When you’re out shopping for outfits for your upcoming photos, it’s easy to focus on color first. And color does matter, but one of the most overlooked parts of styling for a session is the fabric. The material you choose affects how your outfit moves, how it fits, how it catches light, how comfortable you feel, and how polished the final images look. A simple cream dress in the right fabric can photograph beautifully, while a dress in the wrong fabric might cling, wrinkle, shine, or need constant adjusting.

As your photographer, I want the clothing to support the feeling/styling/vibe/story of your images, not become the main event (unless we are photographing specifically the outfit, of course.) So when I’m helping clients plan outfits, I’m not just thinking, “Is this cute?” I’m thinking: Will this move well? Will it add softness or structure? Will it photograph cleanly? Will it feel comfortable during the session? Will it add texture without distracting from the people?

Why Does Texture Matter in Photos?

Texture is what keeps outfits from looking flat. This is especially important if you love soft neutrals, creams, whites, earth tones, or muted colors. A family dressed in neutral colors can look beautiful and timeless, but if everyone is wearing plain cotton T-shirts, the outfits may feel a little flat on camera.

Texture also adds depth and interest to the images. A cream knit sweater, a linen dress, a cotton gauze romper, corduroy pants, or an eyelet dress can all stay within a soft color palette while still making the image feel warm and intentional without drawing too much away from the people in the photos. And, that’s why I love texture so much for family photos, maternity sessions, newborn sessions, and motherhood portraits; it adds interest without needing bold colors or busy patterns.

What Are The Best Fabrics for Photos?

Linen and Linen Blends

Linen is one of my favorite fabrics for photos because it feels natural, relaxed, and timeless. It works beautifully for family sessions, beach sessions, in-home sessions, maternity photos, children’s outfits, and lifestyle branding sessions.

Linen has an organic texture that photographs really well, especially in soft neutral colors like ivory, oatmeal, beige, taupe, sage, and warm brown. The only thing to know about linen is that it wrinkles. But that is part of its charm. For a relaxed family or beach session, a few natural wrinkles can feel effortless. If you want a cleaner look, choose a linen blend or steam your outfit before your session.

Cotton & Cotton Gauze

Cotton gauze is soft, textured, and easy. It photographs beautifully because it has movement without feeling too formal. I, personally, especially love cotton gauze for newborn sessions, motherhood photos, children, family sessions, and maternity looks. It is so gentle and natural, which makes it perfect for sessions that are focused on connection, softness, and real moments. Cotton gauze and cotton dresses, baby rompers, button-up shirts, and simple layers are all great options. SHOP my favorite outfit ideas for your upcoming session. 

Knits

Knits are wonderful for adding warmth and dimension! A cream knit sweater will almost always photograph better than a plain white T-shirt because it gives the image more depth. The color can still be simple, but the texture makes the outfit feel more complete. Fine knits can feel polished and elevated. Chunky knits feel cozy and relaxed. Ribbed knits can add shape without feeling too busy. Knits are especially beautiful for fall family sessions, newborn sessions, in-home sessions, children’s outfits, and cozy maternity photos.

Eyelet

Eyelet is such a pretty option for spring and summer photos. It feels classic, feminine, and sweet without being too busy. A white or ivory eyelet dress can be beautiful for family photos, motherhood sessions, children’s portraits, or outdoor sessions. An eyelet peice gives you texture while still keeping the overall look soft and simple. And, because eyelet already has detail, I usually recommend keeping accessories minimal.

Lace

Lace can photograph beautifully when it feels soft and intentional. It is a lovely choice for maternity, motherhood, women’s portraits, and romantic family sessions. Lace adds a feminine, delicate feeling and can make a simple outfit feel more special. The key is choosing lace that does not feel too busy or high contrast. Soft, larger-scale lace usually photographs better than tiny, overly detailed lace patterns that can pull attention away from faces.

Denim

Denim is a great casual texture. It works well for family photos, children’s outfits, couples, lifestyle sessions, and casual branding photos. A denim jacket, soft jeans, overalls, or a denim shirt can add structure and familiarity to an outfit. I love denim paired with cream, tan, camel, sage, rust, soft blue, and warm brown. The only thing I would avoid is putting everyone in the exact same shade of denim. A little denim is great, but too much matching denim can start to feel dated.

Corduroy

Corduroy is one of my favorite textures for fall and winter photos because it feels warm, nostalgic, and cozy. It works especially well for children’s outfits, dad’s pants, overalls, jackets, and casual family looks. Corduroy adds texture without feeling loud, which makes it a great option if you want your outfits to feel interesting but still timeless.

Wool and Wool Blends

Wool and wool blends photograph beautifully when you want something a little more polished or seasonal. Think wool coats, wool trousers, soft sweaters, structured blazers, or warm layers. These fabrics add richness and structure, especially in cooler months. They work well for fall and winter family sessions, branding photos, headshots, and more elevated portraits.

Crepe

Crepe is a great choice for branding, headshots, women’s portraits, and more polished dresses or blouses. It usually has a matte finish, which is important because matte fabrics tend to photograph more cleanly than very shiny fabrics. Crepe also drapes nicely and often holds its shape better than thin, clingy materials. If you want something professional but not stiff, crepe is a beautiful option.

Chiffon

Chiffon is all about movement. It’s soft, light, and romantic, which makes it beautiful for maternity photos, women’s portraits, couples, and outdoor sessions. A chiffon dress can catch the wind, create softness, and give you something to move with during the session. The main thing to check is sheerness, so you will want to make sure the dress is lined well and/or that your undergarments won’t show through.

