A dress form is much easier to dress than a mannequin, is more durable and less expensive to buy, so this is why it so popular with eBayers, craft-show vendors and consignment stores.

 

A dress form is what designers use to fit garments.

 

It is a headless, armless form that goes from the neck to below the hips. It is usually made of papier-mache and covered in linen, jersey or velvet so that you can pin into it, but some dress forms are made of materials like rattan or wire.

 

There is usually a fitting on the bottom of the dress form so that you can attach it to a base. The base can be either a table top height or floor length and come in a variety of shapes and materials. Some bases come with wheels so you can easily move the form around.