A proper ghost mannequin effect editing can help customers visualize how the apparel looks and feels on real bodies. It creates a clean, professional look and shows an accurate clothing fitting to attract prospective buyers.
After capturing the attire images in a mannequin, image editors have to remove the mannequin in post-production. It is a bit challenging as you must compile multiple images, hide visible mannequin body parts, and create a hollow, 3D-floating appearance. This article covers the process of removing a mannequin from clothing images.
What is a Ghost Mannequin Effect?
A professional ghost mannequin effect is a special image-editing technique professionals use to create a realistic product view. It feels like an invisible man is wearing the clothing to showcase the true shape, texture, and fitting of the apparel.
Photographers mainly use mannequins or dummies to put on the dress. The clothing fitting must align with the mannequin to showcase the exact fitting. Then, they remove the revealing parts through photo editing to give the apparel a natural, worn shape.
Why is the Ghost Mannequin Effect Important for Clothing Stores?
People tend to buy online to save their valuable time. But it is not convenient unless you give similar in-store shopping experiences. Clothing images with ghost mannequin effects are more attractive for purchase. Let’s learn why!
01. High-quality Images
Invisible mannequin images show the clothing photo in a clean, 3D, and professional way. They highlight the fit and shape of the apparel perfectly without any distractions. The product looks more appealing and realistic.
02. Budget-friendly
Hiring professional live models is not only expensive. It is tough to get them during the peak seasons. In contrast, mannequins are cost-effective in the long run. The remaining tasks will be handled in post-production.
03. Clarity and Transparency
Ghost mannequin photos portray the original shape, style, fit, and texture of the attire. This ensures transparency by showing the fine details of the product. Customers get an in-store shopping experience digitally. It also reduces product return.
04. Higher Sales
When you provide full product details, customers feel more confident about purchasing it. It entices customers due to the attractive apparel presentation. This will motivate shoppers to buy the clothing item.
05. Consistency
Mannequin images after Photoshop have the posture, gestures, and expressions. Besides, you are using the same mannequin, lighting, angles, and editing process. This helps you maintain consistency by creating a uniform look across all images.
How to Do DIY Ghost Mannequin Effect Editing in Photoshop?
You don’t need to be a highly expert or an advanced editor to add ghost mannequin effects to clothing images. But keep two crucial points noted in your head.
Capture the apparel item perfectly. The first crucial point is taking photos from the front and inner areas to showcase the inside-out view and details.
The second important point is using the right software. So, what is the top ghost mannequin effect software? The best software for ghost mannequin editing is Adobe Photoshop. Follow these steps to create invisible ghost mannequin effects.
Step: 01— Open the Image in Photoshop and create layers
Launch the ghost mannequin effect Photoshop software on your PC or laptop. Open the mannequin photo and inner photo of the clothing using the drag and drop technique.
Tap on the mannequin photo and make a new background layer. The layer should be filled with white. When you complete your editing, it will work as a whole background.
Add a label for each layer. It enables you to find the specific layer and organize your work efficiently.
Step: 02— Use a Selection Tool to Choose the Item in the Mannequin Photo
The next job is working on the mannequin image. Press and hold the Ctrl and (+) buttons from your keyboard to zoom in on the photo. Then, select your preferred selection tool from the main toolbar.
You can choose the Pen Tool, Quick Selection Tool, or Magic Wand Tool to create a ghost mannequin effect. All are great for precise selection.
If you have already used white backgrounds for mannequin images, separating the clothing image from the backdrop will be hassle-free.
Step: 03— Manipulate and Position the Mask
Once you create a perfect cut-out clothing image, make the edges smooth and soft using the Refine Edge tool.
Press the “R” button on the keyboard and brush over the edges to refine them. Adjust the brush size and type from the drop-down menu list for precise and quick refining.
Now, add a layer mask to reveal the portion of the edited Image. You will see your clothing item floating on the white background. There should not be any messy lines. It should blend well with the backdrop. The result must look real and sleek.
