Most consider the word ‘mannequin’ to be a generic reference to a live, three-dimensional human. The truth is that there are a variety of these human representations. Most types fall under two classifications: dressing forms and mannequins. Both types vary in the degree of human realism they present to the viewer.



From a realistic standpoint mannequins are generally more lifelike. They are often manufactured with limbs and heads. In many cases fingers and toes and ethnocentric features are applied by the sculpture. Many can be modified by interchanging wigs. Most companies use realistic paint colors to recreate racial skin tones. Eyes, lips, and false eyelashes all create more realism. Muscularity and proportionality are common features. Most models are supported by bases that are visually unobtrusive. Calf rods can often be used which permit the use of displaying complimentary footwear. Interacting well by themselves or along with other mannequins and a limitless number of other props, mannequins create and enhance visual merchandising scenes.

In contrast, dressing forms are less realistic than mannequins. They are often manufactured headless and without arms and digits. Often, construction is a white or dark fabric layer over a foam and hard shell combination. Dressing forms are usually not manufactured with legs. Support is often provided by a base, which attaches to the bottom of the torso and is visibly obtrusive to the torso in some circumstances. Without legs, dressing forms cannot be designed to display attached footwear. Dressing forms tend to be visually less proportional than mannequins because they do not include limbs, heads, thighs, digits, legs and feet. These help to establish a viewer’s point of reference. Most dressing forms are racially neutral as they lack skin tone. Without eyes, lips, and body proportions gender differentiation is limited to breasts and/or clothing designs. As dressing forms lack realism and do not interact with many props they are not used as much as mannequins for creating visual merchandising scenes.

Mannequins often include realist body parts, skin tone, muscularity, and other human features. Dressing forms are designed to represent human bodies, but lack these features and are not as realistic as mannequins. Mannequins generally are more expensive than dressing forms. In every case budget, as well as project requirements will warrant using one style or the other. Consult a visual merchandising consultant or a mannequin dressing form manufacturer for the best solution.