Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward - but what has it got to do with what we wear? ‘Dopamine dressing” is all about wearing clothes that make you feel happy, energised, and positive and choosing clothes that bring joy and make you feel confident. We love a bit of pattern, colour and personal expression in our everyday clothes - but what about in our wetsuits? We dive into how your choice of wetsuit can influence your mental well-being and overall experience in the water.
Research into the psychology of colour and fashion suggests that specific colours and styles can evoke particular emotions. For example, yellow is associated with happiness and creativity, red with energy and strength, and blue with calmness and security. This concept goes beyond just looking good; it's about how clothing can act as a psychological tool to elevate wellbeing. It taps into the broader idea that our external environment and clothing choices directly affect our internal state, and in this case, a well-chosen outfit can provide an emotional boost.
When choosing a wetsuit for open water swimming, black is the predominant colour option out there. However, incorporating colour into your wetsuit choice can have a huge effect on how you feel both during and after your swim. Wearing a wetsuit that appeals to your personal taste and allows you to feel like you can express yourself can give you an extra dose of happiness!
So, how does a colourful wetsuit make you feel good?
Vibrancy and Energy: Bright colours are known to invoke feelings of positivity - they are energising and can heighten your sense of motivation before you even step into the water. Vivid colours reflect the ethos of embracing life’s adventures, giving you an extra push to dive in, no matter the temperature.
Increased confidence: When you feel confident in your appearance, you experience less self-doubt, which can enhance your performance and give you a mental boost. A wetsuit that makes you feel good—whether through colour, fit, or design— allows you to enjoy your swim without distractions. By simply wearing something that excites you, your confidence in the water increases, making the experience more enjoyable.
Playfulness and Fun: Open water swimming is freeing, playful, and meditative. A colourful wetsuit gives you permission to embrace joy and self-expression, rather than feeling constrained or boring, adding to the fun of your swim. Think of it like choosing a fun swimsuit or flattering running gear that fits your personality—it transforms the activity from a task into an experience.
Social Bonding: Open water swimmers often form amazing communities, sharing tips, stories, and a love for the activity. Wearing a bright, bold wetsuit epitomises this shared joy, fostering a sense of camaraderie with fellow swimmers. Plus, your colourful wetsuit will make you more visible to others, adding a layer of safety in group swims while making you feel like part of something greater.
Dopamine dressing isn’t just reserved for everyday outfits - it extends to the world of open water swimming. By choosing a colourful wetsuit that makes you feel good, you’re not only adding a pop of vibrancy to your swim but also tapping into a powerful psychological tool that enhances your mood and performance. So, if you were considering whether or not you needed to upgrade your wetsuit to something more colourful, it may just give you the emotional boost you need to dive in with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
Our colourful open water swimming wetsuit, The Dart, is the perfect combination of colour, fit, and performance. Shop now.
