An investigation into the impact of a Dressage opponent’s competitive clothing on performance perceptions

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a Dressage opponent’s competitive clothing on initial perceptions of outcome expectation. These outcome expectations were based on a static view of their competition clothing (Elite competition clothing vs. non-elite competition clothing) . Background: The most salient public aspect of a person’s appearance is the clothing he or she wears. It has been suggested that opponent’s manner of dress plays a role in an individual’s perception process and instant impressions. Thus, It has been suggested that clothing can affect competitors thinking, behaviour, mental state and performance which can affect sporting success. Methods: 401 members of British Dressage were placed in two conditions where they viewed a photograph of an opponent either wearing elite competition clothing or non-elite competition clothing. After viewing the condition image the participants gave their perceptions of likely outcome expectation of the opponent by selecting a competition score category (67%) they felt the opponent would achieve. Conclusions: The analysis indicated that opponent competition clothing style had a significant (p = <0.05) effect on participant perception of likely outcome expectations. This study provides support for the contention that clothing can influence sporting interactions.