Recently, I looked for the best dress form for my newly launched boutique. Not for display but to design clothes. Being from the background of fashion, I know what I want, but many of you don’t know that there are various types of dress shapes available to choose from!
When you plan to start your own clothing store, investing in the form of a dress for sewing is the best decision you can make (as I did). Not only that, but you can also use it to do photography for your romantic artwork.
Meanwhile, let’s first understand the definition of the shape of the dress and how it is different from the others.
What is a Dress Form?
The shape of the dress is a 3d model of a female or male figure for designing clothes according to installation. It was installed on the holder and covered the dimensions of the shoulder to the thigh. When you make pieces of clothing, the shape of the dress will help you get the right size and installation.
You might want to find a dress shape because you are:
- Professional fashion designers who do the pattern of making and leading fabrics. You know what you need and have learned the basics of using dress shapes.
- You are a fashion photographer or blogger and need to take photos of different designer pieces for your order.
- You like to make a bespoke pattern with a detailed design and play with fabrics for different artificial styles.
- You want a copy of your body for the purpose of installation.
- You prefer artificial to drawing and cutting when designing a piece of art.
For every fashion fan out there, this is a slight motivation of world-famous fashion designers and brand makers:
“For me, clothes are forms of self-expression – there are instructions about who you are in what you wear.” – Marc Jacobs.
Difference Between Dress Form and Mannequin
The form of mannequins and clothing is often misinterpreted for the same thing, but there is a very thin line between them. Let’s understand.
Fashion designers and home gutters use dress shapes for designing and sewing clothes for themselves or their clients. The dress form has upper body trunks, hips, and upper legs without separation.
The shop owner uses mannequins to display clothes. Mannequin describes the outline of the whole body, including faces and feet.
The shape of the dress has padding so designers and sewers can pin with fabrics, while mannequins are made of fibreglass or plastic to show off clothes.
Do you understand what the shape of the dress is and why do you need it? Now, let me help you learn about the type of dress, or you can say the challenger form. Mari Selami!
Types of Dress Form
This is a different form of dress and some of the best options you can do if you think it suits your needs.
1: Display Dress Form
The display dress form is used to display clothes only (and not sewing). It is made of foam or fibreglass and has a simplified body structure. Therefore, it is used as a display dress form.
This display mannequin structure has adjustable limbs without butts and the base for only decorative heights.
Products to pick:
2 Pack Pria Mannequin Torso Dengan Stand Dress Form Tshirt Display Countertop
Fashion Designer Retail Boutique Store Display Dress Form
Body Mannequin Display with Customized Tripod Stand
2: Professional Dress Form
Professional dress forms are also known as sewing forms, special clothing forms, and sewing dress shapes. Professional dress forms come in different standard sizes and are the best for fashion design students or people who start the designer clothing store.
The interior is fibreglass, and the outside has a tight bearing and woven skin that makes it easier to pin with a cloth on it. The shape of this dress is also equipped with various styles of cast iron bases.
Products to pick:
Professional Missy PGM dress form with hip shoulder and folded
Dritz 20000 Little Miss Form Double Dress with Tripod Stand [Child size]
3: Adjustable Dress Form
As the name suggests, this is flexible to use. Adjustable dress forms are equipped with a dial that allows you to change the form size and what you want. With the help of a dial, you can change the waist and hip size, shoulder size, and body length too.
It’s lighter than others, helping you move easily. This is one of the best forms of dress among the four. If you are a fashion designer, robe maker, or tailor, invest in this matter. This is really worth it!
Products to pick:
Adjustable singer dress form [for size 8 to 10
Dritz sewing you shape adjustable, small dress
Dritz Twin-Fit Adjustable Tripod Stand, Full Figure Dress Form
4: Bifurcated Dress Form
The latest dress form on the list is frozen. Form bifurcated dresses cover the top and feet. This is a good choice if you are too picky about the overall design. Or if you are a person who plans to design a collection of trousers or other underwear, this is the best investment.
Products to Pick:
Professional Female Full Body Dress Form W / Integrated Shoulder and Removable Arm
Professional female 3/4 shape body dress w / collapsible shoulder and removable arm
Dress Form Half Body Women Professional W / Shoulder Removable [for Skirts]
If it’s not above, you can contact the dressmaker and get the size you need to be adjusted. In the world of technological advances, nothing is impossible. So, if you don’t think anything from the one above is according to your expectations, get yourself customized.
Final Words on Dress Forms:
I went with a dress shape that can be adjusted and get myself a twin-fit Dritz. It meets my expectations of a dress form. Now, I can gladly make a beautiful wonderland dress for beauty throughout the world.
Are you looking for a dress form for yourself or a boutique? Do you have an ideal dress form? Or do you have it and look for a better one? Whatever your needs, we have given you all you need to know about the form of clothing, their type, and the best products to choose from.
