According to my draping professor, Wolf dress forms are good, especially if you can find a vintage one in good shape for a good price (emphasis on good price). The only caveat is that the spring that adjusts the height can sometimes lock up if you're not careful when raising. Other than that, The Shop Company (TSC) is recommended as a budget new/ used alongside PGM
I used Wolfs all during fashion school and they were the ones at the university I taught at too. They're pretty good. They can take the beating of 10239884 fashion students who don't know what they're doing. hahaha~
In love with your fashion tutorials! I'm curious if you could provide some insights or tips on how crochet enthusiasts can survive and outstand in the realm of fast fashion ?
1. The baby mannequin story is exactly why inlole to put my dress form in front of my entry door when i'm home alone. I like to think it's going to fall over and scare off whoever breaks in haha. 2. I agree with the adjustsble forms, i started with one because of the lackmof space for many different sizes but needing a different range of sizes to meet the needs of my orders. What i have found helps with pinning is if you make a body suit for the dress form to cover any gaps thst may be present. This way you can still pin over the gsps. Is it perfect? No, but it works in a pinch. The other thing that i have noticed with my own adjustable forms is that the panels have a tendency to stop ligning up after a while. They all have a purpose, but if you can swing the cost then definitely saving for a good form is ideal.
Thank you for this video, Zoe! Because I only sew for myself, I purchased a form from Amazon, which works great for me. The sizing is close to my size but a little smaller.
My PGM forms are asymmetrical same as your student noticed. If I recall around 1/4" differences. Not enough to really cause trouble. In other news the "uniquely you" brand is no longer available. They were the soft foam ones that you customized the cover to your measurements. They were great to pin directly into whereas you can't with hard forms or adjustable. There is Royal which is soft fully pinnable although they're exponentially expensive compared to the "uniquely you." in addition "uniquely you" were very short waisted and had a hunched forward posture which I saw first hand caused problems when making custom gowns fit properly. Another thing I pay attention to is the undercut of the bust. As in are you able to properly put a bra, bustier or cupped corset on it. The adjustable forms are very generic in the underbust princess line and cause you to have to go back and make fine tune fitting adjustments once you've seen it on a real body. The only good thing about adjustable forms I can say is that they give a good bust shape in c cup and larger. The best way I've been able to use adjustable forms is to sew a spandex cover that fits over once the dials are how I need them. Then draping tape can establish cf, princess ect. Still not the best but works in a pinch. I can't believe it's 2024 and with all this technology we don't have soft forms that are accurate and affordable.
Back during one of the lockdowns I was able to hunt down a half-sized form for a good price. We're in a small one bedroom, so as much as I would love a proper mannequin we just don't have the space. Thank you for reminding me to get back to finishing the padding. Learning how to drape, especially on bias, is on my to-do list for the summer. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
Thank you, Zoe! That was really helpful. You are so generous with your knowledge, and I really appreciate all the work you put into your videos. I've learned so much from you!
I would love to learn how to drape. It actually looks cool. I know how to do flat patter making but as much as it's fun to do, but it is time wasting I don't want to lie.
Is it possible to do a video on half size ( or smaller)dressforms I am new to draping " self taught " and would love help on finding a good on. Also do dress forms come in a size smaller than a half size?
I literally just bought my first dress form! Loved hearing you talk about dress forms, sizing etc. Very helpful. Almost wish I had watched this before I purchased mine, my girl's size seems to run a bit smaller than the standard. But, I'll make it work!