Tulle

Tulle is more styled, but it can be gorgeous when the session calls for it. It adds volume, softness, and a little drama. I love it for maternity, children’s portraits, women’s portraits, or editorial-style sessions. Tulle is not always the right choice for a relaxed family session, but when the mood is romantic, whimsical, or more elevated, it can photograph beautifully!!!

Silk and Satin, Used Carefully

Silk and satin can be stunning in photos, especially for branding sessions, women’s portraits, maternity, or editorial-style images. They can feel elegant, elevated, and luxurious, but they do need a little caution. Shiny fabrics can reflect light, show wrinkles, reveal pull lines, and sometimes show sweat or undergarment lines more easily. If you love this look, I usually recommend choosing a piece that fits really well, steaming it before the session, and making sure the fabric is not too thin or overly reflective. I recommend matte silk or silk blends because they photograph softer than very shiny satin peices.

Fabrics I’m More Careful With

There are no hard rules, and almost anything can work if it fits the vision of the session. But there are a few fabrics I tend to be more careful with.

1. Thin jersey can cling and show every line.
2. Very shiny polyester can reflect light and look less elevated on camera.
3. Stiff cotton can wrinkle sharply and feel rigid.
4. Neon athletic or performance fabrics can pull attention away from faces.
5. Tiny high-contrast stripes can create a distracting effect in photos.
6. Very sheer white fabric can become see-through in natural light.
7. Overly bulky knits can add more volume than you may want.

Now, all these negatives does not mean you can never wear these fabrics, I just want you to be aware that you need to choose your outfits with intention and purpose based on the overall tone, mood, and style of session you are going for.

What I Recommend for Family Photos

For family photos, I love fabrics that feel natural, comfortable, and easy to move in. Some of my favorites are: Linen, cotton gauze, soft knits, denim, corduroy, eyelet, simple cotton, ribbed fabrics, and subtle woven textures. These materials work well because family sessions usually involve movement. You may be walking, sitting, holding kids, snuggling, playing, or bending down. Your clothing needs to look beautiful, but it also needs to let you be present with your family.

I also love mixing textures within a family wardrobe. For example, you might have:

• Mom in a cream linen dress.
• Dad in a soft knit polo or linen button-up.
• One child in corduroy overalls.
• Another child in a cotton gauze dress.
• Baby in a ribbed romper.
• Do you see everyone coordinates, but the outfits do not feel identical?

What Textures I Recommend for Maternity Photos

For maternity sessions, I think about shape, comfort, and movement and there is no one right answer. It really depends on your vision for the styling and mood/tone/vibe of your session and what makes you most comfortable. Beautiful fabric options include: Chiffon, cotton gauze, lace, ribbed knit, soft jersey that is thick enough to feel supportive, linen, tulle, and flowy woven fabrics.

A few more pro tips for choosing the right outfit for your maternity photo session:

• A fitted ribbed dress can beautifully show the bump.
• A flowy chiffon or gauze dress can create softness and movement.
• A lace or tulle piece can feel romantic and more styled.

What Textures I Recommend for Newborn Photos

For newborn sessions, soft and simple usually photographs best.

I love: Cotton gauze, soft knits, linen, ribbed fabrics, waffle textures, robes, simple cotton, and button-front pieces.

Newborn sessions are tender and intimate. You may be holding your baby, sitting on the bed, nursing, rocking, or moving slowly around your home. The focus should stay on your baby, your hands, your connection, and this new season of life with your little one.

What I Recommend for Branding and Headshots

For branding and headshots, fabric depends on the message you want your images to communicate.

1. If you want polished and professional, I personally love: Crepe, wool blends, suiting fabric, silk blends, structured cotton, fine knits, and textured blazers.
2. If your brand is more relaxed or creative, linen, denim, soft knits, cotton, or leather accents may make more sense.
3. For headshots especially, pay attention to the fabric near your face. Since the camera is focused closely on your upper body, collars, necklines, wrinkles, and texture matter even more. And just one more pro tip, matte fabrics photograph better than overly shiny ones.

A Few of My Simple Rules

When you’re shopping for photo outfits, don’t just ask, “Do I like this?” Ask yourself:

• Does this fabric move well?
• Does it add texture?
• Does it hold its shape?
• Does it wrinkle in a way that feels natural or distracting?
• Does it cling uncomforably?
• Will I feel comfortable wearing it?

My Final Thoughts

The fabrics that photograph best are the ones that support the feeling of the session. For family photos, that might mean linen, cotton gauze, knits, denim, eyelet, and corduroy. For maternity, it might mean chiffon, lace, tulle, ribbed knit, or flowy gauze. For newborn photos, it might mean soft knits, cotton, linen, robes, and gentle textures. And for branding and headshots, it might mean crepe, wool blends, silk blends, suiting fabric, or structured pieces.

Texture adds depth, fabric adds movement and the specific fit gives confidence and when all of those things work together, your photos will feel more natural, polished, and intentional! The goal is not to choose clothing that steals the show. The goal is to choose clothing that helps you feel comfortable, beautiful, and connected to the people or story being photographed.

I Would Love to Photograph You and Your Family!

Studio 29 Photography holds an exceptional 5.0-star rating based on over 100 customer reviews. Founded by lead photographer Ren Lenhof, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based studio specializes in high-end family lifestyle portraiture, luxury newborn photography, branding, and weddings since 2010.