A dear friend recently drew my attention to an idea that stayed with me: the clothes we wear do more than define how others see us, they shape how we see ourselves. This led me to revisit a fascinating psychological concept: Enclothed cognition.
Coined by researchers Adam Galinsky and Hajo Adam in 2012, the term refers to the impact that clothing has on mental processes. Their experiment showed that participants who wore a white lab coat, described as a doctor’s coat, performed better in attention-based tasks than those who wore no coat or thought it belonged to a painter. The symbolic meaning attached to the garment influenced focus and confidence.
This theory resonates deeply in everyday life. A student in uniform may feel more disciplined, a teacher in formal dress more authoritative, and a job-seeker in well-selected clothing more confident. In professions like law, medicine or academia, attire often acts as a cue, not just to others, but to the self.
In countries like Pakistan, where dress carries cultural, religious and socioeconomic significance, Enclothed cognition takes on even more meaning. A simple, clean outfit can uplift self-esteem, while a professional dress code can signal readiness and responsibility.
However, the theory is not without its limits. While clothing can influence mindset, it cannot substitute effort, knowledge or creativity. We must be cautious not to reduce human potential to appearances. Not everyone can afford “appropriate” attire and no one should be judged solely by it. Overemphasis on clothing risks reinforcing class bias and ignoring deeper qualities like intelligence, empathy and integrity.
Clothes may shape our posture, mood and focus but real transformation begins within. Enclothed cognition reminds us that while dressing well may help us act the part, it is still our actions, intentions and ideas that define who we truly are. A lab coat may prompt precision, and a suit may invite confidence, but no garment can replace sincerity, empathy or intellect. Dressing thoughtfully can complement character but not compensate for its absence.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