Zoe, as always! As I see your video - I’m just happy! I have one dressform from Royaldressform - Monika ❤️ However, over Covid and years I was growing up from her 😢unfortunately; But I really like your advice - to test the fit on her(!) and I’m still trying to get back into my Monika 😜 because yes, they are kind of pricey to get another one))) I also have a scaled version Betty - while studying now - I was able to create the base form of straight skirt for now! And actually noticed that those main lines were a bit not parallel to the ground - so everything should be checked!!! Hope to continue with other base clothing forms and modeling and draping for Betty! And then for me (in my Monika’s size 👌) But the main message of my long comment - is - I just love your videos! That’s magic! Really - when I see a new video - it’s just like 🎉 Thank you for your work! ❤
I use mine to help fit. I have an adjustable and some kits to pad them out. It’s awesome when I can’t see what is going wrong on the rear armscye. I have considered a 1/2 scale but can’t justify the price considering I don’t have a use for it. I plan on making arms for mine with a moulage this summer.
Look it!!!! Thank you for sharing. I have a dress form I got from a Salvation Army Thrift store over 10 years ago and only pay $10.00!!!! When my dad saw this dress form, he said " What are going to do with that form? It looks like S**T!!!! I didn't pay attention to what he said. I brought the dress form and cleaned it up and padded it. I still work on this dtess form. Keep up the amazing work and have a wonderful day!!!😊 Robin N Otis -Clayborne
I bought an adjustable dress form and used it a couple of times on people who were closer to the original form wit needing very little adjustments! But when I tried using it for myself and had to increase to 2 sizes up, I realized the numbers might match but the body didn’t! Ex. The breasts are small and no matter how wide you increase the number the breasts would not get even close to my size! 😂 So I decided to use it as the core for making my own DIY dress form! 😅 And thanks for the video! ❤❤❤
Extreme budget idea….I’m not a professional nor a design student but I’m a newbie sewist and wanted to try a dress form to see what it was like and to help me with fitting things for myself. I did not have the budget for most of them but I found a used adjustable one on Facebook marketplace for $20. It didn’t come with a stand but we created one from an old microphone stand that my husband had. It works for now and yes, I dream of getting a professional one some day.
Great video Zoe Hong it is good to know they why of getting a specific Dressmaker Form and you explained it very well! A while back I remember a conversation with a made to measure designer and back then we thought it would be great if companies that manufactured dildos will do the forms will be great as it will yield similarly to the real body, but Alvanon now also offers the Soft body so never mind. Thank you Zoe Hong for all the great content you make and share in this wonderful channel of yours!
Fantastic video…. I’ve been sewing for 20 years and just barely starting to understand the basics. I love your teaching style, keep it going! BTW - what is a collapsible shoulder in a dress form?
You can have an option to push in the shoulders, to make the shoulders are narrow enough to pull certain clothes over the top, like a woman would raise her arms and pull them together to shimmy into something narrow. You put each palm of your hands on the metal armplates and push in to squish. They should hold until you squish again to release.
I've more often heard that the problem with the adjustable forms is that they're a thin fabric layer over hard plastic, which makes it unreasonable to pin into them. The gaps observation brings a whole 'nother dimension of why they're not a decent option.
I have a few questions. If you are making for runway models/ editorial models. What size should you be purchasing?Models seem to be on average 31"-32" bust , 23-24" waist, 3 4"-35" hip based on model agency listings. Hoping to buy dress form which eliminates a lot of the fitting process with models. Dress forms always seem too busty for runway i.e. B.33" , w.24", w35" . Wonder if they are including ease in the bust?
The size doesn't matter. Look at the size/measurement charts from the dress form company you want to buy from. They are all a little different. If you've already done your research on what the models' measurements are, use those.
I’ve owned two dress forms, both were by The Shop Company. I think their forms are good enough as a start, however (at least in my experience), the forms can be quite uneven left to right. For their price you’d likely be able to find a lightly used PGM or Wolf, which is what I would suggest instead. Currently I’m looking for a used Alvanon form. I almost got one for $400 in amazing condition but was one day too slow. Side note: if anyone has advice on where to look for Alvanon forms (websites, regions, etc), please let me know.
The plus size forms I've tried to look up are sooooo expensive and they don't even go that high. My problem area is my bust and those form companies seem to think that really big women don't have proportionally sized breasts.
