What to Wear in Your Dating Profile Pictures – A Complete Guide
Dating Profile Pictures
What you wear in your dating profile pictures can have a big impact on the impression you make on potential matches. When you're creating an online dating profile, having the right profile pictures can make a big difference in how you're perceived. Choosing the perfect photos to show off your best qualities is key to success. Here's a complete guide on what to wear in your dating profile pictures to make a great first impression:

What makes a dating profile attractive?
Before you upload that all-important first photo, take some time to think about what clothes you'll wear. With the right outfit, you can create an eye-catching and attention-grabbing snapshot that will stand out from the other profiles in search results.
What to wear for dating profile photos:
- Dress for the occasion: Consider what you would wear on a date. For example, wear an outfit that you would choose for a Saturday night date, a casual coffee date, or an active date like a day hike. The outfits you choose should reflect the occasion.
- Choose flattering colors: Stick to colors that flatter your skin tone and bring out the best in your features. Neutral colors, such as black, white, and beige, tend to be safe and universally flattering.
- Dress for your body type: Avoid outfits that are too tight or too baggy. Choose an outfit that flatters your body type and makes you feel confident. If you're unsure what flatters your body type, consider seeking the advice of a personal stylist.
- Show off your style: Your dating profile is a great opportunity to showcase your personal style, so don't be afraid to be creative and express yourself.
- Avoid patterns: Avoid wearing patterns in your dating profile pictures, as they can be distracting and take away from the focus on you.
- Avoid wearing too much jewelry: While a little bit of jewelry can add interest to your outfit, avoid wearing too much, as it can be distracting.
- Dress appropriately: Make sure your outfit is appropriate for the occasion and the type of dating app you're using.
- Avoid wearing revealing or overly sexual outfits: As these can make the wrong impression. Skip the bathing suit photo for both men and women.
- Iron your clothes: Make sure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and well-ironed. This can help you look polished and put-together in your dating profile pictures.

How to get good pictures for dating profile
Now that you know how to choose the right outfit here are tips on how to take good dating photos. This is important, as your profile pictures will greatly impact the success of your online dating profile.
Here are some dating app profile picture tips to help you take great photos:
- Find good lighting: Natural light is best, so try to take your photos outside or near a window. Avoid using flash, as it can create harsh shadows and make your skin look less flattering.
- Hire a photographer for dating profile: Having an experienced online dating photographer take the photos for you can be a great way to get relaxed and natural-looking shots. Make sure they know what you're looking for, and have them take a variety of shots to choose from.
- Experiment with angles: Take photos from different angles, such as straight-on, slightly above, or slightly below. This can help you find the most flattering angle for your face and body.
- Show off your smile: A genuine smile is one of the most attractive things you can display in a photo, so make sure to show off your pearly whites.
- Use props: Props, such as a book, or a pet, can add interest and give potential matches a glimpse into your life.
- Avoid using filters: While filters can be tempting, they can also make your photos look unnatural and misleading. Instead, opt for editing tools that enhance the existing lighting and color in your photos.
- Take multiple photos: It's best to have several options to choose from, so take multiple photos in different outfits and poses.
Remember, the goal of your dating profile pictures is to represent the best version of yourself and attract potential matches, so make sure they accurately reflect who you are and what you look like in real life.

What should you not do on a dating profile picture?
When it comes to dating profile pictures, there are a few things you should avoid to make the best impression possible:
- Don't use outdated or old photos: Make sure the photos you use are recent and accurately reflect what you look like now.
- Don't use blurry or low-quality photos: Poorly lit, blurry, or pixelated photos can be a turn-off to potential matches and make it harder for them to see the real you.
- Don't use group photos: While group photos can be fun, it can be difficult for potential matches to determine which person are you. Stick to solo shots for your dating profile.
- Don't use selfies: Selfie photos make you look distorted and unflattering. It also conveys a lack of effort.
- Don't use overly sexualized or suggestive photos: Sexual or suggestive photos can be off-putting and inappropriate for a dating profile. Keep it classy and choose photos that show you in a positive light.
- Don't use photos that are heavily edited or filtered: While filters can be tempting, they can also make your photos look unrealistic and misleading. Instead, choose photos that accurately represent what you look like in real life.
- Don't use photos with negative expressions: Avoid using photos that show you with a frown, angry expression, or any other negative emotion. Smile and look happy in your photos to make a positive impression.
Pro tip: Avoid using profile photos with your children. Viewers want to see who you are not your family. One more photo to avoid is the catch picture. Don't use a photo of the fish or other wildlife you caught.

