Top Tips for What to Wear on Camera
If you’ve been asked to appear in your company’s latest video, you may be wondering what to wear on camera.
Of course, choosing what to wear on film depends on various factors, from the video's purpose to the message you are trying to convey. If you’re finding it a little tricky to decide,
Reel Film is here to help – it’s what we do.
Read on to discover our top tips on what to wear on a film set to boost audience engagement.
Our Tips for What to Wear on Camera
Here are some of our top tips to help you know what to wear on a film set, whether you’re filming a company event or starring in a TV advert.
Wear What Makes You Comfortable
Shoot day is not the best day to try a new outfit or pair of shoes! Choose something tried and tested that you know you will feel comfortable in.
It’s always worth choosing your fabrics carefully – you may suddenly become overly self-conscious about sweat patches, see-through fabrics, or materials that crease easily. Additionally, a hat can make you stand out from others whilst filming, but it can be a lifesaver if you’re filming under the scorching sun for hours on end!
It’s also worth avoiding patterns such as pinstripes and checked shirts, as these can cause a ‘strobing’ effect on camera.
Don’t Wear Branded Clothing
If you’re filming for your business, it’s not the best idea to distract the audience with brands or logos that are unrelated to you. Of course, if you’ve got official merch or branded clothes to show off, then go ahead; just steer clear of promoting other brands, as not only are you distracting from your video’s message, but it’s also illegal to do so, as you need the rights from the company!
Instead, you should wear clothes that fit your company’s values or culture to reinforce your brand identity and boost your credibility.
Avoid Busy and Loud Patterns
When it comes to what clothes to wear on camera, simple is usually better. Patterns such as florals, stripes, and polka dots can all be distracting or make the scene look overly busy. You want your audience to focus on what you’re saying or doing, and to avoid disrupting any brand colours or themes through the video.
Furthermore, as cameras can struggle to pick up fine details, complex patterns may hinder the quality of your video. Solid colours and minimal designs are definitely the way to go.
Choose the Right Colours to Wear on Camera
Despite all the advancements in technology, there are still some age-old rules about which colours look best on camera and which ones you should probably leave in your wardrobe.
Here are some colours to avoid wearing on camera:
● If you’re filming with a green screen, avoid wearing clothes that are primarily green; otherwise, some of your body might disappear on camera!
● Pastel colours always work well on camera and can be a flattering colour to opt for.
● Instead, choose the following colours when filming on set:
● Try to pick colours that complement your complexion. Warm, jewel tones work especially well next to your face.
● If you tend to flush on camera, choose more neutral tones such as charcoal and navy. If you’re worried, brush up on colour theory before the shoot.
● Brighter or richer colours can add plenty of energy to videos and attract much more attention from your audience than pastels.
Say No to Noisy Jewellery
Don’t get us wrong – you shouldn’t avoid your statement pieces! However, when it comes to what not to wear on camera, try to avoid jewellery that can literally make a noise, especially bangles and bracelets that microphones will pick up.
Bring Multiple Options to the Shoot
Bringing several different outfits to the set is a great way to stay comfortable and feel fresh. Filming day can often feel stressful if you’ve never been in front of a camera before, so you might spill your coffee on your trousers or accidentally wear a green shirt in front of a green screen. We always recommend a backup outfit to relieve stress and ensure the day runs smoothly.
A quick outfit change during some shoots can also make the video feel more authentic, as it looks like the footage was filmed over multiple days.
Ask Your Video Production Team
The great thing about working with a video production agency is that you can easily ask them for advice on what to wear for the film. They will know exactly where and when you will be in front of the camera and how that could affect what you wear.
At Reel Film, we’re happy to give our clients tips on the best colour to wear on camera based on filming location, whether you should wear uniforms, and so on. You can even take photos of yourselves in a couple of different outfits and send them to us ahead of filming.
Be You!
At the end of the day, don’t overdo it! You want your viewers to focus on your message rather than getting distracted by your fashion statement. Be yourself and own the shot!
Hopefully, you now have more of an idea about what to wear on a film set. It’s important to take the time to plan ahead. Your company’s video is not an insignificant investment; if you’re on camera, you’ll be an important part of its success.
If in doubt about what to wear or not wear on camera, feel free to contact us today. We can discuss your vision and help you feel a little less overwhelmed about your film. With years of experience backing us, our team members have developed a creative eye for what colours work best on camera and what can help your scene pop. Just check out our projects to see how we have helped bring our clients’ videos to life!
For more handy tips and tricks, be sure to explore our blog.
