Vestiphobia is an overwhelming, irrational fear of clothing. The vestiphobic individual simply wants to be free of clothing. Individuals coping with Vestiphobia may insist on wearing loose, oversized clothing or in extreme cases, may withdraw from society completely in order to avoid being clothed. The symptoms of Vestiphobia are individual and will vary among people. Some people, when confronted with their fear of clothing, may begin to perspire, feel slightly uncomfortable or become nauseated. At the opposite end of the spectrum, other people are so severely compromised by this phobia, that they may experience crippling anxiety and/or panic attacks.

Vestiphobia is a combination of Latin and Greek words. It derives from the Latin word “vestis”, meaning clothing, garment or covering and the Greek word “phobos” meaning fear.