Step: 04— Repeat the Step 1-3 for Inner Image
Once you are done editing the mannequin image, it is time to work on the inner Image (neckline). Follow the same steps from 1 to 3 to edit it.
It may look a bit weird to edit such photos initially. But the final result will surely amaze you.
Create a new layer and carefully cut out the neckline area using the selection tool. Finally, refine the edges and add a layer mask to give it a floating effect.
Step: 05— Combine the Images
After editing both product images accurately with clear and smooth edges, drag the mask from the inner Image to the mannequin image. Keep all layers organized. The mannequin image should be placed at the upper layer, followed by the inner Image.
Now, create a perfect adjustment about the positioning of the inner image. Work carefully to blend its proportion perfectly at the back of the mannequin image.
Step: 06— Remove Unnecessary Parts of the Inner Image
For this part, conceal the mannequin layer. Brush out the unwanted portion of the inner image layer (neckline). For example, a shirt needs the inner collar, upper back, and shoulder seams.
Make sure to place them correctly at the center point between the shoulder. Don’t forget to remove the overlapping piece from the inner Image. You only keep the part that’s missing in the mannequin photo. Now, revise the compiled Image. It should be free from any extra bits or edges.
Step: 07— Add a Natural or Drop Shadow
Once you remove unnecessary parts from the clothing image, create a natural or drop shadow to add depth to the visuals.
Navigate to the specific layer panel and tap on the FX icon (layer effects icon). Double-click on the layer name and select the drop shadow option.
Use the Layer Style dialog box to tweak its distance, spread, and size to blend perfectly with the surrounding areas. Also, choose what type of structure and quality effects are needed for the specific apparel photo.
Step: 08— Adjust Color and Tone
After combining several clothing, there might be a slight imbalance between them. Adjusting the color and tone will help you retain the garment’s true hue, brightness, and contrast.
Navigate to the right side of the workspace and select the Adjustments Panel. Press Ctrl+L to open Levels or Ctrl+M to open Curves. Drag the sliders to adjust the shadows, tonal range, and highlights.
Step: 09— Adjust the Exposure and Brightness Level
Are the clothing images still looking flat or washed out? Or the fabric texture might not be visible the way customers want it to be. So, what is the solution?
Create a new Exposure adjustment layer and select Exposure. Move the slider left or right to increase or decrease the overall brightness of the photo. Similarly, use the Brightness function to lighten or darken the Image.
Step: 10—Save the Edited Image
Now, save a special copy with all the layers. This PSD file will keep you safe as you can go back and fix or change things later.
Finally, create a flat version of the image by combining all the layers into one and saving it in JPG or PNG file format.
How to Do DIY Ghost Mannequin Effect Editing in GIMP?
If you don’t have a subscription to Adobe Photoshop, the best free alternative is GIMP. The following are steps of ghost mannequin effect editing using GIMP.
Step: 01— Open the Image in GIMP and Create Layers
Make sure you have installed the latest version of GIMP. Launch the application. Move to the upper section of GIMP and click File → Open. Or use the drag-and-drop technique to open the images.
As ghost mannequin effects require multiple images, organize the photos in layers individually. It helps you merge the clothing images appropriately.
Step: 02— Setup the Image Dimension
Navigate to the menu bar section and click File → New. Alternatively, press Ctrl+N from the keyboard. The system creates a new project.
The next task is adjusting the canvas size or image size based on the clothing size. Select Image → Canvas Size to modify the overall dimension. If you only want to adjust the image size, click Select Image → Scale Image.
Add the images to the new project. Use a separate layer for each Image. Organize the layers one by one for smooth blending.
Step: 03— Remove the Mannequin
Go to the menu bar section and click Tools → Selection Tools→ Free Select. Or, directly select it from the toolbar area on the left side.
After selecting the tool, click around all visible parts of the mannequin using the mouse. Once you choose all the parts, press the Delete button to remove the mannequin.
