The Complete Guide to Clothing Product Photography for E-Commerce

When selling fashion online, great product photography is not a luxury—it's a requirement. At ProductPixs, we specialize in delivering high-quality apparel photography that makes your garments look great on online channels such as Amazon, Shopify, Etsy, and more. In this post, we'll break down the different styles of clothing product photography, their pros and cons, and which styles work best according to your brand, customer, and sales channel.

Daya Sena

6/27/20252 min read

Ghost mannequin photo of cycling t-shirt
Ghost mannequin photo of cycling t-shirt

1. White Background Product-Only Shots

Best For:
Amazon, Walmart, and most major e-commerce platforms.

Description:
Clean, sharp images of the product alone on a pure white background. This style usually shows 85% or more of the product in crisp focus, highlighting shape, color, and details.

👍 Pros:

  • Meets image standards for Amazon and other marketplaces

  • Professional and distraction-free

  • Makes editing and background removal easy

  • Keeps brand presentation consistent

👎 Cons:

  • Can look generic if not lit or styled properly

  • Doesn’t tell a story or show fit/style in context

Best For:
Professional apparel sellers, catalogs, Shopify stores, and high-end fashion lines.

Description:
Clothes are photographed on a mannequin, then the mannequin is removed in post-processing to create a "floating" look. This gives the shape and structure of a worn garment without needing a model.

👍 Pros:

  • Clean and sharp product focus

  • Gives customers a clear sense of how the item fits

  • Looks high-end and technical

👎 Cons:

  • Requires more editing

  • Not ideal for casual or lifestyle brands

  • No emotional connection or context

2. Ghost Mannequin (Invisible Mannequin) Photography

Male undergarment displayed on ghost mannequin
Male undergarment displayed on ghost mannequin

3. Flat Lay Photography

Best For:
Instagram shops, handmade or boutique brands, and social feeds.

Description:
Clothing items are laid flat on a surface and photographed from above. Styles range from ultra-smooth wrinkle-free presentations to more natural, relaxed folds and textures.

📌 Styles:

  • Sharp & Wrinkle-Free: Perfect for minimal and premium looks

  • Natural Wrinkles & Drapes: Adds warmth and personality

👍 Pros:

  • Budget-friendly and fast

  • Great for storytelling or mood-setting

  • Works well on social media and websites

👎 Cons:

  • Doesn’t show garment shape or fit

  • May look unprofessional if not styled properly

Flat lay of a t-shirt
Flat lay of a t-shirt

4. On-Hanger Photography

Minimalist brands, lookbooks, or secondary product views.

Description:
Clothing is hung on a hanger against a white (or neutral) background. Simple and effective, especially for tops, dresses, or lightweight garments.Pros:

👎 Pros:

  • Easy to set up

  • Maintains garment shape

  • Clean and modern presentation

👎 Cons:

  • Not as dynamic or engaging

  • May lack depth or context

On-Hanger cloth
On-Hanger cloth