How Your Clothes Affect Your Mood: Dressing for Calm and Comfort
What we wear doesn’t just reflect how we feel—it also influences it. The texture, fit, color, and even the scent of our clothing all send signals to our body and brain, subtly shaping our emotional state. At RSTWL, where we design restwear for total comfort and peace of mind, we believe that dressing for calm isn’t just a luxury—it’s a form of self-care.
RSTWL
5/14/20252 min read
🧠 The Psychology of Clothing: It's Called Enclothed Cognition
The idea that clothing affects mental states is supported by the concept of enclothed cognition—a term coined by researchers Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky in a 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. They found that what you wear can directly influence your cognitive performance and emotional experience, depending on the symbolic meaning and physical comfort of the clothing.
In simple terms: if your clothes represent calm and feel good on your body, they can help your mind feel calmer, too.
👕 Comfort = Calm
Physiologically, wearing tight, itchy, or synthetic fabrics can create mild stress responses in the body—rising cortisol, increased heart rate, and muscle tension. On the other hand, soft, breathable, and ergonomically-designed clothing helps the nervous system relax.
At RSTWL, we use Modal Blended with Cotton, a masterpiece from Tencel combined with premium cotton producing a material that’s light, breathable, and incredibly soft. Combined with precision cuts and thoughtful design, every piece is made to move with your body—not against it. This kind of clothing reduces friction (literally and emotionally) and makes space for stillness.
🎨 Color and Mood
Even the color of your clothing can influence your mood. Studies in color psychology show that neutral tones—like soft grays, light blues, and earthy beiges—can have calming effects. These hues are often associated with stability, safety, and serenity. That’s why our restwear palettes are carefully selected to support your emotional balance.
🛌 Dressing for the Mind You Want
What if you treated getting dressed like setting an intention? Just as you light a candle or play soft music to unwind, choosing clothing designed for calm can be a cue to your body: “It’s time to rest.”
Whether you're working from home, journaling, stretching, or preparing for sleep, what you wear matters. You’re not just dressing your body—you’re dressing your state of mind.
✨ Choose Clothing That Cares for You
At RSTWL, our mission is to design garments that feel like rest. Every fiber, every seam, and every detail exists to support your well-being. Because comfort isn’t superficial—it’s essential.
Dress for calm. Dress with intention.
Make your rest.