Fashion on The Traitors: A Closer Look at Clothing, Strategy, and Deception
Many may overlook the influence of attire in reality TV shows like The Traitors, but what contestants wear can be as telling as their words or actions. Sometimes, clothing choices serve as subtle signals or even strategic tools designed to influence perceptions and gameplay. And here’s where it gets intriguing: some contestants intentionally select their outfits to send hidden messages or distract fellow players — making fashion an unseen but powerful weapon in the game.
For instance, a notable example is Harriet, a crime writer, who was initially skeptical about Rachel’s guilt. Her suspicion shifted only after she saw Rachel don a vibrant red dress following a crucial event. Harriet explained to BBC Local, "She arrived looking so polished and professional… whereas before, her attire was more playful—think cheerful yellows, dungarees, and even Minion-like costumes." This shift in wardrobe gave Harriet a visual cue that prompted her to reconsider her initial assumptions.
In the realm of The Traitors, style isn't just about aesthetics; it becomes an integral part of characterization. As Carolyn Mair, a renowned stylist and author of The Psychology of Fashion, notes, “What we wear conveys a great deal about us.” Many contestants carefully craft their wardrobe choices to project particular personas or to manipulate how others perceive them. Some outfits are deliberately selected to appear trustworthy, innocent, or even intimidating, depending on their game strategy.
This season of The Traitors — hailed by Mair as “the most fashionable yet” — showcased how clothing can heighten the show's appeal. Beyond the show’s dramatic confrontations and clever manipulations, viewers couldn’t help but be captivated by the contestants’ striking outfits. From Jade’s playful cardigans and Jessie’s bright yellow outfits to Stephen’s bold jumpsuit and Harriet’s scarves, fashion became a focal point of online conversations and social media buzz.
Particularly, Stephen’s wardrobe choices drew significant attention. His selection of knitwear, a statement jumpsuit, and tucked-in shirts were not accidental. Mair explains that Stephen intended to be visibly noticeable: "He wanted to be seen. He deliberately chose to attract attention." His playful, flamboyant costumes made him seem approachable and trustworthy, encouraging others to feel at ease around him. In the final episode of The Traitors: Uncloaked, Stephen openly admitted that his outfit choices were a calculated distraction meant to divert suspicion. He explained, "I thought if I wear flamboyant and loud clothes, they'd be more focused on my appearance and think, ‘Wow, Stephen looks fantastic today,’ rather than scrutinize my face and suspect I’m a traitor. It was all strategic."
Fashion stylist Sarah Thomson adds that when contestants exude confidence through their clothing, it naturally fosters a relaxed atmosphere. She refers to Stephen’s jumpsuit, by Palomo Spain—an esteemed designer whose pieces have been worn by stars like Harry Styles and Beyoncé—as a “wow piece,” underscoring the impact of well-chosen attire.
Similarly, Jade’s wardrobe contributed to her perceived innocence and youthfulness. With options like a £430 cardigan from Hope Macaulay and a cherry-patterned sweater from House of Sunny, Jade appeared non-threatening and like “someone you wouldn’t want to hurt,” according to Mair. Although she seemed reserved, it’s believed that Jade, consciously or subconsciously, used her style as a non-verbal form of communication — a subtle power move to command respect and to be noticed without overtly asserting herself.
Rachel, another contestant, aligned her wardrobe with her final episode strategy. She wore brightly colored knitwear, including a £350 pink and red cardigan from Hope Macaulay, which may have subtly amplified her vibrant personality or masked her true intentions. Matthew, a Faithful, shared with BBC Local that he meticulously planned his own fashion approach, even bringing every jumper he owned because he thought, “How could I be a traitor if I’m wearing nice knitwear?” Conversely, Fiona, a secret Traitor, aimed to appear maternal, trustworthy, and harmless — selecting soft, flowery, and casual clothing to foster trust within the group, as Mair explains. Her style choice played into stereotypes of maternal figures being emotionally safe and self-sacrificing.
Clothing is also a mirror of mood and intention. When Harriet attempted to question Rachel during a tense roundtable, she wore a red cardigan and scarf—red often symbolizes confidence and assertiveness. Interestingly, Rachel mirrored her in red, perhaps intentionally, signaling strength or even defiance. Matthew pointed out that watching the footage back revealed Rachel dressed “absolutely fabulous” at a pivotal moment — a clear sign that she was aware of her appearance’s strategic importance.
The key takeaway, according to stylist Thomson, is that contestants should dress in ways that heighten their comfort and confidence. When people feel good in their outfits, they tend to be more relaxed and authentic—traits that can build trust or deflect suspicion in a game of social deception. Leanne, the third series winner, understood this well. She once concealed her identity as a soldier by walking into the game in a bright pink suit, knowing her outfit would lead others to underestimate her, thus offering her a strategic advantage.
But here’s a common mistake — many contestants admit they don’t always pack enough or suitable clothing. Anna, from the third series, revealed she bought most of her outfits from charity shops, including her crocheted top used in promotional images. Matthew, on the other hand, had to send pictures of his wardrobe beforehand, illustrating how important pre-planning was. Charlotte, who was a Traitor in the third series, shared that she was told only to avoid logos, pack activewear, and bring a nice dress — but she didn’t purchase anything new, and her limited wardrobe meant she often repeated outfits, like her dungarees, which she humorously compared to a children’s TV presenter.
Stylists do step in to help contestants. Charlotte brought a black jumpsuit for the final, but she didn’t plan shoes or accessories. The show’s stylists then provided the finishing touches, illustrating how wardrobe support can elevate the overall appearance and strategic presentation.
In the end, whether it’s choosing a bold jumpsuit or a subtle cardigan, what contestants wear is inextricably linked to their strategies — consciously or subconsciously. Their attire can influence perceptions, trust, and the game’s outcome. As Leanne noted, dressing smartly can sometimes be your secret weapon.
So, next time you watch these reality shows, pay attention to their outfits. Sometimes, clothing is the first line of deception or honesty—whether they realize it or not. Would you consider using fashion as a strategic tool in your own life or games? Or do you think style should simply be about self-expression? Share your thoughts in the comments below — because in the game of The Traitors, appearances really do matter.
