Teacher Attire and Student Impressions: A Closer Look

Noémi Hajdú; László Molnár

doi:10.18096/TMP.2024.01.02

Authors

Noémi Hajdú University of Miskolc https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9288-6907
László Molnár University of Miskolc https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1902-6553

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18096/TMP.2024.01.02

Keywords:

dress code, perception

Abstract

Our choice of clothing has a great impact on how we are perceived by others. The official dress code of the university has changed a lot. From a more formal and exquisite dress code to a range of informal styles, such as business casual and smart casual. This change raises the question of whether dress has an impact on how students develop first impressions and opinions in our campus community. This study, which took place in November and December 2022, involved 414 individuals from a heterogeneous sample who responded to an online questionnaire provided on campus. The basis of this study is the sample, which was carefully selected to represent the age and gender distribution of the university. The main objective of this study is to investigate how students' perceptions and opinions are influenced by lecturers' dress. The results show a complex relationship between what people wear and the perceptions they create. Specifically, a preference for athletic or informal clothing is associated with qualities such as flexibility and directness, while a preference for more elegant and formal clothing conveys qualities such as care and attention to detail. These findings highlight the complexity associated with our assessment and interpretation of teachers' classroom dress codes and shed light on the different facets of first impressions in a university setting.

Author Biographies

Noémi Hajdú, University of Miskolc

Associate Professor, Institute of Marketing and Tourism

László Molnár, University of Miskolc

Associate Professor, Institute of Marketing and Tourism

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