
Are you curious about investing in a professional dress form?
A professional dress form is an indispensable tool for fashion designers and seamstresses.
And home sewists also can reap the benefits of using a dress form.
Unlike mannequins youβd see at the mall, a dress form for draping is designed to accurately re-create the shape and proportions of the human body.
It’s constructed from high-quality materials that will last for years, and an industry-grade dress form may be the key to your next sewing evolution.
In this article, you will discover:
- The benefits of owning a dress form
- How to determine a dress form budget
- How much you can expect to spend on a professional dress form
- Features of a professional dress form
- Nice-to-have dress form accessories
- Buying a new vs. used dress form
- Where to find quality used dress forms
Thereβs lots to learn about pro dress forms. Grab your pins and measuring tape, and letβs go!
This post features affiliate links chosen for you. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support! π
The Benefits of Owning a Dress Form
I have TWO dress forms, Bernadette (misses-sized) and Debra (plus-sized). They are DIY dress form sewing patterns from Bootstrap Fashion.
I am a big-time dress form evangelist.
There are three major reasons why having a dress is the best:
1.) It can be your body double. You can pad a dress form to your shape and measurements, which makes fitting a heckuva lot easier. A dress form lets you see fit issues on a body without contortions in front of a mirror or constantly getting dressed and undressed.
2.) You can play with draping. I use draping to develop sewing patterns, and my dress forms are invaluable tools. A dress form lets you see how fabric will fall and how garment proportions work on a body.
3.) It will save you time and money. By refining the fit of a sewing pattern and testing garment designs on the form, you can avoid costly mistakes and make alterations before cutting into expensive fabric.
If youβre a fairly serious home sewist, I see you eyeballing those benefits with more-than-passing interest. π (Youβre in good company.)
RELATED: How to Spot Common Pants Fitting Problems
How to Determine a Dress Form Budget
If getting a fancy-schmancy dress form sounds appealing, thereβs some stuff to consider before talking dollars and cents.
Your sewing practice will directly influence how much dress form to buy. Answer these questions:
π§΅ What is your skill level?
π§΅ How often do you plan to use the dress form?
π§΅ What type of projects do you like to work on?
π§΅ What are some of your overall sewing/project goals?
If your answers implicate daily sewing machine use and projects that are complicated to fit, an upscale dress form probably will treat you right.
Now that you know how youβd use a hypothetical dress form, you can start figuring out how much the right one will cost.
How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Professional Dress Form?
The cost of a professional dress form varies greatly depending on the type, size, and features you require.
A quality dress form can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
To give you an idea of what you might expect to pay, I researched the cost of dress form brands often found in fashion design schools.
My thought was that schools are going to invest in high-quality, long-lasting professional dress forms that will stand up semester after semester to student use.
I compared the cost of female, full body, size 8 dress forms with no arms (arm forms usually are an add-on). These costs do not include shipping.
Dress Form Brand | Cost with Link to Product |
Alvanon | $2,425* |
Superior Model Form Co. | $865 |
PGM | $639 |
Roxy Display | $439 |
*This is a quote from Alvanon for a Classic Make, Off-the-Rack Collection, Standard North America sizing, full-body form. Alvanon’s full-body forms come with arms (as far as I can tell). Of note, though, are additional costs: $135 for handling and $1,597.54 for shipping. The shipping figure surprised me, and I asked what it detailed. The forms are made in China and shipped from Hong Kong by air, door to door. Shipping includes import duties and taxes. So, the total quote from Alvanon is $4,157.54 (form + handling + shipping). Of these four brands, I am not surprised that Alvanon is the most expensive; they have the greatest number of features and accessories; if you click the Alvanon link above ($2,425), you’ll see what I’m talking about. FYI, the Netflix show βNext in Fashionβ uses Alvanon dress forms. |
Types of Dress Forms
Dress forms come in many shapes. This info comes from the University of Fashionβs Introduction to Dress Forms online class.
π Full body: Also known as full bifurcated. Torso + legs. (P.S. Start calling your trousers bifurcated skirts. π)
π Half body: Torso without legs. Sort of looks like a torso in a mini skirt.
βοΈ A straight-skirt back half body form has a flat booty (better for draping).
βοΈ A shaped-skirt back half body form has a shapely booty (better for formal and tight-fitting garments).
π Full torso: Torso with legs (bifurcation) until the thick part of the thigh. You could do most sewing/fitting/design stuff with this dress form, because you can do hip/waist/tum work, which is the tricky lower-body biz, with it.
π Lower torso: Waist, abdomen, booty, and legs until the thick part of the thigh.
π Upper torso: Shoulders and bosom.
π Slacks form: Also known as bifurcated pant. Itβs the lower half, from waist to ankles.
