Old clothing guide

How to photograph old clothing for review.

A short, clear set of phone photos is more useful than a formal description. Show the whole garment first, then the details that make it easier to understand.

Text photos Call first

Hands examining an older work jacket on a wooden table — Clear overall views and close details help begin a review without specialist terminology.

Full front

Lay the garment flat or hang it where the full shape is visible.

Full back

Show the back even when it appears plain.

Labels & markings

Include tags, stamps, names, patches, and embroidery.

Wear & details

Show repairs, fading, stains, holes, closures, and unusual construction.

A useful photo sequence

Start wide. Then move closer.

These are examples of the kinds of views that help. Do not clean, repair, stage, or hide condition before taking them.

A full view of a heavily worn denim jacket — **1. Full garment.** Include the entire front and back, from collar or waistband to hem.

Close view of an old garment label, seam, buttons, and pocket construction — **2. Labels and construction.** Representative instructional image showing the distance needed for readable details.

Close view of fraying and an old repair on a work garment — **3. Wear and repairs.** Photograph worn areas honestly instead of hiding or changing them.

Make each photo easy to read

Use even light

Daylight near a window or open doorway often works well. Avoid deep shadows, strong glare, colored lighting, and filters that change the fabric.

Fill the frame without cutting the garment off

For the overview, leave enough room to show the full outline. For a label or repair, move close enough that lettering, stitching, and edges stay sharp.

Hold the phone steady

Pause after tapping the screen to focus. If a label looks blurry, take another photo rather than trying to explain what it says.

Keep condition visible

Include holes, stains, fading, missing buttons, fraying, repairs, and damaged areas. Condition does not need to be hidden for an initial review.

A mixed group of older jackets, denim, overalls, and shirts arranged on a work table — Representative instructional image of a broad collection photo.

For a collection or estate

Photograph the group before every individual piece.

Start with the closet, rack, table, trunk, or boxes so the overall quantity and mix are visible. Add closer photos of a few pieces that appear especially old, worn, unusual, or relevant.

One view of the full amount
A few grouped views by box, rack, or table
Close views only after the group is understood

How to sort a larger group

Photos ready?

Text them with a short description.

Include your general location and whether you have one piece, a few garments, or a larger collection.

Text (323) 301-3593 Call first Website photo form