The present invention provides an image forming method including an ink applying process that applies a water-based ink containing at least polymer particles, wax particles having a ratio of from 0.5% by mass to less than 8% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink, colorant, and water, by an inkjet method (inkjetting), onto a recording base material which is an assembly of a non-absorptive or low-absorptive fiber material.