(Linda). Hi Zoe, could you say that all Size 6s from different companies would have the same bust, waist, hip measurements? (Royal form, PGM. etc) ? Also Zoe, I live in Montreal, QC Canada and someone has a used size 10 dress form. It is stained and both shoulder fronts going the bust area are worn and would need to be filled. Aside from looking dingy it's a size 10 model 1975. Would you be inclined to buy something like that? I don't have much money to spend on a new one. She sells it for 125$. What's your take on that? I( tried to include a pick here, but it doesn't work.). ohh and also, where did you get the 1/2 size one; amazon?
There is no guarantee on sizes. I would bet that they are all different. There is no sizing regulation anywhere so it's all manufacturer's choice. I would not buy something that would require rehabbing before use because I know myself and I would procrastinate. Try eBay for used dress forms. The half size is from Royal.
![[PODCAST] EP 12: The Future of Fashion Careers](/img/n.gif)
For someone who knows nothing about draping, i love hoe Zoe explains everything so crisp and clear. Awesome video ✨
Thanks!
So glad you mentioned the difference between the number size on a dress form and that same number on clothing
According to my draping professor, Wolf dress forms are good, especially if you can find a vintage one in good shape for a good price (emphasis on good price). The only caveat is that the spring that adjusts the height can sometimes lock up if you're not careful when raising. Other than that, The Shop Company (TSC) is recommended as a budget new/ used alongside PGM
I used Wolfs all during fashion school and they were the ones at the university I taught at too. They're pretty good. They can take the beating of 10239884 fashion students who don't know what they're doing. hahaha~
You are so wonderful and full of info and tips. I never get enough of learning from you. So grateful!!!
You are so welcome!
In love with your fashion tutorials! I'm curious if you could provide some insights or tips on how crochet enthusiasts can survive and outstand in the realm of fast fashion ?
OK, yours look is seriously serving, just need to say that before watching
1. The baby mannequin story is exactly why inlole to put my dress form in front of my entry door when i'm home alone. I like to think it's going to fall over and scare off whoever breaks in haha.
2. I agree with the adjustsble forms, i started with one because of the lackmof space for many different sizes but needing a different range of sizes to meet the needs of my orders. What i have found helps with pinning is if you make a body suit for the dress form to cover any gaps thst may be present. This way you can still pin over the gsps. Is it perfect? No, but it works in a pinch. The other thing that i have noticed with my own adjustable forms is that the panels have a tendency to stop ligning up after a while. They all have a purpose, but if you can swing the cost then definitely saving for a good form is ideal.
I was looking at getting a dress form for myself recently. It's like you read my mind.
Thank you Zoe! Looking for more videos on draping from you!
You're welcome!
Thank you for this video, Zoe! Because I only sew for myself, I purchased a form from Amazon, which works great for me. The sizing is close to my size but a little smaller.
Glad you found what works for you!
My PGM forms are asymmetrical same as your student noticed. If I recall around 1/4" differences. Not enough to really cause trouble. In other news the "uniquely you" brand is no longer available. They were the soft foam ones that you customized the cover to your measurements. They were great to pin directly into whereas you can't with hard forms or adjustable. There is Royal which is soft fully pinnable although they're exponentially expensive compared to the "uniquely you." in addition "uniquely you" were very short waisted and had a hunched forward posture which I saw first hand caused problems when making custom gowns fit properly. Another thing I pay attention to is the undercut of the bust. As in are you able to properly put a bra, bustier or cupped corset on it. The adjustable forms are very generic in the underbust princess line and cause you to have to go back and make fine tune fitting adjustments once you've seen it on a real body. The only good thing about adjustable forms I can say is that they give a good bust shape in c cup and larger. The best way I've been able to use adjustable forms is to sew a spandex cover that fits over once the dials are how I need them. Then draping tape can establish cf, princess ect. Still not the best but works in a pinch. I can't believe it's 2024 and with all this technology we don't have soft forms that are accurate and affordable.
