Grade 9 Consumer Studies: Clothing, Impressions & Sustainability

First Impressions

• Speed of Formation

  • Impressions crystallise in as little as 0.1 s; typical range 7–30 s after first contact.
  • Cues: facial expression, eye contact, posture, grooming.

• Why They Matter

  • Lasting impact – once formed, impressions are hard to overturn.
  • Judgement domains – observers decide on character, competence, trustworthiness almost immediately.

• Appearance

  • Cleanliness – hair, nails, skin, clothing hygiene.
  • Appropriate dress – outfit aligns with context; neat, tidy.

• Body Language

  • Posture – upright stance/sitting conveys confidence & attentiveness.
  • Eye contact – steady but not staring; signals interest, honesty.
  • Handshake – where culturally accepted, offer a firm (not crushing/limp) grip.

• Communication Behaviours

  • Clear introductions – name + courteous greeting.
  • Politeness – use titles (Mr., Ms., Dr.) and respectful language.
  • Active listening – nod, smile, verbal feedback ("I see", "Absolutely").

• Punctuality & Preparation

  • Arrive on time – lateness → negative impression.
  • Come prepared – demonstrates respect, reliability, professionalism.

Dressing for an Interview

• Research Phase

  • Company culture – study website, social media, or ask contacts.
  • Industry norms – e.g.
  • Corporate/finance: formal suits.
  • Creative/tech: business-casual may suffice.

• Outfit Selection

  • Professional/conservative base items – suits, blouses, dress trousers/skirts.
  • Neutral palette – black, navy, grey, white; avoid loud patterns.

• Fit & Comfort

  • Proper tailoring – neither overly tight nor loose.
  • Comfort – prevents fidgeting & maintains focus.

• Grooming & Accessories

  • Hair & nails – clean, neat, trimmed.
  • Minimal accessories – subtle jewellery, small handbag/briefcase.

• Footwear

  • Closed-toe, polished shoes that match ensemble.

• Hygiene

  • Freshness – shower, deodorant, light or no fragrance to avoid overpowering scent.

Basic Wardrobe Planning

• Assess Personal Context

  • Lifestyle – school, sport, part-time work, social events all dictate clothing types.
  • Climate – temperature & seasonal variation influence fabric weight & layering.

• Build Essential Core

  • Versatile basics – plain T-shirts, jeans, black trousers, white shirt, blazer.
  • Layering pieces – cardigans, jackets, sweaters for thermal flexibility.

• Mix-and-Match Strategy

  • Versatility goal – maximise outfit combinations from minimal pieces.
  • Co-ordinated palette – choose colours that harmonise with skin tone & each other.

• Quality over Quantity

  • Invest in durable fabrics & construction – cost per wear decreases over time.
  • Avoid fleeting trends – prioritise timeless silhouettes.

• Organisation & Maintenance

  • Declutter regularly – donate/sell unworn items.
  • Proper storage – fold knits, hang delicate garments, use moth repellents; prolongs garment life & appearance.

Environmental Impact of Clothing Choices

• Fast Fashion

  • Definition – rapid, low-cost production mirroring runway trends.
  • Consequences – increased textile waste, water/chemical pollution, exploitative labour.

• Sustainable Fashion

  • Definition – system that is environmentally & socially responsible long-term.
  • Practices – eco-materials, ethical labour, waste minimisation, transparent supply chains.

• Recycling & Upcycling

  • Recycling – donate/resell to divert garments from landfill.
  • Upcycling – creatively transform old clothes into new products (e.g., tote bags, patchwork jackets).

• Eco-Friendly Materials & Processes

  • Natural fibres – organic cotton, bamboo, hemp (biodegradable, lower pesticide use).
  • Low-impact dyes – plant-based or technologically advanced dyes that reduce water & chemical use.

• Conscious Consumer Choices

  • Buy less, choose well – prioritise longevity; reduces resource extraction.
  • Second-hand shopping – thrift stores, online resale \Rightarrow lowers demand for new production.
  • Support ethical brands – research certifications, sustainability reports, fair-trade labels.

Practical Connections & Implications

• Personal presentation (first impressions & interview attire) directly influences educational, social & career opportunities.
• Wardrobe planning intersects with environmental stewardship; mindful purchasing supports both personal budget & planetary health.
• Ethical considerations: consumer dollars act as votes for or against exploitative labour and environmental harm.