Why buy from us, to dress up your mannequin

WHY BUY FROM US - TO DRESS UP YOUR MANNEQUIN

Display mannequins dressed in a fashion store

Practical guide

A well-dressed display mannequin shows off outfits and makes people want to buy. But fibreglass mannequins are rigid and can be hard to dress. Here is all our advice on how to dress a display mannequin: putting on trousers, creating shapes, adding accessories, fitting shoes and caring for the wig.

The basics Trousers Shapes and accessories Shoes Wigs FAQ

Before you start

How to dress a display mannequin

The mannequin must show off your outfits to make people want to buy. Try several models and combinations to find the best presentation. Most mannequins wear a size 36 or 38 (EU), but you sometimes need to try several sizes to get the right fit.

Start with the top: it is the easiest part to dress.
Keep it standing: there is no need to lay down or dismantle the mannequin.
Steady the base: place a foot on it to stop the mannequin from falling.
Choose easy-to-wear clothes: shirts and jackets make dressing simpler.

Calf fixing or under-foot fixing?

With a calf fixing, avoid pulling on the clothes so you do not unbalance the mannequin. Under-foot fixings are generally more stable.

Display mannequin dressed in a complete outfit

Trousers

How to put trousers on a mannequin

Skinny jeans and leather trousers are the trickiest. Start by choosing the right size, then:

Remove the mannequin from its base, pull the trousers up to the hips, then fasten them.
If needed, ask for help: one person holds the mannequin’s legs while the other gently pulls on the trousers.
For jeans that are hard to fasten, hold them with a belt and hide it under a long T-shirt.
Do not use your nails, which could damage the trousers.
For a seated mannequin, go one size up. For difficult poses, choose dresses.

Adjustments and finishing touches

Creating shapes and choosing accessories

Pad the mannequin

Mannequins often have a small bust: pad the bra with fabric, foam or paper. Avoid newspaper, which can stain the mannequin. You can also pad the hips or buttocks with foam held by tape, without touching the mannequin so as to protect the varnish.

Adjust oversized clothes

Use pins to take in a dress, or a belt. To show plus-size clothing, choose our plus-size female mannequins or our plus-size male mannequins.

Finish with accessories

Hat, bag, necklace: accessories complete the look. Beware of heavy necklaces, which can damage the varnish. Some mannequins have holes for earrings; otherwise, fix them with modelling clay behind the ear, which a wig will hide.

Can you remove the stickers found on some mannequins?

Yes, water-soluble stickers are available for mannequins. To remove them, use a wet sponge. Test first on the sole of the foot, then check after a few days that they do not damage the varnish.

Shoes

Putting shoes on a display mannequin

To finish the outfit, add shoes. One thing to check first: does your mannequin have a calf fixing? If not, you will have to drill the shoes.

How to put shoes on a mannequin

Do not fit shoes while it is standing, so it does not fall: dress it on the floor, on a blanket.
Check the heels: some American mannequins have built-in heels, which limits your choice of shoes.

The limits of the calf fixing

With skinny jeans or high boots, you may have to drill the shoes with a cutter.
Our tip: drill one pair out of two mannequins so as to vary the supporting leg.
Alternative: show the shoes on a seated mannequin without a base fixing. For boots, go one size up.

Wigs

Choosing and caring for a mannequin wig

Change the mannequin’s look with different wigs. Favour synthetic hair to stay within budget: high-quality artificial wigs look very much like real hair.

Some mannequins have sculpted hair, which makes outfit changes easier. You can add a long wig, held with an elastic band, to vary the looks. Use the window theme to create visual change.

Caring for a synthetic wig

Simply remove the dust.
Rinse with a special care spray or conditioner.
Do not wash or brush too often, to avoid hair loss.
Air-dry rather than using a hairdryer.
Store it on a hat stand to keep it in good condition.

Good to know

Mistakes to avoid when dressing a mannequin

Newspaper as padding

The ink can stain the mannequin.

Tape on the mannequin

Fix the foam without touching the varnish.

Necklaces that are too heavy

They can damage the varnish.

Fitting shoes while standing

It may fall: dress it on the floor.

Pulling on the clothes

Especially with a calf fixing, which unbalances the mannequin.

Washing the wig too often

It causes hair loss.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about dressing mannequins

What clothing size for a display mannequin?

Most mannequins wear a size 36 or 38 (EU). You sometimes need to try several sizes to get the right fit.

Where do you start when dressing a mannequin?

With the top, the easiest part. The mannequin can stay standing; place a foot on the base to steady it.

How do you put skinny jeans on a mannequin?

Remove the mannequin from its base, pull the trousers up to the hips then fasten them, with two people if needed. A belt hidden under a long T-shirt helps fasten difficult jeans.

How do you display shoes on a mannequin?

With a calf fixing, or by drilling the shoes. You can also show them on a seated mannequin without a base fixing.

How do you remove a sticker from a mannequin?

With a wet sponge if it is water-soluble. Test first on the sole of the foot.

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