Mannequins

It is most important to find a mannequin of appropriate size to fit the costume.
Record inside measurements of the costume to be supported.
Include size of waist, chest under the arms and the distance between the waist and the armpits and the shoulders.
For small costumes headless dressmaker’s dummies may serve the purpose better.
For less stress on the costume, arms can be left off the dressed mannequin and instead a soft, light sausage of dacron padding covered with clean cotton can be inserted into the sleeve. Use Velcro tape to attach sausage to torso.
If you want an element of realism to your costume display be aware that the stylised heads and hands of shop mannequins can often conflict with a natural look, so choose carefully.
Mannequins can be painted with a muted neutral colour (water-based household paint) such as beige or grey to remove features that can look ‘out of period’.
Materials such as Dacron and stretch knit fabric can be used to provide padding and support to suit individual needs of different costumes. Padding can be kept in position with a slip on tea cosy or singlet-style cover. Pantyhose over the torso can be padded out with Dacron as required.
Broad support is required over shoulders.

Materials required