What to Wear for Headshots: A Comprehensive Guide for Males

When deciding what to wear for a professional headshot as a male, consider your audience and the industry you work in. If you work in a more traditional or conservative industry, such as law or finance, a suit and tie may be appropriate. However, for a more creative field, you can be more daring with patterns and colors, and a jacket without a necktie can still look very executive. It’s important to choose clean, freshly pressed clothing that fits well and flatters your body type. Bring multiple options to your photo session to give your photographer the ability to coordinate an overall look.

Whether or not you need to wear a necktie in your headshot depends on your audience and industry. If you’re looking for a job in management or work in a more traditional industry, a necktie may be appropriate. Opt for solid shirts with a small patterned tie for a classic look, and coordinate the width of your tie with the width of your jacket lapels. However, if you work in a more creative field, you can still look professional without a tie. Consider a dark blue solid shirt under a lighter gray jacket or bolder stripes and checks for a more daring look.

Yes, you can wear a collared, button-up shirt without a jacket in your headshot. Solid colored shirts work best when you aren’t wearing a jacket, and you should choose colors that contrast well with your background. Avoid wearing patterns or stripes, as they can be distracting and work better under a jacket. Make sure your shirt is clean and freshly pressed, fits well, and flatters your body type. It’s also a good idea to bring multiple options to your photo session.

Whether or not you should wear a suit in your headshot depends on your industry and audience. If you work in a more traditional or conservative industry, such as law or finance, a suit may be appropriate. Opt for a medium gray or blue jacket with coordinating pants, and make sure the fit is tailored to your body type. However, for a more creative field, you can be more daring with your clothing choices. A jacket without a necktie can still look very executive, and you can choose bolder patterns and colors.

When deciding what to wear for your headshot, there are a few things you should avoid. Avoid wearing white or black shirts without a jacket, as they can wash out your complexion or be too harsh against your background. Additionally, avoid wearing clothing that is too tight or too loose, as it can be unflattering in photos. Avoid distracting patterns or stripes when you’re not wearing a jacket, and make sure your clothing is clean, freshly pressed, and in good condition. Finally, avoid wearing clothing that doesn’t flatter your body type or that makes you feel uncomfortable, as it can show in your photos.

It’s always best to do a little research on your intended audience before choosing what to wear for your headshot. However, if you’re unsure, it’s generally better to err on the side of dressing up a bit more. A tie can add a touch of professionalism and can be easily removed for more casual shots if necessary.

Yes, you can wear a patterned shirt in your headshot. However, it’s best to keep the pattern subtle and avoid anything too busy or distracting. A small, simple pattern like pinstripes or small checks can add a bit of interest without overwhelming the photo.

While a collared shirt is generally recommended for headshots, there are some instances where a t-shirt can work. If you’re in a more creative field or want a more casual look, a plain, solid-colored t-shirt can be paired with a blazer or jacket for a more laid-back yet professional look. Avoid anything with graphics or text, and stick to colors that flatter your skin tone.

In wider portraits, it’s a good idea to match your pants to your jacket or wear a full suit. This helps create a cohesive look and adds to the overall professionalism of the photo. However, if you’re only taking a head-and-shoulders shot, you can get away with wearing pants that don’t perfectly match your jacket.

Yes, you can wear glasses in your headshot if you usually wear them in your business dealings. However, make sure your glasses are clean and in good repair, and consider bringing multiple pairs to the shoot. It’s also a good idea to try on your glasses with your outfit before the shoot to make sure they complement your overall look.