Most people will agree that mannequins in a store window often draw them into the store to buy something, or at least check out what the shop has to offer. Mannequins are often placed in store windows to attract people, but it's not just the clothes. If you have a realistic mannequin in the window, people are often drawn to human faces as well. This is why mannequins are still popular for displaying clothing and accessories items in any retail space.

Knowing society's perception of female mannequin forms and male mannequin forms will help you decide what types of mannequins to display in your store. You can choose from many styles, including:

1. Full form mannequins with a head.

2. Mannequin forms that do not have a head.

3. Torso forms that are more abstract than realistic.

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Use mannequin forms that realistically reflect society

Traditional display mannequins are small, petite, and often do not reflect realistic measurements. There are, however, mannequins available that do reflect a more realistic size and shape for the majority of your shoppers. Using mannequins with a larger proportion can attract new customers to your retail store.

I recommend: Mannequin Store has information on curvy mannequins alongside its extensive selection. If you want to try curvy, plus-size mannequins in your store, check out the selection from eBiz Displays.

Learn how to properly dress a window mannequins display

Mannequins cannot work their full potential as attention-grabbing items unless they are displayed properly. Since the first line between customers and a sale is the front window, make sure that this display is set up to attract customers, emphasize the best parts of the clothes, and make it look as realistic as possible, if you use full form mannequins.

I recommend: The "Top Ten Tips" for creating a great mannequin window display from Display Sense will tell you the best ways to set up your mannequins and attract customers. And if you need to know how to dress a mannequin in a certain article of clothing, Fashion Windows can help with its informative article on dressing mannequins in pants or trousers.

Follow the latest mannequin display trends

There are many ways to catch up on the latest trends when in comes to dressing your front window with mannequins that will attract the most buyers. You can read more about this trends from a variety of fashion sources in print and online.

I recommend: VSMD has a mannequins and forms channel where you can stay up to date on the latest trends in creating mannequin displays as well as finding the right mannequin for the style. PSFK is a blog that follows the latest trends in clothing and decorating, including mannequins and mannequin displays.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you buy a mannequin from mannequin suppliers, check to see if they offer additional solutions for storing your displays, such as specially made boxes or storage bins.

Nothing catches a shopper's eye like a mannequin. And studies show that clothing sells better when it's displayed on mannequins and body forms. That's because mannequins and body forms bring clothing to life and let customers get a better look at the fit and fabric. Ideal for both retail environments and trade shows, mannequins can lead shoppers through your store or entice them to stop at your trade show booth. Mannequin styles are constantly evolving and today's mannequins and body forms look more natural and display clothing better than ever before.

When choosing mannequins for your retail store or trade show business:

1. Select mannequins in standing, seated or action poses.
2. Choose women's, men's or children's mannequins to fit your needs.
3. Consider using body forms rather than a full-size mannequin if space is limited.
4. Consider buying mannequins in skin tones that reflect your shoppers.

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Full-size mannequins

Typically made of fiberglass, full-size mannequins may be sold as a single unit or in separate, attachable pieces. Prices usually depend on style and flexibility - the more flexible, the higher the price. For most retail environments, mannequins with positionable arms and legs are sufficient to provide a variety of poses.

I recommend: For a wide selection of full-size mannequins, visit Allen Display or S&L Store Fixtures. If you prefer high-end, flexible mannequins, view the choices at Tobart Mannequin.

Body forms

Don't have room for full-size mannequins? Consider body forms, including torso forms, butt forms, hand forms, head forms and leg forms. Space-saving body forms can be placed on countertops or tabletops and can be used to sell clothing, accessories, sporting goods and more.

I recommend: TRIO Display offers a full range of body forms at a variety of price points.

Specialty mannequins

For some retailers and clothing vendors, standard mannequins simply aren't quite right. A number of specialty mannequins are available to suit the needs of specialty retailers that sell sports apparel, maternity wear or lingerie.

I recommend: The Mannequin Store offers traditional mannequins in addition to specialty mannequins, such as pregnant mannequins and sexy mannequins for lingerie. For sports mannequins, try TRIO Display.

Used mannequins and cheap mannequins

If you want the benefits of displaying clothing on mannequins but don't have the budget, check into used mannequins and cheap alternatives. Inexpensive options include half round display forms, which are injection molded plastic and can be hung from almost anywhere.

I recommend: For used mannequins and inexpensive alternatives, visit Gershel Brothers New & Used Store Fixtures.

Inflatable mannequins for trade shows and travel

Traveling to trade shows with mannequins can be a hassle. Inflatable mannequins are lightweight and easy to pack.

