Wardrobe Guide for Men: What to Wear for Professional Headshots

Men's headshot wardrobe operates with fewer options than women's, but that constraint makes every choice more critical. You can't hide behind variety—what you bring needs to work. The advantage: simplicity. The challenge: every piece carries more weight. One wrong choice limits your range. One strategic choice opens multiple casting opportunities.

A 35-year-old actor targeting law enforcement roles needs completely different wardrobe than a 35-year-old targeting tech startup CEO. A commercial dad type wears different colors and styles than a dramatic leading man. Your type, your age range, and your target market all determine what actually works.

The Strategic Core: Simplicity Requires Precision

Women have necklines, accessories, and layering options to create variety. Men have fit, fabric, and color. This isn't a disadvantage—it's focus. When you can't rely on styling tricks, the fundamentals matter more. Fit becomes non-negotiable. Color choice becomes strategic communication. Fabric quality shows instantly.

Men's wardrobe communicates through subtlety. A crew neck says something different than a henley. A button-down with rolled sleeves sends different energy than one worn buttoned and tucked. A blazer over casual shirt creates different authority than a blazer over dress shirt. These aren't huge variations, but they're significant ones. Casting directors reading men's headshots look for these signals.

The compression of options means clarity. You can't show twenty different sides of yourself through wardrobe alone. You show three to five clear variations within your type. This forces strategic thinking: What are the most important facets of my brand? What range do casting directors need to see? What roles am I actually pursuing versus what I wish I was playing?

Real Wardrobe Scenarios for Men

Scenario 1: The Professional Authority (Ages 35-55)

Target casting: Attorneys, executives, medical professionals, law enforcement, military officers, serious dramatic roles

Strategic wardrobe approach:

• Primary authority look: Navy or charcoal blazer over light blue dress shirt—classic professional credibility, immediate authority
• Approachable authority: Same shirt without blazer, sleeves rolled to mid-forearm—still competent but more accessible, 'after hours' professional
• Serious dramatic: Dark henley (navy or charcoal) fitted properly—shows intensity and dramatic range without corporate feel
• Alternative professional: Different shirt color (white or subtle micro-check) under same blazer—proves versatility in professional realm
• Backup: Quality sweater or alternative blazer in different tone

Why this works: You've shown four distinct energies—high-powered professional, accessible competence, dramatic intensity, and wardrobe versatility—from essentially three pieces (blazer, shirt, henley). Each look targets different aspects of 'authority figure' casting without contradicting your core brand. The attorney needs looks 1 and 2. The detective needs looks 2 and 3. The CEO needs looks 1 and 4.

What this wardrobe books: Corporate roles, professional authority characters, law enforcement, military officers, serious dramatic work requiring gravitas. Shows range within 'competent professional' type without diluting your core positioning.

Scenario 2: The Approachable Dad/Guy Next Door (Ages 30-50)

Target casting: Commercial dad roles, friendly neighbor, relatable everyman, supportive husband, 'regular guy' characters

Strategic wardrobe approach:

• Primary commercial look: Warm, medium-tone henley or quality polo (rust, teal, warm gray)—friendly, approachable, trustworthy energy brands love
• Casual professional: Button-down in approachable color (light blue, warm gray) worn untucked or sleeves rolled—competent but not intimidating
• Layered warmth: Casual blazer or cardigan over complementary base—adds sophistication without losing approachability
• Alternative energy: Different warm color in crew neck style—shows range while staying in casting lane
• Backup: Additional color option photographer might want for specific energy

Why this works: Every piece communicates 'trustworthy, relatable, someone you'd want as your neighbor.' No piece feels too formal or too casual. The color palette stays warm and friendly. The fit is comfortable but polished. You're showing 'real guy' energy across multiple contexts—weekend dad, casual professional, approachable friend.

What this wardrobe books: Commercial dad roles, spokesperson work for family-oriented brands, supportive husband characters, friendly neighbor roles, 'everyman' casting. Shows you understand your lane and can deliver consistent, bookable energy.

Scenario 3: The Young Leading Man (Ages 25-40)

Target casting: Romantic leads, young professionals, tech industry roles, contemporary dramatic work

Strategic wardrobe approach:

• Contemporary professional: Well-fitted button-down (white or light blue) in modern cut—polished but not traditional corporate
• Casual leading energy: Quality henley or fitted crew neck in darker tone (navy, charcoal, black)—shows dramatic range and leading man presence
• Tech/startup vibe: Same button-down worn more casually (untucked, sleeves rolled) possibly with blazer—modern professional without stuffiness
• Range demonstration: Brighter or different color that shows personality—proves you're not one-dimensional
• Backup: Alternative that leans either more professional or more casual based on photographer feedback

Why this works: You're showing contemporary leading man range—professional when needed, casually confident, dramatically capable, personable. Nothing feels dated or too traditional. Everything reads as current and age-appropriate for your market. You're not trying to play authority figures yet, but you're showing you can carry leading roles.

What this wardrobe books: Young professional roles, romantic leads, tech industry characters, contemporary dramatic work, roles requiring current energy and appeal. Shows you understand modern leading man positioning.

Scenario 4: The Character Actor (Ages 25-65)

Target casting: Supporting roles, character-driven work, quirky or specific types, blue-collar roles, working-class characters

Strategic wardrobe approach:

• Grounded character: Henley or crew neck in earth tones or working-class colors (olive, rust, charcoal)—reads as real, authentic, character-specific
• Blue-collar energy: Work shirt or casual button-down that feels lived-in rather than styled—shows you understand character work
• Layered texture: Flannel, denim shirt, or casual jacket that adds visual interest and character specificity
• Range option: Something that shows you can also play 'regular' supporting roles—proves versatility
• Backup: Piece that leans harder into your specific character type or alternatively shows unexpected range

Why this works: You're showing character range and authenticity rather than leading man polish. Your wardrobe feels specific rather than generic. You're communicating 'I understand character work and can bring interesting, castable choices.' Nothing feels too polished or too leading—you're owning your lane.

