New research into human perceptions has discovered that revealing more skin can significantly change the way we think - about both men and women.
If we see someone wearing revealing attire we automatically assume they are less competent.
The findings were revealed in a study by a team of psychologists led by Professor Kurt Gray, from the University of Maryland.
He said: 'In six studies we show that being dressed in a revealing manner can significantly change the way someone's intelligence is perceived, and new findings show this is the case for both genders.'
The new research suggests we see others as having two aspects of the mind - called agency and experience.
Agency is the capacity to act, plan and exert self-control, while experience is the capacity to feel pain, pleasure and emotions.
Interestingly, the amount of skin shown can determine if we see another as one of 'experience' or 'agency'.
During the study, men and women who focused on the body regarded that person as 'experience' with little capacity to plan and act.
Professor Gray suggested this was because people automatically think of minds and bodies as separate things, even opposites.
The capacity to act is more often tied to the 'mind' while experience is linked to the body.
It translated that wearing little clothes in an environment like the office can have a negative impact because it can imply a lack of competence and leadership.
Professor Gray said: 'Those who are characterised in terms of their bodies are seen as more reactive and emotional, traits that may also serve to work against career advancement.'
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