I recommend: The Mannequin Store offers a complete line of inflatable mannequins, in female, male and child models. Full-size inflatable mannequins and body forms are available.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Change the look of your mannequins by investing in a variety of wigs and alternating them often.
• •  Mannequins are available in a variety of skin tones and in variety of colors, including bright colors, black or white.
• •  The standard female mannequin is 5'11' and a size 4 or 6. However, plus-sized female mannequins are gaining in popularity.
• •  Dressing mannequins isn't easy and can take some time. Seated mannequins are especially difficult to dress.

Mannequins are a staple of any retail store. These modeled statues are the perfect way to showcase new fashions and trends. Many stores like to use mannequins that look as realistic as possible, complete with arms, legs and faces. This draws customers in and gives them a better sense of how the clothes would look on a real person. Because mannequins draw so much attention, it is important to have at least a few displayed in the window, as well as throughout the retail space.

Display mannequins can cost anywhere from $50 to $500, depending on the material used to make them and how realistic they look. But if you are satisfied with different styles of mannequins that are little more abstract, you can save a lot of money. Other ways to save money with mannequins include:

1. Purchasing used mannequins for your store display.

2. Using partial mannequins, such as only the torso and up.

3. Buying less realistic mannequins.

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Purchase used mannequins to save money

The best deal on window mannequins for a smaller business is to purchase used mannequins. You can find many places that sell used mannequins that still look practically new. But you will have to be careful to buy from reputable sources so that you don't end up with mannequins that have noticeable chips or breaks.

I recommend: Dave's Surplus offers many female mannequin forms in used condition, as well as some male and children's forms. NYC Display has a variety of used mannequins forms to choose from.

Consider abstract mannequin forms

Mannequin forms that look a lot less like a real person can be a cost-saving option for retailers. Headless mannequins, or those without arms or legs, usually run about $100 cheaper than full mannequins. The great thing about abstract forms are that they can still properly showcase your fashions.

I recommend: Allen Display has many body forms that can save you money and still provide a showcase for all types of fashions. Mannequinland has affordable half round torso forms for men's and women's fashions.

Choose mannequin suppliers that offer replacement parts

If you decide to make a large investment into the best mannequins on the market, you should look for suppliers that can provide you with replacement parts should something break during a move. It will be much cheaper to replace an arm than to replace the whole female mannequin.

I recommend: Mannequin Parts offers a full line of replacement hands for mannequins, or you can also use the hand a part of a display for gloves or jewelry. Mannequin Madness has a good selection of arms, legs and feet available for replacement parts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When comparing pricing and costs of mannequins, make sure to look at the mannequin's material composition. Choose materials that can withstand bumps and dents without ruining the form.

Mannequins come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and poses. Whether you sell sportswear, tuxedos, dresses or underwear, chances are you display at least a few of your store's outfits on one of these human replicas. Mannequins themselves are relatively easy to use, but being familiar with the following mannequins key terms can help you choose the right models for your business, which can save you money and draw in more customers.

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Abstract mannequin

Unlike realistic mannequins, which have human facial features, abstract mannequins have blank faces and less-defined figures. However, manufacturers still build them to fit into regular clothes so these mannequins make good decorative pieces for in-store displays.

I recommend: To get a feel for how abstract mannequins look, check out the current lineup at Mannequins International.

Base flange

The base flange is the flat plate that secures the mannequin's support rod and keeps the mannequin from tipping over. You can screw the plate onto a larger base or directly into the floor.

I recommend: Paylay Display Industries provides pictures of its base flanges, which it sells separately from the mannequins.

Dickey

Dickeys are detachable fabric or plastic inserts that you can use to simulate the fronts of button-down shirts. They are especially useful for mannequins wearing coats, blazers or suit jackets and are much easier to put on a mannequin than regular long-sleeve shirts.

I recommend: Mannequin Madness offers a basic definition of a dickey.

Grouping

Manufacturers design groupings of two or more mannequins so you can display the mannequins together. They usually combine a man and a woman mannequin, but some groupings feature children or even animal mannequins.

I recommend: Wanderer Displays has a photo of a grouping of women mannequins.

Neck block

A neck block is a piece of metal that manufacturers use to cap the neck of a headless mannequin. You can find neck blocks finished in brass or chrome to give the mannequin an elegant, professional look. Shop owners use these types of mannequins to model evening and business wear.

I recommend: You can see examples of neck blocks in different finishes and shapes at MannequinExperts.com.

Rig, or rigging

The rig, or rigging, consists of the padding and cushions that you can add to the mannequin to give it a fuller, more realistic figure. Since each designer's clothes tend to fit differently, you can use rigging to adjust the shape of the mannequin so the merchandise looks its best on display.

I recommend: The Wonder Woman Museum shows how using rigging can help achieve the proper shape for a mannequin.