What Should Men Wear for Professional Headshots?
Choosing an outfit for your headshots doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ll keep this short and sweet: wear clothing that fits well, photographs well, and helps you look like the best version of yourself. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, company website, or personal brand, these simple tips will help you show up confident and camera-ready.
1. Wear Clothes That Fit Well
Fit is more important than the brand or price tag. A perfectly fitted shirt from a department store will photograph much better than an expensive shirt that’s too large or too tight. Pay attention to shoulder seams, sleeve length, collar and overall fit.
If you find yourself constantly pulling at your clothing or adjusting it in the mirror, it’s probably not the best choice for photos.
2. Stick with Solid Colors
Solid colors photograph best and keep attention where it belongs—on you. Great options include:
- Navy
- Charcoal
- Medium gray
- Deep blue
- Forest green
- Burgundy
These colors tend to be flattering on most skin tones and work well for both corporate and personal branding images. Black and white can wash out many skin tones.
3. Avoid Busy Patterns
Small checks, thin stripes, and intricate patterns can become distracting in photographs. While a subtle pattern may work occasionally, solid colors are almost always the safest choice for headshots. If you’re unsure, bring both options to your session and we can decide together.
4. Layer for Variety
Layers instantly add depth and interest to your photos. If shooting more than one look, consider bringing:
- A blazer or sport coat
- A lightweight sweater
- A quarter-zip pullover
- A casual jacket
Even if you’re only using one outfit, adding or removing a layer can create multiple looks in just a few minutes.
5. Consider Your Industry
Your clothing should reflect the image you want to project. An attorney or financial advisor may prefer a suit and tie, while a tech entrepreneur might look more approachable in a blazer and open-collar shirt. The best headshots feel authentic to who you are and how your clients expect to see you.
6. Pay Attention to Grooming
Schedule haircuts several days before your session, rather than the day before. This gives your haircut time to settle and look natural. If you wear facial hair, trim and shape it before your session. Don’t make major changes right beforehand, your headshot should look like the version of you that people recognize.
7. Bring More Than One Option
A simple combination might include:
- Professional: Suit jacket and dress shirt
- Business casual: Open-collar button-down
- Relaxed: Sweater or casual jacket
Even if you are planning for only one look at your shoot, it never hurts to bring a backup. Having options also gives us flexibility, and helps ensure you leave with images that fit multiple uses.
8. What Colors Should Men Avoid?
Some colors tend to be less flattering in professional headshots:
- Neon colors
- Bright red
- Stark white shirts worn alone
- Colors that closely match your skin tone
- Very pale pastels without a contrasting jacket
These colors can either draw attention away from your face or create exposure challenges that aren’t ideal for professional portraits.
9. Skincare (Yes, skincare!)
You don’t need an elaborate skincare routine before your headshot session, but a little preparation can make a noticeable difference. A few days before your session:
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated.
- Moisturize regularly, especially if your skin tends to be dry.
- Avoid trying new products that could cause irritation or breakouts.
- Get a good night’s sleep and avoid alcohol before your session, it’s one of the easiest ways to look refreshed.
On the day of your shoot, wash your face, apply a light moisturizer, and you’re good to go. If you tend to have oily skin, I will have blotting papers in the studio.
10. Try everything on
I can’t tell you the number of times someone has shown up only to find a stain on a shirt, a missing button or a jacket that just doesn’t fit anymore. We all know that something mystical happens in the closet over time that makes clothes not fit anymore, it’s best not to figure that out at your shoot.
If you’re wearing a tie for your headshot, practice tying it in the days before your photo shoot. A poorly knotted tie looks a mess in photos.
Clean your glasses.
Final Thoughts
The best outfit for a headshot is one that feels like a polished version of yourself. Choose clothing that fits well, makes you feel confident, and aligns with your professional goals. If you’re debating between two options, bring both. I help clients make wardrobe decisions every day and can guide you toward the strongest choices during your session.