I met a new neighbor the other day and she had just had her first real headshot taken by a professional photographer. Of course I asked about the shots and how it went. She said the the photos were “fine, but I didn’t wear the right thing…” 😬
First impressions matter. And your headshot often forms that initial impression, whether it's for your actorsaccess profile, an audition, or your website. Some fabrics can flat out break your headshot, some can be very limiting, and some will ALWAYS need retouching to get rid of wrinkles.
👚 Picking the Right Fabrics: What to Keep in Mind 👗
First things first, let's make sure your wardrobe doesn't steal the spotlight from you. Unless, of course, you're intentionally going for a "clown-couture" look (and I say that with all the love in the world), keep this one rule in mind:
Don't let your wardrobe be more interesting than you.
Seriously, this rule applies in so many ways. We don't want your clothes distracting the casting director from your brilliant self. Whether it's a wild pattern, safari jacket wrinkles, or that frayed undershirt you thought no one would notice, we want your clothes to enhance your look, not detract.
Now, let's dive into some fabrics you might want to avoid:
Lace/Crochet/Chonky Knits and Gauze:
If it looks like a doily, it's probably not the best choice. Unless it’s gonna cover a few of the looks and roles you’re going for, you can probably find something that is more versatile. There are better, more versatile options out there that don’t read as a costume.
Gauze is mysterious and magical and I don’t like it in a headshot. Sometimes it can have a sheen to it that catches environmental light and reflects it up into the face, which isn't always flattering, and at the same time it can be transparent and revealing under bright light, which isn’t always appropriate.
Lastly, they’re all see-through fabrics so if you are wearing one of these, be sure you wear the appropriate layers beneath.
But what about lace details on a garment? Usually, that’s totally fine.
Simple knitted sweaters are totally cool. Bulky, chunky knitted sweaters adds bulk to your pics. Just be aware.
Workout Material:
You know how you can look at a photo of a cozy sweater and instantly imagine how soft and comfy it’d feel to wear? Workout material has the opposite effect. Unless you're modeling activewear, you can steer clear of that sweat-wicking, sheeny yoga fabric. It just feels scratchy in photos. You know what i mean.
Satin:
Satin and other shiny fabrics are reflective they can limit lighting options as they can bounce light into places you might want a shadow.
It feels dated.
Also, satin tends to wrinkle easily, and trust me, photoshopping shiny fabric is not in anyone’s list of favorite things to spend time on.
Wrinkles are more pronounced as are any areas that pull or stretch. It can be distracting.
Faux Fur and Animal Prints:
Unless it's uniquely you, consider skipping the muppety sweaters, faux fur and animal prints for your next headshot sesh. Like knitted stuff. they can be distracting and may limit the versatility of your shots.
NO REAL FUR. EVER!
Linen:
My arch-nemesis. Linen looks fantastic in real life when it’s in motion or on safari but is a nightmare for headshots due to its tendency to wrinkle. Even if you iron it within an inch of its life, those wrinkles persist. I hate them. I accept them. They’re distracting. We move on.
Sequins, Sparkles, and Glitter:
Save these for post-session celebrations and the state fair. Sequins and sparkles can read as as “costumey” unless used super subtly. LIKE SUUUUPER subtle. Also, they can be limiting in terms of where you can use the shots. A sequined ballgown, a bedazzled jacket, a glitter lined vest? This is the “break your headshot” territory right here.
Paisley, Seersucker, Large Polka Dots, Plaids that could also be used as upholstery.
Bold prints. Like Hawaiian shirts for example. They can be really interesting and also really limiting.
You get the idea. As you’re putting together your wardrobe for your next session ask yourself these questions:
Is it appropriate for the roles you’ll submit for?
Is it limiting or versatile? (Meaning, can it cover multiple headshot categories for ya or is it one very specific type or look?)
Does it help convey the message you want to send?
Last thing I want to say:
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wardrobe for a headshot. If the fabric for one of the looks you are considering falls into one of these “no no” categories and yet you really love it, put it on and take a pic and send it to your photographer to weigh in.
These are simply general guidelines you might wanna follow.
Sometimes it’s worth bending the rules if the look totally works.
When in doubt, take a selfie and ask your photog.
Stay tuned for more headshot wardrobe wisdom in the next blog post! 🌟✨
