How to Photograph a Football Shirt for Sale
Good photos are the single biggest factor in how fast a shirt sells — here's how to take them with just a phone.
Buyers can't touch the fabric or check the label in person, so your photos are doing all the work photos of a physical item usually don't have to. A few habits make a real difference to how trustworthy — and how fast-selling — a listing looks.
Lighting
Natural, indirect daylight is the single best light source for clothing photography — shoot near a window rather than in direct sun, which creates harsh shadows and washes out colour. Avoid flash and warm indoor bulbs, both of which distort the shirt's true colour.
Background and Setup
A flat lay on a clean, neutral surface or a well-fitted hanger both work well; a mannequin or the seller wearing the shirt can also help buyers judge fit. Whatever you choose, keep the background uncluttered — busy backgrounds distract from the actual item and can look less professional.
The Shots Buyers Actually Want
- Full front and full back, laid flat or hung, in good light
- A close-up of the collar label — this is the single most requested photo for authentication purposes
- A close-up of the crest and sponsor logo, showing the actual application quality
- Any flaws, honestly and clearly — a small mark or repair photographed openly builds more trust than one a buyer discovers after delivery
- A wash-label close-up if there's a visible product code or size tag
Editing: Less Is More
Basic brightness and crop adjustments are fine, but avoid filters or heavy colour editing — a buyer needs to see the shirt's actual colour to trust the listing, and an over-edited photo raises more suspicion than it resolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many photos should a listing have?
Enough to cover front, back, label and any flaws clearly — usually 5 to 8 photos for a typical listing, more for higher-value or vintage items.
Should I photograph the shirt on a person or flat?
Both if possible — flat or hung photos show detail most clearly, while a worn photo helps buyers judge fit and drape. Neither replaces the other.
Do I need a professional camera?
No — a modern phone camera in good natural light produces perfectly good listing photos. Lighting and background matter far more than the camera itself.
Ready to put these tips into practice? Head to
or read our full seller guide for everything else that goes into a strong listing.