Sartorial discomfort can be more than simply a physical discomfort, where badly fitting clothes dig into you in the places where they shouldn’t, and you just don’t feel like yourself. This can happen when you least expect it. Maybe you’ve put on a bit of weight, or lost it. Maybe the item of clothing has shrunk a bit in the wash.
This can have a significant impact on the way you feel on a day to day basis, and when you have to go into the workplace and perform your duties to the high standards you, and others, expect of you, then it’s important to understand how to overcome the discomfort, when you don’t have access to new clothes, or somewhere to get changed. When even slipping on the favourite men’s silver bracelet has no effect,
Five additional benefits of feeling good in your clothes
Feeling good is more powerful than looking good. Here are some ways in which that feeling can affect you on a day to day basis.
- It boosts your confidence. When you look good, you tend to feel more confident, enjoying a sense of assurance and self-assuredness that helps you to power through your day. When you know you’re presenting yourself well, you’re more likely to feel capable and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
- A positive self image indicates that you value yourself, and your wellbeing. It demonstrates to those around you that you are in control and capable of tackling any issue head on. Having that inner sense of self worth is contagious, infusing your team with a similar sense of energy and motivation.
- You portray that image of professionalism that inspires reassurance and confidence. In a work setting this cannot be emphasised enough – particularly if you are working on some major multi million projects.
You don’t have to be suited and booted – if you’re on a construction site then you need to reflect the demands of your surroundings. But ultimately good grooming and style can enhance your professional image.
- Looking good often leads to compliments and positive feedback from others. These compliments can further boost your mood and self-esteem, creating a positive feedback loop. When others recognize and appreciate your efforts to look your best, it reinforces your own belief in yourself.
- Feeling good can give you an enhanced sense of control over the course of your day. While you may not have control over every aspect of your day, you can control how you present yourself to the world. This sense of control can translate into feelings of empowerment and higher self-esteem.
How to get back that feeling of confidence with your wardrobe
First and foremost it is important to acknowledge that you, your body, and your wardrobe will change and evolve as you grow older. During your youth, feeling good in certain clothes seemed so much easier. You were probably skinnier, had more disposable cash to spend on new items, enjoyed the feeling of growing into your role.
Then life has a habit of taking over. Perhaps your life has become more sedentary. Family life absorbs more of your time, so you have less time to work out. As you work your way up the career ladder you probably get more stressed, which in itself tends to lead to weight gain.
Getting back those old feelings of confidence and self worth requires you to balance letting go of the old feelings and accepting and welcoming in the new you. As you tentatively start to enjoy the new you, you’ll find it easier and more rewarding to start to work on yourself physically again, rebooking going to the gym, eating more healthy.