Mastering the Art of Shirts and Ties for Men’s Professional Headshots

When it comes to professional headshots, the details matter. Your shirt and tie combination can make or break your image, conveying professionalism, style, and attention to detail. This guide will help you navigate the intricacies of selecting and styling shirts and ties for your next headshot session, ensuring you present your best self to the world.

Jump to Dress Shirts and Collars for Headshots | Ties for Headshots | Pocket Squares | Industry-Specific Considerations | Tips for Success

Go back to to the guide: DRESS TO IMPRESS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR MEN’S PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS

Shirts: The Foundation of Your Look

The shirt is the canvas upon which your entire look is built. For professional headshots, a well-fitted, crisp shirt is essential. Let’s explore the key elements:

Fit

The fit of your dress shirt is crucial for a polished and professional appearance in your headshot. A well-fitted shirt conveys attention to detail and self-care, while an ill-fitting one can detract from your overall image. Ensure the collar sits comfortably around your neck without gaping or constricting – it should allow you to insert two fingers easily. The shoulder seams should align with your natural shoulder line, and the cuffs should end at your wrist bone. Avoid excess fabric bunching around your torso, as this can create a sloppy look in photos. The shirt’s length should be sufficient to stay tucked in when you raise your arms. Remember, a properly fitted shirt not only looks better but also helps you feel more confident during your photoshoot, which will translate into a more engaging and approachable headshot. Also pay attention to the cut of shirt – either slim/athletic fit, modern fit, or regular/classic fit as appropriate for your body type. You don’t want to have too much or not enough fabric in the wrong places.

A well-fitted shirt is crucial for headshots. Ensure:

• The collar sits comfortably around your neck without gaping or constricting.
• Shoulder seams align with your natural shoulder line.
• No excess fabric bunches around your torso.
• Sleeves end at your wrist bone when your arms are at your sides.

Collar Styles

When selecting a shirt collar and tie combination for your headshot, you’ll want to consider your face shape. The right collar can complement your features, while the wrong one can accentuate unflattering aspects. For round faces, opt for point collars or moderate spread collars to create the illusion of length and slim your face. If you have a long face, wider spread or cutaway collars can add width and balance your proportions. Oval faces are versatile and can generally wear most collar styles effectively. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious look that enhances your natural features. The collar should frame your face nicely without overpowering it, and the tie knot should be proportional to both your collar and face shape. By carefully considering these elements, you can ensure your headshot presents you in the most flattering and professional light possible.

The collar frames your face and can significantly impact how you appear in photos. Here are some popular collar styles and their effects:

• Point Collar: A classic choice that works well for most face shapes and offers a slight slimming effect on rounder faces. It’s versatile and suits both conservative and modern looks.
• Spread Collar: A tighter spread works well for wide or round faces, while a wider spread is ideal for longer faces and necks. The wider-spread collars provide a broader canvas for larger tie knots and conveys a more contemporary style.
• Button-Down Collar: More casual but still appropriate for many industries. It works well for many faces, as the downward points can be slimming, and can add a touch of approachability to your image.
• Cutaway Collar: Very wide spread that can visually broaden a slimmer, longer face and works best with larger tie knots, such as a full Windsor. It’s a bold choice that can convey confidence and style.

Remember, if the collar draws your eyes more horizontally pointing outwards, such as a cutaway collar or wider spread collar, it will visually broaden the face, balancing out a narrow shape. Collars that draw the eyes vertically pointing downwards, such as point collars, will have a slimming effect, so they’re a better choice for rounder faces. For more detailed information, read this article from Hockerty.com on how to choose the right collar for the shape of your face.

