Top 10 Ideas for Garment Photography to Boost Your Online Store

Lola Lin

Lola Lin

April 16, 2025

5 min read

Garment photography is a key part of selling clothes online. No matter if you're a small boutique or a large retailer, great garment photography can make your products look their best. With more shoppers buying clothes online, high-quality images are more important than ever. In this guide, we’ll dig in to the top 10 ideas for garment photography, including styling tips, lighting setups, and how to use AI tools like Assembo.ai to level up your photos. Let’s get started!

Flat lay garment photography

1. Flat Lay Garment Photography

Flat lay photography is a simple yet exciting way to showcase your clothing. Lay your garments on a flat surface and shoot from above to highlight colors, textures, and styling options.

  • Key tips:
    1. Use a neutral background like white or light gray.
    2. Arrange accessories to create a complete look.
    3. Keep the lighting even to avoid shadows.

For more inspiration, check out this guide on flat lay photography.

Model shots for garment photography

2. Use Models to Show Fit and Drape

Photographing your garments on models helps customers see how the clothes fit and move. Try to use a variety of body types to appeal to more shoppers.

  • Why it works:
    1. Shows how the garment fits on a real person.
    2. Highlights movement and drape of the fabric.
    3. Builds trust with potential buyers.

Learn more about model photography tips.

Use Assembo.ai to Create Custom Backgrounds

3. Use Assembo.ai to Create Custom Backgrounds

Assembo.ai is a great tool for garment photography. Upload your clothing images and place them in different backgrounds to see how they’ll look in various settings.

  • How it helps:
    1. Test how your garments look in different environments.
    2. Save time on location shoots.
    3. Create professional-looking images quickly.

Try Assembo.ai for your garment photography.

Lifestyle garment photography

4. Lifestyle Shots for Context

Lifestyle photography shows your garments in real-world settings. This helps customers imagine wearing your clothes in their daily lives.

  • Key ideas:
    1. Shoot in locations that match your brand’s vibe.
    2. Use natural light for a authentic feel.
    3. Capture candid moments for a relaxed look.

See examples of great lifestyle photography.

Detail shots for garment photography

5. Close-Up Detail Shots

Don’t forget to capture the small details that make your garments special. Buttons, stitching, and fabric textures can all be selling points.

  • What to focus on:
    1. Unique fabric patterns or textures.
    2. Quality stitching and construction.
    3. Special design elements like pockets or trim.

Get tips on shooting garment details.

Mannequin garment photography

6. Mannequin Shots When Models Aren’t Available

If models aren’t in your budget, mannequins can still show how your garments drape and fit. Use adjustable mannequins for the best results.

  • Benefits:
    1. Shows garment shape without a model.
    2. Consistent sizing for all products.
    3. Easier to photograph multiple items quickly.

Learn about mannequin photography techniques.

Studio lighting for garment photography

7. Proper Studio Lighting Setup

Good lighting is key for garment photography. Use a three-point lighting system to eliminate shadows and show colors accurately.

  • Lighting tips:
    1. Use a key light as your main light source.
    2. Add a fill light to soften shadows.
    3. Use a backlight to separate the garment from the background.

Read more about studio lighting setups.

Vintage style garment photography

8. Vintage-Inspired Garment Photography

For a unique look, try vintage-style photography. This works well for retro clothing lines or brands with a nostalgic feel.

  • How to achieve it:
    1. Use warmer color tones in editing.
    2. Try film-style grain effects.
    3. Shoot in locations with vintage charm.

See examples of vintage garment photography.

Action shots for garment photography

9. Action Shots Showing Movement

Capture your garments in motion to show how they move and fit during wear. This is especially important for activewear and flowy fabrics.

  • Tips for action shots:
    1. Use a faster shutter speed to freeze motion.
    2. Have models walk, twirl, or jump.
    3. Show how the fabric behaves in movement.

Get ideas from action garment photography.

Consistent styling for garment photography

10. Maintain Consistent Styling Across All Photos

Keep your brand’s look consistent across all product images. This creates a professional appearance and helps build brand recognition.

  • How to stay consistent:
    1. Use the same backdrop color for all studio shots.
    2. Maintain similar lighting across products.
    3. Edit all photos with the same color grading.

Learn about creating a cohesive look.

Final Thoughts

Great garment photography can make all the difference in your online store. No matter if you're shooting flat lays, model shots, or lifestyle images, keep your brand’s style consistent. Try different techniques to see what works best for your products. And don’t forget to use tools like Assembo.ai to level up your photos without expensive equipment. With these tips, you’ll be creating stunning garment photography in no time.

See Also