The Myth That Luxury Fashion Makes Someone More Attractive
Key Takeaways
- People purchase luxury goods because they want to be liked and fit in.
- Luxury fashion makes one attractive, but it’s not enough to sustain interest.
- Dressing fancy does not impress if underlying compatibility is lacking.
- The most attractive qualities are intelligence and agreeableness.
The Myth Unravels
The fascination with luxury is slowly but consistently creeping into reality. Influencers flaunt brand-name designer handbags and shoes, and actresses use haute couture to promote their movies. What’s behind the infatuation with luxury fashion? It makes little sense from a logical standpoint. People have no reason to spend so much money on luxury clothes when so many affordable options are available. If you must flaunt the logo, there are knockoffs for that!
Psychologists point to the explanation. The desire for quality is just one factor behind the decision to purchase luxury goods. The primary factor is the desire to be liked and to fit in, which is a deep and sometimes unconscious part of human psychology, but it exists, molding behavior. Studies have shown that luxury fashion makes the wearer feel more attractive inside and out.
Why Doesn’t It Work in Dating?
In terms of dating, luxury fashion makes you attractive, but it’s not enough to sustain interest. When two people get to know each other, dressing fancy to impress fails to do so in the absence of underlying compatibility. It’s a different situation with understated luxury when both are accustomed to luxury fashion and goods in general. It is conducive to mutual attraction when it’s a lifestyle and not an effort to overcome an inferiority complex. Platforms that offer luxury dating for sugar couples, for example, help ensure compatibility and prevent people from forming relationships based on mutual insecurity.
Another factor that contributes to this reality is that physical attraction alone rarely builds long-term relationships. While luxury fashion may serve as an initial attraction booster, deeper emotional connections, values, and personal compatibility take precedence. People are naturally drawn to authenticity, emotional intelligence, and strong communication skills rather than material displays.
The “Match-Up” Hypothesis
According to psychologist David Kruger, the likelihood of someone attracting a romantic partner is proportional to the size of a brand’s logo on an item they wear. The so-called match-up hypothesis proves this point. If the features of a celebrity endorsing a product match up with the respective product, their physical attractiveness might improve product evaluations. Linking an item to physical attractiveness thus automatically makes it more desirable. This is why many of us are inclined to splurge on luxury items, hoping those around us will approve.
People believe they can instantly become members of an exclusive group by buying something with a huge price tag. This form of behavior, called “social signaling,” involves people using visible signs to communicate to others that they belong to a certain group.
However, the effectiveness of social signaling in dating depends on the context. While a luxury car or an expensive handbag may catch someone’s eye at a party or on social media, these signals do not equate to long-term desirability. Many people seek partners who are confident in their individuality rather than those who rely on external symbols to convey worth.
What Luxury Goods Market Data Reveals
As of 2025, the luxury fashion market revenue stands at $150.37 billion, with projections indicating an annual growth rate of just over 3% between 2025 and 2029. This slight increase suggests that the number of people investing in luxury fashion remains relatively stable. By country, the highest revenue is generated in the US, amounting to $36 billion.
Luxury fashion is a key segment of the broader luxury goods market, which is anticipated to reach $418.89 billion globally by 2028. Forecasts for 2027 suggest that online sales of luxury goods will make up 18.2% of total sales, while offline purchases will continue to dominate at 81.8%.
Additionally, demographic trends indicate that younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are shifting their purchasing preferences toward experiences over material possessions. This further supports the notion that luxury fashion alone may not hold the same value in attraction as deeper emotional or intellectual connections.
What Makes Us Attractive?
Surveys of preferred attributes rank financial security and owning a nice home at the bottom of people’s criteria, while physical appearance ranks around the middle. Traits like intelligence, extraversion, and agreeableness score consistently higher than physical attractiveness for both same-sex and different-sex couples.
According to the co-founder of a dating app that measures personality traits via a psychometric test, almost 90% of users prioritize personality over appearance. This conclusion is based on a survey of more than 1,000 users.
Moreover, studies suggest that traits such as kindness, humor, and reliability are far more attractive than material displays of wealth. While an expensive watch or designer dress might make a person appear sophisticated, it is their warmth, attentiveness, and ability to connect emotionally that fosters long-term attraction.
Conclusion
Luxury fashion undoubtedly has an allure, but its role in attraction is often exaggerated. While expensive clothing and accessories can boost confidence and make a strong first impression, they do not replace the essential qualities that sustain relationships. People may be initially drawn to luxury fashion, but long-term attraction is built on genuine compatibility, shared values, and emotional intelligence.
The myth that designer labels guarantee desirability in dating is just that—a myth. True attractiveness is defined by who you are, not what you wear. In a world where connections are increasingly digital and first impressions are fleeting, authenticity remains the most valuable currency in dating. Instead of focusing on luxury fashion to enhance appeal, investing in personal growth, confidence, and emotional intelligence will yield far greater success in both romance and life.
Recap
- The myth unravels.
- The “match-up” hypothesis.
- Why doesn’t it work in dating?
- What luxury goods market data reveals.
- What makes us attractive?
By shifting the focus from external validation to internal fulfillment, one can cultivate a more meaningful and lasting attraction that extends far beyond material symbols.
