What to Wear for Passport Photo: From Baby to Adult Style Tips

A passport photo might seem simple, but what you wear can make a big difference. The right outfit ensures you look polished, professional, and photo-ready. If you’ve been wondering what to wear for passport photo, this guide covers everything you need. Whether it’s for a baby, a man, or a woman, choosing the right colors, patterns, and styles helps you follow official rules and look your best.

In this guide, we’ll share over 40 expert-approved outfit ideas and simple tips to help you take a perfect passport photo every time.

Part 1: General Passport Photo Clothing Guidelines

Ensure your passport photo meets official standards by following these clear guidelines:

• Dress Simply and Neutrally: Solid colors like navy, black, gray, or white work best. Avoid patterns, prints, and logos.
• Keep Hair Tidy and Visible: Passport photo hair rules require that your full face is clearly visible. Tie hair back, use a bun, or tuck it behind ears.
• Avoid Head Coverings: No hats or caps, unless for religious reasons.
• Minimize Accessories: Keep jewelry small and simple avoid large earrings, chunky necklaces, or flashy pieces.
• Natural Makeup: Light, natural makeup enhances your features without overpowering your face.
• Glasses: Remove them if possible. Anti-glare lenses are allowed but ensure your eyes are clearly visible.
• Follow Official Passport Photo Requirements: Your shoulders should be visible, your face centered, and expression neutral.

Part 2: What to Wear for Passport Photo Woman

1. Solid Color Tops (navy, black, gray):

Solid colors create a clean, professional look. They keep the focus on your face and help meet passport photo requirements.

2. V-Neck Blouse or Sweater:

A V-neck frames your face nicely and adds a flattering touch. It avoids distraction from your facial features.

3. Collarless Blouse:

Simple collarless blouses provide a neat, uncluttered appearance. They are perfect for official photos.

4. Button-Down Shirt in a Neutral Tone:

A classic button-down in white, beige, or gray looks polished and formal. It keeps your passport photo professional.

5. Classic Black Blazer Over a Simple Top:

Wearing a blazer adds a smart, sophisticated layer. It enhances your overall appearance without drawing attention away from your face.

6. Avoid Strapless Tops:

Strapless or off-shoulder tops are not suitable for passport photos. Covered shoulders create a more appropriate, official look.

7. Minimal Jewelry (stud earrings, delicate chain):

Simple jewelry keeps the focus on your face. Avoid large or flashy pieces that may distract from your features.

8. Light, Natural Makeup:

Use subtle makeup to enhance your features while keeping your look natural. Overly bold makeup can affect photo clarity.

9. Hair Neatly Styled; Ponytail, Bun, or Tucked Behind Ears:

Hair should not cover your face. Tidy hairstyles ensure your facial features are fully visible in line with passport photo hair rules.

10. Glasses with Anti-Glare or Removed:

If worn, glasses must not reflect light. Removing them is best to ensure your eyes are clearly visible.

Part 3: What to Wear for Passport Photo Man

1. Classic Collared Shirt:

A collared shirt gives a clean and professional look. Solid, neutral colors work best for passport photo requirements.

2. Polo Shirt in Dark or Neutral Colors:

Polo shirts are a smart-casual option. Dark or neutral colors ensure the focus stays on your face.

3. Button-Down Shirt with Subtle Texture:

Subtle textures add slight visual interest without being distracting. Stick to muted tones to maintain a formal appearance.

4. Solid Color Sweaters:

Simple, solid sweaters look neat and tidy. Avoid patterns or bold colors that can clash with your face.

5. Blazer for a Formal Touch (Optional):

Adding a blazer can make your photo look more polished. It’s optional but gives a professional finish.

6. Avoid T-Shirts with Logos or Prints:

Printed or branded T-shirts distract from your face. Stick to plain tops for official passport photos.

7. Minimal Accessories:

Keep accessories minimal to maintain a clean look. Avoid chains, large watches, or hats.

8. Groomed Beard or Clean-Shaven:

Facial hair should be well-kept. A neat beard or clean-shaven face ensures your facial features are clear.

9. Suitable Haircut; Face Fully Visible:

Hair should be tidy and not cover your face. This aligns with passport photo hair rules.

10. Tie or Pocket Square for Subtle Elegance:

Optional ties or pocket squares can add a refined touch. Keep them understated to avoid drawing attention away from your face.