Back during one of the lockdowns I was able to hunt down a half-sized form for a good price. We're in a small one bedroom, so as much as I would love a proper mannequin we just don't have the space. Thank you for reminding me to get back to finishing the padding. Learning how to drape, especially on bias, is on my to-do list for the summer.
- Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi
You rock Zoe! Always informative and very entertaining, Thanks!
Thank you, Zoe! That was really helpful. You are so generous with your knowledge, and I really appreciate all the work you put into your videos. I've learned so much from you!
You're welcome!
I would love to learn how to drape. It actually looks cool. I know how to do flat patter making but as much as it's fun to do, but it is time wasting I don't want to lie.
Is it possible to do a video on half size ( or smaller)dressforms I am new to draping " self taught " and would love help on finding a good on. Also do dress forms come in a size smaller than a half size?
I literally just bought my first dress form! Loved hearing you talk about dress forms, sizing etc. Very helpful. Almost wish I had watched this before I purchased mine, my girl's size seems to run a bit smaller than the standard. But, I'll make it work!
Thank you Zoe Hong. I always love watching your videos 👍
Thank you!
Zoe, as always! As I see your video - I’m just happy!
I have one dressform from Royaldressform - Monika ❤️
However, over Covid and years I was growing up from her 😢unfortunately;
But I really like your advice - to test the fit on her(!) and I’m still trying to get back into my Monika 😜 because yes, they are kind of pricey to get another one)))
I also have a scaled version Betty - while studying now - I was able to create the base form of straight skirt for now! And actually noticed that those main lines were a bit not parallel to the ground - so everything should be checked!!!
Hope to continue with other base clothing forms and modeling and draping for Betty! And then for me (in my Monika’s size 👌)
But the main message of my long comment - is - I just love your videos! That’s magic! Really - when I see a new video - it’s just like 🎉
Thank you for your work! ❤
You're welcome!
I use mine to help fit. I have an adjustable and some kits to pad them out. It’s awesome when I can’t see what is going wrong on the rear armscye. I have considered a 1/2 scale but can’t justify the price considering I don’t have a use for it. I plan on making arms for mine with a moulage this summer.
i love royaldressforms
Me too! ❤️
Best dress forms in South Africa are definitely Figure Forms! 😍
Look it!!!! Thank you for sharing. I have a dress form I got from a Salvation Army Thrift store over 10 years ago and only pay $10.00!!!! When my dad saw this dress form, he said " What are going to do with that form? It looks like S**T!!!! I didn't pay attention to what he said. I brought the dress form and cleaned it up and padded it. I still work on this dtess form. Keep up the amazing work and have a wonderful day!!!😊 Robin N Otis -Clayborne
Wow! That's fantastic! What a find!
😮 I haven't thought about going there. Thank you for sharing
I bought an adjustable dress form and used it a couple of times on people who were closer to the original form wit needing very little adjustments! But when I tried using it for myself and had to increase to 2 sizes up, I realized the numbers might match but the body didn’t! Ex. The breasts are small and no matter how wide you increase the number the breasts would not get even close to my size! 😂 So I decided to use it as the core for making my own DIY dress form! 😅 And thanks for the video! ❤❤❤
Yup, the cup size situation is stupid.
Just yesterday, I came to understand that PGM is going out of business so keep your eyes open online for discounts on their forms.
Oh no! That sucks for them.
Extreme budget idea….I’m not a professional nor a design student but I’m a newbie sewist and wanted to try a dress form to see what it was like and to help me with fitting things for myself. I did not have the budget for most of them but I found a used adjustable one on Facebook marketplace for $20. It didn’t come with a stand but we created one from an old microphone stand that my husband had. It works for now and yes, I dream of getting a professional one some day.
Crafty! Nice.
