What is the best material for mannequins?

If you’ve been researching the best mannequins for sale, you’ve probably noticed that they come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. 

When choosing your mannequin, most of the decision-making will be personal choice and brand awareness. You want a mannequin that best expresses your company’s message. However, when it comes to the material your mannequin is made from, there are several other factors to consider. This blog post looks at three of the most popular materials used for mannequins and the pros and cons of each one. 

1. Fibreglass mannequin

If you’re looking for low-cost mannequins for sale that really convey a character through highly detailed features, then fibreglass might be the material for you. Fibreglass is a dream for manufacturers because it is easily moulded into detailed shapes, making for the most realistic features. You can model your fibreglass mannequins on real people if you want to! 

This versatility also allows manufacturers to create mannequins in different poses. So, if you want to create a window scene with dynamic images, fibreglass mannequins are perfect, ensuring your store really stands out. 

Regarding durability, fibreglass is pretty good, although, over time, you might notice scuff marks or chips. These can usually be buffed out if necessary. Fibreglass is also extremely lightweight, making it easy to move around the store and into position as necessary. This does mean you’ll want to keep them in displays where enthusiastic customers can’t easily knock them down! 

Finally, you can’t help but be impressed with the high-end finish of a fibreglass mannequin. Each design is usually finished with a glossy or matt coat that gives it a quality finish that is important for clothing stores to convey. 

You can read more about the properties of fibreglass here: Exploring the Unique Properties of Fiberglass Mannequins: A Comprehensive Guide for Retailers 

2. Plastic mannequin

You will likely have encountered many plastic options when looking at mannequins for sale. Because of their low price point and high durability, these are often very attractive to fledging businesses and those that change their displays often. 

This is where plastic beats fibreglass, hands down. While fibreglass mannequins are cost-effective and durable, plastic is cheaper and longer-lasting!  

Where fibreglass might be a more attractive option, however, is in its aesthetics. You can get some realistic-looking plastic mannequins, but they will always pale compared to fibreglass ones. And the high-end finish of fibreglass isn’t present in plastic mannequins – your customers can tell they are plastic from a mile away! 

The best plastic mannequins for sale are the ones that allow you to adjust the limbs so you can put them in different poses. This is not usually an option for any other type of mannequin, but it’s great for creating fresh displays for each season. It also makes them easier to dress, which can be a relief to a busy boutique owner! 

And finally, despite the negative environmental stereotypes of plastic, it might make for the most eco-conscious choice. Since the mannequins are long-lasting, they stay out of landfills for a lot longer than other options, and there are more recycling facilities available for these low-cost mannequins for sale. 

You can compare plastic and fibreglass mannequins in more detail here: Durability vs Style: Comparing Plastic and Fiberglass Mannequins. 

3. Metal mannequin

Metal mannequins for sale aren’t like classic retail mannequins. They tend to have a more unique, artistic design that could distract from your garments and not offer the stability and durability you need in a busy shop environment. 

However, mannequins come in all shapes and sizes, so you might find one that works for your display. And if you try to convey something different to every other store, they are perfect and will help! 

Since metal mannequins are less common in retail settings, you’ll probably find they are more expensive and difficult to source. They might not be the best mannequins for sale if you are on a limited budget. 

Valentino’s sells all types of mannequins

Many other mannequin material types exist, but the ones mentioned are the most popular among store owners. If you want a low-cost mannequin for sale, visit Valentino’s Displays, where we can offer advice and a wide selection of options.