What to Wear for Model DIGITALS & Test Shoots
Whether you’re shooting model digitals or a full test, what you wear matters—but for different reasons. One is about clarity and accuracy. The other allows for controlled range and expression.
Get both right, and your portfolio becomes clean, versatile, and agency-ready.
Start with the Principle: You Are the Focus
Across both digitals and test shoots:
Nothing should distract from you.
No loud branding.
No busy patterns.
No over-styling.
No busy patterns.
No over-styling.
The difference lies in how much variation you introduce.
Model Digitals: Clean, Neutral, Honest
Digitals (polaroids) are your baseline. They show exactly what you look like right now—no styling, no interpretation.
Think:
•Simple
•Fitted
•Neutral
•Unstyled
What to Wear
Keep everything minimal and form-revealing (without being styled):
•Plain t-shirts or vests (black & white)
•Simple jeans or fitted trousers
•Clean, form-following basics
Female models:
•Fitted tank tops, bodysuits, or simple tees
•Skinny or straight-leg jeans
•Optional: simple, form-fitting dress
Male models:
•Fitted t-shirts or long-sleeve tops
•Slim or straight-leg jeans or trousers
Hair should be natural.
Makeup should be minimal or none.
Makeup should be minimal or none.
Uzo Akabogu
Uzo Akabogu
Uzo Akabogu
Dress for the Background (Essential)
To ensure your shape reads clearly:
Black outfit → white background
White (or very light) outfit → black background
This contrast defines your silhouette and keeps images clean and usable.
Fit Is Everything
Clothing should:
•Follow your naturall shape
•Sit cleanly on shoulders and waist
•Avoid excessive looseness or tightness
Female models: aim to show natural body lines without heavy structuring.
Male models: aim for clean structure through shoulders and torso without excess fabric.
Male models: aim for clean structure through shoulders and torso without excess fabric.
Digitals are about proportions—not styling.
Test Shoots: Controlled Range & Expression
Test shoots build your portfolio. They still require simplicity—but allow more nuance and variation.
Think:
•Minimal, but expressive
•Clean, but considered
•Simple, but not flat
Colour Palette: The “Sandwich Method”
Use balance to structure your outfit:
Top and bottom anchor the look, with subtle contrast in the middle.
Examples:
•Dark top → lighter layer → dark trousers
•Light top → darker layer → light denim
Stick to:
•Neutrals (black, white, grey, navy, beige)
•Earth tones (olive, brown, muted rust)
•Occasional soft colour
Avoid overly bright or saturated tones—they date quickly.
Texture Over Pattern
With colour restrained, texture adds depth without distraction.
Good options:
•Ribbed cotton
•Clean or lightly worn denim
•Soft knitwear
•Brushed fabrics
Avoid:
•Loud prints
•Logos
•Synthetic shine (unless intentional)
Strong Outfit Options
Keep variety controlled and intentional:
•Fitted t-shirts, vests, or shirts
•Clean denim (vary fits if possible)
•Tailored trousers
•Minimal dresses or skirts (where applicable)
•Lightweight knitwear
Female models:
•Bodysuits, fitted tops, tailored trousers, simple skirts or dresses
•Focus on shape, line, and subtle elegance
Male models:
•T-shirts, shirts, tailored trousers, clean denim, light knits
•Focus on structure, silhouette, and versatility
Layers Create Options
You don’t need many outfits—just flexibility.
Example:
•T-shirt → add shirt → add jacket
Female models: layering can introduce softness or structure.
Male models: layering helps define shape and add tonal variation.
Male models: layering helps define shape and add tonal variation.
Footwear & Accessories
Keep everything minimal and clean:
•Simple trainers, boots, or neutral heels
•Little to no jewellery
•No statement pieces
Female models: barefoot or simple heels are often preferred for digitals.
Male models: clean trainers or barefoot depending on the shot.
Male models: clean trainers or barefoot depending on the shot.
Rule: nothing competes with your face.
What to Bring (Simple Checklist)
•Black outfit (for white background digitals)
•White/light outfit (for black background digitals)
•1–2 neutral tops (t-shirt, vest, shirt)
•1–2 bottoms (vary fits if possible)
•A light layer (shirt, jacket, knit)
•Clean, simple shoes
Final Thought
Digitals and test shoots serve different purposes—but they meet in the same place:
Clarity.
Digitals strip everything back to truth.
Test shoots build carefully from that foundation.
Test shoots build carefully from that foundation.
When both are done well, your portfolio doesn’t try to impress—it simply makes you impossible to overlook.
