Creating see-through clothing in Photoshop—also known as the Photoshop X-ray effect—is an artistic editing technique that allows you to make garments appear transparent, revealing either the background or the human form behind them. This creative approach can produce eye-catching, surreal images that stand out, offering endless possibilities for visual storytelling and experimentation.

Unlike ghost mannequin photography, which displays garments without a model or mannequin, the X-ray technique in Photoshop makes clothing look see-through. Whether you’re aiming for something artistic or humorous, this method is a useful tool for any image editor.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create the X-ray effect step-by-step using Photoshop 2024.

 

What Is an X-ray Effect in Photoshop?

The X-ray effect refers to a Photoshop technique that manipulates garment transparency to reveal what’s underneath. It can uncover the subject’s body or background elements in a creative way.

This technique:

• Is not a real "X-ray" and does not "remove" clothing.
   

• Uses blending modes, RGB adjustments, and layer masks.
   

• Is mainly used for artistic or comical purposes.
   

• Can be applied to other elements beyond clothing for a surreal or conceptual visual.
   

⚠️ Note: This effect does not truly see through clothes. Instead, it simulates transparency using photo editing techniques.

 

How to Make See Through Clothes in Photoshop: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a six-step method to achieve the X-ray clothes effect in Photoshop.

Step 1: Choose the Right Image

To start, select an image with:

• Light-colored or semi-transparent clothing (white or pastel colors work best).
   

• Clear contrast between the garments and background.
   

• Good lighting and resolution.
   

Darker clothing is harder to edit and may require advanced Photoshop skills.

 

Step 2: Open the Image in Photoshop

Launch Photoshop 2024 and open your image using:

• File > Open or
   

• Shortcut: Ctrl + O
   

Your selected photo will appear on the canvas, ready for editing.

 

Step 3: Select the Clothing Area

Now, choose the clothing area you want to make transparent. Use any of these selection tools:

• Lasso Tool (Shortcut: L) – for freehand selections
   

• Pen Tool (P) – for precise curves and edges
   

• Magic Wand (W) – for quick selections of solid colors
   

Carefully outline the clothing area. The more accurate your selection, the better the final result.

 

Step 4: Copy to a New Layer

With your clothing selected:

• Press Ctrl + J to duplicate the selected area onto a new layer.
   

This lets you edit just the clothing without affecting the rest of the image.

Need help with layers? Learn how to create a layer mask in Photoshop.

 

Step 5: Apply the X-ray Effect

To simulate transparency:

1. Create an adjustment layer (e.g., Levels or Hue/Saturation).
    

2. Hold Alt and click between the adjustment and clothing layer to clip the adjustment.
    

3. Modify the RGB levels, opacity, and blending mode (try “Screen” or “Overlay”).
    

4. Use the Brush Tool on layer masks to fine-tune the effect and reveal background elements.
    

This step requires experimentation. The goal is to make the garment look partially transparent, not disappear completely.

 

Step 6: Final Touches

After creating the X-ray effect, you might notice that the rest of the image feels off. Make final adjustments by:

• Balancing brightness and contrast.
   

• Using Color Balance or Curves for harmony.
   

• Smoothing out rough edges with the Smudge Tool or Blur Tool.
   

When you're satisfied, save your work:

• Go to File > Save As
   

• Export as PNG or JPEG.
   

 

Bonus: Professional Tips

• If you want better selection results, consider using clipping path services from professionals like UK Clipping Path.
   

• For practice, choose simple outfits before attempting complex patterns or dark garments.
   

• Always keep an unaltered backup of your original image.
   

 

FAQs

Can we remove clothes in Photoshop?

Technically, no. Photoshop does not remove clothing but can simulate transparency. Editors usually replace clothing with pre-created layers or blend modes that mimic human anatomy or backgrounds.

Is there a filter in Photoshop to see through clothes?

Not exactly. There’s no default "see-through clothes" filter. However, the X-ray effect method can mimic the illusion of transparency by adjusting layers, blending modes, and RGB settings.

Is there a see-through clothes app for iPhone?

Yes, several apps offer simplified X-ray or transparency effects, including:

• PicsArt
   

• Snapseed
   

However, they are not as advanced as Photoshop and mainly offer fun or basic transparency effects.

How to fix a see-through shirt in a picture?

To fix transparency in photos:

1. Duplicate the image layer.
    

2. Use the Brush Tool or Clone Stamp Tool to repaint areas.
    

3. Adjust opacity and blending modes for a natural finish.
    

4. Use layer masks to blend with the rest of the image.
    

 

Conclusion

Mastering the X-ray clothes technique in Photoshop is an impressive addition to any editor’s skill set. It helps create surreal, artistic images that catch the viewer’s eye. With a few simple steps, and a bit of practice, you can create standout content that’s both professional and imaginative.

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