The passport photo, as an essential part of identity verification, must meet a series of photo requirements. What you wear might influence photo quality. To make a compliant and good-looking passport-style picture, it is necessary to dress properly. Although the authority does not impose a specific dress code, you have to choose the clothes style and color carefully.
What Color Shirt to Wear for Passport Photos?
The passport photo shirt color must be contrasting with the background. For example, the US passport photo should have a plain white or plain-white background, the same color must be avoided and solid dark colors are recommended.
- Brown
Brown shirt stands out from either plain white or plain-white background. It is a perfect complementary color for people with warm skin tones.
- Black
If you’re unsure about what colors to wear, black, a neutral color, will be the best option for all background colors and skin tones.
- Blue
Blue shirts perfectly complement cool-toned individuals to avoid bad balance and dull faces. To contrast with the light-colored background, navy blue, and royal blue is suggested.
- Gray
Gray is another neutral and versatile color for passport photo shirt color, especially dark gray and charcoal. It shows a touch of professionalism and confidence but is not as dull as black.
- Green
Green perfectly clashes with a white or light blue background and complements both cool-toned and warm-toned skins. The subject will look more refreshed in green, especially forest green.
- Burgundy
Burgundy is a deep red color combining both red and purple tones, suitable for individuals with cool skin tones. Most importantly, it shows a touch of elegance and sophistication, which is the best color to wear for a passport photo of a female.
What Colors Not to Wear for Passport Photos?
When choosing the passport photo shirt color, you have to avoid similar colors to the background color, extremely vibrant colors, and busy prints. Here are some examples.
- White or Off-White
Your body in white or similar seems to vanish from the background and leave only a head “floating” in the picture, which will be rejected by the authorities.
- Light Pastels
It might blend into the background and reduce contrast, thus blurring the contour of the subject’s body.
- Neon Colors
It might be overly bright, distract the attention of the person in the photo, cause unpleasant glare, or damage photo quality.
- Camouflage or Patterns
Applicants must not show professions or association with any groups in a passport photo. Therefore, uniforms, camouflage clothes, and similar patterns are not allowed.
- Bold Stripes or Large Graphics
They might create distractions and interfere with the image’s clarity. Some patterns, prints, or logos might be treated as shadows or cause misunderstanding.
- Red
Red clothes contrast with the background, but it might cause white balance problems. The red hue might prevent the camera from distinguishing and reproducing the skin tones.
Rules for Choosing the Best Color to Wear for Passport Photos
To choose the best color to wear for a passport photo, you have to consider the color of the skin, hair, and the photo. These tips will help you make a choice.
- Consider the Background Color
The clothes color should highlight the person in the photo. In this case, you have to choose a contrasting color to the background to stand out and be easily recognized.
- Complement the Complexion
You could identify your skin tone under natural light or in the sun. When the veins on your wrist appear green, you have warm undertones and warm colors (i.e. brown, green, etc.) are suitable. When the veins appear blue, you have cool undertones and jewel colors (i.e. burgundy, blue, etc.) are better. In other cases, just stick to neutral undertones.
- Match Hair Color
It will make the hue of the whole picture look more harmonious and balanced. Clothes in darker or muted tones match light-colored hair while clothes in lighter or brighter colors work better for dark hair.
- Opt for Solid Colors
Pure colors ensure that the person’s face is the main focus of the photo instead of the clothes. Please avoid clothes with fancy patterns, multiple colors, or shiny accessories.
- Stick to Neutral Colors
It is the safest way to ensure photo compliance. Black, navy blue or gray are versatile colors for all skin tones and background colors. They also present a professional appearance, which is widely acceptable in most cases.
- Avoid Vibrant Colors
They might be distracting and conflict with lighting settings, thus generating reflection, glare, noises, etc. Bright, neon, or reflective colors are always prohibited.
Best Color to Wear for Passport Photos for Infants
Baby passport photos share similar dress codes to adult’s. Here are some tips for the baby’s clothes color.
- It should differ from the background.
- It should be solid and neutral color.
- Avoid extra bright colors, busy patterns, or obvious logos.
- Avoid clothes with colored strips.
Can You Wear White in a Passport Photo?
No. Although white clothes are not explicitly banned, it is not recommended to wear white for passport photos due to the white or off-white background. If you do that, your upper body will blend into the background and hinder face/neck visibility. Other similar colors light off-white, creamy, and light beige, are also not recommended.
Can You Wear Black in a Passport Photo?
Yes. Black is a common neutral color that contrasts with most common background colors and fits different skin tones. It is widely accepted in most countries’ identity photos as long as your face and next are easily recognizable in black.
Does My Clothing Color Affect Passport Processing?
No. The passport photo clothes color does not directly affect processing. The authority will focus on the size, photo quality, background, face visibility, facial expressions, and poses when deciding whether to approve your application. However, if what you wear prevents the officer from recognizing your appearance in terms of these aspects, your photo might be returned or rejected. Therefore it is necessary to adhere to the guidelines for passport photo clothes rules that we stated before.
Can I Edit My Clothing Color in a Passport Photo?
No, you must submit an unaltered biometric photo that presents your true appearance, including your original facial features and dressing. Therefore, editing clothing color is not allowed. Please dress decently and properly when taking the photo.
Summary
The best color to wear for passport photo should be uniform and distinguish the person from the background. As for what colors not to wear for passport photo, you should avoid similar colors to the background, neon colors, or busy patterns. We hope this passage will help you avoid making mistakes in passport photo shirt color and being rejected.