Now, use the Eraser Tool in GIMP to clean up edges to make the Image look neat and smooth. There won’t be any leftover bits or rough parts.
Step: 04— Merge the Images
Navigate to the menu bar section and choose Tools → Transform Tools →Move. Use the Move Tool to shift parts or selections of the photo around. Set it to move layers and blend the images perfectly.
Now, use a layer mask to modify the opacity selectively. Once you select it, the entire Image will be white. This means everything is visible. When you paint on specific areas, it will become black. You can also go back to the previous.
Step: 05— Refine the Edges
Visit the menu bar section and select Tools → Paint Tools → Clone or Heal. The shortcut keys for them are C and H individually.
Use the Clone or Healing tool to achieve clear and smooth edges. Adjust the brush size and type from the drop-down menu list for precise and quick refining.
Step: 06— Adjust Colors and Lighting
Navigate to the menu bar and select Colors → Levels. Adjust the contrast, middle gray values, and color of the invisible mannequin images.
This powerful tool also enables you to darken shadows, lighten highlights, and adjust the balance of dark and bright tones.
Step: 07— Add Shadows and Save
Once you are done editing the clothing image, add a natural or drop shadow into the apparel photo to add depth to the visuals.
Make a new layer and use a soft brush to add a subtle shadow. This tool is excellent for creating gentle, blended effects.
Once you are done editing the ghost mannequin effect, save the image. Click File → Export As or press Ctrl+Shift+E to save the File.
6 Common Mistakes While Creating Ghost Mannequin Effect
A wrong approach in image editing not only consumes your valuable time but fails to make a long-lasting impression. The following are some common mistakes new editors make while creating ghost mannequin effects.
01. Wrong Size Mannequin
Of course, mannequins are cheaper than live models. However, it doesn’t mean you will use the same dummy for all dresses. Clothes come in different sizes and shapes.
Use a compatible mannequin that aligns well with the dress size and shape. Even adding pins and some padding won’t make much difference for a wrong dummy.
Plus, it will result in additional time spent on post-production. However, the result may still not be satisfactory even if you are a pro editor. The best solution is choosing the correct mannequin for a specific dress.
02. Incorrect Hand Position of Mannequin
Many photographers neglect the hand position of mannequins. So, how should you keep it? They should not touch the body parts. Otherwise, it will create unnatural wrinkles and folds. The post-production process will be more complicated.
Keep the mannequin hands straight. It will ensure the clothing drapes naturally without hiding any crucial details.
03. Visible Rough Edges
How careful are you to show the precise details of the clothing images? If you are handling the editing task on your own, don’t think your job is done after combining the main and copied layers.
When clothing images have rough edges, it creates a negative impression on the entire appearance and feel of the attire. Make sure to take multiple samples to match the dress’s color and fix jagged edges accurately. It will result in smooth transitions between the clothing and background.
04. Wrinkles and Unwanted Marks
Some wrinkles are unavoidable even after ironing the dress. Cotton and linen fabrics are prone to wrinkles. Improper handling can also cause this problem.
Besides, you can see unwanted marks or stains on the garment after dressing it. Careful handling can minimize this issue.
If you still see any wrinkles, use the clone stamp tool to replicate good areas on the wrinkled areas. For marks or stains, you can use the brush tool.
05. Irregularity
When you dress a mannequin, keeping the shoulders level is crucial. Uneven shoulders can distort the clothing’s appearance. It makes the clothing look lopsided or poorly fitted.
Don’t overlook the bottom edge of the dress. The hem should be in a straight position. Use the grid overlay in Adobe Photoshop to keep the hem straight and aligned.
06. Over-editing or Under-editing
Staying between the middle line of excessive editing and limited editing can be tricky. You must review your captured and edited images cautiously to get the best result.
Too much editing will make the clothing photos look unnatural by stripping away the authenticity. It lacks the unique charm. In contrast, a lack of proper editing may make the Image look unpolished.
