You Can’t Help But Look Good In A Uniform

by Guy Miller, Vice Chair Emeritus, Chennault Aviation and Military Museum

People who are dressed very well are always noticed.  What constitutes being dressed well is dictated by fashion, quality of materials and cut, appropriateness to the situation and the neatness and fit of the clothing worn.  But there is a type of clothing that always stands out- even if it ignores or outright defies fashion and may not blend with styles others might be wearing in the same situation.  There is a type of clothing that sets its own style and inevitably commands attention and respect- the military (or first responder) uniform.

When a uniformed person enters the room, most people quickly notice and give that person the once over.  Many times, the twice or thrice over.  What is it about a uniform that seems so attractive to most people?  And by association, usually coveys the same quality of attractiveness to the wearer?  What draws us to want to identify which organization the uniform represents and what the badges worn say about the person wearing the uniform?

There is a lot of psychology inherent in the design and appeal of a uniform.   Perhaps you have taken your reaction to seeing a uniformed person for granted and never thought about why this is so.  As the writer of monthly columns for this magazine, I’ll take this opportunity to give my opinions on the psychology associated with the military uniform.  

For starters, our brains are trained to recognize authority and no matter where we may be, we can usually recognize a person of authority.  Sometimes we see authority in the force of personality a person projects but often we assume it is there by how well a person is dressed and comports themselves in public.

Authority and obvious ownership of responsibility are qualities that most of us see as deserving of respect.  As designed, a uniform is sharp in appearance and the wearer is required to publicly comport themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the organization represented.  Military (and first responder) uniforms are meant to highlight a physical shape in a clean, structured way.  Those who wear a uniform are therefore seen as individuals who have been granted some specific authority and take that authority and their associated duties seriously.  

Properly wearing a uniform also requires a high degree of personal grooming and physical tidiness.  Most people respond positively to the crispness of the uniform and the associated well groomed face and neatly styled hair.  A well kept and put together appearance shows the wearer gives attention to detail in his/her personal appearance.  Since most of us see the attractiveness of a person who takes obvious care of himself we have an instant positive impression of a person in a properly worn uniform.

Military (and first responder) occupations are generally active and include some level of physical work. People who wear uniforms are typically more physically fit than the general population. Uniforms are designed to accommodate the military  lifestyle and to emphasize the fitness of the wearer.

To serve in the military (or as a first responder) you need a specified level of strength and resolve.  There are physical requirements that must be met and maintained.  The uniform symbolizes the wearer’s ability to achieve physical objectives that the average person may not be capable of matching and the mental resolve to keep going even when others would quit.

Serving in the military (or as a first responder) is often associated with heroic acts and noble causes.  Knowing someone is willing to risk their life for a greater purpose can in most cases evoke strong emotions of admiration and respect.  Admiration and respect are also given when you understand a military uniform conveys a lot of information about the person wearing it.  Those who serve amass medals and awards over time – some of these medals or awards denote service in combat situations where the person has been under fire and has returned fire in defense of what they love.

A uniform says the wearer is a person of honor, courage and commitment.  Someone who has gained the trust of his/her government to always be everything that the uniform symbolizes.  Someone who knows team needs and objectives are more important than individual achievement or suffering.  Someone who is ready to face challenging situations.  Someone who doesn’t quit in the face of hardship.  Someone who is willing to risk personal safety up to and including laying down his/her life to protect others and his/her country.

And unsurprisingly given all the above, a uniform can instill a sense of confidence in the wearer and this confidence can be visible to others.  What you wear influences what you believe about yourself and how you behave around others.  It’s not just the uniform itself but also how it makes the person wearing it carry themselves in a manner that shows confidence in what their uniform represents. Their confidence comes with knowing they are skilled and competent in their profession and have been granted the authority and power that their profession demands.  The wearer stands tall in a very distinct, well tailored set of clothing that stands out among the usual civilian types of garb.

In sum, the attractiveness of a uniform is partly by design and partly a psychological response by the viewer.  Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with anything I have written herein, there is no denying a person in uniform is always noticed.