Color and Pattern

When selecting a shirt for your business headshot, color and pattern play crucial roles in creating a polished, professional image. Solid colors are generally the safest and most versatile choice, as they don’t distract from your face and photograph well. In formal industries, you’ll opt for white or light blue shirts. For semi-formal and business casual, you have more leeway and can get a bit more creative with colors. If you opt for patterns, choose small, subtle designs that won’t overwhelm the frame. Be cautious with tight patterns like small checks, pinstripes, or polka dots, as these can create a moiré effect in digital images – an undesirable visual distortion that appears as wavy lines or a shimmering effect. When it comes to adding color, mid-tones and jewel tones tend to be flattering for most skin types and photograph beautifully. Deep colors like navy, burgundy, forest green, or charcoal are excellent choices that convey professionalism without being overpowering. Avoid extremely bright colors and neons, as these can be unflattering or distracting in photos. Remember, the goal is to complement your features and project confidence, not to let your clothing steal the spotlight.

For headshots, solid colors or subtle patterns work best:

• White: A classic choice that works with almost any tie and jacket combination.
• Light Blue: Flattering for most skin tones and versatile for various industries.
• Pale Pastels: Can add a touch of warmth to your complexion.
• Subtle Patterns: Fine stripes or small checks can add interest without being distracting.
• Deep Colors: Navy, Burgundy and forest green can be good choices for maintaining professionalism (while being slightly more casual) with a dash of color.

Avoid bold patterns or very bright colors, as they can draw attention away from your face.

Ties: The Finishing Touch For Your Professional Headshot

Should You Wear A Tie For Your Headshots?

When deciding whether to wear a tie for your professional headshot, consider the following:

When to wear a tie:

1. In formal or conservative industries: If you work in finance, law, or other traditional corporate environments, a tie is often expected and helps convey professionalism and authority.
2. To match company culture: If ties are standard attire in your workplace, wearing one in your headshot will ensure consistency with your colleagues.
3. For executive or leadership roles: Ties can help project a polished, authoritative image suitable for senior positions.
4. When you want to convey trustworthiness: In client-facing roles where trust is crucial, a tie can help reinforce a dependable image.

When not to wear a tie:

1. In creative or tech industries: Many modern workplaces, especially in tech or creative fields, have adopted a more casual dress code where ties are unnecessary or even out of place.
2. To reflect your daily work attire: If you rarely wear a tie to work, leaving it off in your headshot presents a more authentic representation of yourself.
3. For approachability: In some roles, like customer service or certain sales positions, a tie-less look can make you appear more approachable and relatable.
4. In startup or entrepreneurial settings: A more relaxed look without a tie can convey innovation and a modern approach to business.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your industry norms, company culture, personal brand, and the image you want to project to your audience. When in doubt, consider bringing both options to your photoshoot and discussing with your headshot photographer which look best represents you and your professional goals.

Selecting The Right Tie For Your Headshot

Your tie is often the focal point of your outfit in a headshot. Here’s how to choose and style it effectively:

Width

Tie width should complement your body type and jacket lapels:

• Standard Width (3-3.5 inches): Versatile and suitable for most body types and lapel widths.
• Slim (2-3 inches): Better for slimmer builds and narrow lapels.
• Wide (3.5-4 inches): Suits broader chests and wider lapels.

For headshots, a standard width tie is often the safest choice, as it looks balanced and timeless.

Length

The tip of your tie should just touch the top of your belt buckle. For headshots, you have some flexibility, but aim for this classic length to ensure a polished look. In a head-and-shoulders headshot, the length of your tie won’t really be visible, but if we do wider shots, it will likely show. Here’s a good article on tie length by The Gentlemen’s Gazette for further reading.

Fabric and Texture

• Silk: The most common and versatile choice for professional settings.
• Wool: Adds texture and works well for fall/winter looks.
• Cotton or Linen: More casual options that can work for creative industries.
• Knit Ties: Add texture but are generally more casual.

For headshots, silk ties in a matte or subtly textured finish often photograph best, but bring what you love.