Behind the Cost of Industry-Grade Dress Forms
There are several factors that can affect the cost of a professional dress form, including (but not limited to):
Materials
The types of materials used to construct the dress form can significantly affect its cost. For example, a dress form made of fiberglass may cost more than one made of plastic.
According to my research, pro dress forms usually have a βbodyβ made of fiberglass and/or paper machΓ©. Some Alvanon forms have a body made of foam to mimic the squish of tissue.
Then theyβre covered with cotton rib, foam, or felt (something for pins to sink into). And the outer layer is linen or another sturdy, non-stretch woven.
In the fashion industry, many dress forms are covered with βred edge linen,β which shrinks to a form when wet and molds to its curves.
Size
Larger dress forms require more material to construct, because they have more surface area. For example, dress forms with legs not only require more material for the legs themselves, but also for the attachment points and mechanisms needed to securely attach the legs to the torso.
Features
The more features a dress form has, the more expensive it likely will be. Features such as collapsible shoulders and hips and moveable arms can all increase the cost of a dress form, because they require more materials and engineering.
Moreover, dress forms with many features may be more expensive to manufacture. Complex dress form designs may call for specialized tools and equipment and possibly additional labor.
Speaking of featuresβ¦
RELATED: Flat Pattern Measuring for Fit Adjustments
Features of a Professional Dress Form
Hereβs the fun part: geeking out about features of a pro-level garment-fitting dress form.
The following features (presented alphabetically) are often found in professional dress forms:
πͺ‘ Collapsible shoulder and hip: Make it easy to take garments on and off.
πͺ‘ Mounting system: Most industry-grade dress forms will have a heavy (likely cast iron) base with casters. The form may sit atop a pole or hang by the neck from a pole.
πͺ‘ Neck plate: Covers top of neck.
πͺ‘ Pinnable surface: Critical for draping garments. Industry-grade dress forms are direct/fully pinnable; pins may be directly inserted into them and donβt have to go in on an angle (that would be partially pinnable).
πͺ‘ Shoulder plates/caps: Cover arm openings; arm forms usually are sold separately.
πͺ‘ Height adjustable: Raise and lower the dress form. Especially good for fitting longer garments.
Dress Form Accessories
Dress form accessories can also add to the overall cost of a dress form.
When choosing accessories, consider your specific needs and the types of garments you will be sewing.
Here are some add-ons (in alpha order) to consider for your sewing practice:
β¨ Arm form: Can be added to the dress form for draping sleeves and testing fit.
β¨ Cover bag: Keep dress form dust free when not in use.
β¨ Hem markers: Help the user achieve even hemlines.
β¨ Leg form: For draping bottoms and testing fit. (Not all dress forms accept leg forms.)
β¨ Maternity belly: For designing maternity garments.
β¨ Stretch fabric cover and padding: If you donβt buy a custom-sized dress form, you will need to pad out a slightly smaller dress form to match your desired body dimensions.
Buying a New vs. Used Dress Form
When shopping for a professional dress form, you can buy new, or you can buy used. Each has its pros and cons.
New Dress Form
Pros
-Warranty and support from the manufacturer.
-Get the size and model you want, when you want it (vs. hunting for a used dress form that you may never find).
-Some manufacturers offer custom sizes.
Cons
-More expensive vs. buying used.
-Used dress forms may provide identical function.
Used Dress Form
Pros
-Save money.
-May be able to buy a dress form model thatβs no longer manufactured.
-More environmentally friendly.
Cons
-Form could be beyond its useful life.
-Less likely to have customer support from manufacturer.
-May require repairs, deep cleaning.
-No guarantee youβll find what you really want.
Ultimately, the decision to buy new or used will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the availability of models that meet your needs.
Where to Find Quality Used Dress Forms
Letβs get into pre-owned dress forms. Hereβs where to look for quality used dress forms:
π Online marketplaces: Websites such as eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Buy Nothing Project groups can be resources for finding used dress forms. Try sewing-focused forums, too β e.g., PatternReview.com, sewing subreddit.
π Sewing and fashion schools: Many sewing and fashion schools upgrade their equipment periodically and sell their older dress forms. Contact schools to see if they have any available. Hereβs a list of schools from the University of Fashion.
π Sewing and fabric stores: Some stores that sell sewing machines and other sewing supplies also sell used dress forms.
π Estate sales and auctions: For treasure hunters of vintage and unique dress forms. Keep an eye out for these events and be prepared to do some bidding. Hot tip β explore online estate sales and auctions.
π Classified ads: Canβt hurt to check your local newspaper or classified ads website for listings of used dress forms for sale.
π IDS (International Design Supplies): IDS, based in L.A.βs Fashion District, sells supplies to fashion designers and fashion students across the country. IDS also has an inventory of pre-owned dress forms that changes regularly. To satisfy my curiosity, I checked the cost of shipping a full-sized form from Los Angeles to my home in Milwaukee; itβs about $100.
