amazing the difference it makes!!
Must agree – what you wear has a massive impact on wellbeing and health
It’s amazing the impact it makes!