The influence of T-shirt graphics on perceptions and behavioral intentions

Abstract

Do graphics on clothing drive perceptions? We used a between group design to test if athletic, academic, or suggestive graphics on clothing differentially influence perceptions and behavioral intentions. In study 1, participants (N = 199) rated five female t-shirt models, and in study 2 and 3, participants rated five male t-shirt models (N = 120) or university students (N = 50). Analyses of variance controlling for sex (ANCOVA) showed participants were least likely to want to interact with models/students wearing sexually suggestive graphics: Study 1, F(3,165) = 30.263, p < .001, η = .30, power = 1.00; Study 2, F (3,119) = 11.630, p < .000, η= .234, and Study 3, F(1, 42) = 12.578, p < .000. Participants did not rate models in the academic and athletic graphic shirts differently from models with plain white shirts. Results support the concept that people form different perceptions based upon the clothing a person wears, changing behavioral intentions. Neither sex role ideation (Study 1) or sexism (Study 2) were significant covariates of perceptions and intentions.

What should I wear to work? An integrative review of the impact of clothing in the workplace.

“…There are, however, a variety of appearance-related choices that might influence the perceptions of others. For instance, future research could explore the functions of specific components of clothing (e.g., hats, shoes, socks) or details on clothing (e.g., graphic designs on T-shirts, R. A. R. Gurung et al, 2019) but could also focus on hairstyle, accessories (e.g., necklaces, handbags), and so forth, since visual attention can capture not only the overall picture (global processing) but also the details of a scene (local processing; Fink et al, 1996). Other scholars have also indicated that body modifications such as tattoos have an impact on the social perceptions of both males and females (Wohlrab et al, 2009).…”

Inviting the Infinifat Voice to the Fatshion Conversation: An Exploration into Infinifat Identity Construction, Performance and Activism

“…I have since gotten a new "Fat Bitch" shirt because Fat Girl Flow increased her size range. Graphic t-shirts play an important role in identity performance and perception (Gurung et al, 2018) yet are often inaccessible in terms of sizing availability, as Kelly notes in the above quote.…”