What to Wear for a Canadian Passport Photo (2026 Guide)

What to wear for a Canadian passport photo may seem like a small decision, but the right clothing can help your face stand out clearly against the required light background. Canada does not require formal clothing or a specific dress code. The main goal is to create clear contrast, keep the full face visible, and avoid anything that may cause glare or shadows.

What Should You Wear for a Canadian Passport Photo?

Choose clothing that you normally wear and that makes you look like yourself. A simple crew-neck shirt, blouse, sweater or collared shirt is usually a reliable choice. Your clothing is not the main subject of the photo, but it affects how clearly your face and shoulders separate from the background.

The safest option is a solid colour with minimal texture. Large graphics, reflective decorations and very busy patterns are not specifically prohibited by the Government of Canada, but they can distract from the face and make the photo look less clean. Simple clothing also produces a more timeless result for a passport that may remain valid for years.

Best Colours to Wear

• Navy blue: creates strong, natural contrast without looking harsh.
• Charcoal or dark grey: neutral, professional and suitable for most skin tones.
• Dark green or burgundy: adds colour while remaining understated.
• Medium blue: works well when you prefer something lighter than navy.

Should You Avoid White Clothing?

Yes. The Government of Canada specifically recommends avoiding white clothing because it can blend into the photo background and may contribute to a rejected photo. The official background must be plain white or light-coloured, so an off-white shirt, pale beige top or very light grey sweater may create the same problem.

If white is part of your everyday clothing, add a darker jacket, cardigan or scarf that does not cover your face. The key is visible separation between your clothing and the background.

Can You Wear a Jacket, Hoodie or Uniform?

A blazer, light jacket or cardigan is generally fine as long as it does not rise around the jaw or cover any part of the face. A hoodie should be worn with the hood down. High collars and bulky scarves are better avoided because the outline from your chin to your ears should remain clear.

Canadian passport rules do not publish a general ban on uniforms. However, everyday clothing is the simplest choice unless you have a specific reason to wear one. Regardless of the outfit, the photographer must be able to light the face evenly and show all facial features clearly.

Can You Wear Glasses in a Canadian Passport Photo?

Clear, non-tinted prescription glasses are allowed when your eyes are completely visible and there is no glare on the lenses. Sunglasses and tinted glasses are not accepted. Even clear lenses can reflect a softbox or window, so the photographer may adjust the light or ask you to remove your glasses if the reflection cannot be controlled.

Before the session, clean both sides of the lenses and check whether the frames hide your pupils. If you do not normally wear glasses, there is no advantage to adding them for the photo.

Hair, Makeup, Jewellery and Accessories

Hair

Your hair may be worn up or down, but it should not cover your eyes or the edges of your face. If you have long bangs or loose strands, move them away from the eyes and cheeks before the photo is taken. Natural volume is fine; the important requirement is that the face remains fully visible.

Makeup

Makeup is allowed, but it should not significantly change your everyday appearance or create strong shine under studio lights. Matte, natural-looking products usually photograph best. For a more detailed checklist, read our guide to makeup in a Canadian passport photo.

Jewellery and Accessories

Small earrings and everyday jewellery are normally acceptable if they do not cover the face or create reflections. Remove very large earrings, reflective accessories, hats and fashion headwear. Wireless earbuds and headphones should also be removed.

Religious and Medical Head Coverings

Religious or medical head coverings are permitted when the full face is clearly visible. The covering must not cast a shadow across the forehead, eyes, cheeks or chin. Arrange the fabric so the facial outline is visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead and along both sides of the face.

A professional photographer can adjust the light to reduce shadows while respecting the way the covering is worn. If a medical condition prevents you from meeting one of the standard requirements, consult the current government instructions before submitting the application because supporting information may be requested.

What Should Babies and Children Wear?

Babies and children do not need formal clothing. A comfortable solid-colour outfit in medium blue, navy, green or another contrasting shade is usually best. Avoid white bibs, hats and clothing that blends into the backdrop. Comfort matters because a calm child is easier to position and photograph.

For the final passport image, no parent, supporting hand, toy or other object can appear. Photographing a newborn takes patience and a safe setup. Our newborn passport photo guide explains how an at-home session works for infants in Toronto and the GTA.

Canadian Passport Photo Size and Technical Requirements

Clothing is only one part of an acceptable passport photo. The current Canadian specifications include:

• Two identical, unaltered professional photographs.
• A finished photo size of 50 mm wide by 70 mm high.
• A face height of 31 mm to 36 mm, measured from the chin to the natural top of the head.
• A plain white or light-coloured background with no shadows.
• A neutral expression, eyes open and clearly visible, and mouth closed.
• Photos taken within six months of the application date.

The older 35 × 45 mm measurement sometimes found online generally relates to certain visa photographs, not the standard Canadian passport photo. For the complete checklist, visit our Canadian passport photo requirements guide and confirm the latest details on the official Government of Canada page.

Get a Canadian Passport Photo in Toronto and the GTA

Green Day Photography provides professional Canadian passport photos at our studio by appointment and through our convenient mobile passport photo service in Toronto and the GTA. Mobile appointments are especially helpful for newborns, seniors, people with limited mobility and families renewing several passports together.

• Studio appointment: $50 per person.
• Mobile service: $100 for the first person and $25 for each additional person during the same visit.
• Two printed passport photos, studio stamp and signature, plus a digital copy.
• Government-compliance guarantee with a free redo or refund if the photo is rejected because of our work.

Review the complete passport photo pricing or compare local options in our guide to where to get passport photos in Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour shirt is best for a Canadian passport photo?

Navy, charcoal, dark green, burgundy and medium blue are reliable choices because they contrast clearly with a white or light-coloured background.

Can I wear white in a Canadian passport photo?

It is better not to. The Government of Canada recommends avoiding white clothing because it may blend into the required light background.

Do I need formal clothing?

No. There is no formal dress requirement. Wear clean, comfortable everyday clothing that keeps your face visible and creates good contrast.

Can I wear clear prescription glasses?

Yes, provided your eyes are clearly visible and the lenses have no glare. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are not accepted.

Can I wear a hijab or religious head covering?

Yes. Religious and medical head coverings are allowed when the full face is visible and the covering does not cast shadows on facial features.

Can a baby wear a white outfit?

A darker or medium-coloured outfit is preferable because white clothing can blend into the background. The final image must not show a bib, supporting hand, toy or other object.