How to Go Unnoticed

Last Updated: November 27, 2019 References

Going unnoticed is the art of blending in to crowds or other social gatherings. Sometimes it can be for personal safety, sometimes it's just because you don't want to socialize. Being unnoticed lets you have some personal time and do whatever you wish to do without being seen doing it. This guide will teach you how to go unnoticed in a variety of settings.

Steps

1
Ascertain why you don't want to be noticed. Whether for a game, avoiding someone or just to blend and relax. It's easier to know what you're doing and why.
2
Dress plainly. One of the most important things you can do is dress down. Jeans and a T-shirt are generally good. If you're a girl don't wear tight jeans, low-cut shirts, or tons of make-up. If you're a guy, don't wear your jeans half-way down your butt and a T that's way too big. You're trying not to stand out. It is also best to avoid bright colors, especially reds, oranges and yellows, especially when these colors come in stripes across the body. The human brain is wired to react to these colors, leading you to be noticed more easily.^{[1]
X
Research source}
3
Act as if you belong even if you don't. People notice people who look as though they don't fit far quicker than people who look as if they walk down this street every day. Practice feeling comfortable in any setting - this takes some confidence.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Act natural. If something catches your eye in a shop go look at it, if you feel hungry go get food. If every third person has a shopping bag, go buy something. If half the people around you are eating, then eat. People tend to pass over people who look preoccupied doing something else.
5
Be quiet. It doesn't seem important but people hear easier than they see in crowded places. Even if a person is not looking at you they can still hear you.^{[3]
X
Research source}
6
Be still. If pressed stand still. People notice movement more than shapes. Don't become a statue. Just stand still like you don't have a reason to move, not like you have a reason not to.^{[4]
X
Research source}
7
Walk with your head down. That way you can move slower if you want and people can't see your face as easily.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I keep from making friends? I don't want to make anymore friends. How do I tell them no? What if I do get noticed, what if people talk to me, how do I not act awkward and weird?

Tanga -xo

Community Answer

Cutting off friends can be difficult, especially if you grew up with them and knew them for a long time, but the best way to do it would be to let them down easily and tell them your reasons. If people do notice you and try to talk to you be friendly but don't say too much -- you don't want to make new friends or get attached. So basically play it simple and be nice, but distanced.
Question

I got people in trouble at school. They were on their phones in class, which isn't allowed, so I let the teacher know. Now everyone calls me a snitch. I want to blend in so they stop. Any suggestions?

Community Answer

Just wait it out. Don't draw any attention to yourself for a few days and people will forget all about it.
Question

How do I go unnoticed at college?

Community Answer

Dress like everyone else dresses. Don't draw attention to yourself by speaking up in class. If possible, take classes that are given in big lecture halls for lots of students.
Question

How can I go unnoticed by a mean friend who is in all of my classes with me?

Community Answer

Just tell them that you don't want to be friends anymore because of the way they have been treating you, then ignore them, no matter what they do or say. If they start bullying you or they're really upsetting you, talk to an adult about it.
Question

How do I go unnoticed when I have a lot of friends?

Community Answer

Don't ice them out, but you don't have to be with them all the time, either. If you are wanting to cut off your friends, spend more time with another person or people. If you stand out because of your style, change your look a little.
Question

Do I need friends to go unnoticed?

Community Answer

In some cases, yes. Being around a small group of people causes you to blend in, so having two or three friends with you can make it harder for people to notice you. However, sometimes having a group of friends with you can make you easily noticed due to the multiple amount of people. If you're in a place where most people are by themselves, having friends can get you noticed.
Question

How do I become unnoticed if I'm considered crazy and fun?

Community Answer

Just act like you really aren't in the mood to be crazy and fun that day, wear a hoodie, rest your head down, and if somebody asks whats wrong, just tell them you're really tired. People will get the hint that you don't want to interact and be crazy at that moment.

Warnings

Don't use this for illegal purposes.

Thanks!
Helpful 77 Not Helpful 24
Going completely unseen can be a shock for some people so take it easy.

Thanks!
Helpful 65 Not Helpful 22