A dressmakers dummy was something everyone’s granny had until fairly recently when people stopped making their own clothes. Nowadays, you only really see them in the odd tailor’s shop, wedding dress shops or being used as a display prop.
Types of Display Dressmakers Dummy
A modern dressmaker’s dummy that is used for display purposes is not likely to be a genuine dressmaker’s dummy. It is more likely to be a display bust. A dressmakers dummy can be adjusted to reflect the size of the client the garment is being made for them. A display bust usually has a fixed size. In silhouette they both look the same, but a display bust cannot be adjusted. They are far cheaper, which is one reason they are so popular with the retail industry.
Most shops have display busts in the 2 most popular sizes of 10 or 12. However, shops for younger people are more likely to use size 8 busts. You can also buy display busts in the shape of men or children.
When You Need a Dressmakers Dummy Rather Than a Display Bust
However, sometimes you need to invest in a dressmakers dummy rather than a display bust. For example if a lot of your clients are plus sized it makes sense to display some of the clothes lines you want to sell to them in bigger sizes. This is true regardless of the reason for your clients being bigger than average. If you sell t-shirts designed for men who weight lift or to people who are tall and broad a dressmakers dummy can help you to display these products in the best way. Plus you can use it to offer your clients a basic adjustment service.
You need not pay the earth for a dressmaker’s dummy, but if you are going to invest in one it makes sense to buy one that gives you the maximum amount of flexibility possible. Make sure that you can adjust the chest, hips, neck and waist. Most models allow you to adjust these areas by up to 8 inches. Also make sure that you can adjust the display height.