The impact of workplace attire on employee self‐perceptions

Abstract

Abstract This study examined employee preferences for different styles of workplace attire and how wearing various styles of clothing affected their self‐perceptions. Respondents felt most authoritative, trustworthy, and competent when wearing formal business attire but friendliest when wearing casual or business casual attire. Significant two‐way interactions were found between dress preference and mode of dress worn on self‐perceptions of productivity, trustworthiness, creativity, and friendliness. Suggestions for future research and implications for HRD professionals are proposed.