Why refreshing your wardrobe can actually be good for your health, according to psychologists

It’s easy to feel good when you slip into a pair of jeans that fit just right, and there’s now research to support the idea that looking good also makes you feel good.

New research published in the Journal of Macromarketing has found a significant link between the clothes you like and higher levels of well-being. Additionally, researchers found that dressing right can have a trickle-down effect that also supports your social health.

“What started as a shared frustration – ‘Nothing fits like it used to and nothing feels right for my age’ – led us to the question: ‘Is there real psychological damage here?'” says Jekaterina Rogaten.

Here’s what their research found and why it matters.

Meet the experts: Hillary Ammon, PsyD, clinical psychologist at the Center for Anxiety & Women’s Emotional Wellness; Jekaterina Rogaten, PhD, lead author of the study and lecturer in fashion psychology at the London College of Fashion; and Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor of psychology at NYU Langone Health

What did the study find?

For the study, researchers surveyed 252 women aged between 38 and 67 who lived in the UK. The women were asked to answer a mix of questions from standardized psychological questionnaires and an open-ended question.

Researchers asked participants how easily they could find brands that they felt matched their style, and also asked them about their overall mental well-being and the fears they had about their appearance and getting older. Participants were also asked to describe their shopping challenges in a written response.

After analyzing the data, researchers found that women were more likely to report better overall well-being when they were satisfied with their clothing choices. Participants who were satisfied with their clothing were also more likely to say they were optimistic about the future.

They also found that women who found outfits that fit them well and were age-appropriate were also less likely to forgo social interactions – which boosted their mood.

“Clothing is not vanity,” says Rogaten. “They are a tool for belonging, expressing yourself and staying connected to the world.”

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How does this apply to health?

A lot is happening here. “When women feel comfortable with the way they look, they may feel more confident in social settings and feel more confident overall,” says Hillary Ammon. Middle age can be a particularly vulnerable time because women may struggle with a range of challenges that impact their body image — persistent weight gain from previous pregnancies, changes in metabolism due to perimenopause, and limited time for exercise, says Ammon.

Thea Gallagher agrees. “For many middle-aged women, finding well-fitting clothes becomes more difficult at the very time when their bodies, roles and self-confidence may already be changing, so these experiences can be emotionally distressing rather than just uncomfortable,” she says.

When women go through these changes in their bodies, they may not know how to dress in a way that still works for them, says Ammon. “No matter your current shape or size, finding clothes that fit your body well and feel stylish can boost confidence when wearing them,” she says.

Why style is your social anchor

Fashion can also promote a woman’s social identity, Rogaten adds. “Clothing is one of the most visible signals of group membership,” she says. “When middle-aged women cannot find fashion that reflects their professional and social roles, they feel left out, which is directly damaging to their well-being.”

But the social avoidance part is particularly worrisome, says Rogaten. “Women who are dissatisfied with fashion options avoid social situations – work events, meetings with friends and other social gatherings – because they don’t feel comfortable in their clothes,” she says. “This withdrawal fuels loneliness and reduces well-being.” (Loneliness and social isolation are linked to a higher risk of developing a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and dementia.)

“As we get older, social engagement depends heavily on mental and physical health,” emphasizes Gallagher. “When women feel uncomfortable in their clothes, are unnoticed by the fashion industry, or are frustrated with size and fit, this can contribute in subtle ways [social] Withdrawal, lower self-confidence and reduced participation in social life over time.”

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The snack bar

Rogaten says the study reinforces that it’s okay to prioritize yourself. “Don’t feel guilty about worrying about what you wear. Fashion isn’t superficial,” she says. “Our research shows that satisfaction with your clothing choices has a direct impact on your well-being, and it’s not because you’re vain, it’s because clothes help you perform, fit in and give you a sense of self-confidence.”

Ammon says you should feel more comfortable refreshing your wardrobe if you have the budget for it. “Consider whether you need a closet refresh—even if it’s just a new pair of jeans or a basic outfit or two,” she says.

But again, it’s important to look at clothing as more than something you put on your body. “It’s not vanity,” says Rogaten. “It’s about removing a barrier to connection. And connection is the foundation of well-being.”

This article by Korin Miller was originally published on Women’s Health US.