Insecure People Often Wear 11 Things Hoping No One Will Look At Them
Alliance Images | Shutterstock For people who struggle with self-esteem, especially insecurities about their body, getting dressed can feel like one of the most difficult parts of the day. In fact, what they choose to wear can reveal more than how they act when it comes to how they feel about themselves.
For outsiders looking in, there are certain ways to spot an insecure person by the way they dress, according to psychology. People often express their insecurities with the way they dress, whether it's intentional or not. Their clothing choices reflect deeper psychological needs to avoid standing out or to conceal their true self.
Things insecure people choose to wear in the hopes people won't actually notice them:
1. Oversized clothing
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People who are insecure often want to hide their bodies from the rest of the world. They may do this by wearing clothes much larger than their actual size. Wearing oversized clothes helps them avoid drawing attention to themselves and to specific areas of their body they feel particularly self-conscious about.
Psychotherapist Deborah Klinger revealed that people who struggle with insecurity often express it through their clothing choices.
"Body-shame is commonly focused on specific regions of the body. I've had people tell me, 'I don't show my legs,' or 'Nobody sees my arms.' Clothing choices aren't based on physical comfort but, rather, psychological comfort: the comfort that comes from knowing their legs or arms or stomach are covered, even if it means wearing jeans in 95°F weather."
2. Dark or muted colors
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The color of our clothing often has different connotations that affect how we view ourselves and how we are perceived by others. Those who are insecure often wear dull or muted colors such as gray, black, or navy since these colors are less attention-grabbing, allowing them to blend in and appear invisible to everyone else.
According to World Fashion Channel, the color gray, specifically, is often viewed as a "depressive color," and those who wear gray want to avoid attention. For them, the dull color shields them from "public censure" and gives them a sense of peace and security.
3. Timeless clothing styles
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One way to spot an insecure person by the way they dress is to notice whether they avoid wearing currently trendy clothing. Insecure people may shy away from bold fashion choices and styles most people will recognize. They stick to timeless pieces that don't stand out.
When an accessory or a certain clothing item becomes trendy, people often feel pressure to pull it off. But insecure people fear their attempt will fail miserably and that others will ridicule them.
Research from Behavioral Sciences shows that individuals with low self-esteem and insecurities tend to have a heightened fear of social evaluation and criticism, which often leads them to avoid current trends in order to prevent judgment if they feel unable to pull them off as effortlessly as their peers.
4. Lots of accessories
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Over-accessorizing can be a sign of deep insecurity. While we may assume they feel confident in their own skin and aren't afraid to experiment with hats and lots of shiny jewelry, this fashion choice may be a way to divert attention from perceived flaws.
Jessica A. Boyce, a psychology researcher at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, revealed that accessories are a popular way to enhance attractiveness without drawing attention to a person's figure, as clothing trends do. Insecure people use over-accessorizing to mask their true identity, with women, in particular, relying heavily on accessories to conceal their flaws.
5. Modest styles
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To avoid judgment of their bodies, insecure people may opt to wear modest and conservative clothing choices that cover nearly every inch of their body. Turtlenecks or dresses that go down to their ankles offer them a sense of protection.
When women wear modest clothing, many of us may assume it's to avoid unwanted male attention. However, research says that it's also to avoid being scrutinized by fellow women who make them feel insecure.
Jaimie Arona Krema, an assistant professor of psychology at Oklahoma State University, shared her findings in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science. A cohort of 584 women were asked to assess which kinds of outfits they would choose to wear to different kinds of social gatherings.
Researchers determined that most women chose more modest outfits when they had to attend all-women gatherings as compared to those attended by both men and women. This is because women are more likely to prey on each other's insecurities. A conservative outfit won't leave them with much to pick apart.
6. Clothing that features logos or brand names
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People who are financially insecure may wear expensive or branded clothing to signal to others that they belong to a certain social group. They may want others to think that they are financially wealthy enough to afford Gucci and Prada, even if they are on the brink of bankruptcy. It paints a false picture of stability and the hope that external credibility will validate them.
Cognitive-behavioral therapist Mandy Kloppers believes that wearing designer clothing is a sign of deep insecurity.
"Many, many times, I have met wealthy, successful people, and they have arrived in old, well-worn clothing. This is a sign of someone who is comfortable with themselves and who does not need to impress others. They feel good enough as they are — designer clothing or not. That's true self-esteem, something we should all strive for," Kloppers said. "My theory is that, the more designer clothes you buy and wear, the more insecure you are."
7. Repeat outfits
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If you notice someone repeating their outfits, it's one way to spot an insecure person through the way they dress. Repetitiveness can feel safe for insecure people. Wearing a style they are comfortable and familiar with means they avoid the risk of trying something new and failing to pull it off.
Your bestie who wears the same Under Armour pink sweatshirt every time you're together may not just be wearing it for optimal physical comfort. Instead, people who wear the same outfit over and over again reduce the anxiety of making daily fashion choices and potentially being judged. For insecure people, familiarity often equals safety.
8. Comfortable and casual clothes
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Comfortable clothing, such as sweatpants and oversized T-shirts, isn't just warm and fuzzy. They could be an indication of a desire to remain as unnoticed as possible.
People who wear outfits with a lot of bling and bright colors often grab others' attention first. A baggy sweatshirt and dull colored sweatpants, on the other hand, are more likely to be unnoticeable.
For insecure individuals, wearing comfortable clothes may offer them safety and relief. Rather than feeling self-conscious in clothing that's heavy, hot, or simply not flattering, they choose comfortable attire for every occasion.
9. Clothing that hides skin
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A survey conducted by Mederma found that three in five respondents experienced insecurity surrounding their skin. Skin remains a body part people are often self-conscious about, whether because of skin color or issues that affect self-esteem.
Some opt to avoid showing any of it in their fashion choices. People who are especially insecure about their bodies may avoid tank tops, shorts, shirts, or sleeveless tops that expose any part of their skin, choosing instead to wear long-sleeved tops, turtlenecks, and pants.
10. Clothes that hide imperfections
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While high-waisted pants and long, flowing tops may seem like a bold fashion choice that people are comfortable in, some wear them because of insecurities about their imperfections.
High-waisted pants help elongate the legs and define the waist, drawing attention away from the stomach area for people who are self-conscious about these areas. Long or loose tops can cover the hips and draw attention away from those areas, since the fabric drapes over the body without clinging.
These choices allow people who are insecure about their imperfections to feel more comfortable and confident about their appearance.
11. Layered outfits
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Layers act as a physical barrier between insecure people and the rest of the world. They give them comfort and security, and they may feel less exposed and vulnerable as long as multiple layers of clothing conceal their perceived imperfections.
Layers also put insecure people in a position where they can avoid potential judgment from others and manage both the perception of their body and the anxiety that often accompanies those insecurities.
Megan Quinn is a writer with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in Creative Writing. She covers news and lifestyle topics that focus on justice in the workplace, personal relationships, parenting debates, and the human experience.
