Why Clothing Matters?

Clothing, often seen as a purely utilitarian or aesthetic part of life, is in fact deeply tied to how we move through the world—both physically and psychologically. Watching Alan Watts’ short but striking commentary on the subject reminded me that our choice of dress does more than simply cover us: it shapes our posture, our mood, and even our pace of living.

Watts’ reflections, in his signature blend of humor and insight, begin by observing the business suit—a globally adopted uniform rooted in military history. With its stiff collar, tight necktie, and restricting structure, the suit becomes not only a symbol of professionalism but also a form of subtle social control. As Watts puts it, it's a costume that demands a particular kind of behavior: upright, efficient, controlled. We rarely question this because, over time, we’ve come to associate such attire with responsibility and success.

But what is lost in this performance of social decorum?

Watts contrasts the Western suit with more flowing and natural garments—particularly the Japanese kimono. Unlike the suit, the kimono does not demand one to sit a certain way or act with artificial stiffness. It allows for presence, for stillness, for dignity without rigidity. This difference is more than cultural—it’s existential. It suggests that what we wear is not merely about appearance but about how we experience our bodies and, through them, our lives.

Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Valley Curtain, 1970-72

This led me to consider how often we dress for roles, rather than realities. We squeeze into clothes for the office, for social approval, for expectations—perhaps without asking whether those garments support or suppress our authentic expression. Watts’ point isn’t about fashion; it’s about awareness. He’s calling us to notice how the external informs the internal, how fabric can become a form of philosophy.

Clothing, in this light, becomes a quiet but constant meditation. What am I choosing to carry on my body today? What message does it send, and more importantly, how does it make me feel in my body? Does it invite freedom or obligation? Ease or anxiety?

As someone who has spent years navigating both formal and informal settings, I’ve come to recognize how much more grounded I feel when I wear clothing that aligns with how I actually want to live—not just how I want to be seen. Watts reminds us that the “real secret of life” is to be fully engaged in the here and now. Shouldn’t our clothing help us do exactly that?

A QUESTION FOR YOU:

The next time you get dressed, whether it’s for work, leisure, or celebration, ask yourself:
Does this outfit help me inhabit the present moment more freely, or is it a costume I’ve been conditioned to wear?

This short reflection was inspired by the video:
Alan Watts – The Importance of Clothing