Why do Chassidum Wear Dark Clothes?

Question:
I wonder about the Hassidic, who wear dark clothes.

They are not expressing their individuality.

Max
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Answer:
Obviously I can’t speak for others, only for myself. In my personal life I have found, the opposite to be true. The Hassidic dress code actually helps me become more creative, original and individualistic.

I will tell you why. You see, being an individual means, having something unique about yourself, that no one else has. According to you, to be original you need a weird shirt, cool shoes, and an unusual haircut.

The more unusual your “look,” the more you stand out from the crowd, and establish your identity as an individual. But let me ask you, is that really what makes you different from everyone else? Is that all you can do to be unique -- put on one outfit or another? Couldn't anyone do that?

Is that what really defines your unique, individualistic identity?
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In the Jewish tradition, what makes an individual, is not the clothing, but the character. When you are a part of a community of people, that all dress the same, there is only one way to stand out: You, have to be original, not your clothing.

The people around you notice you for your character: the way you treat people, your manner of speech, the flavor of your soul, the hue of your heart, the depth of your sacrifices, the quality of your relationships, the candidness of your communication.

You can't hide behind a superficial individuality, based on hairstyle and fashion -- you have to be a real individual.
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Max, I'm not telling you, to go out and buy a black hat and jacket, everybody ought to dress the way they like. But perhaps you should rethink, how you look at yourself, and how you are projecting your image, to the world around you.

Is it possible, that many of us are obsessed with dressing peculiarly, only to compensate for the lack of a genuine sense of inner individuality; and the absence of awareness, of our unique place and mission in this world?

People who are truly comfortable with their individuality, don't need to let their hair grow to their knees, or tattoo themselves from head to toe, or walk around half-naked, just to prove that they are different.

Long hair, short hair, black pants, yellow pants, who cares? It is what's inside, that makes a man.

This consciousness, Max, is not acquired through a particular style of dress, it stems from an inner character.