What to Wear for a Passport Photo [Color, Attire & Other Dress Code Tips]

Is there a dress code for passport photos? The US State Department advises you to take your picture in “clothing normally worn on a daily basis” in darker colors and without patterns. Plain t-shirts and collar shirts are appropriate, but uniforms and certain accessories (e.g., a hat) aren’t allowed. 

That, at least, is a simple answer.

Keep reading to learn what to wear for a passport photo and what not to wear to avoid rejection.

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Quick Answers

Here’s a quick section answering the most common questions about the passport photo dress code:

• Colors: You can’t wear white for a passport photo. Black and other darker colors (e.g., navy blue, green, or red) are allowed.
• Attire: T-shirts and formal dresses or shirts are examples of acceptable. You shouldn’t wear hoodies, turtlenecks, tank tops, and jackets (unless they’re suit jackets).
• Accessories: The passport photo dress code doesn’t allow headgear or hair accessories (I’ll discuss the exceptions later). 
• Jewelry: You can wear jewelry in your passport photo if it doesn’t cover your face, reflect light, or cast shadows.
• Glasses: Remove eyewear unless you need it for medical reasons.

Didn’t find the answer to your question? Read on or check out these related articles:

• Passport Photo Requirements: Complete Guide
• Shadows in a Passport Photo
• Can You Smile in a Passport Photo?
• Passport Photo Hair Rules in 2025

Official Passport Photo Clothing Requirements

The official US passport photo requirements mention several rules explaining what attire for a passport picture is appropriate:

• Uniforms and camouflage patterns aren’t allowed in passport photos.
• Glasses or sunglasses aren’t permitted unless medically necessary, with a signed doctor’s note.
• Head coverings are restricted. With proper documentation, you can wear them only for religious or medical reasons, but they mustn’t obscure your face.
• Headphones or wireless devices must be removed unless you need a hearing aid device.
• Jewelry and piercings are acceptable if they don’t hide facial features, reflect light, or cause glare or shadows.
• Tattoos won’t impact your photo’s acceptance, even if they’re visible.

Only the upper part of your body appears in the photo, so focus on choosing the right top and avoid clothing that could blend into the background or otherwise violate the US passport photo dress code.

👉 Check our guide with more visual passport photo examples.

What to Wear for a Passport Photo to Avoid Rejection [Expert Tips]

Here are my tips on how to dress for a passport photo to ensure passport agents won’t reject your picture: 

1. Wear casual clothes

Keep it simple and wear your everyday clothes, such as a T-shirt or a blouse—as long as you look presentable and neat, you’ll be fine. You can also throw on a blazer or a suit jacket for a more professional look. What not to wear for a passport photo:

• Uniforms
• Camouflage attire
• Strapless or tank tops
• Turtlenecks and high collars
• Sparky clothes
• Headgear covering facial features
• Jackets and hoodies

💡 In theory, you can wear a hoodie in your passport photo, but it mustn’t obscure your neck, face, or ears. It may be tricky, so I recommend not wearing it for the shot.

2. Choose dark, solid colors

Since a passport photo must have a white or off-white background, avoid light-colored clothing. I suggest you wear a darker top, such as a plain black T-shirt. Navy blue, burgundy and darker shades of green or purple are also acceptable and flattering options.Additionally, avoid patterns, logos, and sparkly clothes—keep the fun and bling for outings with your friends!

3. Keep accessories minimal

Jewellery is allowed, but less is more. Opt for small earrings or a thin necklace that doesn’t reflect light or cover any part of your face (essential if you have facial piercings). Avoid large, shiny, or dangling pieces that could cast shadows or cause glare. 

4. Aim for a natural look

Your passport photo should reflect your daily look, so keep makeup natural and passport hairstyles simple. Light makeup that enhances your features is fine, but avoid heavy contouring or bold colors. Ensure your hair doesn’t cover your face or eyebrows and that your entire face is visible.

Passport photo outfit ideas

This section is for you if you’re standing in front of your wardrobe and can’t decide on an outfit.

Look at these examples of acceptable clothes for passport photos for men and women—mix them up, pick a safe outfit, or just get inspired.

Are you still unsure whether your favorite outfit will be approved by passport agents? Get our experts’ feedback!

Thanks to PhotoAiD®, you can take a photo for your travel document without leaving your house—we’ll take care of compliance.

Psst! Here’s a guide showing you how to take a passport photo at home with your phone.

Final Thoughts on What to Wear for a Passport Photo

The dress code for passport photos is relatively lenient. Still, there are a few guidelines to follow. Here’s how to nail your passport photo outfit:

• Opt for plain, dark colors that pop against the light backdrop.
• Avoid patterns and distracting logos.
• Don’t wear tank tops, uniforms, or hoodies.
• Remove glasses and headgear (unless worn for religious reasons).
• Avoid bulky and shiny jewelry (accessories can’t cause glare).

And if you’re still unsure if your outfit passes the test, verify it with PhotoAiD®!

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Sylwia Green

Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.