When the COVID-19 pandemic burst onto the scene in 2020 and teaching transitioned online, teachers were suddenly faced with the issue of what to wear while teaching from the comfort of their homes. 

The cosy home environment encouraged roaming around in bunny-eared slippers and an increase in online purchases of loungewear. And what’s the big deal? It’s only your top half that students see on camera, right?

But it’s not always about formal versus informal outfits — it’s more about whether your clothes work with your online teaching set-up. For example, if you’re teaching in front of a black background and wearing a black top, you’ll fade away. Not ideal.

Here are a few more considerations when choosing what to wear for online teaching. 

Choose age-appropriate attire

Your wardrobe choices should match your students’ ages. 

Maintaining a professional appearance is important for teaching older kids, teens, or adults. They want to know that you are serious about teaching. 

Younger kids are different, though. With them, you can relax and have more fun with your outfits, but remember, engagement is key. 

You‘ll want to hold their attention with bright colours or fun accessories. Think holiday-themed sweaters, fun ties, or quirky jewellery that showcases your subject, like atom-shaped earrings for science teachers. Showing personality through your attire can boost your connection, especially with younger students.

So if you’re working with little kids, forget about “looking professional” and don’t be afraid to get creative and have some fun with your outfit!

Read more: Differences Between Teaching Young Learners And Adults

Be mindful of colour choices

Think about your background and pick a colour that helps you stand out. 

Steer clear of black or white as these shades make you look less defined on camera. They also create odd glowing outlines—a “halo” effect—due to contrast with your background. 

Think about your skin tone and go for colours that pop against it – it’ll help your features stand out on camera.

Avoid complicated patterns

Busy patterns or complicated designs can be distracting for younger students–or those with short attention spans. 

Pairing a busy shirt with a virtual background can add to the visual clutter onscreen. Opt for colour blocking or a single colour with soft shades. For example, pastel blues or muted greens maintain focus on your face and what you’re saying. It also looks professional and welcoming. 

Avoid too much shine 

Shiny and reflective objects can be a real pain on camera. Think about it—glare from a shiny object, reflection from a shiny surface, or even metallic jewellery can bounce light straight into the camera, creating awkward visual distractions. 

That favourite metallic necklace may look like a disco ball on camera, and you don’t want to distract learners who are trying to concentrate. It’s not just your students who’ll struggle to focus—you might find yourself battling lens flares or weird lighting too. 

If you wear glasses and find that they’re catching too much glare, consider switching to contact lenses for teaching sessions, if that’s an option. 

It’s all about creating a set-up that’s easy on the eyes.

Keep hair and makeup simple

Keep hair out of your face so learners can see you clearly. Avoid playing with your hair or having to constantly push it out of your face. 

Most importantly, your hair needs to be neat. That means not showing up with freshly-washed wet hair. It gives the impression that you’re unprepared and don’t take your job seriously. 

Make-up shouldn’t be distracting. The natural look works well on camera, particularly with Young Learners. If you’re teaching teens or adults, you can get away with a bolder look.

Consider cultural expectations 

Some countries are more conservative than others. If your learners come from Asia, you’ll want to keep your chest and shoulders covered. 

Tattoos are best kept out of sight, and consider removing piercings for the duration of your class. 

Keep it neat

An organised appearance sets a positive tone. Showing up for class with a wrinkled shirt or stained top sends the wrong message–your appearance speaks before you do. 

Ensure your background is neat. A clutter-free space reinforces your professional image.

As much as we want the freedom to express ourselves through our style choices, we should respect professional settings and cultural sensitivities. Maintaining an environment conducive to learning means prioritising your learners’ needs and presenting yourself in a way that minimises distractions. 

When you’re dressed appropriately for online classes, it:

• reduces distractions,
• sets a positive example,
• boosts your confidence,
• shows professionalism,
• signals respect for your students and employer.

Dressing appropriately for online teaching doesn’t just benefit you—it shapes how students engage with your lessons. When you present yourself professionally, you reinforce your credibility, encourage students to take their learning seriously, and help create a focused atmosphere where learners are more likely to stay on task. 

How you show up visually can support how effectively your students show up to learn. Embracing professional attire for online classes is a simple yet impactful step towards creating a respectful and supportive learning environment that benefits everyone.