What to Wear for a Fitness Photoshoot. A Practical Guide for Women

One of the most common questions I get before a fitness photoshoot is simple. What should I wear.
There is no single right answer. The goal is to choose outfits that feel like you, show your physique properly, and work well with the location and lighting on the day.

This guide will help you plan outfits that photograph well, give you variety, and help you feel confident and prepared.

Gym Outfits That Just Make Sense

For most fitness photoshoots, gym wear is the most natural starting point. It fits the environment, feels authentic, and shows the work you have put into your body.

Leggings and sports bras
This is the go to combination for a reason. Low waisted leggings paired with a sports bra work really well on camera and suit most body types. If possible, choose a sports bra with an open back. This gives us great options for back shots and shows definition through the shoulders and upper back.

Shorts for legs and glutes
If you want to highlight quads and glutes, short gym shorts are a great option. They work especially well for lower body focused shots and add variety compared to leggings.

Underwear Look! A More Daring Sporty Option

Some women choose to include underwear style looks in their fitness photoshoot. This is completely optional and only if you feel comfortable.

A popular choice is branded underwear like Calvin Klein. Clean, simple, and sporty. These can be paired with a sports bra or combined with a fitted crop top for a more athletic feel rather than lingerie.

When done right, this look comes across confident, strong, and intentional. It is great for showing glutes, legs, and overall shape while still keeping things fitness focused.

Colour Choices That Work on Camera

You do not need lots of colours. Simple usually looks better.

Strong combinations include red and black, army green and black, white and neutral tones, or different shades of the same colour. Try to avoid loud logos or mixing too many brands as this can be distracting in photos.

If possible, keep outfits within the same brand or at least a similar style. It helps everything look cleaner and more put together.

Bodysuits and Leotards

Bodysuits are an excellent option and often overlooked.

They are great for showing overall shape and silhouette while still offering more coverage. Many women love them because they highlight legs and arms while being more forgiving around the stomach area. This makes them a popular choice for mums or anyone who feels more aware of their belly.

Bodysuits can be any style or colour. Open back designs work especially well and give us more flexibility with poses and angles.

Preparation Makes a Big Difference

Try all your outfits at home before the shoot. Something that looks great in the mirror can feel very different under gym or studio lighting.

Lay everything out in advance and roughly plan which outfit works best for each setup. Gym floor, darker corners, studio lighting, or more relaxed areas all suit different looks.

On the day, we will always go through your wardrobe together and decide what to wear and when. Being prepared beforehand makes the whole experience smoother and more relaxed.

Bring More Than You Plan to Use

Even if we plan for five outfits, bring extra options.

A simple trick is bringing a few sports bras in different colours while keeping the same shorts or leggings. Quick changes like this give you more variety without taking much time.

Having extra options gives us flexibility. Sometimes the outfit you were unsure about ends up being one of the strongest looks.

Final Thoughts

A fitness photoshoot is not about copying someone else. It is about showing your version of strength, confidence, and progress.

Choose outfits that feel like you, keep things simple, prepare in advance, and trust the process. My role is to guide you through wardrobe choices, posing, and lighting so everything comes together naturally.

If you are thinking about booking a fitness photoshoot and want help planning outfits that suit your body and your goals, take a look at my photoshoot options and get in touch. I will help you plan everything so you can show up and enjoy the shoot.

If this helped you or gave you a few ideas, I would genuinely love to hear from you. Feel free to drop a comment below, ask a question, or share your experience. It really helps and I do read them all :)