If you think that a profile pic in your dating app is insignificant – we’re here to change your mind.
According to Flure, 90% of first impressions on dating apps are visual. You scroll through the app and see hundreds of profiles, and it’s the photo that catches the attention first.
The pose you take, the lighting of the photo, and the outfit you’re wearing – all that tells a story that the eye registers immediately, without you even realising what’s going on. Good clothing choice plays a huge role in whether or not the other person chooses to match with you. It also sets the tone for all the communication that follows.
Today, we’re going to talk about the things that you should and shouldn’t wear for your dating app profile pics, share the tried-and-tested tips, and cover extra things that will elevate your look and boost your chances of meeting someone wonderful.
Dress with Intention: What Your Clothes Say About You
Like it or not, the way we dress and the outfits we pick tell a story.
Whatever we choose to wear each day is a reflection of our values, preferences, lifestyle, and priorities. More often than not, an outfit will communicate some of the personality traits we possess. For example, a vintage t-shirt is going to give off a laid-back and chill vibe, while a tailored blazer tells us its owner is refined.
Clothing will tell a story about you, so it makes sense to control the narrative.
For dating app pics, or when you go on a date, look for pieces that align with your true style, but upgrade them in some way. Choose a bright color, or finer material, or maybe go for a different pattern. The goal is to find a balance between showing that you care without leaving the impression that you’re trying too hard.
Avoid the extremes, such as being way too casual or overdressing to the point of satire. Unless that’s your thing and signature style, then go crazy.
Dressing with intention is not so much about the pieces themselves but about choosing the outfits that make sense for you. It’s very easy to spot those profiles and photos where the man is clearly dressed to impress. He’s not wearing the clothing, but rather the outfit wears him. It doesn’t feel natural and you can see that this is not what the gentleman in the photo would normally wear.
Winning Outfit Formulas for Dating Apps
Now that we understand the importance of dressing with intention and wearing the clothes that fit your style, let’s look at the specific examples of the best outfit combinations and winning formulas.
● Smart Casual Go-To
Oxford shirt + chinos + clean sneakers. Not too dressy, but not overly casual either. You’ll look presentable but still come off as a real, chill person.
● Creative Casual
Statement jacket + plain tee + tapered jeans. If dressing up is not your vibe, you can choose a casual outfit but elevate it with a unique jacket that will make every day look more memorable.
● Relaxed but Polished
Lightweight knit + tailored joggers. For all the homebodies who like to be comfortable, the knit and joggers combo is the go-to outfit. Wear it in your dating app photo and let potential matches know that you enjoy quiet and comfy nights but still look good in the process.
● Elevated Minimalism
Monochrome layers + clean lines. Minimalism goes in and out of trend, but it’s a classic look that’s hard to go wrong with. Monochrome outfits are chic, and clean lines tell the world that you’re sophisticated and trendy.
Style tip: Dress for where you’d ideally want your first date to be. Just like they recommend dressing for the job you want to have, wear something for the type of date you’d like to have. Preferred date formats tell a lot about a person, and by signalling your ideal dates through the clothes you’re wearing, you will be attracting more people who like the same things. They’ll be drawn to you without even realising what it is that’s caught their attention.
Colour, Fit & Texture Tips
The clothing pieces themselves aren’t everything you should consider. The devil is in the detail, that’s why the colours, the textures, and the way it fits will make or break an outfit.
Here are some tips to help you excel with the little things that matter.
● Earth tones, navy, and neutrals work well for all skin tones, making them safe and stylish choices.
● Avoid overly busy prints. Let you be the focus of the photo.
● Texture adds visual interest in photos (think denim, knits, or wool) but doesn’t steal all the attention like an aggressive print can.
● Proper fit is key. The best fabrics and most exquisite cuts won’t save you if sleeves are too long and the size is obviously wrong.
The Grooming & Lighting Game
Okay, we’re done with picking out an outfit, we made sure the textures and patterns look great together, what’s next?
● Prioritise clean grooming. Cut your hair, trim your beard, and moisturise your skin.
● Natural light > harsh flash. Golden hour is a great time for a little dating app photoshoot, but any hour of the day when the natural light is out will work. However, if you can, avoid midday light as it’s rather harsh and will highlight all the imperfections that you’d rather not show off.
● Clean, uncluttered backgrounds are the go-to. They look good on the small avatars, and they don’t distract the eyes from the prize – you. Cute outdoor surroundings or a cozy interior are both great backdrop options.
Final tip: Confidence and posture are everything. Quiet confidence without arrogance is your best accessory. Watch out for the way you pose in the frame. Practice beforehand in front of a mirror or grab a friend and ask them to help you out with poses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Now for the (arguably) most important part – the no-nos of dating app photos.
Here are the things some guys believe are cool but would mostly make the wrong impression and turn people away from them.
● Gym selfies, car selfies, or mirror shots with bad lighting.
● Wearing sunglasses in every photo.
● Overly styled or fashion-forward looks that feel inauthentic.
● Group photos with no clarity on who you are (we know you’re the least conventionally attractive one).
Final Thoughts – Dress Like You Mean It
Good style is not everything but it’s a good start.
We’re always evaluated in terms of how we dress, the accessories we add, and how we style our hair. Paying attention to the way you look and styling yourself a certain way will not only help other dating app users understand you better, but it will also boost your confidence.
Think of your profile photo like a first date – show up as your best self.
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