Let’s face it – the past two and a half years have been rough on everyone, and we’re all looking for happiness wherever we can find it. How we dress is no exception.
Many people are choosing to wrap themselves in Instagram-worthy cheer with “dopamine dressing” – using bright colors and fun accessories to elevate their mood. A report by Pinterest shows a recent spike in searches for terms like “fuschia dress” and “electric blue outfit.”
@emilydoesfashion This was my successful @ZARA haul ever #size10 #dopaminesdressing #springtrends #fashiontiktok #zarahaul #fyp #fypシ ♬ Darling – Trees and Lucy
So what is dopamine dressing? Coined by fashion psychologist Dr. Dawnn Karen, dopamine dressing means wearing colors, styles and pieces that make you feel happy. In short, it’s an invitation to ditch the dark, dull colors (unless those make you feel confident and powerful) and “use clothing to meet our emotional needs” – or “harnessing the power of clothes” as Dr. Karen puts it.
“I’m always pushing the merchandising team to bring in more color, because that’s what our customers are wearing,” says Andi Goeing, content strategy specialist with Illinois-based supplier S&S Activewear. “It’s a different space now than it used to be. It’s not just about neutrals, and our customers are looking for the bright colors.”
The combination of color theory, nostalgia, style and other emotional factors means this trend can be very personal. Studies indeed show that a bright color can brighten your mood, but the same color can bring out different emotions for different people.
“Look good, feel good,” has been a fashion mantra since forever, and branded apparel should make your employees and customers look and feel good. Context is critical, so be sure to ask clients and end users what colors, shapes and textures make them feel happy and confident to help find the color palettes and styles that will help them look and feel their best.
Here are a few brandable wardrobe staples available in bright, mood-elevating colors:
The racerback Adrienne Tank checks two dopamine boxes with its fun ribbed texture and bright color options. The cotton-spandex fabric is breathable for workouts with a bit of stretch for added comfort. Available in seven colors including orchid (shown), red and purple and sizes XXS-2X.
Boxercraft / PPAI 159420, S5 / www.boxercraft.com
Although hoodies are still king, says Goeing, crewneck sweatshirts are gaining in popularity. She recommends the Independent Trading Co. Unisex Midweight Pigment-Dyed Crewneck Sweatshirt, available in 17 colors, including warm hues like yellow and amber (shown), and sizes XS-3X.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12 / www.ssactivewear.com
This USA-made Unisex Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie, spun from a plush poly-cotton blend, features a relaxed fit, full zip closure, kangaroo pockets, white drawstrings and ribbed cuffs and waistband. Available in a mix of 46 solid, colorblocked, digital fleece, marble fleece and neon colors, including neon yellow (shown) and sizes XS-5X.
BELLA+CANVAS / PPAI 304892, S6 / www.bellacanvas.com
The Comfort Colors Ladies’ Midweight V-Neck Tee comes in 11 colors (shown in flo blue) and sizes S-2X. Made of 100% combed ring-spun USA-grown cotton, this semi-fitted cap-sleeve tee is pre-shrunk during the garment dye and wash processes for almost no shrinkage at home.
Gildan Activewear / PPAI 250187, S13 / www.mygildan.com
The crewneck Unisex Poly-Cotton Short Sleeve Tee, made in the USA with sustainable manufacturing practices, comes in 39 fabrications and colors, including solid, marble, speckled, acid wash, slub, mineral wash and four neon colors – pink, yellow, blue and green (shown). Sizes XS-5X.
BELLA+CANVAS / PPAI 304892, S6 / www.bellacanvas.com
Glitter and glam also fuel the dopamine dressing rush and feed Y2K nostalgia for bling. Embellish your garments with custom logos and decoration in crystals, glitter or foil for added sparkle, like this eye-catching Glitter Heat Transfer, available in 14 colors with a minimum order of 12.
Foxyware/Vegas Golf / PPAI 368029, S1 / www.promoplace.com/vegasgolffoxyware
Top it off with a dopamine-inducing lid like the Sportsman Tie-Dyed Bucket Cap. Bucket hats and tie-dye are everywhere, says Goeing, so this hat has been very popular. Made of 100% cotton, the one-size hat comes in five color combos, including raspberry mist (shown).
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12 / www.ssactivewear.com
