Table of contents
- It’s not right, but it happens
- Expensive clothes are associated with competence
- Impressions are fast to form, difficult to change, and only 30% accurate
- Making the most of the tendency
- What this means for your dating confidence
It’s not right, but it happens
Dating app users spend about one-tenth of a second looking at someone’s profile, making the decision to swipe left or right in a fraction of a second. Constant swiping through dating apps increases one’s chances of matching, in turn boosting confidence and prolonging the time spent on the apps. Dragging your thumb from left to right or vice versa is incredibly easy and gives you what you think you need to know about a potential match at a glance. Each interaction is incredibly brief, so repeating the process over and over again is inevitable, which dating apps capitalize on.
Expensive clothes are associated with competence
A study published in Nature, an academic publication, revealed how cues as to economic status affect perception. In a series of studies, undergraduates and community members were shown photos of random people wearing expensive or cheap clothes and asked to assess their competence. In all studies, faces paired with expensive clothing were found to be more competent, although researchers warned participants to ignore clothes in their judgments.
When we swipe through apps, we don’t only judge how attractive someone is. We form personality judgments and judge their trustworthiness and even their health. Apparently, physical wellness and your love life are connected in a way you couldn’t have imagined before. These snap decisions are part of human nature, even if they’re not always fair.
First impressions are fast to form, difficult to change, and only 30% accurate
It takes a maximum of 30 seconds to form an opinion, and a survey revealed that 69% of US adults form an opinion of a person before they speak. About 33% form a judgment in under 10 seconds. Effective ways to make a good impression include a nice smile (51%) and appropriate attire (15%). Over a third (35%) believe it is hard to modify a judgment once it has been formed, and 54% think their first impressions are correct in most cases. 68% feel they are an excellent judge of character.
52% of those surveyed shared they were eager to make a positive first impression on dates, second only to a job interview in terms of settings (68%). The clothes are the first thing 17% notice, and 29% say wearing new clothes makes them feel more confident when meeting someone new.
Unfortunately, our impressions are only around 30% accurate despite what we think. These statistics may be worrying for dating app users for obvious reasons. First impressions can often be misleading, particularly when they’re based on surface-level indicators like clothing or appearance alone.
Making the most of the tendency
Yes, your photos matter a lot. When deciding what to wear in dating app pictures, consider what you would wear on a date. Choose an outfit that you would wear on an active date, a casual date at a café, or a Saturday night date.
Make sure your clothes are ironed, clean, and wrinkle-free. Avoid baggy or tight outfits, and consider your body type. In terms of colors, neutral ones like white, black, and gray tend to be universally flattering. A nice necklace or pair of earrings can add interest to your outfit, but don’t go overboard with jewelry. Patterns can be distracting.
Your outfit should be appropriate for the occasion. On that note, revealing outfits can leave the wrong impression. Presenting yourself in an authentic yet thoughtful way can help reduce the gap between initial perception and reality when you do meet someone in person.
What this means for your dating confidence
Understanding that people often judge based on clothing and appearance might seem frustrating, but it can be empowering too. By taking control of how you present yourself in photos, you’re taking an active role in shaping those quick judgments. While you can’t prevent someone from swiping left unfairly, you can increase the chances of meaningful matches by presenting the best and most genuine version of yourself.
This doesn’t mean you need to dress up or change who you are—just be intentional. If your go-to style is relaxed and casual, highlight that with a clean, well-fitting outfit in your favorite shades. If you’re the adventurous type, consider a photo that captures you doing something you love. These touches help your profile tell a story beyond what you wear.
Conclusion
Judging others based on clothing in dating apps may not be fair, but it’s a very real part of the digital dating experience. By understanding how quick judgments work and how much weight appearance carries in those fleeting moments, you can make smarter choices about how to present yourself. Rather than seeing this as a pressure to conform, use it as an opportunity to express your personality and boost your dating confidence. Thoughtful presentation combined with authenticity can help you attract the kind of connections that go beyond appearances—ones rooted in genuine compatibility.
FAQ
How can I get good photos in my dating profiles?
Take photos near a window or outside, as natural light is best. Flash can make your skin appear unflattering. Take photos from different angles: slightly below or above, straight-on, etc. You need at least a few to choose from, so take multiple pictures in different poses and outfits.
What makes a dating profile stand out?
Use clear and recent pictures that accurately reflect your current appearance, highlight your positive qualities, and don’t frown or scowl.