Great video Zoe Hong it is good to know they why of getting a specific Dressmaker Form and you explained it very well! A while back I remember a conversation with a made to measure designer and back then we thought it would be great if companies that manufactured dildos will do the forms will be great as it will yield similarly to the real body, but Alvanon now also offers the Soft body so never mind. Thank you Zoe Hong for all the great content you make and share in this wonderful channel of yours!
where did you buy the 1/2 scale dress form?
As always, great content.
Thank you!
I’m wanting to make my own custom form, I want it to look pretty & have a specific fit.
Fantastic video…. I’ve been sewing for 20 years and just barely starting to understand the basics. I love your teaching style, keep it going! BTW - what is a collapsible shoulder in a dress form?
You can have an option to push in the shoulders, to make the shoulders are narrow enough to pull certain clothes over the top, like a woman would raise her arms and pull them together to shimmy into something narrow. You put each palm of your hands on the metal armplates and push in to squish. They should hold until you squish again to release.
I also got my dress form in 2006. She’s moved with me SO MANY TIMES
I've more often heard that the problem with the adjustable forms is that they're a thin fabric layer over hard plastic, which makes it unreasonable to pin into them. The gaps observation brings a whole 'nother dimension of why they're not a decent option.
Good point.
Love your videos, Zoe! You're amazing. Have you ever used a Stockman dress form? or is that only a european thing in couture? Thanks!
Nope, never used a Stockman
I have a few questions. If you are making for runway models/ editorial models. What size should you be purchasing?Models seem to be on average 31"-32" bust , 23-24" waist, 3 4"-35" hip based on model agency listings. Hoping to buy dress form which eliminates a lot of the fitting process with models. Dress forms always seem too busty for runway i.e. B.33" , w.24", w35" . Wonder if they are including ease in the bust?
The size doesn't matter. Look at the size/measurement charts from the dress form company you want to buy from. They are all a little different. If you've already done your research on what the models' measurements are, use those.
I’ve owned two dress forms, both were by The Shop Company. I think their forms are good enough as a start, however (at least in my experience), the forms can be quite uneven left to right. For their price you’d likely be able to find a lightly used PGM or Wolf, which is what I would suggest instead.
Currently I’m looking for a used Alvanon form. I almost got one for $400 in amazing condition but was one day too slow.
Side note: if anyone has advice on where to look for Alvanon forms (websites, regions, etc), please let me know.
The plus size forms I've tried to look up are sooooo expensive and they don't even go that high. My problem area is my bust and those form companies seem to think that really big women don't have proportionally sized breasts.
(Linda). Hi Zoe, could you say that all Size 6s from different companies would have the same bust, waist, hip measurements? (Royal form, PGM. etc) ? Also Zoe, I live in Montreal, QC Canada and someone has a used size 10 dress form. It is stained and both shoulder fronts going the bust area are worn and would need to be filled. Aside from looking dingy it's a size 10 model 1975. Would you be inclined to buy something like that? I don't have much money to spend on a new one. She sells it for 125$. What's your take on that? I( tried to include a pick here, but it doesn't work.). ohh and also, where did you get the 1/2 size one; amazon?
There is no guarantee on sizes. I would bet that they are all different. There is no sizing regulation anywhere so it's all manufacturer's choice. I would not buy something that would require rehabbing before use because I know myself and I would procrastinate. Try eBay for used dress forms. The half size is from Royal.
where can I get an affordable dress form
Should I get one with wheel? Will it be annoying if it move around when draping?
They all have wheels. It's not that annoying. You have to actually push the form with a bit of force for it to move.
i love your account..
❤❤❤
Nah man that baby form sounds creepy I’d run away 😭😭😭
hahahaha~ It WAS creepy! That was around 8-10 years ago and I still remember it!
Yes,I have adjustable dress from and its horrible
Tenderloin 6th street?? God bless you
not quite in the epicenter but close enough hahaha
Those have size mannequins are eye deceiving.no ma’am