What is the difference between a dress form and a mannequin

Are you unable to choose between mannequin or dress form? People are easy to be confused when it comes to choosing between dress forms and mannequins. Especially for the beginners, it is easy to make a confusion between these two, as they seem like the same thing. Nevertheless, they may look similar in appearance, but there are essential differences between the two that should not be overlooked. In fact, whether you’re a retail boutique owner, a professional tailor, a visual designer, etc., you need to think carefully about which product can best meet your needs. Now, regarding the difference between mannequins and dress forms, let’s take a closer look.

SHAPE

Shape is one of the most obvious differences between dress form and mannequin. This is a  vital feature which we can easily spot. As far as this feature is concerned, we will find that, in most cases, the dress form has only the shape of the torso, without the head, arms and legs. However, mannequins are available in a variety of shapes, including full body, torso only, and torso plus limbs. So if you see atorso-only shape, then it’s usually a dress form.

MATERIAL

Another feature that makes the difference between dress forms and mannequins is the materials used to produce them. As far as the torso of the dress form is concerned, it is usually made of a soft-touch, plush material. Besides, some of the dress form even have soft inside which made of foam.

Usually, dress forms are designed using soft materials that hold the stitches in place. It means that you can put the pin or needle into the dress form. This is one of the features that makes the dress form particularly effective in custom garment production. For example, if you’re designing or sizing a piece of clothing, you can attach it to the dress form to keep it in place. This is also the reason why many tailors like to buy dress form.

Mannequins, on the other hand, are usually made of hard-shell-like materials such as plastic and fiberglass. Thus, it’s unable to be pinned. But it’s much durable and easy to keep. You can use it for a long time.

PRICE

Another major difference is the price. The design and workmanship of the dress form is simpler. They contain fewer parts, and usually combined with a simple design. These make them generally less expensive than the mannequins.  By this way, you’re welcome to check adjustable dress form designed by Afellow Display, which is high-end but in cheap price by clicking the link: https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/MOD-150-tailors-dummies-dress-form_1600397652238.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.1f1c71d2PTCTmV

WHICH ONE SHOULD WE CHOOSE?

Should I choose a mannequin or dress form? Actually, it depends on what you are hoping to achieve. Normally, mannequins are typically the best choice for window displays and retail stores. Whereas, dress forms are well welcomed by professional tailors, seamstresses, fashion designers, etc.  

Besides, if you’re on a budget, you may want to choose a dress form for this reason. However, if you’re a business owner with the available funds to spend, a mannequin may prove to be a better choice. In other words, you can also make choices based on your financial situation.