Mental health professionals in Patna are increasingly advocating for simplified wardrobe choices, including the practice of rewearing ethnic clothing with minor styling variations. Dr Priya Sharma, a clinical psychologist at AIIMS Patna, notes that reducing daily clothing decisions can significantly decrease decision fatigue, a condition linked to anxiety and stress.
The concept of 'capsule wardrobes' has gained traction among Bihar's urban population, with men finding creative ways to restyle single kurtas for multiple occasions. Health experts suggest this approach not only reduces financial stress but also promotes environmental consciousness—a factor increasingly linked to improved mental wellbeing. Simple modifications like changing the bottom wear from churidar to jeans, alternating between Nehru jackets and shawls, or accessorizing with different mojaris can transform one outfit's appearance entirely.
Research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology indicates that sustainable fashion choices contribute to enhanced self-worth and reduced eco-anxiety. In Bihar, where traditional attire remains culturally significant during festivals like Chhath Puja, the ability to maximise ethnic wear usage addresses both economic and psychological needs. Fashion counsellors recommend pairing the same kurta with contrasting dupattas or experimenting with rolled sleeves for casual versus formal looks, proving that sustainable choices need not compromise style or cultural expression.