Mannequins

Mannequins

Why Mannequins Matter in Retail

In fashion retail, first impressions count. Shoppers make decisions within seconds, and a well-styled mannequin can be the difference between a glance and a sale. A thoughtfully posed mannequin tells a story — it shows how your clothing moves, fits, and feels.

A single shop mannequin can transform a window display from simple to stunning. It spurs customers to picture themselves in your clothes and step inside to browse.

Types of Mannequins

Different stores have different display goals. We offer a wide range of mannequins to fit every setting and brand style.

Full-Body Mannequins

These are the most all-around and impactful mannequins. They display complete outfits — from shoes to hats — and help customers see a head-to-toe look. Full-body fashion mannequins are ideal for window displays or feature areas that showcase seasonal trends.

Torso Mannequins

Compact and cost-effective, torsos are perfect for smaller shops or busy floors. They’re easy to move, store, and restyle — great for rotating stock or creating quick outfit changes.

Abstract Mannequins

Modern, minimal, and artistic. Abstract mannequins — sometimes known as “eggheads” — are popular with the latest designer brands. Their smooth, faceless design keeps focus on the clothing while adding a clean, high-end aesthetic.

Realistic Mannequins

These mannequins have facial features and detailed skin tones to create a lifelike appearance. They help customers imagine real people wearing your products, making them ideal for lifestyle brands or family fashion stores.

Ghost Mannequins

A favourite in e-commerce and photography. Ghost mannequins make clothes appear to float in photos, showing off garment structure without distraction.

Material Guide: What Your Mannequin Is Made Of Matters

Choosing the right material ensures your mannequin looks great and lasts for years.

• Fibreglass mannequins: Lightweight, strong, and smooth, ideal for permanent window displays or premium boutiques.
• Plastic mannequins: Practical, durable, and budget-friendly — great for everyday use or outdoor displays.
• Recycled eco-plastic mannequins: A viable option for green-conscious retailers. They offer the same durability with less waste.
• Acrylic and polystyrene torsos: Light, easy to handle, and perfect for trade shows, pop-ups, or mobile displays.

Uncertain about the best choice? Our team can guide you through options and finishes — matte, gloss, metallic, or even your exact Pantone colour.

Display Tips for Maximum Impact

Even the best displays need thoughtful styling. Here are simple ways to make your displays stand out:

Show Full Outfits: Dress with clothes, shoes, and small items like hats or bags. This helps shoppers see how items match and encourages them to buy more.

Position Well: Put near the front entrance, in shop windows, or where most people walk to grab attention. This draws attention and increases foot traffic.

Highlight Key Items: Use to display new, popular, or seasonal items that shoppers will like.

Update Often: Refresh your displays seasonally or during promotions to keep your store looking lively.

Use groups: Odd numbers (one, three, or five units) look more dynamic and catch attention.

Tell a Story: Dress for themes like a beach trip, party, or relaxing day to spark ideas for shoppers.

Keep Neat and Clean: Make sure clothes look tidy and free of creases or damage to impress shoppers.

Try Fun Positions: Use with poses that show off the style and add life to your display.

Show Different Sizes: If you can, use various heights and shapes together to attract more shoppers.

Use Good Lights: Brighten with light to help shoppers notice the display.

Conform colours: Match clothing, props, and backgrounds to create a consistent visual merchandising theme.

Keep It Simple: Avoid stuffing too much on or around the torso so the focus stays on the clothes.

What Can You Use Instead of a Mannequin?

We understand that Full-body mannequins can be an expensive addition to your retail space. For busy retailers with a tight budget, we also offer other products. These can provide a low-cost way to display clothing and garments.

Tailors Dummies: More cost-effective and smaller footprint compared to a full-body adult or torso. They are ideal for displaying items for the upper body, such as t-shirts and jackets. They provide a simple look and often come on adjustable bases for altering heights.

Articulated Mannequins: Often, a similar price to other fashion mannequins, but more flexible. The adjustable features, such as wooden arms, offer a new dynamic and allow you to display in several poses.

Clothes Rails: Perfect for compact store layouts and can be quickly and easily rearranged to alter your displays. They make your product more available and invite customers to browse through the complete range.

Coat Hangers: A low-cost solution for mass display needs. A few coat hangers on hooks around your store can look just as nice and save space.

Common Objections

We know that investing in display mannequins can raise a few questions. Here are the most common hesitations our customers have — and how we solve them.

• “Do your mannequins justify the price?”

Easily! We build our displays to last — meaning fewer replacements and better long-term value. Each one is crafted from durable material that resists chips, fading, and wear. You might save a few pounds upfront, but cheaper imports often break easily or look dated after a season.

Buying quality means buying once.

• “Do the mannequins fit our aesthetics?”

Yes. Whether your brand is high fashion, minimalist, vintage, or sporty, we have a unit to match. Choose from realistic, abstract, or custom designs. We can even paint mannequins in your exact brand colours for a seamless look.

• “Are they difficult to assemble or move?”

Not at all; we design all our clothes mannequins for convenience. They arrive in lightweight, easy-to-handle sections that assemble quickly — no tools, no fuss. The bases are easy to move, so you can reposition displays as needed.

• “What if something goes wrong after I’ve received it?”

We stand by every product we sell. If an item arrives damaged or isn’t what you expected, our customer service team will make it right. We offer reliable support, spare parts, and straightforward returns.

• “Can I get advice before buying to ensure I choose the correct unit?”

Definitely! Our team has decades of retail experience, and we’re happy to guide you. Whether you need help choosing materials, colours, or poses, we’ll ensure you get mannequins that fit your goals — not just your space.

Why Choose The Display Centre?

The Display Centre has over 30 years of experience. We are a trusted supplier for retailers in the UK and Europe. We’ve helped everyone from independent boutiques to national chains create displays that sell.

What sets us apart is our expertise. We don’t just supply mannequins — we understand how they fit into the bigger picture of your retail strategy. Our team will help you find the best option for your needs. We offer solutions that show your brand style and that save space.

We also carry over 4,000 products to complete your display setup, including:

• Display Heads, Hands and Feet
• Jewellery Display Stands
• Size Cubes and Rail Dividers
• Hanger Grips

Every mannequin we stock combines durability, quality, and design — ready to elevate your shop floor or online presentation.

Ready to Elevate Your Displays?

The right mannequin doesn’t just hold clothes — it holds attention.

Browse our full range of shop mannequins today, or get in touch with our team for advice. You might be changing your store layout or preparing for a new season. We can help you find the right display for your brand.

Your displays deserve to stand tall. Let’s make them memorable.