Recently, I was searching for the best dress form for my newly launched boutique. Not for display but to design clothes. Being from a fashion background, I knew what I wanted, but many of you don’t know that there are different types of dress forms available to choose from!
When you plan on starting your own clothing store, investing in a dress form for sewing is the best decision you could make (as I did). Not only that, but you can also use it for doing photography for your romantic piece of art.
In the meantime, let’s first understand the definition of the dressform and how it is different from others.
What is a Dress Form?
A dress form is a 3D model of women’s or men’s figures to design the clothing as per the fitting. It’s mounted on a stand and covers the dimensions from shoulders to thighs. When you are creating a clothing piece, the dress form will help you get the exact size and fitting.
You might want to look for a dress form because you are a:
- Professional fashion designer who does pattern making and draping with the fabric. You know what you need and have learned the basics of using a dress form.
- You are a fashion photographer or a blogger and need to take photos of different designer pieces for your orders.
- You love making bespoke patterns with detailed design and playing with fabric for different draping styles.
- You want your body copy for fitting purposes.
- You would prefer draping instead of drawing and cutting when designing a piece of art.
To every fashion enthusiast out there, here’s a little motivation from the world’s renowned fashion designer and brand maker:
“To me, clothing is a form of self-expression – there are hints about who you are in what you wear.” – Marc Jacobs
Difference Between Dress Form and Mannequin
A mannequin and dress form are often mistaken for the same thing, but there is a very thin line between them. Let’s understand.
Fashion designers and home sewers use a dress form to design and sew outfits for themselves or their clients. The dress form has the upper torso, hips, and upper leg area without any separation.
Owners of shops use mannequins to display outfits. Mannequins depict the outline of an entire body, including the face and legs.
The dress form has padding so that designers and sewers can pin the fabric on, while the mannequin is made of fiberglass or plastic to showcase the outfit.
Did you understand what a dress form is and why you need one? Now, let me help you learn about types of dress forms, or you can say dressmakers form. Let’s dive in!
Types of Dress Form
These are the different dress forms and the few best options you can go for if you think it suits your needs.
#1: Display Dress Form
The display dress form is used to display clothing only (and not sewing). It is made of either foam or fiberglass and has a simplified body structure. Hence, it is used as a display dress form.
The structure of this display mannequin has adjustable limbs with no butts, and the pedestal for height is decorative only.
Products to pick:
2 Pack Male Mannequin Torso with Stand Dress Form Tshirt Display Countertop
Fashion Designer Retail Boutique Store Display Dress Form
Display Mannequin Body with Adjustable Tripod Stand
#2: Professional Dress Form
A professional dress form is also known as a seamstress form, tailor dress forms, and sewing dress forms. The professional dress form comes in different standard sizes and is best for the fashion design student or the one who is starting a designer clothing store.
Its interior is fiberglass, and the outer part has padding and a tight woven shell that makes it easier to pin the fabric on it. This dress form also comes with different styles of skirts cast iron base.
Products to pick:
PGM Professional Missy Dress Form with Hip and Collapsible Shoulders
Dritz 20000 Little Miss My Double Dress Form with Tripod Stand [Child Size]
#3: Adjustable Dress Form
Just as its name suggests, this one is flexible for use. The dress form adjustable comes with dials that allow you to resize the form and be the one you desire. With the help of dials, you can change the waist and hip size, shoulder size, and the length of the body as well.
It is lighter in weight than others, helping you move around easily. It is one of the best dress forms among the four. If you are a fashion designer, a dressmaker, or a tailor, invest in this thing. It is TOTALLY worth it!
Products to pick:
Singer Adjustable Dress Form [For Size 8 to 10]
Dritz Sew You Adjustable Dress Form, Small
Dritz Twin-Fit Adjustable Tripod Stand, Full Figure Dress Form
#4: Bifurcated Dress Form
The last dress form on the list is the bifurcated one. The bifurcated dress form includes both the upper body and the leg part. This one is a good choice if you are too picky about the overall design. Or if you are the one who plans to design the collection of trousers or any other bottom wear, this is the best investment.
Products to Pick:
Professional Female Full Body Dress Form w/ Collapsible Shoulders and Removable Arms
Professional Female 3/4 Body Dress Form w/ Collapsible Shoulders and Removable Arms
Professional Female Half Body Dress Form w/ Removable Shoulders [For Skirt]
If none of the above, you can contact the dress form maker and get the size you require customized. In a world of technological advancement, nothing is impossible. So, if you think nothing from the above is as per your expectation, get yourself a customized one.
Final Words on Dress Forms:
I went with the Adjustable dress form and got myself the Dritz’s twin-fit. It fulfills my expectations of a dress form. Now, I can happily create wonderful wonderland dresses for the beauties around the world.
Are you looking for a dress form for yourself or the boutique? Have you got your ideal dress form? Or do you already have one and are looking for a better one? Whatever your needs are, we have provided you with everything you need to know about dress forms, their types, and the best products to be picked.
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