Using a dress form with vintage clothing

[EmmaAlsop]

Hey everyone, I’ve just started photographing and displaying vintage items on a basic dress form (usual type without head, arms or legs). It measures around 36’ 28’ 38’. But with the wider shoulders, I’m finding only clothing with large waists will pass them. Is there a trick to using these forms? I’d love to put my medium vintage on it but don’t want to damage them with pulling and tugging. Thanks, Emma.

 

[Jonathan]

Sometimes you can put them on from the bottom (the hips are narrower than the shoulders), but its a lot of work to go the other direction. You will probably find, as many have, that you will be better off with a mannequin with removable arms.

 

[pastperfect2]

If you can find a used one, there are Wolf forms where the shoulders push in and then pop out (once dressed) to help.