Yes, you can generally wear a T-shirt for your passport photo, provided it meets specific criteria. While plain T-shirts are considered appropriate everyday clothing for a passport photo, it's crucial to avoid wearing white.
The primary goal of a passport photo is to provide a clear and unambiguous image for identification purposes. The clothing you choose should not obscure your face or create glare, shadows, or other issues that could lead to your photo being rejected.
Acceptable Clothing for Passport Photos
When selecting your attire for a passport photo, opt for simple, everyday clothing that doesn't distract from your face.
- Plain T-shirts: Non-white, plain T-shirts are acceptable. Choose colors that contrast well with a white or off-white background, such as blues, grays, or darker tones.
- Collared Shirts: These are also a common and suitable choice.
- Everyday Attire: Focus on comfortable, standard clothing that you would wear daily.
Clothing to Avoid
Certain types of clothing can cause your passport photo to be rejected. It's important to be aware of these restrictions:
- White Clothing: Absolutely avoid wearing white, including white T-shirts. This is because the background for passport photos is typically white or off-white, and white clothing can blend in, making it difficult to distinguish the outline of your body.
- Tank Tops: These are generally not permitted as they may give the appearance of nudity or be deemed too casual.
- Uniforms: You cannot wear uniforms of any kind, including military, work, or school uniforms. Passport photos are for personal identification and should not reflect professional affiliations.
- Headwear: Hats or head coverings are usually not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes. If worn for religious reasons, your full face must still be visible and the head covering must not cast shadows on your face.
Quick Reference: Passport Photo Attire
To ensure your passport photo is accepted, refer to this concise guide on what to wear and what to avoid:
| Acceptable Attire | Attire to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Plain T-shirts (non-white) | White T-shirts |
| Collared shirts | Tank tops |
| Everyday clothing | Uniforms (military, work, school) |
| Head coverings for religious reasons | Hats (unless for religious reasons) |
| Darker, contrasting colors | Clothing that blends with the background |
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive guidelines, always consult official government sources for passport photo requirements, such as the U.S. Department of State. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure a smooth application process for your passport.
