Dress like them people feel connected and at home when they see someone who looks like them. A study looked at over 130 personality traits in millions of couples. It found little proof that opposites attract, beyond dressing alike.
A recent study in Evolution and Human Behavior found that people are drawn to those who look like them.
Seeing someone who looks like you can create a feeling of kinship. This brings a sense of comfort and belonging. The law of attraction says people are drawn to those who wear similar clothes. The clothes you wear impact your energy and how others perceive you. People like being around others who think like them. This is why well-dressed people often connect with each other. People who don’t dress well often like others with the same style.
Implications for Dating Prospects
In this context, a not-so-recent phenomenon is expected to persist in 2025 and beyond. Men wear flashy clothes to grab women’s attention. This helps them stand out from the tough competition. Peacocking is common among men. It often connects to how attractive women seem. Men choose attractive women to whom they will display their most desirable traits.
This behavior goes beyond clothing. Men may act extra friendly or helpful. They might also try hard to make the woman laugh. Might flaunt affluence by wearing designer clothes or driving a flashy car. They could also dominate the conversation in an attempt to showcase their intelligence. The list goes on. But this behavior still depends on whether the woman is his type.
How and Why Men Flaunt Desirable Assets
Men do this by crafting their social media profiles and dressing nicely for dates. Being presentable is key for a good first impression on a date, according to 69% of singles. For 94% of women, dressing nicely on a first date is essential. While most people will make an effort, men who are keen to impress will go the extra mile.
As of October 2024, there were 5.22 billion social media users globally—equal to 63% of the world’s population. That’s a lot of competition. A man’s social media profile often shows peacocking. You can spot it in bragging posts and chosen profile photos taken from good angles. If women make up the majority of his network, he is even more likely to flaunt.
Attraction Beyond Clothes
It’s a myth that opposites attract. A 2023 study that analyzed over 130 traits found little evidence to support this idea. Partners were similar in 82%–89% of traits. Researchers used 95% confidence intervals. This tool shows a 95% level of certainty.
Partners were most similar in demographic traits. With a convergence score of 1 indicating 100% similarity, the year of birth had a score of 0.9. Political and religious views, along with financial satisfaction, showed a strong correlation.
FAQ
What are other, less obvious signs of peacocking?
Men often adjust their posture when they see an attractive woman nearby. But really, they should be aware of their posture at all times. Over 16 million Americans have chronic back pain. This leads to around 83 million lost workdays.
You may have noticed attractive women working at shops and charity stalls. Men often buy things they don’t need or donate to unknown causes when a woman seems to need their help.” This is sometimes called the “knight in shining armour” syndrome.
How do clothes impact success?
If you’re trying to get motivated to exercise, put on your workout gear. It signals to your brain, “You’re ready—let’s go.” Wearing a nice dress or a sharp suit signals to your brain that you’re ready for success, no matter the situation.