How do I make my dating profile stand out?
Making your dating profile stand out can help you attract potential matches and increase your chances of success in online dating. Here are some dating app profile picture and bio tips to help you create a standout profile:

- Write an engaging bio: Your bio is an opportunity to tell potential matches about yourself and what you're looking for. Keep it concise and interesting, and include a mix of humor and serious details. Get more bio tips 7 tips to create an amazing online dating profile
- Choose high-quality photos: Make sure the photos you use are recent, clear, and accurately reflect what you look like. Use a variety of photos that show different sides of your personality.
- Be specific: When filling out your profile, be specific about your interests, hobbies, and don't forget to include other personal details like what you do for a living. This can help attract potential matches who share your interests and values.
- Be positive: Focus on what you want, rather than what you don't want. Highlight your positive qualities and interests, and avoid negative or negative language in your profile.
- Show your personality: Let your personality shine through in your profile, whether it's through your writing, photos, or the way you present yourself. This can help potential matches get a better sense of who you are and what you're like.
- Ask for help: If you're having trouble coming up with ideas or wording for your profile, ask a trusted friend or family member for help. They may be able to provide a fresh perspective and new ideas.
- Be open-minded: Keep an open mind when it comes to online dating, and be willing to take chances and try new things. You never know what might happen!
FAQs
What should you not put on a dating profile?
When curating your dating profile you should not do the following:
- Use selfies
- Use a selfie photo of you in the gym
- Posing in front of a car whether it's yours or not
- Posing with an ex or other group shots
Do not lie about the following in your bio:
- Your height
- How much money you make
- Your weight
- Your age
It is important to be honest and transparent for the best dating success.
Is 3 pictures enough for a dating profile?
Experts say that 3 dating profile pictures are not enough for your profile.
While you want to make sure you use quality photos over quantity it is important to have at least 5-7 photos in your profile. This will allow the viewer to see you in different outfits, and settings, and showcase different aspects of your life.
How many pictures should an online dating profile have?
The number of pictures you use for your online dating app will somewhat depend on the dating platform you are using.
For example:
Bumble allows up to 6 photos, so why not use all 6 spots?
Hinge allows 6 photos and now you can also use video.
Tinder allows up to 9 photos but the ideal amount to use is 6
"Studies show that profiles with 4 photos or more receive the most matches. But don't stop there, use all 6 photo slots!" Bumble
How to take a good dating profile picture?
Taking good dating profile pictures involves choosing the right location, asking a friend or hiring a professional to take your picture, smiling and being natural, using different poses, wearing the right clothes, using high-quality photos, and editing your photos as needed. By following these tips, you can create a dating profile that showcases you at your best and makes a positive impression on potential matches.
Tips:
- Choose a well-lit location
- Use different backgrounds that will pop
- Wear well-fitted and wrinkle-free outfits
- Ask a friend or better yet a professional to take the photos
What to wear in dating profile pictures?
- Keep it simple: Opt for solid colors, simple patterns, and avoid wearing anything too busy or distracting.
- Dress appropriately: Consider the tone you want to convey and dress accordingly. If you're looking for something more casual, opt for a t-shirt and jeans. If you're looking for something more dressed up, try a button-up shirt or a dress.
- Choose clothes that fit well: Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed, and that they fit you properly. Loose or baggy clothing can make you appear larger, while tight clothing can be uncomfortable and unflattering.
- Show off your style: If you have a unique style, show it off! Whether it's a bold accessory, a statement piece of jewelry, or a cool pair of shoes, let your personality shine through your clothing choices.
- Avoid clothing with logos or text: Large logos, graphics, or text can be distracting and take away from the focus of your photos.
What should you not put on a dating profile?
When creating a dating profile, it's important to be mindful of the information you include and the impression you make. Here are some things you should avoid putting on your dating profile:
- False information: Don't lie about your age, height, weight, job, or any other personal details. Not only is this unethical, but it can also come back to bite you if you end up meeting someone in person.
- Negative or hostile language: Avoid using negative or hostile language in your profile, as this can turn off potential matches. Instead, focus on highlighting your positive qualities and what you're looking for in a relationship.
- Too much personal information: Avoid sharing too much personal information, such as your full name, address, or phone number, on your dating profile. This can put your privacy and safety at risk.
- Rude or offensive comments: Refrain from making rude or offensive comments about others, including past partners or potential matches. This can make you appear unkind and can turn off potential matches.
- Profanity or explicit content: Avoid using profanity or explicit content in your profile, as this can be off-putting and can get your profile flagged or removed by the dating app.
- Excessive self-promotion: While it's important to showcase your best qualities, avoid excessive self-promotion in your profile. This can make you seem boastful and can turn off potential matches.
- Political or religious views: While it's okay to mention your political or religious views, avoid making them the focus of your profile or using them to judge others. This can be divisive and can limit your potential matches.
Remember, the goal of your dating profile is to attract potential matches and showcase the best version of yourself. So be mindful of the information you include, and focus on highlighting your positive qualities and what you're looking for in a relationship.

Meet Christopher Todd: Your Orange County Photographer
Hi, I’m Christopher Todd! I launched
Christopher Todd Studios back in 2000, but my love for photography started long before that.
Born and raised in Orange County, I’ve spent my life exploring this beautiful area. From surfing in Huntington Beach to discovering the best photo spots across the OC. Over the past
25 years as a professional photographer, I’ve continued to learn, grow, and refine my craft.