What this wardrobe books: Supporting character roles, blue-collar work, specific character types, roles requiring authenticity over polish, working-class characters. Shows casting directors you know your market and deliver what they're actually looking for.

Strategic Fit: Why It Matters More for Men

Women can disguise fit issues through layering, accessories, and styling. Men can't. Poor fit is immediately visible and communicates either lack of awareness or lack of care—neither positions you well for professional work.

Shoulders are non-negotiable. Shoulder seams must hit at your actual shoulder point. Too wide makes you look sloppy. Too narrow creates pulling and discomfort. This is the most important fit point for men's wardrobe. If one thing is right, make it shoulders.

Sleeve length tells a story. Long sleeves should end at your wrist bone when arms hang naturally. Too long reads as ill-fitted or borrowed. Too short reads as outgrown. For rolled sleeves (a smart wardrobe strategy), roll to mid-forearm consistently—it looks intentional rather than sloppy.

Torso fit affects everything. Shirts should skim your body without pulling or excess fabric. Too tight reads as trying too hard or outgrown clothes. Too loose reads as shapeless and unprofessional. The fabric should move with you naturally.

If you're between sizes, size up and tailor. It's cheaper and more effective than trying to force-fit smaller sizes. Most men benefit from basic tailoring—taking in sides, adjusting sleeve length, tapering pants. A $40 alteration makes a $60 shirt photograph like a $200 shirt.

Strategic Color Choices for Men

Navy is your strategic neutral. Not black (too harsh for many faces), not gray (can be flat)—navy. It photographs beautifully, works across age ranges and types, communicates professionalism without severity, and serves as a base for almost any other wardrobe choice. When in doubt, start with navy.

Earth tones build approachability. Rust, olive, warm brown, caramel—these colors communicate authenticity and relatability. They work especially well for commercial casting and character work. They feel real rather than styled. Use them when friendly and trustworthy matters more than authority.

Light colors require strategy. White and light blue are classics for professional work, but they need careful lighting and work best under blazers or as layering pieces. Pure white can wash out pale skin tones. Light blue is safer and more universally flattering. Use them intentionally, not by default.

Black is dramatic, not universal. Black works beautifully for dramatic actors and specific character types. It creates intensity and edge. But it's harsh for commercial work and can feel heavy for younger actors. Use black when drama and intensity serve your brand. Skip it when friendly and approachable is your market.

Avoid patterns unless strategically necessary. Micro-checks can work in professional settings. Subtle patterns might serve specific character needs. But solid colors photograph better, date better, and create cleaner focus on your face. Pattern is almost always a distraction rather than an asset.

Common Mistakes Men Make

Mistake 1: Bringing only one energy level. All your outfits say 'serious professional' or all say 'casual guy.' Even within your type, casting directors need to see range. The dad type still needs to show he can be professional. The corporate guy still needs to show he can be approachable.

Mistake 2: Wearing aspirational sizing. The shirt that fit you last year doesn't fit you now. The 'motivation jeans' that'll fit when you lose ten pounds don't serve your current headshots. Your wardrobe needs to fit your body right now. Casting directors cast who you are, not who you hope to become.

Mistake 3: Ignoring grooming as part of wardrobe strategy. Perfect clothing with poor grooming contradicts your professional positioning. Get your haircut 1-2 weeks before (not the day of). Groom facial hair intentionally—clean-shaven or well-maintained, no in-between. Consider shine control if you have oily skin. Grooming is part of your overall presentation.

Mistake 4: Defaulting to 'safe' when character-specific would serve you better. Not every man needs to look like a business professional. Character actors should embrace character-specific wardrobe. Blue-collar types should own working-class aesthetic. 'Safe' doesn't book character work—authentic does.

Mistake 5: Ignoring your photographer's technical expertise. They know their lighting setup and how different fabrics photograph. They understand what works with their backgrounds. They've seen thousands of wardrobe choices in their studio. Use that knowledge instead of fighting it because you're attached to a specific piece.

Your Preparation Strategy

Three days before: Try on complete outfits. Move around—sit, stand, gesture. Take chest-up photos with your phone in natural light. Study what works and eliminate anything that doesn't fit properly or send the right message. Make final selections based on your target casting types.

The night before: Iron or steam everything—wrinkles photograph worse than they look in person. Organize complete looks. Pack backup options. Prepare your session bag: lint roller (essential for dark colors), small scissors, water, snacks if session is long.

Morning of session: Wear comfortable clothing to the studio. Bring minimal accessories so you can adjust. Arrive confident in your preparation. You've done the strategic work—now show up present and ready to collaborate.

The Strategic Reality

Men's headshot wardrobe isn't about having more options—it's about making better choices with fewer pieces. The constraint is the advantage. When you can't hide behind variety, you learn to make every choice count.

Your wardrobe should communicate your type clearly, show range within that type, and position you for the specific roles you're actually pursuing. Simple doesn't mean easy. Strategic simplicity requires thought, preparation, and honest self-assessment about who you are and what you do well.

Start with clarity about your market. Build wardrobe that serves it. Ensure perfect fit. Choose colors strategically. Show range within your lane. And most importantly: own who you are, because that authenticity is what translates into bookable images.

Ready to book your session? Find professional headshot photographers who understand men's wardrobe strategy and can guide you toward images that work for your specific career goals.

Related guidance: The Complete Headshot Wardrobe Guide