In South Korea, the program titled “The Two Faces of Humanity,” aired by “EBS” in the past, conducted various psychological experiments and presented their results.
Among these experiments was one focusing on how a person’s clothing influences others’ perceptions. While individual differences exist, it can be said that in most cases, clothing has a significant impact. “EBS” conducted an experiment centered around clothing and perceived attractiveness.
“Casual Clothing vs. Formal Suit”
The broadcast involved the same man, who was dressed differently to measure perceived attractiveness by the opposite sex.
First, they observed reactions to the man dressed in casual clothing. Then, they observed reactions to the same man dressed in a formal suit.
“Casual Clothing”
When the man was seen in casual clothing, the average attractiveness rating given by women was 2 out of 10, and his estimated annual salary was about 30 million KRW (approx. 25,000 USD). Some even rated him below 2 points.
“Formal Suit”
When the same man was seen in a neat formal suit, the average attractiveness rating given by women was above 8 out of 10, and his estimated annual salary was about 73 million KRW (approx. 61,000 USD). Some women even gave him a perfect score of 10.
“Same Person, Different Attire, Different Reactions”
This experiment demonstrates that the reactions of people around a person can vary greatly depending on their attire. The program also showed scenes where experimenters asked participants what they prioritize when looking at the opposite sex. Most women responded that they value “personality over appearance.”
However, the actual experiment results suggest that “neat clothing” or more precisely, “expensive-looking clothing” elicited more positive reactions than personality did.
“Neatly Dressed Child vs. Shabbily Dressed Child”
Similar experiments have been conducted in various places and can now be easily found on YouTube. Overseas, several experiments related to this topic have also been conducted.
In one such experiment, the same child asked for help from people around them while dressed neatly and then again while dressed shabbily. The responses varied significantly. When dressed shabbily, the child often faced rejection, which reportedly led to a period of trauma for the child.
In conclusion, whether we realize it or not, we are influenced by the clothing of others. Before getting to know a person well, we inevitably rely on first impressions. This aspect of human nature is unlikely to change significantly, even as the world evolves. Therefore, to receive better treatment from others and to show that we are not a threat, it is important to always dress neatly.