What shirts to wear for headshots?
Gabriel Cooper
Updated on April 05, 2026
What shirts to wear for headshots?
Most “What to Wear for Headshots” guides give generalized advice like, “Scoop-neck shirts are best on camera,” or “Black V-neck shirts work better than white V-neck shirts,” but that’s one of the biggest reasons actors struggle to get auditions from their headshots.
What should you not wear for a headshot?
You should not wear anything unprofessional or sloppy for your headshots, such as vulgar t-shirts, see-through tops, or wrinkled and dirty clothes. Your clothes should reflect how you want your audience to perceive you as a person or professional.
What color shirt should you wear for headshots?
Solid colors work best. A white shirt with a solid color tie of any color will always look good, especially with a dark jacket. If you prefer a color shirt, go with a lighter color shirt under a dark jacket and a darker color shirt under a light jacket.
Can you wear black for a headshot?
Unless you’re getting a company-branded headshot, choose wardrobe colors that contrast with your background so you stand out. This is especially true if you plan to have black and white headshots – a dark top against a dark background could make you look like a floating head!
What do you wear for a full body shot?
If you are getting a body shot (1/2, 3/4, or full) you’ll need appropriate pants. For men, bring a pair of dark jeans and a pair of dark dress slacks. For women, a pair of dark jeans and either a pair of dress slacks or a long skirt/dress. You want your lower half to look appropriate to the rest of your appearance.
What should acting headshots look like?
In general, a good headshot is chest up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows, unless you are going in for “The Phantom of the Opera.” Three-quarter shots are good for print, and extreme close-ups are good for, well, nothing.
What colors to wear for headshots?
For headshots I recommend wearing a color that is either light (think pastel), or muted (gray, navy, etc), and accenting it with a statement necklace, sweater, or blazer. Avoid large patterns or multi-colored tops that steal attention from your gorgeous smile.
Should I wear makeup in my headshot?
For headshots, you want natural-look makeup. “Light” makeup is suitable as long as it is natural and evenly applied. It is more important to aim for a natural look than “light.” Although both can be accomplished simultaneously, it is important to prevent an uneven application.
How should I pose for a headshot?
A classic headshot pose is to cross your arms. When doing this, keep your arms loose & your hands relaxed to avoid looking stiff & rigid. You could put your hands in your pockets. When placing your hands in your pockets, have at least one finger on each hand or your thumbs showing.