What to Wear for Men for a Photoshoot: Complete Style Guide
Whether you’re booking a professional portrait session, a branding shoot, or a lifestyle photoshoot, what you wear can make or break the final result. The right outfit doesn’t just make you look good—it helps you feel confident, comfortable, and fully yourself.
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to photoshoot style. You can go sharp and tailored, relaxed and minimal, or bold and fashion-forward. You can even stick with one general style but switch up the colors between looks for variety. The key is to wear something that fits your personality and purpose, while still keeping in mind how clothing translates on camera.
Let’s dive into what works best on camera and how to make sure you’re shoot-ready in every situation.
First Things First: Confidence, Fit, Comfort—and Weather—Matter
Before getting into specific styles, let’s talk about the core essentials that make any outfit work on camera:
Dress for confidence. If you feel awkward or uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, it’ll show in your posture and facial expression. Choose pieces you love and feel like you in—clothing that supports your natural movement and presence.
Dress for the weather. If you’re too cold or too hot, you won’t feel your best. In winter, even if you don’t want a heavy coat in your photos, bring one to warm up between shots. In the summer, especially on humid days, pack an extra shirt or towel if you’re worried about sweat. If you’re planning to wear a long-sleeve suit in the heat, don’t put it on while walking to your location.
Avoid tiny patterns. Fine pinstripes and small checks can create visual distortion on camera called “moiré.” Instead, opt for solid colors, larger prints, or textured fabrics that show up well in photos.
Fit is everything. Clothes that are too tight or too loose will affect how you look and move. Choose a well-fitted outfit that flatters your shape, and consider tailoring your favorite pieces if needed.
Explore multiple options. Bring more than one outfit to your session—especially if you want to capture different moods or settings. Try a mix of styles (e.g., business and casual), or stick with the same silhouette in different color palettes (like navy and beige).
Polish your grooming. It’s not the same old haircut—consider visiting a stylist or barber ahead of time for a fresh, clean look. Beard trims, tidy brows, and even clean nails all help your overall presentation. Ask your stylist for a natural style if you want to look neat but not overdone.
Choose the right fabric. If posible stick to breathable, matte-finish materials like cotton, linen, or wool. Avoid shiny or clingy synthetics. And always steam or iron your outfit before the session.
Business or Business Casual: Dress to Impress with Purpose
If you’re doing a branding session or professional headshots, your outfit should reflect your role and industry—but with a touch more polish.
Go one step more formal than your everyday office wear. Think of it as dressing for an important presentation, a networking event, or a client pitch.
Style Tips for Business Looks:
Classic blazer + button-down combo: A tailored blazer over a crisp shirt instantly elevates your look. Solid colors like navy, charcoal, or forest green photograph especially well.
Skip bold or novelty ties. If you’re wearing a tie, keep it subtle. Slim ties with solid or lightly textured finishes work best.
Dress pants or chinos over jeans. Structured pants always photograph more professionally than denim.
Polished shoes complete the look. Avoid sneakers for this category—opt for leather shoes or stylish loafers that match your belt.
Business Casual Tip: If you’re going for a slightly relaxed feel (for example, you work in a creative or tech field), skip the blazer but still wear a structured button-down or knit polo with fitted chinos or dark jeans.
Casual: Clean, Relaxed, and Stylish
A casual photoshoot outfit doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Whether it’s for a family session, lifestyle portraits, or personal branding for a more relaxed vibe, the goal is to look effortlessly put together.
Casual Outfit Tips:
Stick with clean, solid colors. Neutrals like white, beige, navy, olive, or black work well. If you want to add color, keep it rich and muted—think burgundy or rust.
Layer your look. A lightweight jacket or overshirt adds depth and visual interest. Think denim jackets, knit cardigans, or neutral bombers.
Choose fitted basics. A plain, well-fitting t-shirt with tailored jeans and clean shoes looks much sharper than oversized or worn-out pieces.
Keep accessories minimal. A nice watch or bracelet can elevate your look without overpowering it.
Sporty or Athleisure: Sharp, Not Shlumpy
If your shoot has an athletic theme or you’re a personal trainer, fitness coach, or simply want something dynamic and energetic, sport-inspired looks can absolutely work—as long as they’re clean, flattering, and intentional.
Tips for Sporty Looks:
Choose new or clean workout gear. No sweat stains or overly faded items. Fresh, structured activewear with subtle branding photographs best.
Fitted athletic tops work best. Compression shirts, sleeveless tanks, or fitted hoodies can highlight physique and movement.
Joggers or tailored shorts over baggy sweats. Modern activewear has a much sharper silhouette than old gym clothes.
Shoes matter here, too. Wear your freshest sneakers, and consider the color coordination of your whole look.
Avoid loud logos or busy patterns. Just like in other categories, clean and simple wins on camera.
Fashionista: Make a Statement with Your Style
If you work in fashion, entertainment, or media—or if you simply love to stand out—this is your moment to shine. A photoshoot is the perfect excuse to wear something daring, expressive, or totally unexpected.
Tips for Fashion-Forward Photoshoot Looks:
Play with color. Jewel tones, monochrome sets, color blocking, and even neon can look incredible with the right backdrop.
Layer creatively. Long trench coats, cropped blazers, oversized shirts, and unexpected textures all add drama.
Experiment with texture. Leather, velvet, silk, denim, wool—mixing textures adds visual depth to your photos.
Use standout accessories. Think statement glasses, watches, hats, rings, or even a chain necklace—just keep the balance with the rest of your outfit.
Mix styles. Try something like a tailored suit with sneakers, or a luxury blazer over a graphic tee for a streetwear-meets-high-fashion vibe.
Bring options. Pack two or three fashion-forward looks so we can experiment on set and make the most of the shoot.
If you’re doing a creative, editorial, or personal branding shoot and want to showcase your personality, don’t be afraid to go bold—your confidence is the most photogenic thing you can wear.
Need more ideas? Check my Pinterest insperation board.
💬 Ready to Book Your Photoshoot?
Whether you’re keeping it classic or going bold, I’ll help you look and feel like your best self on camera. Let’s plan your session—from outfit choices to location and styling.
