Full Body Female Mannequins: Their Evolution and Significance in Fashion Displays

Full-body female mannequins are unsung heroes when it comes to retail fashion displays. Life-like figures in themselves, full-body female mannequins have been an important element of visual merchandising since time immemorial because they enable designers, retailers, and consumers alike to see garments in a realistic, relatable form. As the historian Max von Boehn reports, the first fashion mannequins were made in France in 1396 and sent to the English royal family. First mannequins represented life-sized wooden figures that were nicely painted and were dressed in the most expensive embroidered and lace-decorated clothes of that time.

History of Full-Body Female Mannequins

The use of mannequins in fashion can be traced back more than 600 years.
Max von Boehm's research into the early full-body female mannequins shows that it was during this period that French artists began creating life-sized figures solely to display the most current fashions. Sometimes known as "Pandora" dolls, these figures were shipped to monarchs and major patrons so that they might behold the latest of the season's offerings. These were known as "Pandora" figures, named after the Greek mythological figure who was clothed by Zeus. In the 15th century, shops started to be opened, and miniature mannequins were provided by the dressmakers to their upper-class clientele. Miniatures were easy to move around and helped the customer see approximately how the garment would look on a full-size mannequin. The rise of full-size female mannequins came later with the rise of tailoring and fashion into what we know today.

Through the years, the full-body female mannequin has done its job of communicating the style trends, showing the art of the garment, and forming an aspirational shopping experience for customers. Today, with the transition into more modern materials from wood, it does an even better job of influencing fashion.

How to Choose the Right Full-Body Female Mannequin for Your Store

Not all full-body female mannequins are created equal, and you're going to want to handpick the ones that will match your store's style, the genre of clothes you are selling, and the type of customers you have coming in. Not all mannequin choices are based on finding a model that looks good. Here are some things to consider:

1. Match the Mannequin to the Style and Personality of the Clothing

Each full-body female mannequin has different stances, postures, and facial expressions that will try to say something about attitude. For example, a mannequin with confident and upright postures can be used for high fashion or even garments of a luxury style. The more relaxed or casual stance can be perfect for everyday wear or street style.
Different postures can also invoke feelings. Some mannequins stand tall with chests out, exuding confidence and poise, while others may have more relaxed, slouched postures that can convey a laid-back, easy-to-get-along-with vibe. The distance between the feet of the mannequin, the arch of the back, and even the tilt of the head can be one way of displaying the style that you are trying to communicate to your customer.

2. Consider the type of body and proportions of the Mannequin

Like human beings, mannequins come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Your aim is to choose a full-body female mannequin that will expressively accentuate your style and cut of clothing. Mannequins with long limbs and narrow waists can be perfect for high fashion shops, but if you deal with casual day-to-day wear, you may want mannequins with more realistic proportions to represent the large variety of body types.
How the garment fits the mannequin directly relates to how the customer will perceive it. A well-fitted garment on a mannequin properly proportioned about the cut of the garment will allow customers to perceive how the garment will look on them.

3. Attention to Detail

It's not just a matter of posture and body shape. The details count, too. Check for skin tone, face, and hair-if any makeup that fits your overall brand look. Some mannequins have very detailed faces, while others are abstract in design. Which you select will depend on whether the emphasis is on the garment or the mannequin itself.

As far as the full-body female mannequins are concerned, their finishing touches also matter a great deal. Check if the paint or finish of the mannequin has imperfections such as runs, scratches, or uneven colours. Lousy craftsmanship will affect the whole outlook of your display.

At Build Your Shops, we carry a variety of full-body mannequins that will help your store stand out. Whether you are displaying high-fashion items or casual, everyday wear, our mannequins will make your clothing look its best. Ready to enhance your store's displays? Let Build Your Shops help you today with the ideal full-body mannequins for your retail space.