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You're probably familiar with the term 'retail therapy', but have you ever considered how the way you dress actually makes you feel, aside from how you feel when you buy something? Studies show that there is a direct correlation between fashion and mental health, specifically how it impacts our mood. This touches on various aspects, mainly delving into the realms of self-expression, body image, colour psychology and sustainability.
Retail Therapy
While retail therapy is a fashion term used to describe the act of shopping or buying something as a way to improve one's mood, or emotional state, we'd argue that it's also a distraction tool under the pretense of self care, which is used to relieve stress, anxiety and improve one's mood. Typically providing an escape from negative emotions or a way to avoid any problems, retail therapy releases endorphins - hormones which make you feel good - in the brain. It provides a sense of control and empowerment, which can be particularly useful in a world that is as fast paced as ours.
"Studies show that there is a direct correlation between fashion and mental health, specifically how it impacts our mood."
Retail therapy is also a way to express our creativity and personal style. For many, running an "errand" can quickly turn into a Target haul, for example. It's necessary to note that although retail therapy can improve your mood temporarily, it's not a sustainable solution to a potential long-term issue. In fact, retail therapy can also lead to financial stress, guilt and a cluttered living space.
Self-Expression
One of the most visible forms of self expression, clothing can communicate various aspects about who we are or, at the very least, how we would like to be perceived. For example, it can communicate what we value, where we like to shop, our mental state, financial state and our personalities. Research has shown that clothes are used as a tool for self expression, which often boosts mood, improves self-confidence and can impact our overall well-being. When we wear clothes that make us feel good, we tend to be happier and more comfortable and confident when leaving the house, for example.
"[Clothing] can communicate what we value, where we like to shop, our mental state, financial state and our personalities."
Body Image
Arguably, the fashion industry plays a huge role in how body image and health are perceived. Fashion is closely linked to mental health for this very reason. From pressure to conform to beauty standards and fit into certain clothing sizes, to negative body image and endless quizzes on focusing on what comes across as flattering to others as opposed to what you feel comfortable in and enjoy wearing, clothing can also create a sense of low self-esteem.
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| the fashion industry plays a huge role in how body image and health are perceived |
Alternatively, it can also celebrate diversity and promote body image and self-acceptance. This is something we've seen various fashion brands do, for example with Rihanna's brand Fenty Savage. Due to the historically narrow definition of beauty which the fashion industry has promoted, there's a lot of damage to mental health when it comes to glossy magazine covers, airbrushed photos and lack of sizing. Brands that prioritize diversity and representation are directly challenging traditional beauty standards and promoting a more inclusive, accepting and empowered society.
"Due to the historically narrow definition of beauty which the fashion industry has promoted, there's a lot of damage to mental health."
Colour Psychology
Ever owned a mood ring? While a fun accessory, mood rings are used to reflect what our moods or emotions are like. For example, when your mood ring turns blue, it's supposed to mean that you're relaxed while black would indicate feelings of anxiety. Clothes are no different, and the colours which we wear can have a significant impact on our mood and emotions. When we choose colours that align with our mood or desired emotional state, it impacts our mental health directly.
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| Colour psychology is a unique and powerful tool which can be used to enhance mental health and well-being through fashion |
For example, studies have shown that wearing bright colors can boost mood and energy levels, while darker colors can evoke feelings of sadness or anxiety. Colour psychology is a unique and powerful tool which can be used to enhance mental health and well-being through fashion. For a full article on colour psychology, and breakdown on how colours impact our moods directly, click here.
Sustainability
The fashion industry's impact on the environment can also affect mental health. The fast fashion model, which relies on cheap labour and unsustainable production practices, has been linked to environmental degradation and human rights abuses. When we choose to shop secondhand or from sustainable and ethical brands, it can help reduce stress and anxiety related to environmental concerns and promote a more mindful and intentional approach to consumption.
Sustainable fashion is about more than just reducing our carbon footprint; it is also about supporting the well-being of people and communities around the world. By choosing ethical and sustainable fashion, we can promote a more just and equitable world, which can have a positive impact on our mental health.
"When we choose to shop secondhand or from sustainable and ethical brands, it can help reduce stress and anxiety related to environmental concerns."
In conclusion, the relationship between fashion and mental health is complex and extremely multifaceted. While fashion is a tool for self-expression, identity formation and can be used as an act of self-care, it also has positive and negative effects on mental health. Fashion, and what we choose to wear or how we style an item of clothing, can be a source of confidence. Clothes allow us to express our personalities, moods and creativity. However, it also perpetuates harmful beauty standards, negative body image ideals and can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
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By promoting body positivity, diversity, and inclusivity, fashion has the potential to promote a more positive and accepting environment for individuals of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Additionally, by supporting sustainable and ethical fashion practices, we can reduce the negative impact of fashion on the environment and promote a more mindful, intersectional and intentional approach to consumption.
Overall, the intersection of fashion and mental health highlights the importance of promoting a healthy and positive relationship with our bodies and ourselves. What do you think about the relationship between fashion and mental health? Let us know in the comments, or on Instagram.
