What to Wear for Your Underwater Photoshoot | Wardrobe Tips from a Photographer

When clients ask me, “What should I wear for my underwater photoshoot?”, my answer always comes back to two things: confidence and movement. The right outfit not only makes you feel comfortable but also transforms underwater photos into something magical. Choosing wisely can mean the difference between fabric that floats and flows versus something that sinks, clings, or disappears against the water.

In this guide, I will share my best underwater photography wardrobe tips: what to wear, what to avoid, and how to find the style that feels the most you.

Best Fabrics to Wear for Underwater Photos

Fabrics that flow and billow in the water are what make for truly stunning underwater photos. When they move with you, they create a sense of motion that the camera can capture in ways that simply aren’t possible on land. Think of the way fabric ripples like waves or fans out around you. It adds drama, softness, and depth all at once.

My go-to favorites include:

Chiffon & Tulle – lightweight, semi-transparent, and dreamy. They let light pass through, creating soft, ethereal images that almost glow. These fabrics are perfect if you’re going for a romantic or delicate look. They create layers of texture without weighing you down.
Silk & Satin – less transparent but reflective, giving a bold, luminous effect underwater. These fabrics shimmer with the movement of light in the pool, creating a more dramatic and striking style. If you want a strong, glamorous presence in your photos, silk or satin works beautifully.

Together, these fabrics move gracefully, catching the light in ways that add depth and dimension to your photos. They make the water itself part of the styling, turning your wardrobe into a moving piece of art.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which direction to go, think about the mood you want your photos to convey. For softness, romance, or a dreamy vibe, choose chiffon or tulle. For confidence, elegance, or a touch of drama, silk or satin will give you that luminous edge.

Best Colors for Underwater Photoshoots

Just like fabrics, color plays a huge role in how your photos feel. The shades you choose can set the mood, whether soft and romantic or bold and energetic. Since I shoot in my pool with a white finish, the water takes on a soft light-blue tone, which becomes the backdrop for your outfit. The right colors can either blend beautifully or stand out in striking contrast.

Best choices:

Neutrals and pastels – soft shades like blush, cream, and light blue create a gentle, romantic feel. They enhance the dreamy effect of underwater photos without overwhelming the frame.
Bold shades like oranges, reds, and yellows – these hues bring energy and contrast. Against the cool blue of the water, they immediately draw the eye and give your photos a vibrant, striking look.

Colors to avoid:

Very dark or muted tones – shades like navy, black, or deep brown can sometimes be used in small accents, but when there is a lot of fabric in these tones, you begin to lose definition and detail. They also tend to highlight tiny white particles that are naturally present, which can distract from the beauty of the overall image. Dark colors can work in small amounts, but when they take over an outfit, you start to lose the magic. Lighter or brighter tones almost always show up better underwater.

Outfit Ideas for Underwater Photoshoot Sessions

When planning underwater photoshoot outfits, think beyond what you would normally wear in the water. Some of my favorite looks include:

Long, flowing dresses or skirts – the fabric spreads and dances underwater, giving you that iconic underwater photography look.
Simple, well-fitting swimsuits – one-piece suits with cutouts or bikinis paired with sheer cover-ups can be minimal yet striking.
Creative pairings – graphic prints, sheer fabrics, or layered textures that show personality while adding motion.

Pro tip: Fit matters. If something is too loose or too tight, I’ll adjust with clips or pins to make sure it photographs perfectly.

Fabrics and Clothing to Avoid for Underwater Photos

Not everything works underwater, and choosing the wrong outfit can make your session less enjoyable and your photos less effective. Here’s what I typically recommend avoiding:

Heavy fabrics like denim, wool, or corduroy – these materials soak up water quickly, becoming heavy, stiff, and uncomfortable. They can weigh you down, limit your movement, and even make it harder to stay relaxed in the water.
Bulky clothing – oversized pieces or anything too structured can cling in unflattering ways or float awkwardly instead of flowing naturally. Instead of graceful movement, you may end up with fabric bunching or sticking to your body.
Dark, muddy colors – shades like navy, black, or deep brown can sometimes be used in small accents, but when there is a lot of fabric in these tones, you begin to lose definition and detail. They also tend to highlight tiny white particles in the water, which can distract from the overall beauty of the photo.

By skipping these fabrics and colors, you’ll feel more comfortable during your session and ensure your outfit works with the water rather than against it.

How to Choose Outfits That Match Your Style

Every client is different, which is why I always start with your personal style before making any wardrobe recommendations. In my intake form, you’ll see options like:

Bold
Neutral
Glamorous
Playful
Soft
Bright

These categories give me a sense of what you’re drawn to and how you’d like your photos to feel.

For example, someone who chooses Bold might lean toward vibrant colors or striking silhouettes, while a client who clicks Soft may prefer flowy fabrics in lighter tones. If you identify with Glamorous, we might bring out silk or satin that shines in the water, whereas Playful could mean brighter colors and fun textures.

From there, we will talk about your vision for the session, what mood you want to capture, how you want the images to reflect your personality, and even practical details like comfort and movement. I’ll then guide you toward fabrics and colors that fit your style and photograph beautifully underwater.

The key is always balance. Your outfit should feel like you, comfortable, flattering, and true to your personality, while still working with the unique qualities of the water. That’s when the magic happens: your confidence, style, and the artistry of the water all coming together in one frame.

My Curated Underwater Wardrobe Collection

If you’d rather not worry about what to bring, I have a curated wardrobe of dresses, bodysuits, and fabrics designed specifically for underwater sessions. These pieces have been handpicked because they move beautifully in the water and photograph well from every angle.

Many clients love this option. It takes away the stress of shopping or second-guessing outfits and ensures the clothing will float, flow, and highlight you in the best way possible. You’re welcome to mix pieces from my collection with items from your own closet, giving us flexibility to create a look that feels both effortless and uniquely yours.

Real Client Example: What Worked Beautifully Underwater

One client chose a bright, graphic swimsuit, and we layered it with flowing fabric for extra color and movement. The look captured her playful personality while still feeling elegant in the water. The finishing touches, like her nails, makeup, and accessories, pulled everything together perfectly.

Final Tips: What to Wear for Underwater Photos

So, what should you wear for your underwater photoshoot? My biggest advice is this: wear something that makes you feel confident and free to move. Whether it’s one of my flowing dresses, a chic swimsuit from your own closet, or a mix of both, we’ll find the right outfit together.

Bring a few options, share your inspiration photos, and let’s create something stunning. After all, underwater photography is about more than pictures; it’s about celebrating your personality in a completely new way.

Ready to tell your story underwater?

Whether you want something soft and flowing or bold and full of energy, the water brings it to life. When you are ready, I would love to help create that magic with you.

Some stories can only be told underwater. Let’s create one you’ll remember for years to come. The water is waiting.