According to experts, when you dress in business attire you behave more business-like. And that's why many businesses require their employees to dress accordingly. I've always wanted to argue about this, because I feel that when you are comfortable in your clothes then you will be more productive, and not everyone is comfortable in business clothes.

This last week has put my argument to the test. Last Thursday, I was minding my own business doing my job, when I was viciously attacked by a section of pavement. The resulting list of injuries included bruises, abrasions, and swelling on both knees and my left arm. As a result of the damage to my knees I didn't feel much like wearing jeans, so I wore my flaming skull lounge pants instead (and spent a lot of time with my feet up, on the couch).

A week later, my knees are not causing me excruciating pain when trouser fabric touches them, so today I wore jeans. And, interestingly enough, I actually managed to get some things done; things that had been piling up while I was wearing my lounge pants.

Now, I can't guarantee that the change was due entirely to the change in clothes, because, frankly, being in pain isn't really conducive to productivity, but I will say that while I was wearing the lounge pants I really didn't feel like doing anything. It felt a bit like an extended weekend, really. But today, after putting on the jeans, I actually felt like I could get some things done -- and I did. In fact, I actually felt my attitude adjust; it was a perceptible change.

So, while I don't agree that business attire is the only clothing that will make you more productive, I do have to agree that what you wear can have an effect on your ability to get things done.