Choosing the Perfect Tie Color: Making Your Headshot Pop

Choosing the perfect tie color for your headshot is a crucial detail that can significantly impact the overall impression you make. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Coordinating with Your Suit: Your tie should complement, not clash with, your suit color. For classic navy or charcoal suits, consider ties in burgundy, dark green, or deep purple for a sophisticated look. With lighter gray suits, you have more flexibility – try blues, reds, or even subtle patterns.
2. Brand and Logo Colors: If you’re representing a company, consider incorporating your brand colors subtly. A tie that features your company’s primary or secondary colors can create a cohesive look, especially if your headshot will be used alongside brand materials. However, be careful not to match too closely, as this can appear overly contrived.
3. Industry Considerations: Different industries have varying expectations for professional attire. For conservative fields like finance or law, stick to classic colors like navy, burgundy, or dark green. Creative industries allow for more expression – you might opt for brighter hues or interesting patterns. Tech sectors often embrace a more casual approach, where you might forgo a tie altogether or choose something unconventional.
4. Color Psychology: Understanding basic color theory can help you make impactful choices:
   • Blue ties convey trust and dependability
   • Red ties project confidence and power
   • Green ties suggest growth and balance
   • Purple ties imply creativity and luxury
   • Yellow or orange ties can add a touch of optimism and energy (use sparingly)
5. Skin Tone and Hair Color: Choose a tie color that complements your natural coloring. Warmer skin tones often look more natural with earth tones or warmer shade, while cooler skin tones pair well with blues and greens. If wearing red, you might opt for a warmer red if your skin has warm undertones, or a cooler/bluer red with cool tones. But pick what you love and feel confident in.
6. Contrast and Balance: Ensure there’s enough contrast between your tie, shirt, and suit. A light shirt with a dark tie and suit creates a classic, balanced look. Avoid ties that are too close in shade to your shirt or suit.
7. Texture and Pattern: Subtle patterns or textures can add depth without being distracting. Just ensure the pattern isn’t too busy or small, as this can create unwanted visual effects in photos. Overly bright colors or large, bold patterns can distract and overpower your face in the photo.

Remember, the goal is to choose a tie that enhances your overall appearance without drawing attention away from your face. Your headshot is about YOU. When in doubt, bring a few options to your headshot session and consult with your photographer for their professional opinion on what works best on camera. Here’s more information from TheDarkKnot on matching shirts, ties and suits.

Mastering the Knot: Choosing and Tying the Perfect Tie for Your Headshot

When selecting a tie knot for a professional headshot, it’s important to consider the collar style, tie fabric, and your face shape to create a balanced and polished look. For spread collars, which are common in business attire, a larger knot like the Full Windsor or Half-Windsor works well, as it fills the wider space between collar points. If you have a narrower point collar, a smaller knot like the Four-in-Hand is more appropriate. The tie’s fabric also plays a role – thicker fabrics like wool or heavy silk may require a simpler knot to avoid bulk, while lighter silks can handle more complex knots. Consider your face shape as well; if you have a round face, a slightly elongated knot like the Four-in-Hand can help create a slimming effect, while those with longer faces might benefit from a wider knot to add some horizontal balance. Ultimately, aim for a symmetrical knot with a dimple just below it for a refined, camera-ready appearance. Remember, the goal is to complement your features and attire without overpowering your face in the headshot.

The right knot balances your collar style and face shape:

• Four-in-Hand: A versatile, slightly asymmetrical knot that works well with most collar styles. Slimmer knots can work better for round or wide faces.
• Half-Windsor: Symmetrical and triangular when tied correctly, it’s ideal for spread collars and narrow faces.
• Full Windsor: A large, symmetrical knot best suited for wide spread or cutaway collars and long narrow faces.
• Pratt (Shelby) Knot: A medium-sized, symmetrical knot that works well with most collar styles.

For headshots, remember to aim for a symmetrical knot like the Half-Windsor or Pratt knot, as they tend to look more polished in photos. If you struggle with symmetry, a compact Full-Windsor may be a little easier, if it works with your tie. As a headshot photographer, I’ve seen a lot of tie knots, and I like the Full-Windsor when it works with your ensemble, as it it very symmetrical. Tie knots can often look skewampus and messy in headshots if not tied properly so practice if you struggle with ties.  Here’s a more in-depth article from Rampley and Co on choosing a tie knot to match your collar style.

