Arpil, 2023

How To Dress For A Passport Photo?

When it comes to taking a passport photo, many people often overlook the importance of dressing appropriately. However, your clothes can significantly impact the resulting picture and even cause the rejection of your application.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the perfect outfit for your passport photo, including tips on styles that are both stylish and compliant with the photo requirements. Following these simple instructions ensures that your picture looks professional and meets all the criteria for a successful application.

Official passport photo dress code requirements

The standard clothing prerequisites for passport photographs may vary slightly depending on the country you are applying from or the passport issuing authority. However, some general guidelines are usually applicable:

• It is not allowed to take a passport picture in any kind of uniform;
• Headdress, such as hats or caps, is not allowed. But if you are a follower of a religion that prohibits opening your head in public, you may take a picture with your headwear (i.e., hijab or turban). The face must remain open;
• You must take the photo without glasses (except when the glasses are prescribed for permanent wear). Some countries, for example, the USA, do not allow glasses at all. If a picture is taken with the prescribed glasses, they must not be tinted or have glares. The eyes must be clearly visible.
• Hair should not cover the eyes. There are no other hairstyling requirements.
• The facial expression should be natural and neutral.

Please note that requirements may vary depending on the specific document. We advise you to read the requirements for the document you need in our list.

What to wear for a passport photo? Useful tips

Besides the official rules, there are also some informal ones. By sticking to them, you will achieve a neat, elegant and presentable appearance.

• Avoid white and light grey clothes: they may blend into the background. Your clothes should be in good contrast with the backdrop.
• Choose plain, solid colors. Avoid busy patterns, stripes, or logos that could confuse the facial recognition software.
• Stick to the business style in your clothes. Shirts and suits with a stand-up collar will look great.
• Dark clothing with a round neckline or a small V-neck will also be good.
• For men, a combination of a white shirt and suit is recommended. It is also possible to wear a sweater with a V-neck.
• Don't wear blouses with a deep neckline, otherwise after framing you will not see the clothes at all.
• It is better not to wear designer clothes with bright prints, which will distract attention from the face.
• Fashionable extraordinary outfits in a few years will look inappropriate. For official documents you should prefer the classic variants of clothing.
• Avoid hoodies, as the frontal shooting makes a hood look like a hump.

Make-up rules

Makeup, of course, is allowed. However, it should keep the face the same and be clear about the age. It is better to use matte tones and shadows to emphasize the advantages of your face without changing it significantly.

Rich bright colors may give an unnatural skin tone. It is better to give preference to pastel colors, which are combined with your appearance.

Glitter and glossy lipstick, as well as jewelry with large gems, can give flare to your face. This will age you visually, as well as worsen your photo quality.

Here you can find detailed make-up tips for taking a passport photo. .

What hairstyle to choose for a passport photo?

When styling your hair for a passport photo, it's best to keep it simple and neat to ensure your face is fully visible. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Voluminous hair is better to avoid. The rules require that a specific distance be left from the forehead to the edge of the frame. If the hair is not placed within this distance, the photo will not be accepted.
• Putting long hair in a tight bundle or ponytail is unnecessary: in the photo in full-face, it may seem that you have a short haircut. It is better to place the hair on your shoulders.

You can find more guidelines and rules concerning the hairstyle for a passport photo here. .

As you can see, no one prevents you from following your taste and preferences. But we recommend sticking to common sense and remembering that the photo will serve you for a long. Following our tips, you can ensure that your passport photo looks professional, meets all the requirements, and accurately represents your identity for years.