7 Best Practices for Better Ghost Mannequin Effect Editing
Professional image editors use different key ghost mannequin effect techniques in their daily workflow. Here are some best practices to make your ghost mannequin effect editing simple and hassle-free.
01. Consistent Camera Height
You need at least two images for editing the ghost mannequin effect. Maintaining appropriate camera height across all pictures is crucial. Otherwise, the photos will look like distorted or tapered.
So, what is the best camera position for ghost mannequin photography? Keep the camera around chest level for tops and hip level for bottoms. It enables you to maintain a natural shape and perspective.
02. Automate Repetitive Tasks
Create or download preset files or libraries and use them for repetitive tasks. It lets you adjust everything with a single click and streamline the editing process. Besides saving time, you can maintain a consistent look and feel across all images.
03. Careful Dealing with Reflective Materials
When it comes to ghost mannequin product photography, you may use various reflective items, like:
- Mirrors
- white or silver bounce boards
- reflective foam boards
- aluminum sheets
So, how do we avoid such undesirable reflections or light spots on the garment? Place the lighting sources close to the dummy for even and uniform illumination. You won’t have to worry about unwanted highlights or glare.
04. Understand the Garment
Garments are made of different single or combined materials. You can’t use the same type of lighting for all of them. They need different lighting styles. Let’s learn what type of lighting they need.
| Fabric Type | Fabric Example | Lighting Style |
| Soft and sheer fabrics | Silk, Chiffon, Lace, or Tulle | Soft and diffused lighting |
| Matte and textured fabrics | Wool, Denim, Velvet, or Fur | A mix of soft and hard lighting |
| Transparent and reflective fabrics | Plastic, Vinyl, or Mesh | Creative and dynamic lighting |
| Shiny and metallic fabrics | Sequins, Glitter, Satin, or Leather | Hard and directional lighting |
| Patterned and colorful fabrics | Floral, Geometric, Striped, or Tie-dye | Balanced and even lighting |
| Mixed and layered fabrics | A Combination of Multiple Fabrics | Flexible and adaptable lighting |
05. Use the Latest Version Software
Software plays an active role in improving the quality of ghost mannequin images. Use powerful graphic design software and AI-powered tools to achieve your desired result.
The up-to-date PC applications are better. The latest software contains the new advanced features, making editing jobs quicker and easier.
06. Level Up and Update Your Skills
Don’t stay in your comfort zone. Push the boundaries. Embrace the challenges like editing tough projects that you haven’t done before. This will help you grow faster by learning from mistakes.
Practice regularly and take suggestions from professionals to master fundamental techniques. Stay updated with industry trends and experiment with new techniques.
07. Seek Feedback
Most of us can’t see our own mistakes. The same goes for photo editors. Take Feedback from your colleagues and clients to improve your skills and performance. They will highlight your weaknesses and the areas where you need improvement.
FAQs
How do you select the correct mannequin for the ghost mannequin effect?
Choose a mannequin that aligns well with the garment’s size and shape to reduce the hassles of editing.
Why is it essential to remove the mannequin completely?
It creates a floating, 3D effect to reveal how the clothing naturally drapes and fits.
What tools are best for masking the mannequin in Photoshop?
You can use the Pen Tool, Quick Selection Tool, or Magic Wand Tool to mask the mannequin.
How do you fix rough edges around the clothing?
You can use the powerful Refine Edge that can even handle complex edges and create intricate selections.
Can I use the ghost mannequin effect for any type of clothing?
Structured garments are less hassle-consuming when adding an invisible mannequin effect. However, careful attention is needed for flexible fabrics. You must maintain the natural draping.
However, you must be a bit careful with flexible fabrics to maintain the natural draping.
Conclusion
Ghost mannequin effect editing is a key player for fashion products. It showcases the clothing items in a visually appealing way. The way it creates a standard lifelike look will entice shoppers to explore the product further. We have already outlined a perfect way to separate mannequins from clothing images and create hollow, 3D effects. Our discussions also covered pro techniques to elevate your photo editing skills and grow further in the post-production industry.
