Puyallup Senior Photographer
What Should Guys Wear for Senior Pictures?
(Hint: It's Easier Than You Think)
If you're a senior reading this, welcome!
If you're the mom who somehow got put in charge of figuring out what your teenage son should wear... welcome to the club. 😂
One of the biggest questions I get before senior sessions is, "What should he wear?"
The good news?
This is actually a lot easier than people think.
You don't need five brand-new outfits or a shopping spree the weekend before your session. A few well-fitting pieces can go a long way.
Keep It Comfortable
The best outfit is one that feels like you.
If you never wear a suit, don't feel like you suddenly need one for senior pictures.
Your photos should still look like you years from now.
Choose clothes you feel comfortable moving around in. If you're constantly tugging on your shirt or adjusting your jeans, it's going to show.
Comfort equals confidence, and confidence always photographs well.
Wear Clothes That Fit Well
This might be the most important tip in this entire blog.
It doesn't matter if your shirt cost $20 or $200.
If it fits well, it'll photograph well.
Avoid shirts that are overly baggy or extremely tight. The goal is clean, comfortable, and timeless.
And yes... Mom is probably right if she asks you to try it on first. 😉
Stick With Solid Colors
Solid colors always photograph better than loud patterns or giant logos.
Think:
- Navy
- Olive green
- Black
- Gray
- Cream
- White
- Burgundy
- Denim
These colors keep the focus where it belongs... on you.
One small logo is usually fine.
A neon shirt with a logo the size of a dinner plate?
Maybe save that one for another day.
Bring Two Outfits
I always recommend bringing two different looks.
One outfit that's a little more polished.
One that's more relaxed and everyday.
For example:
Outfit One
Nice jeans, a button-up shirt, and clean sneakers or boots.
Outfit Two
A fitted T-shirt or henley with jeans and your favorite jacket.
This gives your gallery more variety without making the session feel like a fashion show.
Don't Forget the Shoes
Shoes matter more than people realize.
Take a quick look down before you leave the house.
If your shoes are covered in mud from yesterday's adventure, give them a quick wipe.
Clean sneakers (preferably not white), boots, or casual dress shoes all photograph great.
Flip-flops...
Probably not unless we're on the beach.
Add Something That Feels Like You
Senior photos should show your personality.
If you're into baseball, bring your glove.
Play guitar? Toss it in the car.
Love your truck? Let's use it.
Fishing, football, dirt bikes, hiking, your favorite old flannel... all of those things help tell your story.
The best senior galleries feel personal, not staged.
Ready for Your Senior Session?
Here's something I've noticed after photographing seniors.
The guys who end up loving their photos the most aren't usually the ones with the fanciest outfits.
They're the ones who showed up feeling comfortable.
When you're not worried about your clothes, it's easier to relax, laugh, and just be yourself.
That's exactly what we're after.
Your senior photos shouldn't feel like you're pretending to be someone else.
They should look like the version of you your family knows right now.
If you're still trying to figure out what to wear, don't stress.
I'm always happy to help you narrow down outfits before your session. Send me a couple options, and I'll tell you which one will photograph best.
Trust me... it's much easier than standing in front of your closet the night before saying, "I have nothing to wear," while staring at a closet full of clothes.
