First date fashion
First impressions count, but how important are our fashion choices on a first date? Do we want our potential partners to dress for success, or are we tolerant of a fashion faux pas (or two)? In this exclusive TK Maxx survey, we polled over 2,000 people in the UK to explore the relationship between clothing and cupid’s bow. So, buckle up, let’s see what the nation thinks.
Drumroll please…
- Brits spend an average of £69.11 when buying a new outfit for a first date. People in Liverpool spend the most on average (£78.88).
- 61% of people said their dating companion’s fashion decisions are important on a first date. In fact, 52% agreed that their first date’s clothing choices would impact whether they’d see them again.
- The most likely factor for influencing our clothing choices on a first date is “wanting to feel comfortable and clothes that fit well” – this was selected by 41% overall, rising to 48% among females.
- 52% of people said they typically purchase a new outfit for a first date. Londoners were the most likely (61%) to buy a new date night item.
- 53% said they put more thought and effort into first dates than subsequent dates.
Style matters
The buildup to a first date can be a rollercoaster of emotions. But whether we’re excited, nervous, or a little bit ‘meh’, it appears that Brits generally like to arrive in style.
In fact, most people we surveyed (68%) consider their own first date clothing choices to be ‘important’. Whether we’re going for dinner, drinks or a romantic stroll, people in Greater London (71%) and the north-east (71%) were the most likely to agree that our fashion decisions matter.
But why exactly?
So, when it comes to first dates, it’s clear that dressing to impress is high on the agenda. In fact, 53% of people told us they put more thought and effort into first dates than second dates. This was highest in Brighton (59%) compared to just 35% of people in Plymouth.
And these days, we’re increasingly confident about our fashion instincts. More than half the people we spoke to (51%) said they choose their outfits based on their own personal style. And many of us are clued-up on the latest trends: Londoners were the most likely to be influenced by fashion bloggers (22%) compared to 12% of Brits overall.
Love is in the ‘wear’
When it comes to dressing up for date night, most of us are confident that we’ll look stylish. But as our survey suggests, we also have high expectations for our date’s catwalk credentials.
We all want to look and feel our best, and it appears we hold others to the same high standards as ourselves.
This sentiment was highest in Glasgow, where 68% said their date’s fashion decisions are ‘important’. Meanwhile, 25-34-year-olds were the most likely age group (72%) to say they place importance on what their date is wearing.
In fact, a majority of people overall (52%) agreed that their first date’s choices would influence whether they’d see them again.
But while dressing badly can be a dealbreaker, our love of nice clothing is by no means shallow.
We are what we wear
Style counts, but according to our survey, what we value most is someone’s character – not just their clothes.
We asked those who place importance on their date’s fashion choices to explain why.
Rather than judging a book by its cover, our survey shows we give fashionistas the thumbs-up for a whole range of reasons.
Females were more likely than males – 54% versus 44% – to say that wardrobe choices are about respect and seriousness. Meanwhile, 35% of males said that dress sense ‘helps to determine physical attraction’ compared to 32% of females.
Comfort is king
Similarly, those we surveyed look beyond the surface level in other ways. Sure, we all love to look dazzling on a first date, but it’s not just about the wow factor. Beyond the stylish attire, our fashion choices are about confidence and comfort.
In Wales, more than half (53%) of people said that feeling comfortable was their top priority – higher than anywhere else in the UK. And overall, females were considerably more likely than males to prioritise comfort – 48% versus 34%.
Why do people place importance on their first date clothing decisions? Among the three youngest age groups, “feeling confident and comfortable” was the top reason given – 16-24 (52%), 25-34 (52%) and 35-44 (59%).
In recent times, dramatic changes like the rise of remote working have led to a ‘dress down’ revolution. Has our love of hoodies, slippers and loungewear influenced our fashion decisions on first dates?
And while 8% cited cultural or religious considerations as a factor behind their first date attire, the figure rises to 16% among 16-24-year-olds and 15% of 25-34-year-olds.
A nation of fashion lovers
Our date night preferences may be changing, but our love of shopping for the big occasion is here to stay.
52% of respondents told us they typically purchase a new outfit for a first date. People in Greater London were the most likely (61%) to buy a new date night item, followed by Scotland (56%) and the north-west (55%).
On average, Brits spend £69.11 on a new outfit for a first date. But which town was the keenest to bag a new outfit?
Where there’s a wardrobe, there’s a way
Whether we’re motivated by style, comfort or emerging lifestyle trends, first date fashion is forever changing. And while we all have our own date night traditions, millions of us still love to score a steal for the big occasion.
If you’re one of those that wouldn’t dream of going on a date without first grabbing a new outfit, then you’re in the right place. Secure your date night ‘fit for up to 60% less* and if they’re not second date material, at least you haven’t broken the bank…’
Your perfect date night outfit awaits – shop our women’s and men’s collections to elevate your wardrobe today.
