Fashion Meets Neuroscience: The Science Behind Dopamine Dressing and the Mood-Boosting Benefits
Dopamine dressing is a term used to describe the practice of using clothing as a tool to boost our mood and improve our cognitive abilities.
The concept is based on the idea that certain colours, textures, and styles of clothing can activate the release of dopamine in the brain, which is a chemical associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation.
It’s all about wearing things that make you feel good. For some people, that’s a certain colour, or silhouette, or for others a nice texture or pattern. dressing in a way that triggers the release of dopamine, we can improve our mental and emotional states, and ultimately achieve our goals.
The science behind Dopamine Dressing
The science behind dopamine dressing is rooted in the understanding of how our brains respond to visual cues, particularly colour and pattern. Research for colour therapy has shown that certain colours and patterns can activate the release of dopamine in the brain, which is a chemical associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation.
Some colour therapy examples include:
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that the colour red can increase feelings of excitement and energy, which can lead to an increase in dopamine levels in the brain.
A study published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that the colour blue can have a calming effect and decrease feelings of anxiety and stress, which can lead to a decrease in dopamine levels in the brain.
In addition to colour, the way an outfit is put together also plays a role in activating the release of dopamine. Research shows that people respond positively to certain patterns and textures in clothing, for example, the feeling of softness or the sight of geometric patterns, which can also activate the release of dopamine.
Dopamine dressing can also create a positive positive feedback loop. If you’re feeling fab and confident in your cute purple top and you receive compliments from others while wearing it, your dopamine response can signal to you unconsciously that good things happen when you wear purple. Because we’re receiving a positive experience from wearing it, this will also boost our Dopamine.
How we can use Dopamine Dressing in our mindfulness and embodiment practices
Dopamine dressing can be used as a tool to help us improve our mental and emotional well-being, and become more in tune with our bodies and minds.
Dopamine dressing can be used as a mindfulness tool, to ensure we’re consciously aware of the clothes we are picking and wearing, and how they make us feel. By being more mindful of the correlation between our moods and what we’re wearing, this can be a great regulation tool to improve our mental and emotional states.
Normally Dopamine Dressing is show on social media as people wearing bold colours or patterns, but the key to Dopamine Dressing is to wear items that make you feel amazing.
Via the ABC, Ailsa Weaver, an academic and doctoral researcher at the UTS School of Design, says:
"Prints and colour trigger visual responses, but if that print is on fabric that itches you, you're not going to enjoy wearing it, are you?… We need to feel comfortable and confident in the clothes we wear, as well as good about the way they look."
Personally, for me, there’s nothing that makes me feel more confident and powerful than a full black outfit!
If you’re unsure, start by identifying the colours and patterns that make you feel good. These could be colours that make you feel energised, calm or confident.
This is also about experimenting, so try out different patterns and textures to see how they make you feel.
With this awareness, you can then…
Use dopamine dressing to improve or regulate your mood. For example, if you're feeling down, try dressing in colours and patterns that you know will make you feel better.
Use dopamine dressing to boost your confidence. When you look good, you feel good. Choosing clothes that make you feel confident and good about yourself can help to improve your self-esteem, which can lead to an increase in dopamine and other feel-good chemicals in the brain.
Use dopamine dressing as a tool for self-expression. Clothes can be used as a way to communicate who you are and what you stand for. Experiment with different styles and outfits that reflect your personality and values.
Use dopamine dressing as a mindfulness practice. When getting dressed in the morning, take the opportunity to use getting dressed as a mini check-in. Take a moment to pay attention to how you feel, and how the clothes you choose make you feel.
Use dopamine dressing as embodiment practice. Pay attention to how different clothes affect your posture and movement.
Explore the Embodied Goal Setting Notion Dashboard and Planner
An everlasting dashboard and planner that will help you to tap into your vision and values, gain clarity for your goals and be your biggest cheerleader in creating aligned action.