Choosing The Correct Mannequin

The right mannequin makes clothes look their best and helps customers picture themselves in them. This guide covers the choices that matter most: the type of form, head style, finish, size and fittings.

1. Full body, torso, bust or hanging form?

Full-body mannequins show complete outfits and work best in windows and on the main shop floor.
Torsos and 3/4 forms suit tops, underwear and sportswear, and fit on counters and shelves.
Busts and tailor's dummies show jackets, shirts, dresses and bridal wear at eye level, on a stand.
Hanging forms hook onto rails and walls, so you can show a garment's shape without using floor space.
Adjustable dressmaking forms can be set to different measurements for sewing and alterations.
Ghost (photography) mannequins have removable parts so clothes can be photographed for websites without the mannequin showing.

See all mannequins

2. Head style

Egg-head: a smooth head without features. Modern, and keeps the attention on the clothes.
Abstract: stylised features. Fashion-led without being lifelike.
Headless: quick to dress and good for tops and underwear.
Realistic, with make-up: lifelike features and skin tone, sometimes with a wig, for a traditional look.

3. Finish

Matt white and matt black are the most popular because they suit almost any clothes. Gloss finishes look sharp under shop lighting; chrome, grey, pewter and two-tone finishes make a statement in windows. Skin-tone (fleshtone) mannequins give a more natural look.

4. Size and measurements

Check the measurements on the product page against the sizes you sell. As a guide, from our range:

Female full-body mannequins are typically around 170–180cm tall, with bust, waist and hips close to a UK size 8–10 (for example bust 84cm, waist 61cm, hips 86cm).
Plus size female mannequins are around a UK size 14–16.
Male mannequins are typically around 180–190cm tall (for example chest 96–99cm, waist 70cm, hips 94–96cm).
Children's mannequins are sized by age or height, from toddler to teenage.

5. Material, base and fittings

Plastic mannequins are light, hard-wearing and good value; being moulded, they can show small moulding marks, which is normal. Fibreglass mannequins offer a premium finish. Most full-body mannequins stand on a glass or metal base and fix to it through the calf or foot, so check the fitting if you're buying a spare base.

Still not sure?

Call us and we'll help you choose.