The Importance of the Dimple

When it comes to professional headshots, the small details can make a big difference in your overall appearance. One detail that shouldn’t be overlooked is the dimple in your tie knot. A well-executed tie dimple adds a touch of sophistication and attention to detail that can elevate your entire look. The dimple creates a subtle indentation just below the knot, adding depth and character to your tie. It demonstrates care in your presentation and shows that you’ve put thought into every aspect of your appearance. For headshots, where the focus is on your face and upper body, a perfectly dimpled tie can draw the eye in a pleasing way and contribute to a polished, professional image. While it may seem like a minor element, the presence of a tie dimple can subconsciously communicate competence and style, making a positive impression on those viewing your headshot.

A tie dimple is the small indentation just below the knot. It adds depth and character to your tie, showing attention to detail. To create a dimple:

1. As you’re tightening the knot, use your index finger to create a small depression in the center of the tie.
2. Hold this in place as you finish tightening the knot.
3. Adjust as needed to ensure the dimple is centered and pronounced.

A well-executed dimple adds a touch of sophistication to your look and demonstrates care in your presentation. Here’s a great guide on tie dimples by The Gentlemen’s Gazette if you need additional information.

Balancing Act: “Tying” It All Together

When preparing for your headshot, consider how all elements work together:

Face Shape and Collar

• Round Face: Opt for point collars or moderate spread collars to elongate your face.
• Long Face: Spread or cutaway collars can add width to your face.
• Oval Face: Most collar styles work well; choose based on personal preference and industry norms.

Collar and Tie Knot

• Point Collar: Works well with four-in-hand or Pratt knots.
• Spread Collar: Pair with half-Windsor or full Windsor knots.
• Button-Down Collar: Best with four-in-hand knots for a casual-smart look.
• Cutaway Collar: Demands larger knots like the full Windsor.

Overall Proportions

Your tie width, collar spread, and lapel width should all be in harmony. And here at Headshot Pros AZ, we really like symmetry in your tie knot. You’ll move around and be photographed from different angles, so symmetry is important. This creates a balanced, pleasing aesthetic in your headshot.

Pocket Squares: A Touch of Personality

A pocket square can be the perfect finishing touch to elevate your professional headshot outfit. This small accessory can add a pop of color, texture, and personality to your ensemble, whether you’re wearing a tie or not. Here’s what you need to know about incorporating pocket squares into your headshot attire:

Why Use a Pocket Square:

• Adds visual interest and depth to your outfit
• Demonstrates attention to detail and style awareness
• Can complement or contrast with your shirt and tie for a polished look
• Allows for personal expression even in formal business attire

Choosing the Right Pocket Square:

• Consider the fabric: Silk for a formal look, cotton or linen for a more casual vibe
• Select colors and patterns that complement your shirt, tie, and jacket without matching exactly
• For headshots, avoid overly busy patterns that may distract from your face

Color Coordination:

• Pick up a secondary color from your tie or shirt for a cohesive look
• Use a contrasting color to add a subtle pop against a monochromatic outfit
• White pocket squares are always a safe and classic choice

Pocket Square Folds:

1. The Presidential (or Square) Fold: A clean, straight edge for formal business settings
2. The One-Point Fold: A simple, elegant option suitable for most professional headshots
3. The Puff Fold: Adds texture and a touch of personality, good for creative industries
4. The Three-Point Fold: More elaborate, best for fashion-forward or creative fields

When to Skip the Pocket Square:

• If your outfit already has multiple patterns or colors
• In ultra-conservative industries where it might be seen as too flashy
• If you’re going for a very minimalist, streamlined look

