Visual merchandising can make or break the image of your fashion brand, so nailing the look you wish to project to your target demographic should be at the top of your to-do list.
Many modern brands enlist the help of specialist visual merchandisers within their head offices and stores, professionals who have studied the fine art behind brand aesthetic, but anyone with an eye for fashion can succeed with the correct guidance.
Here are our top tips to consider when dressing mannequins for your fashion brand:
Preparing the Garments
You wouldn't go outside wearing a crumpled shirt, so why would you advertise your clothing in a similar state? Simple but vastly effective, pressing clothes and removing lint before dressing the mannequin will convey the outfit in its best light.
Hang all outfits together on rails immediately after ironing to maintain a flawless finish, as we all know how easy it is to dishevel certain fabrics by practically just looking at them.
Remove All Clothing Tags
When working with items such as jackets or skirts, you should be able to tuck clothing tags away, but sometimes it may be required that you remove them. For example, a female mannequin may be sporting a thin blouse that would show a tag outline through its sheer fabric. If so, keep them in a safe place – preferably about the mannequin's person – in a pocket or the bottom of a shoe.
Dismantle the Mannequin
We're trying to get through this without getting too 'Silence of the Lambs' on you, but to get the clothing onto the mannequin, you must firstly dismantle the applicable limbs/parts and lay them adjacent to their respective sockets on the floor.
Do this with the utmost care, as the finish on mannequins can often be delicate and repairs to a chip on a noticeable spot - such as the face - can prove costly.
Proceed Bottoms Up!
You should aim to dress your mannequin from the bottom up, focusing firstly on either skirts or trousers. Some newer models come with a spring in the legs, which can be especially handy when dealing with male mannequins, given their propensity for trousers.
If this spring mechanism isn't present within your mannequin, proceed by removing one leg, sliding the first half of the trousers over, then reattaching the other limb. Whilst it may sound simple, we'd wager a bet that this may be the one step you'll struggle with, so a helping hand might be beneficial!
Shoes and Bases
With the mannequin securely attached to the base, it's time to work on the upper half of the body. As per the earlier stages, the arms of the model will still be unattached, making it easier for you to slip over t-shirts or dresses.
They're 'Armless
With the mannequin securely attached to the base, it's time to work on the upper half of the body. As per the earlier stages, the arms of the model will still be unattached, making it easier for you to slip over t-shirts or dresses.
Although a daunting prospect at first, it is in fact quite easy to reattach the mannequin's arms after their tops have been put on. Simply thread the appendage through the neck opening into the garment’s sleeve, wrist first. Naturally, this will be far more achievable if attempted before the hands are attached!
Now that you have the lowdown on dressing for success, it's time to check out our extensive collection of both female and male mannequins available on UK Shop Fittings. Available in adult and child sizes, we have models suitable for your every sartorial need.
Blog 