Best sewing dress forms & mannequins according to redditors
We found 25 Reddit comments discussing the best sewing dress forms & mannequins. We ranked the 20 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 25 Reddit comments discussing the best sewing dress forms & mannequins. We ranked the 20 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
For reference, I ordered this one off Amazon. Literally THE cheapest one I could find, even with shipping. It looks shockingly good and was really easy to put together. I'm actually EXCITED to take pictures right now!
The post with the link
Dress form link
You're definitely not wasting time on how you display your clothing. I hated my torso mannequin (open back), and bought a half torso full mannequin on a stand from Amazon. I paid around $70, and it's a size small. I'm able to put XL clothes on it without it looking frumpy.
White Female Mannequin Dress Form Size 2-4 Small 33" 24" 34" (On Maple Tripod Stand) (French Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008B9KDN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_c.0lyb3G7BPTM
With jeans and shorts, I do the same thing you do. I have a set of nice wooden hangers I use, with a small hook on the wall to hang it from. For all of my photos, I have a roll of background paper attached to the wall with push pins.
Ella Bella Photography Backdrop Paper, 4x12-feet, Vintage Wood https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZN4KLW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_H.0lybRESHRX9
For taking pictures, I use my iPhone. I have a nice DSLR, but it's a PITA to upload pictures and then manually add them to listings. Plus, image resolution is diminished when you upload to eBay. As long as you are getting the right lighting and have a newer phone, I think it's the way to go. I do all of my listings on my computer and save as drafts, then upload pictures / publish listings through the app. Sometimes I do it in reverse and start a listing with just a title and pictures from my phone, and then finish the rest from my computer. Only downside is that you're limited on how many drafts you can have saved at once, and you can't really touch up photos on the eBay app.
Here's a question for you - I've been trying to find the best technique / method to prepping my listings. Right now I do everything in bulk (pictures, measurements). What's your process like?
My two cents: Everybody I know who has purchased a cheap dress form has come to regret it, or say that they never get any use out of it because it is unstable, the dials get in the way, it doesn't easily hold pins, etc.
I've never heard anybody say, "Hey I really regret that evening I spent making a duct tape dress form!" Actually I have heard a few people say that they like their duct tape dress forms. So if you have a low budget, there's really not any harm that can come from attempting to make your own! You could end up loving it, and the worst case is that you decide you'd rather purchase one instead.
I have been a craft/hobby sewer since 2005, and finally took the dress form plunge this spring by buying this dress form on Amazon. The downside is that she is not adjustable, but I know that you can give certain areas padding to make sure that you get a proper fit if you need to (my bust matches the form's measurements but not my waist!) But for me, exact measurement matches just weren't as big of a priority. I am more interested in learning to drape, and use my form often to model my works in progress/finished projects, and did I mention that she also just looks damn cool in my studio!
Total cost above with shipping = $42.80
Consider this wire one $28 total
and this black one $36 total
xoxo
They make dress form covers.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECSQI8Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6ShtDb0TW3AKR
Edit: Or I suppose you could make your own, if you have the fabric for it, and save yourself $10
Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B072VHFBSJ/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(JF-M2LARM+BS-05) ROXYDISPLAYTM Display Male Body Form with arms & Rectangle Brushed Metal Base https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HDU0IDO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RN4IDbYN8BQSC
You have a unique closet with lots of great valuable pieces. It's worth it for you to invest in some equipment. Lightweight box and dress form would drastically improve your photos and presentation. You can purchase both for $100 on Amazon.
For your jewelry, I'd buy neutral color jewelry display stands. Personally black doesn't photo well.
I'll do some digging around and edit with links to what example of what I'm talking about. Keep in mind, after you finish selling your stuff (if Poshmark hasnt become habit forming) and if youre done with Poshmark you can always sell your equipment on Ebay. You have high-end unique items that will sell, and professional equipment will speed up the process.
edit:
Jewerly Supplies
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jewelry-Display-Storage-Mannequin-Necklace-Bracelet-Watch-Stand-Holder-16-Kinds/172994771570?hash=item28474aba72:m:muw3aBw2N5WY3Z8YFbBxLzw
Small box for photos -- jewelry and shoes etc.
https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Jewellery-Photography-Shooting-Backdrops/dp/B078ZT9L9F/ref=pd_sbs_421_4/130-8055746-7930327?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B078ZT9L9F&pd_rd_r=034f5813-72d6-11e9-a70e-fdfd69152f1b&pd_rd_w=K3SxU&pd_rd_wg=Yadx3&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=V72S5QS2V6DW9H5CW7P6&psc=1&refRID=V72S5QS2V6DW9H5CW7P6
Set of softbox lights
https://www.amazon.com/ESDDI-Photography-Continuous-Equipment-Portraits/dp/B015DYIQ94/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=lightbox+photography&qid=1557460179&rnid=2941120011&s=electronics&sr=1-4
Dress form
https://www.amazon.com/Bonnlo-Female-Pinnable-Mannequin-Wooden/dp/B072VHFBSJ/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=dress+form&qid=1557460275&s=photo&sr=8-2
Sorry if this doesn't work. I'm on mobile.