Now that you know where to look for pre-loved dress forms, keep these tips in mind before you buy:
β‘οΈ Check for damage or wear and tear.
β‘οΈ Check the joints and seams to make sure they are sturdy.
β‘οΈ Check whether itβs directly pinnable.
β‘οΈ As much as possible, research the seller. (Always good advice when buying used goods.) Ask if they accept returns should you change your mind.
β‘οΈ If you’re not able to inspect the form in person, ask the seller for detailed photos, a description of any flaws or issues, and whether itβs from a smoke-free and/or pet-free home (should that matter to you).
β‘οΈ Ask yourself: How am I going to get this home?
Final Thoughts About Buying a Professional Dress Form
Investing in a professional dress form is a big decision for any home sewist.
A dress form takes up a lot of space and comes with a hefty price tag.
By setting a budget, exploring all options, and accessorizing your dress form, you can design an experience that works for your sewing practice.
A professional dress form will help you create custom garments with greater ease and increased precision, which will save you time and money in the long run.
Over to you, dear sewing friend: What would make you pony up for a profesh-grade form? What feature of a fancy dress form is most appealing to you? Please leave a comment. Thanks for reading.
Questions, questions, questions. I always have them but then I saw your post on padding a dress form.
I do like the idea of having a dress form but I just started sewing clothes so I think that I need to wait a bit before moving forward with that. Unless, of course, I happen to find a steal of a deal. π Or someone gifts me one. π³ Or, my financier let’s me know that the fundages are there and that I should act now. π
Thanks for reading, Roberta. RE: dress forms: I highly recommend the Bootstrap Fashion dress forms I linked to in this article. Very affordable and entirely customizable.
Or you could save up for a super-fancy Alvanon form. Whatevs. π
Dress form prices have skyrocketed, but they may be working their way back down to earth.
I’m a professional custom dressmaker so I’ve amassed a collection of seven professional forms- purchased between 2004-2018. The most I ever paid was $350 for a vintage specialty Wolf brand form in 2018. All of my other professional forms were from Overstock, Amazon, or Ebay ranging from ~$150 – $250 (usually with free shipping).
In 2021, when I was writing my own blog post (and ebook) on padding a body double dress form, I was shocked at the prices. The same exact same form that I had bought on Amazon for $250 (with Prime shipping) in 2017 was over $1000 (+ 225 shipping)! That’s a huge pandemic spike!
If your research says that there are PGM/Roxy quality forms (which are what I use) in the $450-650 range, there may be hope that prices are going back down. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for sharing! I enjoy reading your blog posts and newsletters.
Hi, Brooks Ann! I’m a longtime fan of yours, and I’m tickled that you’re reading my stuff. Thanks!
Sie Macht readers, you should check out Brooks Ann’s sewing goodies – https://brooksann.com/. TONS of great insight from a masterful sewing educator. Vigorously endorse.
Thanks for your perspective on dress forms and their cost. It’s wild how large that pandemic spike was. I wonder if fiberglass got really pricey during the pandemic? I suspect the high cost had something to do with high oil prices/raw materials/plastics, etc., because there’s petroleum in so much stuff. But I’m not a materials scientist and I’m def speaking out of school.
The good news is that dress forms *may* be getting cheaper again!
A dress form is such an awesome tool for a sewist, especially when you get a form all padded out to your shape. The difference it makes in fitting is insane.
I’m really happy with my Bootstrap Fashion sew-it-yourself dress forms. Those PDF patterns for custom-sized (!!!) dress forms are a phenomenal value, and they’ve let me get into draping and developing blocks for misses and plus bodies. Love it!
UPDATE: In my earlier comment, I remembered that I had paid about $250 for a form in 2017. But then I realized that I have the Amazon Order saved in my account for HARD DATA. (I know you love data…)
On Amazon in Nov 2017, I paid $190 + $30 shipping for a Size 2 Roxy dressmakers form (no legs). The “Buy Again” price (for the EXACT same form) is $1000.03 + $225 shipping today. Ouch!
BUT… I went direct to Roxy (via your helpful link in this post) and the same form is currently $249 + $62 shipping. Not bad!
So maybe it’s just Amazon hiking the price!? I like your suggestions for places to buy used forms. And from my experience, it seems like doing a little extra research could result in drastically different prices for the same product.
Finding a form can be an epic quest- but totally worth it. Hope this helps your readers!
I’ve looked at Offer Up which is kind of similar to Craig’s List but much easier to navigate. I found some as low as a little over $100. But some state ‘mini’. What on earth is that? Doll size?
Hi, Roberta. Mini might be a half-scale dress form. They’re a good way to test patterns/draping without using a lot of fabric.
I’m having a hard time visualizing how a mini could help me. Sometimes I have to see in order to understand.