‘Clothes Make The Man’ Saying Origin & Meaning

The proverb “Clothes make the man” has been around for a long time. It means that the way we dress can influence how others perceive us. There is some truth to the saying. Studies have shown that people do make snap judgments about others based on their appearance. For example, one study found that people who were dressed in expensive clothes were more likely to be seen as competent and trustworthy than those who were dressed in cheap clothes.

Of course, clothes don’t always tell the whole story. A person’s character and personality are more important than their outward appearance. But the way we dress can still make a difference in how others perceive us. If we want to make a good impression, it’s important to dress in a way that is appropriate for the situation and that reflects our personality.

Origin of the idiom “clothes maketh the man”

This idea was first expressed by Homer in his epic poem the Odyssey, and it has been echoed by many other writers and thinkers throughout history, including Erasmus, Shakespeare, and Mark Twain.

The proverb “clothes maketh the man” was first recorded in Latin by Erasmus in his book Adagia. Erasmus quotes Quintilian:

“From these things, you may be sure, men get a good report”

and

“To dress within the formal limits and with an air gives men, as the Greek line testifies, authority.”

And Quintillan in turn cites Homer, to argue that the way a person dresses can influence how others perceive them. Erasmus believes that dressing well can help a person to project an image of authority and competence.

In Mark Twain’s short story The Czar’s Soliloquy, the Czar is stripped of his clothes and forced to live as a commoner. He soon realizes that the way he dresses has a profound impact on how others treat him. He is treated with respect and deference when he is dressed in fine clothes, but he is ignored and treated with contempt when he is dressed in rags. This experience leads the Czar to conclude that “clothes make the man.”

But even before Erasmus there were variations of the proverb. For example:  “Euer maner and clothyng makyth man” (Prov. Wisdom, 1400) and “For clothyng oft maketh man.” (Peter Idley’s Instructions to His Son, 1445).

The Shakespeare connection

All of the portraits proposed as Shakespeare portraits show him to be something of a snappy dresser, and in in his play Hamlet, the pompous, fastidious Polonius proclaims: “The apparel oft proclaims the man”

“Clothes maketh the man” in popular culture

In the film The Matrix, Neo is a computer hacker who lives a double life. When he is working as a hacker, he dresses in casual clothes. But when he is “the One,” he wears a black leather trench coat and sunglasses. This change in clothing symbolizes Neo’s transformation from an ordinary person into a powerful hero.

In the television show Mad Men, the characters are constantly using their clothes to make a statement. Don Draper, for example, is a successful ad executive who always dresses in sharp suits. His clothes reflect his status and authority. Peggy Olson, on the other hand, is a young woman who is trying to break into the male-dominated world of advertising. She uses her clothes to project an image of competence and professionalism.

In video games, players often have the opportunity to choose their character’s appearance. This includes their clothes. The clothes that a player chooses can affect how other players perceive their character. For example, a player who chooses to dress their character in a certain way may be perceived as being more powerful or more skilled.

In comics, superheroes often have distinctive costumes. These costumes are not just for decoration. They often serve a functional purpose. For example, Superman’s costume is made of a special material that is indestructible. This allows him to protect himself from harm while he is fighting crime.

The clothes make the man, right?

Some tips for dressing to impress:

Many books have been written about etiquette, manners, etc. Here are some of the tips in those books regarding making an impression by the way you dress. By following these tips, you can dress in a way that makes a positive impression on others.

• Dress for the occasion. What you wear to a job interview should be different from what you wear to a casual get-together with friends.
• Choose clothes that fit well and flatter your figure.
• Avoid anything that is too revealing or too casual.
• Pay attention to the details. Your clothes should be clean, ironed, and wrinkle free.
• accessorise wisely. A well-chosen scarf, hat, or piece of jewelry can add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.

In conclusion

The idiom “clothes make the man” is a reminder that the way we dress can influence how others perceive us. It is important to choose clothes that reflect our personality and that make us feel confident. When we dress well, we project an image of power, authority, and competence.