Giantex Female Mannequin Torso Dress Form Display W/ Black Tripod Stand (Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DNJINHQ/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apap_NpLWRm3SEArR1
I bought this one from Amazon just to have something for clothes that look weird on a hanger and it’s super light weight which is nice but the fabric on top is a velvet and it is a beating getting certain fabrics to not bunch or look staticy.
No! Resist! I am going to school for design and I bought one very similar to this one. You cannot use it for draping. If it is adjusted to any size other than the smallest setting you cannot pin due to the gaps on the sides. Also, in the real sewing world there are specific sizes that you use 0,2,4,6,..... etc. Yes, it is AWESOME to have things custom to the person you are making the garment for, but you need to know that there is a pretty regulated sizing standard that will be used and it might be a good idea just to get one off of amazon. You may want to look at a dress form that has collapsible shoulders, that way you can get the garment over the shoulders of the form (collapsible shoulders mimic putting the arms above the head).
When I had my Singer dress form it broke. Not because I am reckless, but because there are metal spoke like things that bare a lot of tension and they connect to a thin plastic base. These broke off leaving the adjustments useless. Also the fabric ripped on my dress form (crappy foam and fabric on top), and the form would actually slide down when ever I adjusted it to the height I desired.
Again, I sugest that you get a different kind. One that has a foot pedal adjustment, that is in a standard size, has collapsible shoulders, and is covered in nicer fabric.
Now remember, if you go with a nicer one they are usually made of paper mache on the inside, be careful around water. Now for the plastic ones, you need to be careful with irons, they may melt because of the synthetic fabric on the form. And lastly standard size dressforms may be different than the size jeans that you wear. I always have to go a size or two up, just like most patterns. I suggest that you chose the best size that you want and you understand the measurements of that particular form.
That is all! I have been through a similar situation, spending $100 dollars on a piece of crap that will last you 2 years is not going to help you in the long run. Paying $200 for a dressform that will last you for a long time depending on how you take care of it, will actually end up saving you money.
Also, I know you are on a budget, but if you hem things, take things in on the side, make wallets, and charge $10 for each thing, if you get 10 things done you will have $100! Huzzah! You can afford a new dress form! All you have to do is make the time and it will be worth your money :)
This is the one I have http://www.amazon.com/ST-SIZE6-Professional-Female-Collapsible-shoulder/dp/B0049IPGR6/ref=sr_1_28?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1348639289&sr=1-28
Good luck!
Basically this one in a different wood color: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Pinnable-Mannequin-Wooden-Tripod/dp/B01C67Z83I
Good for making patterns and whatnot. :D
My husband purchased this one for me for Christmas: http://www.amazon.com/ST-SIZE4-Professional-Female-Collapsible-shoulder/dp/B0049IMGVA
Based on your measurements, it looks like this one might be right for you: http://www.amazon.com/ST-SIZE12-Professional-Female-Collapsible-shoulder/dp/B004EFZ9C6
From what I read, it is MUCH better to get one that is not adjustable. The fabric can fall in the cracks and not drape correctly, it makes pinning difficult, etc. I would save and look at dress forms in the $200 range.
hmm...I see where your coming from. What about something like this? I just did a quick Amazon search for ideas :)
Baby Flexible Mannequin (3 Months) - 24" with Head 18½" Without Head - with Base https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006C3PX92/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Z.g-BbSYQHJYH
Hey hey! Here’s the one I currently have: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H1ROPT6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8zl9AbCGZ52X8
I will say I wish I had one that can model pants, but this one is cheap, lightweight, and fairly easy to dress, it’s pin-able so if clothing is too large I can pin into the mannequin to adjust the fit, I plan on replacing her eventually with one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074H97GYL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rDl9AbVTSQW3W
Male Dress Form Torso with Blond Wood Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MF9E3SV/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apap_A24F5vzK9P3ZK
Adjustable dress form, please!
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-Mannequin-Tri-Pod-Shoulder-Height/dp/B01MRIZTHI/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=dress%2Bforms%2Bfor%2Bsewing&qid=1574445381&sprefix=dress%2Bform&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1
Everything TheItinerantSkeptic said! My few add ons....
The only other things I would add...
Happy Poshing!
[I call him Bob.] (http://www.amazon.com/MD-WFEGGS-DISPLAY%C2%AE-Mounted-Abstract-Mannequin/dp/B00HCPC932/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1462491471&sr=1-1&keywords=MD-WFEGGS)
Your closet looks like it has a lot of nice items! I will echo other posters in saying that you might want to look into a solid color background. Use flat lays for bottoms and maybe invest in a dress form for your other items (tops, dresses, skirts, etc.). Otherwise, hanging items for photos will also look nice!
Here is an inexpensive dress form I recently purchased on Amazon (will be taking photos on mine when I am back from vacation): Bonnlo Female Dress Form Pinnable Mannequin Body Torso with Wooden Tripod Base Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072VHZJBX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q3frDbT0EH9Z0
My Poshmark handle is the same as my UN here! Happy Poshing!
Does anyone have this one?
https://www.amazon.com/Mannequin-Adjustable-Clothing-Jewelry-Display/dp/B07M7V9VJ6