What Boosts Self-Confidence

Some will certainly claim that self-confidence is built by inner conviction and positive thinking. That is largely true, as we know well - all problems, complexes, and prejudices exist only in our heads. Others again associate self-confidence with prosperity, financial security, or wealth. But one recent study from the University of Hertfordshire (England) shows that clothing and overall appearance can also significantly boost self-confidence.

Clean, quality, fashionable clothing increases self-confidence, while worn-out, dirty, or poor-quality clothing conversely nudges a person to disappear from others' sight, shrink into a corner, make themselves smaller and less noticeable. A popular saying comes to mind: The harder things are going for you, the better you should dress! So a good visual appearance can help resolve a difficult situation or attract the necessary resources.

People's behaviour is also involuntarily influenced by symbols and iconic images on clothing. During an experiment, volunteers were asked to put on a Superman T-shirt and carry out various tests. It turned out that people in a Superman T-shirt begin to think and behave as if they were stronger and more capable than when they performed the tasks in their everyday clothing.

The study also concluded that women who are overwhelmed by stress ignore around 90% of their wardrobe. They choose only the few items of clothing in which they feel 100% comfortable, or in which they have previously experienced success wearing that particular dress or suit.

However, it is not only clothing that can improve a woman's mood and self-confidence - a new hairstyle, high-heeled shoes, bright lipstick, a beautiful tan, and a favourite perfume can all do the same. Men, meanwhile, have their self-confidence boosted by a sunny day, a shave, clean teeth, a good aftershave lotion, a compliment, sleeping on freshly washed snow-white sheets, and a woman's agreement to meet.

The conclusion is simple - if nothing else works, self-confidence can be raised by purely visual means: changing or improving your outward appearance - wearing quality clothing, sorting out your hair, your nails, and wearing your favourite perfume.