Choosing the right shirt
Choosing the correct clothing and making sure it fits well is essential if you want to look good in your photographs. And let’s face it, chances are 15-20 years from now your kids will be looking at your photographs, it´s important they know you were stylish back when you and mom were making them.
Fit and Fitted
In photography, a well-fitted shirt will look a thousand times better than a loose-fitting shirt. And fitted does not mean so tight that you can’t touch your elbows together without ripping the back. Being comfortable is as important as looking good, so you will have to find a good balance that works for you.
Neck Size
At nearly every wedding, I see a guy struggling to get the top button of the shirt done up and every single one says ¨I had no problem doing this up at home.¨
The reason they had no problem doing it up at home is that they were eating their normal diet and it was not 80-90% humidity. In the humidity, everything expands, so if your collar is tight at home, expect it to be really tight here in Mexico. So if you are wearing a tie and need your collar done up, then please choose a size with a little room.
If you are not wearing a tie, then you can go with a much smaller neck size so that the collar lies perfectly.
Natural Fabrics
I find natural fabrics breath, are cooler and more enjoyable to wear than man-made or blended. I have a whole article on how to stay cooler on your wedding day and how I wear a 100% cotton shirt every day. It’s hot here, so please consider this when choosing a shirt.
Patterns
In general, solids photograph better than patterns. Patterns attract the eye and will draw attention away from the person so it is best to go with solids and stay away from patterns.
Unless that´s your thing, in which case, you have to do your thing.
Colour
You will sweat on your wedding day. The humidity is often 80-90% here in the Riviera Maya, Mexico and it is important you consider this when choosing your shirt. I wear a white or near-white shirt to every wedding I photograph. And when it dries, you won´t see the white sweat stains. Darker (or even coloured) shirts will show the sweat while it is wet and the stains once it dries.
Iron Free
This is a bit of a no brainer, but iron fee show fewer wrinkles and will photograph better throughout the day. If you have the option, go with wrinkle-free.
I hope you have found this a helpful (and entertaining) read. My goal is that you have a great wedding and I know for many couples they are planning their wedding from thousands of miles away with very little knowledge of the conditions. I hope that these simple writings help you have a little better wedding.
Thank you,
Dean
