How to Determine Your Body Type and Choose the Best Clothing for Your Photo Session
Whether you’re getting ready for a professional headshot, a portrait, or a special occasion, what you wear plays a key role in how confident you feel and how well your photos turn out. The right outfit can enhance your best features and help you feel at ease in front of the camera, making for stunning, timeless images. Here’s how to determine your body type and select clothing that will make you look and feel your best during your photo session.
Step 1: Determine Your Body Type
Understanding your body type is the first step toward choosing the most flattering clothing for your photo session. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine your shape:
- Apple (Inverted Triangle):
- Characteristics: Broad shoulders, larger bust, narrow hips.
- Goal: Balance the upper body by adding volume to the lower half and defining the waist.
- Best Clothing: Dresses or shirts with an empire waist, peplum tops, single button jackets, or use a belt at waist. Choose tops with v-necklines that are simple or have vertical lines and avoid those with high necklines. Opt for skirts or pants that flare or add width to the hips, such as A-line skirts or boot-cut pants. V-necks and wrap dresses are also great for accentuating your waistline.
- Pear (Triangle):
- Characteristics: Wider hips, narrower shoulders, smaller bust.
- Goal: Draw attention to the upper body while minimizing the hips.
- Best Clothing: Look for colored tops with details like ruffles, boat necks, or statement necklaces to draw the eye upward. Pair them with darker-colored pants or skirts to slim the lower body. Avoid side pockets or detail at hips/thighs. A-line dresses and structured jackets can also create a balanced silhouette.
- Hourglass:
- Characteristics: Balanced bust and hips with a defined waist.
- Goal: Accentuate the waist and keep balance between the upper and lower body.
- Best Clothing: Fitted clothing that highlights your waist is key. Wrap dresses, belted tops, and high-waisted pants or skirts are perfect. Avoid overly boxy or shapeless outfits that hide your natural curves.
- Rectangle (Athletic):
- Characteristics: Shoulders, waist, and hips are fairly equal in width with minimal curves.
- Goal: Create the illusion of curves by adding volume to both the upper and lower body.Shirts with belts or waist-defining features
- Best Clothing: Shirts with belts or waist-defining features such as patterns that give the illusion of shape. Layered outfits, peplum tops, and dresses with cinched waists can add dimension. A-line skirts, pleats or flowy dresses/skirts that flare at the hips can create the appearance of curves.
Step 2: Choose Clothing That Flatters Your Body Type
Now that you’ve identified your body type, it’s time to pick out clothing that flatters your unique shape. The most important rule is to emphasize your assets and reduce flaws. Generally speaking darker colors and solids are the best and when in doubt opt for traditional cuts & styles.
Fit is Everything: Clothing that fits well will always look better than something too tight or too loose. Oftentimes women try to hide themselves beneath huge loose clothing but that usually ends up creating a tent-like effect. We recommend looking for tailored pieces that complement your figure. Ensure that your clothing allows for comfortable movement so you can feel confident during your session.
- Colors Matter: Darker colors are slimming, while lighter colors can highlight certain areas. For headshots and portraits, rich solid colors or neutral tones work best as they keep the focus on your face. If you’re comfortable in prints, opt for subtle patterns that won’t distract from your features.
- Avoid Excessive Layers: Layering can be tricky. Too many layers can add unnecessary bulk to your frame, while too few layers may not offer enough dimension. Stick to one or two layers that complement your body type and enhance your outfit’s overall look.
- Necklines Make a Difference: Different necklines can emphasize or de-emphasize certain features. For example, a V-neck elongates the torso and can create the illusion of a longer neck, while a boat neck broadens the shoulders. Experiment with different necklines to see what flatters your shape the most.
- Balance Proportions: Your clothing should create a sense of proportion between your upper and lower body. If you’re wearing a voluminous top, pair it with more fitted pants or a skirt, and vice versa. This balance helps create a visually pleasing shape.
- Think About Texture and Fabric: Certain fabrics are more forgiving than others. Flowy materials like chiffon or silk can drape nicely over your body, while thicker fabrics like denim or wool may add bulk. Consider fabrics that move and photograph well for a polished look.
- Accessorize with Care: Accessories can enhance your outfit, but avoid pieces that are too bold or distracting. Subtle jewelry, scarves, or belts that complement your overall look will help you achieve balance without overpowering your ensemble.
Step 3: Confidence is Key
No matter your body type, the most important thing you can wear during your photo session is confidence. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in your photos. Choose outfits that not only flatter your shape but also make you feel empowered and comfortable.
Remember, photography is about capturing your unique essence. By choosing the right clothing for your body type, you’ll feel at ease, look amazing, and enjoy your photo session experience to the fullest. We always recommend bringing an extra outfit option if you’re not sure what looks best and we invite you to reach out anytime for a pre-session consult with us if you’d like help planning on what to wear for your photo session before the date. Contact us anytime!
