Mannequins Buying Guide

By carrie gilbertson02/05/2023

Types of Mannequins and How to Choose the Right One

Written by Carrie Gilbertson, Commercial Director
Carrie Gilbertson is the founder of The Urban Mill and Commercial Director at Displaysense, bringing over 20 years of experience in the retail display industry. She champions design that’s functional, striking—and always has a touch of fun.

When customers go into a retail store, they can often be overwhelmed by the volume of garments. They cannot see the fit or all the details of the clothes when they are folded on a shelving unit or a hanger.


Mannequins give customers a better look at the product, showing it off in all its glory. They work as the “silent salespeople” of your store, drawing customers in and showcasing your key items and best collections.


There are plenty of styles to choose from, but here we break down the key ones that you will come across.


Egghead Mannequins

Egghead mannequins are currently the most popular display mannequins on the marketplace. The faceless style is simple and doesn’t detract from the clothing collection on display. They also offer the merchandiser the opportunity to personalise the mannequins with wigs, hats and other accessories.


Ghost Mannequins

Incredibly popular with both photographers and retailers, ghost mannequins come with a removable V-section and neck partitions creating a 3D “floating” effect. Without the mannequin form, customers can visualise the clothes on themselves without distraction.


Headless Mannequins

Headless mannequins are, as you would expect, headless. With no head, these shop mannequins direct the attention towards the clothing and keep them the sole focus of the customer’s attention. With very little extra detail, the mannequins are easy to maintain, and the simplicity makes them timeless.


Display Torsos

For certain retailers, such as lingerie companies or jewellers, a full-body mannequin is unnecessary, and display torsos are a much better option. As store mannequins, they have a much longer shelf life as they are a classic style, but they may not have as great an impact on customers. They are also good for retailers with limited space or smaller businesses who may be travelling with the mannequin torso.


Adjustable Mannequins

To create a unique and visually exciting display, an articulated mannequin will give you a variety of poses to suit your needs. The level of adjustability will vary between mannequins, but the pose can be secured in place with locking joints.


Abstract Mannequins

If you are looking for an eye-catching and dramatic-looking mannequin, an abstract mannequin could be for you. These can vary from dramatic make-up looks to futuristic characteristics. Whilst these mannequins will attract attention, these types of styles can go out of fashion quite quickly and can require maintenance when it comes to painted features.


Sports Mannequins

Athletic body mannequins are often posed to look in motion or to reflect a particular sport. The use of these action mannequins helps customers envisage themselves wearing or using a particular item and brings a level of excitement to displays.


 

Buying Considerations

When buying a mannequin for your store, there are a few key things you should consider;

1. Brand image:

Customers often use mannequins as a visual guide as to what will look good on them, and so the better your mannequin reflects your customers, the more likely they will be to convert sales. Male, female and child mannequins are all available and come in a variety of shapes and styles.

2. Style:

You can find mannequins in a range of styles that range from realistic to abstract, sports to plus size. They are one of the most valuable visual display tools, but they should go hand in hand with the image of the store.

3. Materials:

Materials are important due to the weight of the item. Fibreglass and plastic mannequins have become increasingly popular due to their lightness and durability, but wood, resin and metal mannequins are also available. If your mannequins are going to be regularly moved, a lighter material would be preferable.

4. Finish:

The majority of mannequins will come in either matt or gloss. Matt finishes are currently very popular as they are resistant to glare, but they are more easily marked than their gloss counterparts. As with picking the style of mannequin, the finish should be in keeping with your store design.

5. Footwear:

Mannequins are attached to the base via a spigot. If you wish to add footwear, you will need a mannequin that has a calf spigot, but this can prevent tight trousers from being added. If footwear is not required or your preference is to be able to display trousers, a foot spigot will be the better choice. Some mannequins do offer both calf and foot spigots for more flexibility in displays.

6. Longevity:

As with everything in fashion, styles and tastes change. As mannequins are an investment in your business, you’ll want to consider how long the style will be relevant. The more classic and simple the styling, the longer your mannequin is likely to be in fashion.


FAQ's

1. Why should I buy a mannequin?

Mannequins are advocates for the store and the customers. The fashion world is very aspirational, and mannequins stand as the link between that world and real life. Usually dressed in the best clothing a store has to offer, customers try to make an emotional connection, and this can influence shopping trends and increase sales.

2. What size mannequins should I buy?

When thinking of the overall dimensions of the mannequins, this will all depend all the amount of floor or window space you have. Mannequins can come in a variety of poses, so you should always carefully measure the display area.

When it comes to dress sizes, you’ll want to pick a mannequin that best reflects your customer base and brand image. Mannequins come in a variety of shapes and sizes from the standard size 10 to plus size and maternity.

3. I don’t know where to buy mannequins, what should I look for?

Mannequins are a very important part of your visual merchandising strategy and are an investment in your business. Therefore, make sure that they are created with high-quality materials and come with a warranty.

4. How do I dress a mannequin?

Using a steamer, make sure all clothing is crease-free. Detach the torso from the legs and place it onto a towel to prevent marking. Turn the bottom half upside down and separate the legs if you are adding trousers or shorts. Add any undergarments first, followed by trousers and shoes (if they will stay in place). Turn the right way up, reattach the torso and place the mannequin on its base so it is freestanding. Detach the arms and remove the hands. Slip the arms into the sleeves of the upper body garments and reattach to the torso. Once both arms are done, push the hands back into the arms. Make sure all price tags are hidden and add any additional accessories before putting pride of place on your shop floor or window display.

 

Pro Insight: Rotate your mannequin outfits regularly — not just for seasonality, but to encourage repeat visits. Even subtle changes can catch the eye of returning customers and make your display feel fresh and engaging.


Summary: How to Choose the Right Mannequin

Not sure which mannequin style suits your needs best? Here are the key considerations to help guide your decision:

 

Style: Do you want realism, minimalism, or something dramatic and eye-catching?

 

Function: Are you using the mannequin for photos, window displays, or to highlight specific products like lingerie or jewellery?

 

Material: Will you need something lightweight and durable for regular repositioning, or is visual impact more important?

 

Flexibility: Think about how much adjustability you need for posing and whether you require foot or calf fittings for footwear.

By focusing on purpose, positioning, and presentation, you’ll find a mannequin that complements your brand and strengthens your visual merchandising strategy.



Find Your Perfect Mannequin Today

Looking for the best mannequin to bring your retail display or product photography to life? Whether you're dressing a boutique window, shooting a fashion campaign, or showcasing accessories in-store, the right mannequin makes all the difference. Choose a style that enhances your garments, fits your brand image, and elevates your display.

Browse Mannequins by Type

  • Male Mannequins – Strong silhouettes ideal for menswear and formal fashion displays.
  • Female Mannequins – Elegant and versatile, perfect for high fashion, lingerie, or everyday apparel.
  • Half-Form Mannequins – Space-saving torso displays great for tops, lingerie, or product photography.
  • Child Mannequins – Perfect for showcasing kidswear in retail or seasonal window displays.
Ready to find your perfect mannequin?
View our full range at Displaysense
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