For instance, if you have a striking set of eyes, donning sunglasses will remove this feature from view. If you have tattoos on your arms, wearing a long sleeved shirt will cover them up. If you have a distinctive facial structure, you can even out your features by growing facial hair.
Your dress should ultimately be dictated by the setting. If you are at a formal event, for example, dressing yourself down will only bring negative attention your way. It helps to know what other people will interpret as being “normal”. Although bargain bin clothing is often a good choice for hiding in plain sight, there’s sometimes the risk of those old clothes becoming fashionable again. [2] X Research source
Wearing camouflage gear in a public setting will attract a lot of unwanted attention to you. Special camouflage clothes are only recommended in instances where you have a chance at being completely hidden, and not just inconspicuous.
If you must wear a watch, choose a discrete, non-metal watch. Avoid anything large, chunky, blingy, or shiny. The reason you want to avoid accessories, especially shiny ones, is because the sparkle will catch the eye and thus earn you attention. The one exception to wearing accessories is when you are in an environment where everyone wears an accessory for religious purposes, such as a hijab.
If you usually gel your hair, go without it when you don’t want to attract notice. If your hair is completely natural, there won’t be as much that stands out. If you have distinctive hair and don’t want to lose it for the sake of hiding, wearing a hood or hat will cover it up for you. An uncommon hair color(usually light-colored) or texture(i. e. big hair) relative to the crowd can be a dead giveaway, so if you have either, cover it up under a hat or something
Try to keep in mind what the lawful, orderly thing to do would be in every situation you’re trying to hide in.
By keeping a healthy sense of situational awareness about you, you’ll be able to avoid areas where people are more aware.
Stick to near the center of the crowd, but avoid the very center or the fringes. The most inconspicuous place to be is halfway between the center and the fringe.
When you have to use your voice, make an effort to be only half as loud as normal. This quietness should still make it capable to communicate when you need to, but you won’t attract attention of anyone you don’t need to. [9] X Research source If you’re travelling abroad, it helps to speak in the dialect or accent of the region. A foreign accent will immediately set you apart from the crowd. [10] X Research source
If you’re asked questions about yourself, keep your answers short and to the point. Don’t ignore the person, as this will only bring unwanted attention your way. The word “Yes” will be your best friend if you’re trying to go unnoticed in a conversation. It can be applied as a response to questions and answers alike. [12] X Research source
Someone who is walking faster than usual will give off anxious signals to anyone watching. This can attract curiosity and attention. If you have time to prepare in advance, it often helps to practice in front of a mirror. That way, you’ll have a better idea of the ways in which others will perceive you.
Keep in mind that there is a difference between casually avoiding eye contact, and looking like you’re deliberately averting someone’s gaze. [15] X Research source You’ll inadvertently attract more attention to yourself if someone gets the impression that you’re trying to go undetected.
Avoid walking in less crowded places. People to tend to notice each other more when there aren’t many people to look at.
Pay attention to the region. If blonde or ginger are more common in the area that you are in, dye your hair blonde or ginger.
If you are known to dress conservatively, putting on a bunch of jewellery or flashy colours will disguise your typical identity, even if the get-up draws attention to you otherwise. Keep the accessories simple and discreet. If they are too eccentric or blingy, they will attract attention, causing people to take a closer look. They may end up recognizing you!
If you are elderly, smooth out your facial creases with skin foundation. Dying your hair to mask the grey or white will also help disguise your identity.
If you’re trying to look older, walk slower than you normally would. Consider shuffling or dragging your feet. If you’re typically a fast walker, disguise your identity by walking slowly. Likewise, you should speed up your gait if you’re a more leisurely walker.
This technique can help you escape any facial recognition technology that may be used to track you down. Avoid doing this for long periods of time as the actions (like puffing out your cheeks) may end up drawing more attention.
If you need to disguise yourself quickly and are known for your facial hair, quickly shaving it off will transform your appearance. This can possibly work even if you’re a normally feminine. You will need to use contouring to make the rest of your face look more masculine, however.
