Written by Ben Chuang

Introduction to Professional Headshots

In today's image-conscious world, professional headshots have become essential tools for personal branding, networking, and professional advancement.

Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, launching a new business venture, or seeking opportunities in your field, what to wear for headshots is a crucial decision for professional portraits. However, amidst the myriad decisions involved in preparing for a headshot session, one question looms large: what should you wear?

Your choice of attire plays a pivotal role in shaping the perception viewers form of you, influencing everything from your professionalism to your approachability. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the nuances of dressing for professional headshots, offering insights, tips, and practical advice to help you decide what to wear for headshots.

From understanding the psychology of suit colors (and how they affect interviews) to mastering the art of accessorizing, we'll explore the key elements that contribute to a successful headshot wardrobe, empowering you to make a lasting impression in today's competitive landscape.

Professional Attire and Proper Fit

What Is Professional Attire for Headshots

Professional attire for a headshot session typically revolves around classic and timeless pieces that convey a sense of professionalism, competence, and confidence.

For men, a well-fitted suit in a neutral color such as navy, charcoal, or black is often an excellent choice, as it exudes sophistication and professionalism.

Pair the suit with a crisp, collared dress shirt in a complementary solid color, such as white or light blue, to create a polished and cohesive look.

Opt for a slim tie that adds a touch of personality while still maintaining a professional appearance; consider classic patterns like stripes or subtle textures in coordinating colors.

Ensure that your clothing fits well and is free of wrinkles or creases, as attention to detail is key in projecting a polished image.

Finally, consider grooming essentials such as neatly styled hair, trimmed facial hair (if applicable), and minimal accessories to complete your professional headshot look with confidence and authority.

The Right Suit Jackets for a Professional Headshot

For men, selecting the appropriate power suit jackets for a professional headshot is crucial in conveying a polished and authoritative image.

Opt for classic and well-fitted blazer that complement your physique and exude sophistication.

Single-breasted suit jackets with notch lapels are a timeless choice that offers versatility and timeless elegance.

Men typically wear blazers in neutral colors such as navy, charcoal, or black, as these hues are universally flattering and project professionalism. Avoid bright colors and casual styles whenever possible.

Ensure that the suit jacket fits well across the shoulders, chest, and waist, with no visible pulling or sagging. Pay attention to sleeve length, with the jacket sleeves ending at the wrist bone to allow a hint of shirt cuff to show.

The Right Fabrics for Formal Clothing

Consider the fabric of the suit jacket; opt for high-quality materials like wool or wool blends for a refined and luxurious appearance.

By selecting a well-tailored suit jacket that fits impeccably and complements your style, you can confidently convey professionalism and confidence in your professional headshot.

 

Best Shirts for Professional Headshots

For professional headshots, men should wear clothing that epitomizes sophistication, boast impeccable fit, and seamlessly align with their personal style. Nimble Made stands out with its diverse slim shirt collection of meticulously crafted dress shirts tailored precisely for the contemporary professional man.

Offering slim and tailored fits, Nimble Made shirts guarantee a refined and polished silhouette, essential for making a lasting impression in headshots.

Delve into their assortment to discover an array of options ranging from classic white shirts, timeless and versatile, to light blue hues or subtle shirt patterns like blue and white stripes or checks, injecting a dash of personality into your professional attire. These shirts are a great choice for engagement photos as well. 

Nimble Made's commitment to detail shines through in its use of premium fabrics and thoughtful design elements, ensuring not only style but also comfort.

With their shirts, you can confidently step into your headshot session knowing that you are wearing clothes that perfectly reflect your professionalism and individuality, leaving a lasting mark in the minds of viewers. They also have the best men's oxford shirts if you're going more business casual.

Best Ties for Professional Headshots

When selecting ties for professional headshots, men should aim for pieces that enhance their overall appearance while maintaining a sense of sophistication and professionalism.

Nimble Made offers a selection of skinny ties crafted with meticulous attention to detail, making them ideal choices for complementing professional attire in headshot sessions.

Opt for classic silk ties in solid colors such as navy blue, black, or dark gray, as they exude timeless elegance and pair seamlessly with a variety of shirt and tie combinations.

Alternatively, consider textured blue ties or subtle patterns like stripes or microprints to add visual interest without overpowering the ensemble.

Nimble Made's ties boast premium materials and expert craftsmanship, ensuring a refined and polished look that perfectly complements your professional image in headshots.

Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary style, Nimble Made's ties provide the finishing touch to elevate your appearance with confidence and sophistication.

Proper Fit and Attention to Detail

Start with the suit jacket:

• Ensure shoulders lie flat and snug without pulling or sagging.

• Jacket sleeve should end at wrist bone, allowing half an inch of shirt cuff to show.

Check dress shirt:

• Collar size should sit comfortably against neck without gaping or bunching.

• Proper shirt sleeve should extend to base of thumb for a proportional appearance

Pay attention to trousers:

• Waist should fit comfortably without being too tight or loose.

• Pant length should break gently on the shoe without excessive bunching.

Consider overall silhouette:

• Clothing should follow natural contours without appearing overly tight or baggy.

• Aim for a polished and professional appearance suitable for your headshot.