Part 4: What to Wear for Passport Photo – Babies & Toddlers

1. Solid Color Onesies or Tops:

Choose plain, solid-colored clothing for babies. This keeps the focus on their face, which is essential for passport photos.

2. Avoid Patterns or Cartoon Prints:

Busy patterns or cartoon designs can distract from the baby’s facial features. Simple, neutral colors are best.

3. Small Collars for a Neat Look:

A small, soft collar can make your baby look tidy without causing discomfort. Avoid stiff or large collars.

4. Light Layers for Comfort:

Dress your baby in lightweight layers so they stay comfortable and calm during the photo session.

5. Minimal Accessories:

Skip hats, bows, or necklaces that could cover the face. Keep accessories simple or none at all.

6. Hair Tidy and Out of Face:

Make sure hair is brushed and away from the eyes. This ensures the baby’s face is fully visible, meeting passport photo requirements.

Part 5: Outfit Mistakes to Avoid For Passport photos

1. White/Light Colors Blending with the Background:

Avoid wearing white or very light colors that can merge with the plain background, making your face less distinct.

2. Strapless Tops, Hoodies, or Tank Tops:

These styles can make the photo look informal or unprofessional and may not meet passport guidelines.

3. Large or Flashy Jewelry:

Big earrings or chunky necklaces distract from your face, which should be the main focus of the photo.

4. Hats or Head Coverings (Except for Religious/Medical Reasons):

Headwear can cover important facial features, so it’s only allowed for medical or religious purposes with proper documentation.

5. Glasses Without Anti-Glare:

Non-anti-reflective glasses can create reflections that obscure your eyes, which is not acceptable in official photos.

6. Distracting Hairstyles or Shadows on the Face:

Hair covering the face or casting shadows can prevent clear identification. Keep hair neat and out of the eyes.

7. Overly Bright Colors or Bold Patterns:

Flashy colors and busy patterns can distract from your face. Stick to neutral or solid tones.

Part 6: Accessories & Glasses Guidelines

1. Minimal Jewelry (Studs, Delicate Chain):

Small and simple jewelry keeps the focus on your face while maintaining a polished appearance.

2. Hairpins to Keep Hair in Place:

Use pins or clips to ensure hair doesn’t fall into the face and meets passport photo hair rules.

3. Glasses Removed Unless Medical Necessity with Note:

Remove glasses unless medically required; if needed, provide a doctor’s note. Anti-glare lenses are recommended.

4. No Earbuds, Headphones, or Hats:

Avoid any accessories that cover the head or ears, as they can interfere with proper facial recognition.

Part 7: Simple Do’s and Don’ts for Passport Photo Clothing

1. Do pick colors that contrast with the background

Rich tones like navy, burgundy, olive, or charcoal help your facial features stay sharp and clear in biometric scans.

2. Don’t wear clothes with visible branding or logos

Logos can be distracting and may lead to retakes if they reflect light or draw attention away from the face.

3. Do keep the neckline clean and visible

A regular crew neck, modest V-neck, or simple collar helps frame the face without casting shadows or looking bulky.

4. Don’t choose textured fabrics that create shadows

Thick knits, ribbed sweaters, or puff sleeves can cause uneven lighting, affecting photo clarity.

5. Do choose well-fitted clothing

Baggy tops may look sloppy in a cropped passport photo, while fitted clothing keeps your posture neat and professional.

6. Don’t wear clothing that blends with your skin tone

Beige, blush, or very soft neutrals may cause your face and shoulders to merge, lowering biometric accuracy.

7. Do keep hair simple and controlled

Tuck hair behind ears or use discreet clips to avoid covering eyebrows or creating shadows on the cheeks.

8. Don’t wear shiny accessories or metal pieces near the neckline

Reflective materials bounce light into the camera and can cause white spots or uneven brightness.

9. Do check your outfit under bright light before the photo

Stand near a window or lamp to confirm that your outfit does not cast shadows on your neck or sides of your face.

10. Don’t wear trendy fashion pieces that could age the photo

Passport photos last 5–10 years, so avoid seasonal styles like oversized collars, deep cuts, or dramatic sleeves.

Final Words:

Getting a great passport photo starts with knowing what to wear for passport photo. Stick to solid colors, simple tops, minimal jewelry, and neatly styled hair to look your best. Avoid busy patterns or flashy accessories. To make your photo truly stand out, use PixPretty AI to remove or change backgrounds, adjust colors, and enhance your image instantly. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for professional-looking results every time!