What to Wear for a Gym Photoshoot (Men’s Guide)
You've booked your fitness photoshoot and you're now standing in front of your wardrobe going, so what the hell do I even bring? Do I just show up in shorts? Do I bring a ton of outfits? Or do I just rock up topless?
I've photographed hundreds of men over the years and trust me, this comes up every time. The truth is, 90% of men photograph shirtless. It's the classic gym look. But there's more to it than just taking off the shirt. What you have on your bottom half, what props you bring with you, and even what colors you're wearing all make a huge impact on how your photos turn out.
This guide will give you some solid ideas so you don't have to overthink it.
Why Topless Works (But Why You Still Need Options)
Let's get real, the showing off of your body is the point of a fitness photoshoot. If you've been putting in the work, you want that to be evident. Being topless enables us to get definition in your chest, abs, arms, and shoulders in the cleanest way possible.
Having said that, you don't have to be topless throughout the shoot. A stringer vest or a form fitting tank can change the dynamic. Some guys don't want to show abs the whole time, or maybe they want pictures where the focus is more on shoulders, traps, and delts. A vest is perfect for that because it frames the top half while still keeping you covered enough.
So yes, the majority of your photos will likely be topless, but having a vest available mixes things up and makes you feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Bottoms That Actually Work
Your bottoms are just as important as your top because they tie the whole look together.
Gym shorts: The classic. Easy, sporty, and draws attention to the legs if you want to show them.
Joggers: These add a more casual vibe. Perfect if you're aiming for that lifestyle look like post workout or relaxed training sessions.
Jeans: This is always the wild card. Jeans in the gym? Trust me, it works. They add a raw, gritty vibe, especially when paired with a bare chest. It makes the photos look less staged and more like a lifestyle shoot.
Mixing these up guarantees that you'll have a gallery that's not only gym shorts in every single picture.
Accessories That Tell a Story
Accessories are going to make your photos feel so much more authentic and tell a story about you. They are like little details that tie everything together.
Lifting gloves or straps: They show you actually work out hard, and they also add texture to the photos.
Belts, wraps, and headphones: These little things create a natural caught in the moment vibe. Instead of just posing, it looks like you’re genuinely in the middle of a session.
Trainers: Don’t overlook shoes. A clean pair of trainers finishes the look and makes everything sharper. Worn out shoes can drag down the whole image.
Colour Choices (and What to Avoid)
Colours are more significant than most people realise. They can completely change the mood of a shot.
Stick to strong combinations like black and red, green and black, white and blue. These photograph well and give contrast without being intrusive.
Avoid neon colors like neon pink or neon green. They are reflective and will throw odd patches of color onto your skin, especially under your chin or neck. Once that happens, it's almost impossible to fix in post.
The concept isn't to match absolutely everything either. A bit of contrast, like dark joggers with a lighter top or bold trainers with black shorts, adds character and depth.
Bring More Than You Think
Here's the golden rule: always bring more than you think you will need.
It's always better to have options than to wish you'd packed something else. Bring multiple pairs of shorts, joggers, a vest, and even casual pieces like jeans. The more you bring, the more creative we can get for the shoot.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your gym photoshoot outfit should come naturally to you. The clothes are there to bring out the best in your body, not distract from it. Keep it simple, avoid anything too over the top, and don't be afraid to throw in one or two different styles to shake things up.
Your hard work in the gym is the star of the show. The clothes are just the supporting cast.