What are the Challenges of Mesh Avatars/Mesh Shapes?

[DarkGuinevere]

I bought a demo mesh shape from market place and found that my regular clothes (nonmesh) didn't show up on the shape when I wore them.  Will regular clothes not work with a mesh shape?  Will only mesh clothes work with a mesh shape?  What other challenges and limiting conditions will I find if I end up buying a mesh shape?

[Amethyst Jetaime]

Most mesh avatars require special clothing made for that specific avatar, or an applier specifically for that avatar.  Since you wear the avatar over your regular avatar, system clothes and most mesh will not work with them. You therefore have a very limited selection to choose from compared to a regular avatar and will more than likely have to invest in a lot of new clothes etc. for it.

The same applies for things such as skins, tattoos etc. maybe even shoes, depending on which avatar you choose.

You may find some mesh clothes made for regular avatars that might fit, especially non rigged mesh that is mod, but be sure to try a demo first.  Fitted mesh may also work.  Resizable or mod hair, jewelry or other accessories that are not rigged mesh should also be ok.

Another big limitation in my mind is that you will look like every other person that bought the avatar.  Fitted mesh avatars give you some leeway on body shape if they are mod but not as much as a regular avatar as the body will only respond to certain sliders not all of them, but you can't change the face.  However only you can decide how important this is to you.

[DarkGuinevere]

Thanks Amethyst

[DarkGuinevere]

Thanks for the information, Amethyst. VERY HELPFUL. My only comment is I am wearing a demo for a mesh shape and when I look in Appearance (under Avatar in the FS menu), it is the only shape I see that I am wearing. I don't see another shape that I am wearing the mesh shape over, as you say. Why is that?