When you’re recording a podcast, there are definitely some fashion rules you’ll want to consider so you’re happy with the end result. Although it’s completely up to you what you wear, below we’ve covered some best and worst practice ideas so you can get an idea of what’s going to come across well and what you may want to avoid.
Let’s get started!
Go for comfortable
This is the most important one, because if you’re uncomfortable it will show on video and you’ll constantly be distracted instead of getting into the zone.
Avoid new and experimental clothing unless you know for sure you’ll be comfortable in it. It’s the worst to sit down in a new pair of jeans and realise they’ll be slightly too tight for the next hour!
Avoid anything with fussy repeating patterns
Think houndstooth, thin lines, and similar patterns that can end up looking like they’re moving on their own in a video and/or hurting viewers’ eyes (aka the moiré pattern effect).
Skip skin-coloured garments
By “skin coloured” we mean anything close to your own personal skin tone. This is because you can run the risk of looking naked – especially in small thumbnails! (This can even potentially get flagged by some over-enthusiastic automated checks, so you don’t want to run the risk of your content getting taken down, even temporarily).
Easy to sit in…and quiet!
You’re going to be sitting for a while so it’s not the best time to choose corsets, short skirts/dresses or anything very tight or that you’ll automatically want to keep adjusting or rearranging (such as off the shoulder tops).
And you’ll want to leave the jangly bangles and squeaky shoes/clothing at home!
Avoid anything distracting
Including jewellery you’re likely to play with (even subconsciously). When people are watching you their eyes will go to your hands instead of concentrating on what you’re saying.
If you’re wearing any items of clothing with writing, such as slogan or brand name t-shirts/hoodies, ensure that the full text is likely to be visible so that people aren’t distracted trying to figure out what it says.
Pick colours to contrast with background and furniture
This will automatically look better and more appealing to viewers. If you’re using our natural wood panelling and neutral chairs, it gives you a good base to showcase your personality or brand colours as a lot of different colours will work.
We also have a wide selection of different coloured cushion covers in the photo studio so you can swap out cushions to work with your outfit choices or overall studio look.
Avoid anything green
If you’re using our green screen, don’t wear green as you’ll find you’re missing your torso or legs!
Side note: If you’re recording against our green screen, try to make sure your hair is as flat as possible so you don’t get a halo effect! For more tips, check out this post: Tips & tricks for recording green screen videos.
Co-ordinate with your guests/co-hosts
You probably don’t want to match too closely, but you don’t want to clash either! (You may want to share this post with them so that they can decide what would work best for them and know the pitfalls to avoid).
If you have a dress code or a particular look/style you’re going for, it can help make it easier for them/you to decide what to wear.
Tip: If you’re recording multiple episodes in one session, bring different outfits so you can get a different look for each episode.
Test it out in advance
Once you’ve decided what you’re wearing, you could always try it out in advance by videoing the look at home. Sit on a chair, relax, and record a couple of videos by propping your phone up against something to see how your look comes across and decide if you need any tweaks.
Think about how you’ll be sitting – cross legged? Relaxed? Straight backed? Will your socks be on show, and do you care? Will you be recording your full body, shoulders upward, or something in between?
Hopefully now you’re able to narrow down your options and more easily decide what to wear for your podcast or video shoot. Good luck, and enjoy!