Impression Formation: Body Type and Clothing
Andrea Schenkoske, Heather Klein, Lindsey Freeman & Regan A.R. Gurung
University of Wisconsin Green Bay
Does wearing tighter/looser (red/blue) clothes change
the way others perceive smaller women?
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ABSTRACT
This study we tested how clothing fit and body type change people’s
perceptions. Participants looked at pictures of models and rated them
on a variety of factors (e.g., attractiveness). Results showed that
perceptions varied by clothing fit and body size. We found evidence
of size stereotyping that was somewhat offset by clothing fit.
RESULTS & DISCUSSION
Are larger women (blue) in tight clothes perceived
differently than smaller women (red) in tight clothes?
Paired sample t-tests showed significant differences
between groups. As seen in the adjoining figures, there
were significant differences in perceptions based on
clothing fit and size of models.
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INTRODUCTION
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Social perceptions play a large role in everyday life. We
speculate about people’s personalities simply based on what
they look like. We make judgments of others quickly and
unconsciously. We form a variety of impressions from nonverbal cues such as weight, height, hairstyle, and dress (Eagly
et al., 1991). The way we look is the first aspect of ourselves
that others see. It seems only natural that we form judgments
based on these seemingly superficial qualities. Clothing can be
a very important part of who we are. Many of us wear specific
clothes in order to express our individuality, or to highlight our
better features while concealing others. We also have many
stereotypes and schemas that drive perceptions. Many
individuals believe larger individuals have significantly different
personalities that smaller individuals. Can these stereotypes be
influenced by the fit of clothing?
Health Attractive Flirtatious Nurturing Esteem Social Sexual Trust Cheat Intimate Approach
Are smaller women in tight clothes perceived the same
Both body size and the fit of our clothing indeed change
what others think of us. Smaller women were viewed
more positively in tight clothing verses loose, except on
the categories of nurturing and trust. Similarly, larger
women were viewed more negatively in tight clothes than
smaller women in every category. When we compared
larger women in loose clothes and smaller women in tight
clothes, we still saw the same pattern of differences.
Smaller women, regardless of what they are wearing, are
viewed in a better light than larger women.
Our results suggest a “obese stereotype” still exists in our
society counter to resent research suggests Americans
are more accepting of the obese. The media constantly
reminds us that thin is better with advertisements featuring
rail thin models and the newest and best diet pills. We are
bombarded with new fashion designs suggesting what we
should look like in order to be considered popular or
stylish.
as larger women in loose clothes?
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METHOD
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This study had 4 conditions and used a 2 Tight/Loose clothing by 2
Low(20-22)/High(30-32) BMI within subjects design. Participants
rated pictures of four women on the attributes of health,
attractiveness, intelligence, youthfulness, trustworthiness,
fecundity, flirtatiousness, ability to nurture, self-esteem, sociability,
sexual experience, quality of intimate relationships, likelihood to
cheat, and frequency of romantic proposals. Targets were dressed
as shown in the pictures above.
How can we adjust our perceptions of others? Simply by
being aware of our habits when making social judgment
may help. We need to be able to think critically when
encountering others and not give in to automatic thought
processes.