This post was written for guys who are getting traditional portraits and headshots i.e. suit or jacket with button-down. However a lot of stuff written here also applies to how men should dress in general for portrait shoots, so read on if you're interested.

What you wear for any kind of portrait session is not supposed to be complicated, but intentionality is key. Because clothing, for all its colors and different patterns, affects the way a photograph feels even before expression, lighting, or background come into play. A good outfit that is pleasing to the eye will help you look put together without pulling attention away from your face.

For traditional portraits and headshots, I usually suggest clothing that feels clean, simple, fitted, and true to how you want to be seen. The best wardrobe choices are the ones that gently support the portrait.

Start With Fit

Typically for a traditional portrait, you're going to be wearing, at a minimum, a button-down, a jacket/blazer, and slacks with dress shoes. But the way your clothes fit will always matter more than brand, price tag, or trend. For example, a plain T=shirt that fits well will almost always photograph better than an expensive blazer that sags, bunches, or looks oversized.

For your day-to-day business wear, and especially for your portraits, clothing should sit cleanly on your frame. Jackets should fit across the shoulders. Shirt collars should hold their shape. Sleeves should not swallow your hands. Pants do not usually matter as much for a tight headshot, but regardless, they should be hemmed.

If something feels too tight when you sit, cross your arms, or move naturally, it will probably show in the photos. If something feels too loose, it can make the portrait look less polished than you intended.

For further detailed reading, I will provide more resources on this topic. But overall, a good rule is to wear pieces that make you feel comfortable standing, sitting, and being photographed from a few different angles.

Keep Colors Simple

Solid neutrals are the strongest, most traditional choice. Button-downs should be white or light blue. Best colors for suit jackets are navy, charcoal, or light gray.

Please avoid colors that are overly bright, untraditional, or neon. Colors like these will reflect color onto your face and distract from your expression, making the portrait feel less professional. A strong color can work, but overall its best to stick to colors that are guaranteed to work.

For business portraits that include a more relaxed wardrobe, it's good to keep in mind that colors like navy, charcoal, medium gray, light blue, white, and earth tones tend to photograph well.

Solids Beat Busy Patterns

Small patterns can work, but they need to be chosen carefully. Fine stripes, tight checks, and busy prints can create visual problems on camera, especially in digital images. They can also make the portrait feel busier than it needs to be.

If you want to wear a patterned shirt, keep it subtle. But, just to keep things simple, I recommend simply wearing a solid shirt. The portrait should still be about you, not the shirt.

Do Not Forget Grooming

You outfit is only part of preparation. Hair, facial hair, skin, nails, and general grooming matter in a close portrait.

If you are due for a haircut, schedule one a few days before the session instead of the morning of. This gives the haircut time to settle. Trim facial hair cleanly, or shave in a way that looks fresh but not irritated. If your hands may show in the photos, make sure they are clean and presentable.

You do not need to look overly polished or unlike yourself. You just want the details cleaned up enough that nothing distracts from the portrait.

Iron or Steam Everything

Wrinkles show. They may not seem obvious in person, but they can become very obvious in a photograph.

Before the session, iron or steam your shirts, jackets, and pants. Hang them properly. Do not throw them in the back seat and put them on five minutes before we start.

If you are bringing multiple outfits, keep them on hangers. It 100% makes a difference.

A Simple Formula That Works

For a professional headshot, a strong starting point is:

A well-fitted jacket
A clean button-down or knit shirt
A simple color palette
No loud patterns
Clean grooming
Wrinkle-free clothing

For a more relaxed portrait, you can trade the formal jacket for a textured overshirt, sweater, denim jacket, or casual layer. The same rules still apply. Fit, color, simplicity, and intention matter most.

Final Thought

You do not need to overthink your wardrobe, but you should not treat it like an afterthought. The right clothing helps the photograph feel cleaner, more confident, and more useful.

Bring a few strong options, keep the colors simple, make sure everything fits, and avoid anything that pulls attention away from your face. From there, I can help make the final call based on the location, background, lighting, and the kind of portrait we are trying to make.