Enclothed Cognition:
The Psychology Of The Power Piece & The Strategy Of Style
“Quality Is Not An Act, It Is A Habit.” Aristotle.
When it comes to first impressions, one must present themselves with two concepts in mind; expression of personality and, secondly, how one wants to be perceived in this world.
In an ever-increasing casualized world, dressing with dignity is paramount.
What was traditionally known to be conservative dress wear has now been increasingly donned by liberals after having realized the cognitive power of the suit.
The fact is, when one drops civility, your counterpart will pick it up.
As Venerable Fulton Sheen eloquently put it: “As we drop things in the church, the world begins to pick them up and distorts them... Nuns dropped the habits and the girls put on maxicoats; we stopped saying the beads (Rosary); hippies put the beads around their neck and as theologians dropped the demonic; the psychiatrists picked it up.”
Conservatives dropped the neck tie; progressives picked it up, placed it around their collar and realized the power in dressing well when one is wanting to push their opinion or ideology.
When we casualized the West, productivity dropped; when the East went formal, productivity grew and now dominates the global markets. It is not simply because one is not wearing a Ermenegildo Zegna or the like; it is a mindset...
Drop one standard and the rest follow.
Initiation into Manhood
Renowned clinical psychologist, Dr. Jordan Peterson, builds the case on why men should dress formally and how the psychological concept of “enclothed cognition” is connected to manhood and self-development.
Dr. Peterson has often emphasized the significance of dressing formally as a means of self-expression and personal empowerment.
When he embarked on his first world tour he invested in a tailored suit. Despite initially feeling guilty about the extravagance, Dr. Peterson said he was committed to looking sharp and professional for the 100,000 people that he hoped to reach.
“When I embarked on this tour in 2018, I was determined to give it my all. I invested in expensive suits, spending more money than I ever thought I would on clothes,” recalled Dr. Peterson to conservative commentator Patrick Bet-Davis on the popular youtube channel, PBD Entertainment.
As a result of his dedication to dressing well, he added, “ I have noticed a trend among young men attending the lectures, they show up in three-piece suits, looking as if they are attending a wedding... Almost everyone is dressing up for the occasion.”
And rightly so...
This shift in attire raises the question of why people are dressing up in a society that often promotes a casual approach to clothing. Our culture tends to glorify teenage life, portraying it as the peak of existence.
This emphasis on youthfulness often leads to adults dressing in a way that resembles oversized children, explained Dr. Peterson, the author of bestselling book, 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos.
Dr. Peterson said it is refreshing to see a resurgence of interest in dressing up, as it adds a sense of elegance and maturity to our culture.
Casual Is A Rejection Of Tradition
In contemporary times, we see figures like Mark Zuckerberg opting for casual attire, such as a t-shirt, even when delivering speeches at prestigious events like TED Talks.
The decline in the importance of dressing formally can be traced back to the 1960s.
This evolution in fashion can be attributed to various factors, including the natural ebb and flow of trends and the influence of culture. In the past decades, there was a trend toward rejecting tradition and embracing a more rebellious and individualistic approach to fashion.
As a result, Western countries have become more casual over the years and this was escalated over the 2021-22 stay-at-home orders during the mismanaged Covid-19 global lockdown, where leisure wear became the new norm via zoom meetings. It's no surprise that government officials are now struggling to get the beauracratic class off the lounge and back to work in a formal environment, as we have just seen in Australia.
Elon Musk also ordered his workers back to SpaceX post-pandemic.
Enter Enclothed Cognition
Enclothed cognition isn't just a trendy buzzword; its roots delve deep into psychology and sociology. The concept gained traction through research that explored the symbolic meaning of clothing and how it can alter our cognitive processes and behavior.
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology introduced the concept of “enclothed cognition.”
The study assessed how our psychological state is influenced by what we wear. The experience evaluated whether the lab coat would increase attention-related tasks.
Out of one of the three tasks experienced, the attention when wearing a lab coat did increase, and interestingly it sustained when the occupation was identified as a doctor, compared to a painter.
Hence clothing affecting our mental state is supported by scientific findings.
Studies have shown that wearing a blazer can influence how others perceive your authority and competence. The structured and tailored look of a blazer commands attention and signals that you mean business. This can lead to others viewing you as more credible and capable, especially in professional or leadership roles where confidence and authority are key.
Formal attire isn't just about looking polished — it can also transform your behavior. From increased professionalism to a heightened sense of authority, dressing formally can trigger a shift in how you carry yourself and interact with others.
Casual To Competent
Embrace formal attire as a tool for self-improvement and the want of personal development. Experiment with different styles and see how dressing well can positively impact your life.
By embracing the notion that clothing can serve as a tool for personal growth and empowerment, men can unlock a newfound sense of confidence and authenticity in various facets of their lives.
Absorbing Dr. Peterson's teachings, embrace the transformative potential of formal dress as a means to cultivate a stronger sense of self and navigate the complexities of modern masculinity with grace and conviction.
Incorporating formal clothing into your daily routine doesn't have to be complicated.
Keep a few key formal pieces in your wardrobe that you can mix and match with more casual items. This way, you can easily elevate your look for important meetings or events without having to overhaul your entire wardrobe.
When selecting formal attire, opt for well-fitted pieces that make you feel confident and empowered. Classic staples like a crisp white shirt, a tailored blazer, and a pair of polished shoes can go a long way in creating a professional look that exudes competence and a maturing in masculinity.
“Better to be over-dressed, than under-attired.”