How can I style clothing so it looks flat and clean in product photos without a model?
Asked 11/15/2016
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I want to recreate the clean, non-model clothing shots used on many retail sites. The garments look almost like flat lays, but sometimes they also seem slightly hung, with a bit of natural drape. The shoulder lines are very straight and shaped cleanly, almost as if the item is on a hanger or supported internally. What styling/setup techniques are commonly used to get this look for apparel product photography?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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It could have been laid flat and arranged nicely, but to me it looks like it was hung on a coat hanger against a white surface and then a designer simply photoshopped the image a bit.
I'm a graphic designer and used to work for an online retailer taking and editing their product images. You get all kinds of creative, when doing these things. You can see how nicely a hanger fits with the soulders. The way the jacket's collar is sitting, the strings, light/shadows...they all lead me to believe the jacket was hung vertically and not laid down.
As for the sleeves, they could have been pinned/taped to the wall, held in place by an assistant, propped with foam board, etc. We'll never really know.
Originally by user58197. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user58197
9y ago
0
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This look is often achieved with styling and support rather than a true flat lay.
Based on the examples described, the garment was likely hung or placed on a slightly angled surface, then carefully shaped. Common tricks include:
- using a hanger to define the shoulders
- inserting a board or cardboard inside the garment for structure
- pinning or needling the shoulders/sleeves into position
- taping, propping, or supporting sleeves with foam board or similar materials
- letting small details like drawstrings hang naturally for a bit of movement
It may then be retouched afterward to clean up wrinkles, supports, or the hanger if needed.
So rather than thinking only "flat lay," think of it as a styled apparel setup: hang or angle the garment, build shape into it, pin the fabric where needed, light it evenly, and do minor cleanup in post.
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