How to Dress Your Window Mannequins
The window mannequin should highlight the outfits to create the desire to buy. Try on several models and combinations to find the best presentation. Most mannequins wear a size 36 or 38, but you may need to try on several sizes to get the right fit. Once dressed, the mannequin must encourage the purchase of the clothes it is wearing.
Window mannequins are made of fibreglass, are rigid and can be difficult to dress. Start with the top of the mannequin, which is the easiest part to dress. There’s no need to lay the mannequin down - it can remain upright without being dismantled. Keep the base stable by placing one foot on it to prevent it from falling.
If you are using a calf attachment, avoid pulling on the clothing to avoid unbalancing the mannequin. Underfoot bindings generally offer more stability. To make dressing easier, prefer clothes that are easy to put on, such as shirts or jackets.
Tips for creating shapes
How to Put Pants on a Mannequin
Fitting skinny jeans or leather trousers can be tricky. Make sure you choose the right size. Remove the dummy from its base, pull the trousers on up to the hips, then zip them up. If necessary, ask for help: one person holds the dummy’s legs while the other gently pulls on the trousers.
Use a belt to hold down jeans that are difficult to close and hide it with a long T-shirt. Avoid using fingernails to avoid damaging the trousers. For a seated model, opt for a size up. For difficult positions, opt for dresses.
Use accessories to adjust clothes that are too big (pins to tighten a dress, belt). Plus-size mannequins allow you to show off plus-size clothes. You can pad around the hips or buttocks with foam secured with tape (without touching the mannequin to avoid damaging the varnish).
Finish the dressing with accessories: hat, bag, necklace, etc. Be careful with heavy necklaces, which can damage the varnish. Some mannequins have holes to hang earrings; if not, use modelling clay behind the ear to fix them. A wig will hide the modelling paste.
Is it possible to Remove the Stickers Present on Certain Mannequins?
Water-soluble stickers are available for mannequins. To remove them, use a wet sponge. Test first on the sole of the foot to check the result. After a few days, try removing it to make sure it doesn’t damage the varnish.
Shoes for Display Mannequins
To finalise the dressing, you can add shoes. Make sure your mannequin has a calf attachment, otherwise you’ll need to drill the shoes. Our tip: drill a pair on two mannequins to vary the support leg.
Calf bindings have their limits, especially with skinny jeans or high boots. You may need to pierce the shoes with a cutter. An alternative is to display shoes on a seated mannequin without basic fixings. For boots, choose one size up.
How to Shoe a Mannequin?
Don’t shoe your mannequin standing up to prevent it from falling. Dress him on the floor, on a blanket. Note that some American mannequins have built-in heels, which can limit shoe options.
Change the model’s appearance with different wigs. Choose from the many options available online or in shop, favouring synthetic hair to stay within budget. High-quality artificial wigs look a lot like real hair.
How to Maintain an Artificial Wig?
Just remove the dust. Use a special care spray or conditioner to rinse. Don’t wash or brush the wig too often to avoid hair loss. Air-dry rather than blow-dry. A hat rack will help keep the wig in place.
Some models have sculpted hair, which makes outfit changes easier. You can add a long wig to vary the looks, secured with an elastic band. Use the window display theme to create visual change.
