Impression Formation: Body Type and Clothing ABSTRACT This study we tested how clothing fit and body type change people’s perceptions. Participants looked at pictures of models and rated them on a variety of factors (e.g., attractiveness). Results showed that perceptions varied by clothing fit and body size. We found evidence of size stereotyping that was somewhat offset by clothing fit. INTRODUCTION Social perceptions play a large role in everyday life. We speculate about people’s personalities simply based on what they look like. We make judgments of others quickly and unconsciously. We form a variety of impressions from non- verbal cues such as weight, height, hairstyle, and dress (Eagly et al., 1991). The way we look is the first aspect of ourselves that others see. It seems only natural that we form judgments based on these seemingly superficial qualities. Clothing can be a very important part of who we are. Many of us wear specific clothes in order to express our individuality, or to highlight our better features while concealing others. We also have many stereotypes and schemas that drive perceptions. Many individuals believe larger individuals have significantly different personalities that smaller individuals. Can these stereotypes be influenced by the fit of clothing? METHOD This study had 4 conditions and used a 2 Tight/Loose clothing by 2 Low(20-22)/High(30-32) BMI within subjects design. Participants rated pictures of four women on the attributes of health, attractiveness, intelligence, youthfulness, trustworthiness, fecundity, flirtatiousness, ability to nurture, self-esteem, sociability, sexual experience, quality of intimate relationships, likelihood to cheat, and frequency of romantic proposals. Targets were dressed as shown in the pictures above. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Andrea Schenkoske, Heather Klein, Lindsey Freeman & Regan A.R. Gurung University of Wisconsin Green Bay Does wearing tighter/looser (red/blue) clothes change the way others perceive smaller women? Are larger women (blue) in tight clothes perceived differently than smaller women (red) in tight clothes? Are smaller women in tight clothes perceived the same as larger women in loose clothes? Paired sample t-tests showed significant differences between groups. As seen in the adjoining figures, there were significant differences in perceptions based on clothing fit and size of models. Both body size and the fit of our clothing indeed change what others think of us. Smaller women were viewed more positively in tight clothing verses loose, except on the categories of nurturing and trust. Similarly, larger women were viewed more negatively in tight clothes than smaller women in every category. When we compared larger women in loose clothes and smaller women in tight clothes, we still saw the same pattern of differences. Smaller women, regardless of what they are wearing, are viewed in a better light than larger women. Our results suggest a “obese stereotype” still exists in our society counter to resent research suggests Americans are more accepting of the obese. The media constantly reminds us that thin is better with advertisements featuring rail thin models and the newest and best diet pills. We are bombarded with new fashion designs suggesting what we should look like in order to be considered popular or stylish. How can we adjust our perceptions of others? Simply by being aware of our habits when making social judgment may help. We need to be able to think critically when encountering others and not give in to automatic thought processes. Health Attractive Flirtatious Nurturing Esteem Social Sexual Trust Cheat Intimate Approach