In "The Full Cupboard of Life," the author Alexander McCall Smith explores the theme of personal identity and societal expectations through the analogy of clothing labels. One character contemplates how people carry their identities, pondering why clothing should have visible labels when individuals themselves do not display their personal information so openly. This suggests a belief that overt displays of brand affiliation can be crass and superficial.

The character's reflections highlight a tension between authenticity and conformity to social norms. The comparison of clothes to birth certificates signifies a critique of consumer culture, where brand recognition often overshadows genuine self-expression. Ultimately, it invites readers to reconsider the values associated with personal presentation and the importance of authenticity.