Why an INFJ might wear many clothes or has to cover their neck?

That’s a specific observation many INFJs (and other highly sensitive people) can experience, though it’s not a universal trait for the type. The reasons an INFJ might prefer to wear many clothes or cover their neck often stem from sensory processing sensitivity, a need for emotional/physical comfort, or even a sense of protection.

Here’s a breakdown of potential reasons:

1. Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) / Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP):
   • Many INFJs identify as HSPs. A core aspect of SPS is having a more deeply processing nervous system. This means that sensory input that others easily filter out can be overwhelming for an HSP.
   • Tactile Sensitivity: Certain fabrics, seams, tags, tightness, or even the feeling of bare skin against air can be irritating or uncomfortable. Loose, soft, breathable, and layered clothing can provide a consistent, comforting pressure or a protective barrier against these subtle irritations.
   • Temperature Regulation: HSPs can also be more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Wearing layers allows for better regulation – adding warmth when cold, or easily shedding a layer if too warm, preventing sudden discomfort.
   • Overwhelm: The sensory input of an environment (lights, sounds, smells, textures) can be overwhelming. Wearing comfortable, familiar layers can provide a sense of physical “containment” or a subtle “buffer” against external sensory overload, allowing them to focus more internally.
2. Emotional and Psychological Comfort/Protection:
   • Feeling “Exposed”: As INFJs, we are highly empathetic and absorb the emotions and energies of others (Fe). Sometimes, feeling too physically exposed can heighten a sense of emotional vulnerability or feeling “too open” to external influences. Covering up, especially the neck (which is a vulnerable area), can provide a psychological sense of being more contained, protected, or “safe” from absorbing too much.
   • Self-Soothing: The feeling of soft, familiar fabric or gentle pressure (from a high collar, scarf, or multiple layers) can be genuinely self-soothing, similar to a weighted blanket for someone with anxiety. It can help calm an overstimulated nervous system or provide a sense of security.
   • Boundary Setting: While not a conscious boundary against others, layers can create a subtle, personal buffer zone. It’s a way of saying “this is my space” without explicitly vocalizing it.
3. Physical Comfort and Personal Preference:
   • Comfort Over Fashion: For many INFJs, comfort is paramount when it comes to clothing. They prioritize how a garment feels over how it looks or whether it’s “in style.” Layers often align with comfort.
   • Consistent Temperature: Some people are simply more sensitive to drafts or slight changes in temperature. Layers are the practical solution.
   • Neck Sensitivity (Specific): The neck area is rich in nerve endings (including the vagus nerve). For some, covering the neck can feel calming due to stimulation of these nerves, which can help regulate the heart rate and reduce stress. Conversely, an aversion to nothing being on the neck could also stem from a specific sensory sensitivity there.
4. Privacy and Blending In:
   • While not the primary reason, wearing layers or covering up can sometimes contribute to a desire to blend in or not draw too much attention, aligning with an INFJ’s often reserved and private nature.

For me personally, If I don’t cover my neck, I get sick of the Cold.

It’s important to remember that this isn’t true for all INFJs, as individual experiences and sensitivities vary. However, if an INFJ does exhibit this preference, it’s often linked to a deeper need for comfort, protection, and managing sensory input in a world that can often feel overwhelming.

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