What to Wear on Camera

What you wear on camera can make a huge impact on the ROI of your video.

Whether we like it or not, what we wear impacts our message. It gives viewers unspoken information about our professionalism, trustworthiness, and credibility.

You don’t only need to dress for your audience, you need to dress for the camera as well. Although camera technology is very advanced, what you see in person will still be captured differently by a camera and displayed differently wherever it is played. That’s why it’s important to understand what types of clothing will translate well on camera.

Going on camera knowing that you look good can ease your nerves a bit, so we’ve put together a list of what to wear and what not to wear to look your best on camera.

Style

Choose an appropriate clothing style for your industry and the message you would like to convey. Since you may not know when or where the video will be shared, wear timeless pieces that are not specific to one season (such as sweaters or shorts).

Women

Choose well tailored clothing that is not too baggy, too revealing, or moves easily (you don’t want to constantly be adjusting your clothing on camera). Avoid low neck lines or other distracting details.

If you are going to wear a skirt, make sure it is long enough to not be distracting. Pull a chair in front of the mirror and sit down in the skirt to make sure the length is appropriate, and that you will be comfortable without feeling the need to pull it down to adjust the length.

Keep style choices simple and classic, and avoid making a fashion statement if you want people to pay attention to your message.

Men

Choose well fitted clothes for your body type. If you are wearing a suit, make sure that it is fits well in your natural stance. Art of Manliness has a good visual guide to follow.

Colors

Colors to avoid

White makes you look washed out or glow, and not in a good way. Black, especially near the face is too harsh and can suck up the rest of the color in the shot, making you look larger than you really are on camera, or making you blend in with the background.

Bright red or orange can bleed on camera, can make your face look flush, and is distracting.

Avoid green at all costs if you are shooting in front of a green screen, otherwise this could happen to you!

Colors to choose

Pastels, natural tones, blue, purple, beige, grey, burgundy, coral, maroon. Consider doing some research on what colors compliment your skin tone best.

Patterns

Solid colors generally work the best on camera. Avoid small patterns, designs and stripes on clothing since they can be difficult for the camera to pick up.

Also avoid very large patterns that can be distracting. Do not wear clothing with logos or brands on it, unless it’s your company logo.

Material

Clothes should be free of wrinkles. Consider wrinkle free fabrics or having your chosen outfit professionally pressed before the shoot.

Choose breathable, light fabrics to avoid sweating under studio lights. Ladies be sure that fabrics are not too light to the point where they may be seen through.

Accessories

Avoid large statement jewelry that can be distracting, accessories that make noise when they move, or accessories that interfere with your microphone.

Also avoid shiny pieces such as large diamonds, sequins or other shiny embellishments on clothing that can catch and reflect light. Keep jewelry conservative and simple if you would like people to focus on your message.

If you wear glasses, consider wearing contact lenses or glasses with glare proof lenses for the shoot if possible. Avoid tinted glasses or sunglasses.

More tips:

When in doubt, ask for a second opinion from someone you trust to give you honest and sound wardrobe advice. Also, bring a back up outfit just in case your first choice isn’t up to par.

Never underestimate the importance of great clothing choices for your on camera interview. It can make a huge difference in how people view you and your company, and how they hear and retain your message.

For more tips, check out our blog post on How to Prepare for an On Camera Interview.