What to Wear on Camera: 9 Tips to Look Good

When I first started my podcast, I didn’t think much about what I was wearing. I mean, it’s all about the conversation, right? But the moment I began recording video podcasts in my studio, I realised something important — people aren’t just listening anymore, they’re watching.

In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned about what to wear on camera — from colour choices and fabrics to accessories and comfort — so you can look your best and feel confident on camera.

What to Wear on Camera: A Podcaster’s Guide

When I first started my podcast, I didn’t think much about what I was wearing. I mean, it’s all about the conversation, right? But the moment I began recording video podcasts in my studio, I realised something important — people aren’t just listening anymore, they’re watching.

What you wear on camera can make a huge difference in how professional, confident, and approachable you look. Whether you’re recording for YouTube, promoting clips on social media, or live-streaming your show, your outfit becomes part of your podcast’s brand.

Over the years running my podcast studio here in Ho Chi Minh City, I’ve seen guests absolutely nail their on-camera look… and I’ve seen others regret their choices halfway through recording. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned — from colour choices and fabrics to accessories and comfort — so you can look good on camera and feel confident.

1. Start with Your Podcast’s Brand and Audience

Before you even open your wardrobe, think about your podcast’s style and who’s watching.

If your podcast is casual and friendly, a relaxed look works — maybe a solid-coloured T-shirt or polo shirt. If it’s more formal, you might go for a blazer or a button-up shirt. And if your show is creative or entertainment-focused, you have the freedom to be bold with your choices.

When I record interviews with business leaders, I tend to wear something that matches their level of professionalism. But when I’m chatting with comedians or artists, I loosen things up. Matching your tone to your outfit makes your visual presentation feel intentional.

Quick tip: If you have a co-host or multiple guests, coordinate colours so you don’t clash or blend into each other. I once had two guests, both wearing bright red shirts, and let’s just say the camera didn’t love it.

2. Pick Colours That Work on Camera

One of the most common mistakes I see in the studio is wearing colours that don’t translate well on video.

Best choices:

• Mid-tone blues, greens, purples — they look great on most skin tones.
• Earthy colours like burgundy, olive, and navy.

Avoid:

• Pure white — it can blow out under studio lighting.
• Pure black — it can lose detail and make you blend into dark backgrounds.
• Neon colours — they reflect light and can cause colour bleeding on camera.
• Bright red — it’s tricky for cameras to handle without oversaturation.

If you’re recording in my studio, I always recommend checking your outfit against the background. Our dark acoustic panels make black clothing disappear, and bright white can create glare. A good contrast helps you stand out.

3. Be Careful with Patterns and Textures

Patterns can be tricky. Small, tight patterns like thin stripes or tiny checks can create a weird shimmering effect on camera called moiré.

Stick to solid colours or large, bold patterns. If you’re wearing a patterned shirt, make sure it’s simple and not too busy.

As for fabrics, matte is your friend. Shiny fabrics can reflect light and create distracting hotspots on camera. Cotton, wool blends, and matte polyester work well.

In my studio, I once had a guest wearing a silk shirt under bright lights — it looked fine in person, but on video, it reflected so much light it became a distraction.

4. Comfort Matters as Much as Style

Podcasts can run long. You might be sitting for an hour or more, so you want something you can move in easily.

If your outfit is too tight, you’ll spend half the recording adjusting yourself. If it’s too loose, it might look sloppy. Aim for fitted but comfortable.

Temperature is another factor. Podcast studios (including mine) can get warm under lights, but air conditioning can make them cold. I recommend layers — a blazer over a T-shirt or a light sweater you can take off if needed.

Comfort isn’t just about you — when you’re comfortable, your body language is more relaxed, which looks better on camera.

5. Accessories, Makeup, and Hair

Accessories can add personality, but be strategic:

• Avoid big, dangling jewellery that can create noise against your microphone.
• Keep metal accessories minimal — they can reflect light.

If you wear makeup, even a small amount can help reduce shine from studio lights. A bit of powder can make a big difference on camera.

Hair-wise, keep it away from your face to avoid shadows or constant adjustments. I’ve had guests whose hair kept falling forward, and they spent half the podcast brushing it back. It’s distracting for viewers. Ask if the studio has a mirror or any methods that you can check yourself.

Related Post: 10 Essential Questions for Booking a Podcast Studio in Saigon

6. Match Your Outfit to the Lighting and Set

Your clothing should pop against your background. If your podcast set is dark, wear lighter colours; if it’s light, go darker.

If you’re using a green screen, avoid green — otherwise, you’ll disappear into the background.

In my studio, I like to point out how the set’s colours interact with what guests are wearing. We’ve had guests who perfectly matched our accent lighting, and it really made the final video look intentional and cohesive.

For more lighting tips: Podcast Lighting Tips: 5 Easy Ways to Lighten Your Show

7. Test Your Look Before Recording

Never assume your outfit will look the same on camera as it does in the mirror.

I always do a quick camera test with my guests before recording — it takes two minutes and can save you from an on-screen disaster. You might notice your shirt is too reflective, your pattern is too busy, or your colour blends into the background.

Even if you’re recording at home, just set up your phone or camera, record a 10-second clip, and see how it looks under your lighting.

8. Extra Tips for Looking Good on Camera

Here are some bonus tricks I’ve picked up over the years:

• Sit up straight — posture makes you look more confident.
• Avoid noisy fabrics like windbreakers — the mic will pick them up.
• Keep water nearby — dry mouth can make you fidget.
• If you’re wearing glasses, angle them slightly to avoid glare.
• Skip the hat unless it’s part of your brand — it can cast shadows on your face.

9. The Confidence Factor

The most important part of looking good on camera isn’t the colour of your shirt or the fabric you choose — it’s how you feel wearing it.

When you feel confident in your outfit, it shows. You’ll be more relaxed, more expressive, and more engaging. That’s the real secret.

I’ve seen guests walk into my studio looking a little unsure, but once they settled into their seat and realised they looked great on the monitor, their energy changed. The conversation flowed better, and the episode was stronger because of it.

Final Thoughts – What to wear on camera

What you wear on camera is part of your storytelling. It’s not about being overly polished or stiff, but about presenting yourself in a way that matches your podcast’s personality and makes you feel good.

If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City and want to record in a professional setting with great lighting and high-quality video, my podcast studio is ready for you. We can even help you test your outfit before you hit record so you can focus on what matters — having a great conversation.

Your audience is watching. Let’s make sure you look your best.

Vietnamese version