We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be honest—it’s easier said than done.

Whether it’s a stranger’s outfit, their hairstyle, or even the way they carry themselves, some people can’t help but form snap judgments based purely on appearances.

Maybe you’ve encountered someone like this, or maybe you’ve even caught yourself doing it. Let’s face it—judging others at first glance is a habit most of us have had to wrestle with at some point.

But for some, this tendency goes beyond the occasional moment of bias. It becomes a defining trait, shaping the way they see—and often misjudge—others.

Why do some people rely so heavily on appearances to form opinions? And what does psychology say about the personality traits behind this behavior?

Let’s unpack the signs of people who base their judgments on the surface, one trait at a time.

1) Quick to form opinions

One of the most common traits among people who judge others based on appearances is that they’re quick to form opinions.

We all make snap judgments. It’s human nature.

But when it comes to people who judge based on appearance, this happens faster and with more finality.

They often decide who a person is before they’ve even spoken a word.

This quick-to-judge trait can be based on anything they see – from clothing and hairstyle to body language and the car someone drives.

They believe that these external factors reveal the whole story about a person’s character, lifestyle, and values.

While everyone has a right to their opinion, making sweeping judgments based solely on appearance can lead to misconceptions and missed opportunities.

After all, looks can be deceiving.

2) Over-reliance on stereotypes

I’ll be the first to admit it – we all resort to stereotypes from time to time. But for those who judge on appearances, stereotypes play a central role in their judgment process.

Let me share a personal example.

A few years ago, I was at a networking event where I met someone with multiple tattoos and piercings.

I found myself instantly forming an opinion about them, based on the stereotype of “tattooed people are rebellious and unpredictable”.

But as we started talking, I realized how wrong my initial judgment was. They were one of the most thoughtful, intelligent, and kind-hearted people I had met at the event.

This taught me a valuable lesson – relying on stereotypes can often lead us astray and prevent us from seeing people for who they really are. It reminded me that each person is a unique individual, far more complex than any stereotype could possibly capture.

3) Lack of empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, to put yourself in their shoes.

However, for those who judge based on appearances, empathy can often be lacking.

Research has shown that there’s a correlation between how much empathy a person has and how likely they are to judge others based on appearances.

The lower the level of empathy, the higher the likelihood of appearance-based judgment.

This lack of empathy can hinder the ability to see beyond the surface and understand the person underneath.

It can result in a narrow perspective that doesn’t account for personal histories, experiences or circumstances.

More empathetic individuals, on the other hand, are more likely to look beyond superficial appearances and appreciate the diverse range of human experiences.

4) Prioritizing status symbols

Another typical trait of people who judge others based on appearances is their emphasis on status symbols.

These individuals often measure worth by the brand of a person’s clothes, the car they drive, or other material possessions that supposedly signal success.

They believe that these external indicators define a person’s value and status in society.

Consequently, they might view someone with expensive items as successful, while someone with less flashy possessions might be deemed unsuccessful or of lower worth.

The danger here is that these material possessions only tell a small part of a person’s story. They do not reflect personal qualities like kindness, intelligence, or resilience. 

5) Fear of the unfamiliar

I’ve noticed that sometimes our judgment of others based on appearances can stem from a fear of the unfamiliar.

We tend to stick with what we know, and anything that deviates from our norm can seem unsettling.

A while ago, I found myself feeling uncomfortable around a colleague who dressed and acted very differently from what I was used to.

After some introspection, I realized that my discomfort was less about them and more about my apprehension of the unfamiliar.

Once I acknowledged this fear, I was able to work through it and get to know my colleague better.

Turns out, they were an incredibly creative and inspiring individual who simply expressed themselves differently.

6) Lack of self-awareness

People who judge others based on appearances often lack self-awareness.

They may not realize the extent to which they’re basing their judgments on surface-level observations, or how these snap judgments might be affecting their interactions with others.

Without self-awareness, it can be hard to recognize and correct these judgment patterns. This lack of insight can also result in a disconnect between a person’s actions and their values, leading to inconsistencies in behavior.

Building self-awareness requires honest introspection and willingness to challenge our own biases.

It’s an ongoing process, but one that can lead to healthier interactions and more balanced judgments.

7) Limited life experiences

Finally, people who judge others based solely on appearances often have limited life experiences.

They may not have had much exposure to diverse cultures, lifestyles, or ways of thinking.

Experiencing diversity broadens our perspectives and teaches us that there’s no one “right” way to look or live.

It helps us understand that appearances are just one aspect of a person’s identity, and not a reliable indicator of their character or worth.

Ultimately, the more varied our experiences, the less likely we are to judge others based solely on how they look. 

Final thoughts

Judging others based solely on appearances not only distorts our perception but also leads to missed opportunities for meaningful connections.

By addressing traits like a reliance on stereotypes, limited experiences, and a lack of empathy, we can start to build a more inclusive and understanding approach to others.

Moving beyond surface-level judgments helps us appreciate the complexity of individuals and fosters relationships based on who people truly are, not just how they look.