Corporate headshots for men typically require a very specific outfit selection, but aside from choosing a suit, there are several considerations that aren’t completely obvious but make a huge difference in the final photo. Below are the best guidelines for preparing and selecting what to wear for your corporate headshot if you’re a man, things you should be aware of, and how to pair a shirt and tie with the suit for best results.

Fit

Whatever you wear, make sure it fits you well. Baggy, loose clothing looks unprofessional and tends to bunch up and make you look larger than necessary. One way to test whether a shirt isn’t fitted enough is to sit down while wearing it. If the shirt starts bunching at the bottom, it’s too large.

It’s also really important to choose and try on clothing you’re considering a few days before your session - it gives you the chance to tailor your shirt and jacket or choose another outfit for your headshot.

Color

Choose colors that complement your hair as well as your complexion. Take color psychology into consideration. What message do you want to convey using color? Not sure which colors look best on you? Look at previous photos or ask people you trust.

Also, keep in mind that solid colors are always better for photos. Not only do they look more professional but they’re not distracting and won’t look outdated a few years from now.

And if your headshots will be used on a website and in marketing materials, consider the company brand colors as well. Find small ways to work these colors into your outfit or consider how the brand color will show up around your image, so that your photos are complementary.

Wrinkles

Make sure to press, dry clean, or iron the clothing you’re going to wear to make sure your jacket and shirt won’t have any wrinkles. If you have any concerns about driving or traveling, bring your suit jacket on a hanger and put it on right before your headshot.

Undershirt

You might wear an undershirt daily, but they do tend to show up in photos since Studio lighting is used. It’s best to skip the undershirt for your headshots.

Patterns and Stripes

Patterns and stripes might look great day to day, but for headshots you definitely want to stick to solid colors and non-distracting fabrics, especially when it comes to selecting the collared shirt you’re going to wear. The key is to keep things tidy and simple so that the attention is on your face, not on what you’re wearing. That doesn’t mean no patterns at all, but choosing smaller patterns that aren’t distracting and pairing them with solid colors for balance.

Ties

If you plan on wearing a tie in you headshot, make sure it’s tied correctly and the knot is tight enough to not sag in the middle. You will also want to double check that the tie is centered. Color-wise, always test the color combination by placing the tie on top of the clothing you plan on wearing to make sure it works well and is visually pleasing. And if you have any difficulty in making that selection yourself, feel free to bring tie options to your headshot session.

The best corporate headshot outfit for men?

A well-fitting navy or gray suit is a probably the best option when taking corporate headshots and is perfect for those in more professional industries like finance and business. Don’t forget to accessorize with a belt, pocket square, or add a tie to bring in some color and interest.

And if you’ve been thinking about getting an updated headshot and are in the Fairfield County, Connecticut area, you can find out more information about the Studio Headshot Sessions for individuals and on-site Team/Company Headshots by clicking below.

All headshot clients are also provided with a 30+ page “What to Wear” Style Guide PDF when they book their session that goes over how to prepare, what to wear, and shows examples of different outfits to consider. Paired with posing guidance, professional lighting, and natural-looking retouching, you are guaranteed to have the best headshot at the end of the process!