Solid or Patterned Shirts for Professional Headshot

Consider overall impression and context:

• Think about the message you want to convey and the setting of the photo shoot.

Solid-colored shirts:

• Offer a classic and timeless look.

• Convey business professionalism and sophistication effectively.

• Provide a clean backdrop for your face, keeping the focus on you.

Patterned shirts:

• Add personality and visual interest to your attire.

• Showcase individual style while maintaining professionalism.

Choose patterns wisely:

• Opt for subtle designs like pinstripes, checks, or microprints.

• Ensure patterns complement rather than overwhelm your appearance.

Ultimately, the choice between solid-colored or patterned shirts depends on personal preference, the specific context of the headshot, and the image you wish to project.

Skin Tones and Clothing in a Professional Headshot Session

Matching your skin tone with your clothing and backdrop colors is essential for achieving a cohesive and flattering look in professional headshot sessions, particularly for men. Start by identifying your skin undertone, which can be warm, cool, or neutral.

Warm undertone:

• Opt for earthy tones like browns, olive greens, and warm neutrals such as beige or camel.

• Complement your skin color and create a harmonious balance in the photograph.

Cool undertone:

• Choose dark clothing in cool shades like blues, grays, and icy tones.

• Enhance your complexion and prevent clashes with your skin tone.

Consider backdrop color:

Warm undertones:

• Choose neutral or warm-toned backdrops like beige, taupe, or soft gray.

• Create a seamless and flattering background that enhances features without overpowering them.

Cool undertones:

• Opt for backdrops in cool shades like navy blue, charcoal gray, or black.

• Provide a striking contrast against your skin tone while maintaining a professional aesthetic.

Regardless of your skin tone, it's crucial to avoid clothing and backdrop colors that clash or wash out your complexion.

Experiment with different hues during your headshot session to find the perfect combination that highlights your best features and conveys the desired professional image with confidence and authenticity.

Casual Clothing for a Professional Headshot

Flannel and Gingham Shirts

While a black and white flannel or gingham shirt may be suitable for certain professional settings, it's generally advisable to opt for more traditional and formal attire for headshots, especially in fields where professionalism and polish are highly valued.

Flannel and gingham shirts, while comfortable and stylish, may convey a more casual or relaxed image that could be perceived as less professional in certain contexts.

However, there are exceptions depending on the industry and the specific message you want to convey in your headshot.

For creative fields or industries with a more casual dress code, such as design or tech, a well-fitted and neatly styled plaid or gingham shirt might be appropriate.

In such cases, ensure that the shirt is clean, pressed, and complements your overall appearance in a way that still exudes professionalism and confidence.

Ultimately, it's essential to consider the expectations of your industry and the image you wish to project when selecting attire for professional headshots.

T-Shirts for Professional Headshots

While wearing a slim t-shirt for a professional headshot may be acceptable in certain casual or creative industries, it's generally advisable to opt for more formal attire rather than more casual clothing.

T-shirts are typically associated with a relaxed or informal dress code and may not convey the level of professionalism desired in many professional settings. However, there are exceptions depending on the context of the headshot and the expectations of your industry.

If you work in a creative field where a casual dress code is the norm, a well-chosen and neatly styled and more casual clothing like a t-shirt may be appropriate. However, it's essential to ensure that the t-shirt is clean, in good condition, and complements your overall appearance in a way that still exudes professionalism.

Ultimately, consider the expectations of your industry and the image you wish to project when deciding whether to wear a t-shirt for your photo session.

Do’s and Don’ts for What to Wear for Headshots for Men

 

 

Frequently asked questions about what to wear for headshots

What is the best color to wear for headshots?

When choosing colors for headshots, opt for shades that complement your skin tone and avoid anything too bright or distracting. Solid, neutral colors like navy, gray, and black work well, as they tend to be timeless and professional.

Soft, muted tones can also be flattering, while bright colors and bold patterns might draw attention away from your face. Ultimately, wear something that makes you feel confident and reflects your personal or professional style.

How to dress for a headshot?

For a headshot, aim for a clean, polished look. Choose clothes that fit well and avoid overly busy patterns or logos. Stick with solid colors or subtle patterns to keep the focus on your face. For a professional appearance, business attire such as a tailored blazer or blouse is often appropriate. Ensure your clothing is well-ironed and fits comfortably to avoid adjusting it during the shoot.

How to pose for headshots for females?

When posing for headshots, adopt a relaxed and natural posture. Stand or sit up straight, with your shoulders back to convey confidence. Turn your body slightly to the side while keeping your face angled towards the camera to create a flattering profile.

A slight tilt of the head can add a touch of engagement. Smile naturally—think of something that makes you genuinely happy to avoid a forced expression. Practice in front of a mirror to find your most flattering angles and expressions.

What is an appropriate headshot?

An appropriate headshot is a clear, high-quality image that focuses on your face and shoulders. It should present you in a professional and approachable manner, suitable for your intended use, whether for LinkedIn, a company website, or other professional platforms.

The background should be simple and non-distracting, and the lighting should highlight your features without creating harsh shadows. Ensure your appearance is neat, and your expression reflects the image you want to project.