The Complete Guide to Clothing Product Photography for E-Commerce

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

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

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