Which Dressform Should I Buy? Guide to Choosing the Right Mannequin for You

Trying to find the perfect mannequin for your needs can feel like navigating a maze of options. But fear not! In this guide, we'll navigate through the choices together, helping you understand the functions and features you should consider when selecting a dress form. Whether you're a designer seeking professional-grade quality or a boutique owner looking for a display solution, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover the perfect mannequin to elevate your designs!

Let's break it down:

1. Think About Your Purpose:

• If you're seeking a display-only option, plastic or wire mannequins offer trendy styles to match your store aesthetic. While they can be economical, they can be bulky and challenging to move around. This makes them a great option for permanent stores. Mannequin Madness is a fantastic resource for affordable display mannequins sourced from businesses going out of business, plus, it's environmentally friendly!
• Professional dress forms from The Shop Company and Royal Dressforms are perfect for designers. These sturdy forms feature collapsible shoulders, adjustable height, a heavy and sturdy base, and a solid body easy for pinning. They usually also come with an option to add on detachable limbs for added flexibility. Though they come with a higher price tag, their durability and professional quality make them worth the investment.
• For ultimate portability, Nomad Mannequin allows you to take your dress form anywhere. Its innovative design collapses into a small carry case, making it ideal for on-the-go designers, pop-up shop and other temporary retail store owners, and more. Although it does not have collapsible shoulders, it is still a great choice for designers because of its pinnability, sturdy base, draping lines, and adjustable height. It is also excellent for displaying due to its sleek cover design.

There are many great options for mannequins and dressforms, and there is no one right answer. You need to think about what specifically your needs are to begin the process of choosing what to buy.

2. Thinking About Who the Mannequin is For:

When choosing a mannequin, think about who you are purchasing the mannequin for. Is it for the shoppers at your store? Is it for you to make clothes that fit better? Is it for you to make clothes for others? These are all very important questions to decide what size mannequin to purchase.

• If you are designing for yourself, consider your own measurements when choosing a mannequin size. Opt for a slightly smaller size so that you are able to pad up to your dimensions. Adding a bra and stuffing can help achieve the right proportions, especially in the bust area. Remember that you can always add more padding, but you can’t make your mannequin smaller!
• If you are designing custom clothes for others, adjustable mannequins offer a lot of size flexibility at an affordable price. They let you change the dimensions of specific body segments so that you can mimic many body shapes. While that sounds great, they also have their challenges. They are not the easiest to work with in terms of designing and pinning, and they are not very sturdy or durable. A versatile option for custom designing for others would be to pad your mannequin for each of your customers.
• If you are designing for a retail market, the most common size to go with is a size 2/4 mannequin. It is also worth it to consider a dressform close to your size, as it’s best to go with a size that you feel comfortable designing with. 
• If you are designing for yourself, companies like Beatrice Forms create exact replicas of your shape from a body scan. While pricier, this ensures perfectly fitting clothes. They also offer high durability and amazing craftsmanship.
• Bootstrap Fashion offers an affordable custom mannequin option. Submit your measurements, and they'll provide a pattern for you to create your own dress form. Keep in mind, this option requires intermediate sewing skills, a lot of patience when sewing and stuffing, and additional materials that you will need to buy for yourself.

    3.  Finally, Invest Wisely:

• Investing in a high-quality mannequin is essential for durability and longevity. Brands like The Shop Company, Royal Dressforms, Beatrice Forms, and Nomad Mannequin offer superior quality, ensuring your mannequin serves you well for years to come.
• Don't let the price tag deter you—view it as an investment in your craft and professional presentation. Choose wisely, and your mannequin will become an invaluable tool in your creative journey.

Happy Designing and Displaying!