Remember, in headshots, less is often more. A well-chosen pocket square can enhance your appearance, but it shouldn’t overshadow your face or become the focal point of the image. When in doubt, opt for a simple fold and a subtle color that complements your overall look, or skip the pocket square entirely if it’s not for you.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Different industries have varying expectations for professional attire:

Finance and Law

• Conservative colors: Navy, charcoal, and dark grey suits
• White or light blue shirts
• Traditional tie patterns like repp stripes or small geometric patterns
• Classic tie knots like the Half-Windsor (or as appropriate for your tie/collar combination)

Creative Industries

• More flexibility in color and pattern
• Consider textured ties or knit ties, or even a bow tie
• Button-down collars can work well
• Four-in-hand knots for a relaxed yet professional look

Technology

• Often more casual, but still professional for headshots
• Consider skipping the tie for a smart casual look with an open collar
• If wearing a tie, opt for modern, slimmer styles

Academia

• Traditional yet approachable
• Tweed jackets or blazers can work well
• Consider bow ties for a scholarly look, or a textured or knit tie can work well also if you choose to wear a tie.
• For Administrators in higher education roles, consider dressing in a more semi-formal fashion
• Button-down collars are often appropriate

Healthcare

• Clean, crisp look is essential
• Solid ties or subtle patterns
• Avoid red ties, as they can be associated with blood
• Half-Windsor knots work well with lab coat lapels

Final Tips for Headshot Success

1. Iron or steam your shirt and tie before the shoot to ensure a crisp, wrinkle-free appearance. You can bring the shirt on a hangar rather than wearing it on the drive to the studio if you prefer.
2. Bring multiple shirt and tie options to your session. This allows for variety and ensures you have backups if needed.
3. Practice tying your chosen knot before the day of the shoot to ensure you can achieve a perfect, symmetrical result.
4. Consider the background of your headshot when choosing colors. You want to stand out, not blend in. We normally shoot on gray or white, but let us know what you have in mind.
5. If in doubt, err on the side of being slightly more formal. Wear what you’d wear to meet a brand new dream client – as your headshot really is that first impression with potential clients. It’s easier to dress down an image than to make a casual look appear more professional.
6. Remember that your shirt collar should always rest flat against your neck and jacket lapels. Any gapping will be noticeable in photos.
7. Ensure your tie knot covers the top button of your shirt completely and is symmetrical for a polished look.
8. If wearing a pocket square, ensure it complements but doesn’t exactly match your tie.

Mastering the art of shirts and ties for professional headshots is about understanding proportions, color theory, and industry expectations. By carefully considering each element – from collar style to tie knot – you can create a polished, professional image that represents you at your best. Remember, the goal is to look like the most confident, competent version of yourself. With these guidelines in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to make a stellar impression in your next professional headshot.

Resources:

Tie Knot and Collar Pairing Mistakes – https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-to-pair-tie-knots/
Different types of tie knots – https://beaubrummellformen.com/blogs/blog/different-types-of-tie-knots-and-the-occasion-for-each
Tie matching guide – https://www.rampleyandco.com/blogs/the-journal/the-complete-tie-matching-guide-patterns-proportions-colours
Selecting the right collar and knot for your tie – https://www.rampleyandco.com/blogs/the-journal/tie-masterclass-selecting-the-right-collar-and-knot-for-your-tie
Choosing a collar based on your face shape – https://www.hockerty.com/en-us/blog/best-shirt-collar-based-on-your-face-shape
How to match ties to your suit and shirts – https://thedarkknot.com/pages/how-to-match-ties-to-suits-shirts

Cari Hall, Professional Headshot Photographer

Cari Hall is a professional headshot photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 2014, she has specialized in corporate headshots, LinkedIn headshots, and personal branding photos that help professionals and companies stand out with confidence. Drawing on more than a decade of experience — and a background in advertising and marketing — Cari brings both technical expertise and brand strategy insight to every session. She is known for creating a stress-free experience, helping even the most camera-shy clients feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves.