FOXLY PASSPORT PHOTO MAKER
What Should I Wear For A Passport Photo?
Your passport photo is an official document. What you wear matters. This guide explains what’s allowed, what’s not and how to choose the best outfit for an accepted photo.
Not acceptable
Busy patterns
Uniforms
Hats or headwear
Sunglasses
Low neckline
Acceptable
Plain clothing
Dark colours work best
Simple styles
No distractions
Good contrast
Passport Photo Clothing Rules
These rules help reduce the risk of passport photo rejection and keep the focus on your face.
| Clothing Item | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirts | ✓ | Plain t-shirts are allowed. Avoid white if it blends with the background. |
| Shirts / Polo Shirts | ✓ | Coloured shirts and polos are okay. |
| Jackets / Blazers | ✓ | Smart casual attire is fine. |
| White Clothing | △ | Allowed, but avoid if it matches the background. |
| Busy Patterns / Prints | ✕ | Avoid logos, text and distracting patterns. |
| Uniforms | ✕ | Avoid school, work or military-style uniforms. |
| Hats / Caps | ✕ | Your full head must be visible unless worn for religious reasons. |
| Sunglasses | ✕ | Eyes must be clearly visible. |
| Religious Clothing / Head Coverings | ✓ | Allowed if your full face is visible from chin to forehead. |
| Hoodies | ✕ | Hoods must be down. No part of your head can be covered. |
Best Colours for Passport Photos
Solid colours work best. Darker colours usually contrast better with the light background.
Black
Navy
Dark Grey
Burgundy
Green
Royal Blue
Tip: If you’re wearing light colours, make sure they contrast with the background and don’t wash you out.
Colours & Styles To Avoid
These can lead to rejection or delays in your passport application.
White topsIf they blend into the light background.
Busy patternsLarge prints, stripes or distracting designs.
Bright coloursNeon or very intense colours.
UniformsSchool, work or military-style clothing.
Logos / textLarge writing, branding or graphics.
Hats / capsUnless worn for religious or medical reasons.
Avoid anything that distracts from your face. Keep it simple, clean and natural.
Passport Photo Clothing Checklist
- Clothing is plain and without patterns or logos
- Good contrast with the background
- No uniforms, costumes or military clothing
- No hats, caps or non-religious headwear
- No sunglasses
- Neckline is not too low
- Face is fully visible from chin to forehead
Pro Tips For The Perfect Photo
- Keep it simple: plain clothing keeps the focus on your face.
- Avoid white tops if possible because they can blend with the background.
- Check your neckline and make sure your collarbone is not visible.
- Remove bulky accessories like large earrings, chains or scarves.
- Be yourself: wear something comfortable and natural.
Good clothing choice = higher chance of acceptance.
What You Can Wear By Document Type
Requirements can differ slightly depending on the document.
| Document | Clothing Guidance | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| UK Passport Photo | Plain clothing | Avoid white clothing that blends into the background. |
| Baby Passport Photo | Plain clothing | No toys, dummies or visible hands. |
| Child Passport Photo | Plain clothing | Avoid logos, characters and busy patterns. |
| Driving Licence Photo | Plain clothing | Same clothing guidance as passport photos. |
| Visa Photo | Plain clothing | Always check the destination country's requirements. |
| Residence Permit Photo | Plain clothing | Requirements may vary by country. |
| National ID Photo | Plain clothing | Face must be clearly visible and unobstructed. |
| BRP Photo | Plain clothing | Follow UK biometric photo standards. |
| Work Permit Photo | Plain clothing | Always check destination country requirements. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is safer to avoid white if it blends into the light background.
Yes, natural makeup is allowed. Avoid anything that changes your appearance significantly.
It is usually best to remove glasses to avoid glare, reflections or shadows.
Yes, suits and blazers are fine if they are not uniforms and do not distract from your face.
Yes, as long as your full face is visible from chin to forehead.
You may need to submit a new compliant photo. Foxly helps prepare passport photos that follow official requirements.
Get Perfect, Compliant Passport Photos
Available online, on Android and on iPhone. Create compliant passport photos, visa and ID photos from your phone.
Foxly Passport Photo Maker for Web
- Upload or take a photo
- Manual photo check
- Digital photo and UK photo code
Foxly Passport Photo Maker for Android
- Take passport photos on Android
- Digital code and prints
- Easy to use
Foxly Passport Photo Maker for iOS
- Create passport photos on iPhone
- Digital code and prints
- Designed for iOS
Passport Photo Prices
Digital Photo£5.00
Printed Photos£5.00
Printed + Digital Photos£10.00