Why do people treat you like crap when you don't wear expensive-looking clothes?

Answer 1

Shallow would definetely be the word for that. You shouldn't judge people based on material things... Shallow people are usually fake people who spend all of their time trying to please everyone around them and they base their lives on popularity. Most shallow people are actually deep down insecure and they enjoy putting other people down to build themselves up. I wouldn't waste my time worrying about people like that and if you have friends like that you may want to consider new friends....

Answer 2

Excellent Question! I've actually conducted an 'experiment' of sorts. I found that if I'm dressed "up" or wearing my Business Attire I receive more respect than if I'm in jeans and a t-shirt.

It's definately a Class Perception. People perceive Nicely Dressed people as just that...Nicely Dressed people. The thought process that follows: (I'm assuming this) is that if the person is dressed nicely, they have their act together and deserve to be treated well. Would you cut in front of someone in a pencil skirt and cashmere sweater or would you cut in front of someone wearing sweatpants and a oversized t-shirt?

On the other hand, if someone is dressed in seemingly inexpensive clothes, and it doesn't 'appear' as though they care about how they look (even if they do), then they are regarded (another assumption) without as much regard as Mr. or Mrs. Fashion Plate.

Human Beings are all about perceptions. Judgements. I know, I know...we try not to judge a book by its cover, but the reality is that we do and we form oppinions on appearence alone.

Furthermore: I've found that when I'm wearing boots with 2" heels (that put me at 5'-8")...I'm treated with more regard and courtesy. Taller people get more respect (and get noticed more) as well, in my opinion.

What is the remedy when you aren't wearing super expensive looking clothing? Dress as nicely as you can and rely on confidence. If you're a good person. Then you're a good person, no matter what you're wearing.

Answer 3

I do feel for you - I work in construction (as an engineer) and dress down for work (in summer, we're talking jeans and a t-shirt). I often feel dismissed or looked down upon on by my fellow commuters on my way to work (I work in the medical district, so I ride the bus/train with a lot of doctors/nurses/pharmacists, etc., although there are others), and have noticed that I am treated better when I wear a nice blouse instead. Of course, I run the risk of ruining said nice blouse when I wear it out on to the jobsite.

Anyway...

I think it's just human nature to think that. Jeans & t-shirt during working hours = bum. Don't know what you can do about it.

My consolation is: 1. I fit right in once I get to work and 2. I know that I make more money than most of the people on that bus/ train. That's enough for me! ; )

Answer 4

Because magazines, TV, and movies all create trends that people think have to be followed to be popular.

I went to a car dealer once dressed in torn jeans and a ratty T-shirt to look at new vehicles as it was the only time I had. I was ignored. I walked out and called the Sales Manager a couple of days later. He wasn't there that day I went in, but knew me from the previous vehicle purchases for my business. He was apologetic and treated me fairly - I got a great deal on a car, free oil changes and gas for a year, and a free upgrade of rims and tires. He had the entire sales team apologize to me face-to-face and chastized them on how to treat every customer, not matter how they are dressed. He then wrote a letter to me signed by the entire sales staff apologizing for ignoring me.

Answer 5

Since I don't know you I cannot know if this applies but, perhaps it is not the clothing you are wearing but how you are presenting the clothing. If the clothing looks like it is yours (not bf's or dad's), it is not stained and fit appropriately then most people cannot tell a Target tee from one found at somewhere like Nordstroms.
Anyone who looks down on you because of clothing has their own insecurities, I bet they way they dress is never good enough for their group. Don't sweat it, life is way too short so enjoy every minute of it.

Answer 6

I'm not sure why but it defiantely shows that people act like that in my school. Like I have one shirt from hollister and a couple from aeropostale but I mean people who only wear those type of clothes think there on the top of the chart and I'm not sure why.

Answer 7

I suggest... Find other people to hang out with. If your fellow co-workers are doing such, then tell the boss verbally and in writing. If your boss does not take appropriate steps to eliminate this behavior, then speak to a Department of Labor representative for harassment.

Answer 8

I cannot relate, I wear plain black clothing that I can easily get for three bucks... If someone is treating you badly because of how you dress, they are shallow morons who you shouldn't waste you time worrying about.

~Dark Aphotic

Answer 9

It goes both ways. And it makes me so pissed. But it's the worst in middle school then high school then people start to stop caring.

Answer 10

people act like that so that they can make themselves feel superior because they are insecure.

Insecure people do a lot of immature means things. So you should not feel offended by them, you should pity them.
It is pitiful to to feel that insecure and to go around making other people feel bad to make yourself feel good.