Mannequin Collection Launching at EuroShop 2026
January 21, 2026
As you may have seen, our sister brands Kesslers London and Genesis Mannequins will be exhibiting at the iconic EuroShop 2026. While Proportion London won’t
When choosing the right mannequins for your retail store or museum, there are a number of different things to consider. The size and gender of your mannequins is one important factor, as well as their pose and whether they are a full-body mannequin, a bust, or other body parts, such as hands, necks and arms. However, one often forgotten element of mannequin design is their finish.
Just like with paints for the walls, there are a number of different mannequin finishes you can choose between, depending on your products and target audience. The choice of finish can impact the way products are presented and perceived, so choosing the right one for your space is essential!
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of mannequin finishes and mannequin paint, explain why mannequin finishes are important and discuss how to choose the right mannequin finish for your environment.
Different finishes lend themselves to different products and customer-bases. Let’s explore some of the most popular mannequin materials and finishes to help you decide on the best one for your shop or museum.
Glossy mannequins are high-shine, reflective forms, usually made of plastic or fibreglass. This shiny finish oozes modern luxury, which is why they are often used in high-end stores or those selling more futuristic, clean and modern clothing.
The high-shine of glossy mannequins can enhance the lighting effect, reflecting any lighting choices off into different directions. Their bright, luxurious appearance catches the eye of browsing consumers, making it an ideal choice for retail mannequins.
However, the smooth texture of glossy mannequins makes fingerprints show up easily, so this finish probably isn’t the best for stores that are frequently updating their displays. On top of this, the reflective surface that is great for casting the light in different directions can also cause glare, which can be distracting or uncomfortable for shoppers, and might take the attention away from the products you’re displaying.
Matte mannequins are the total opposite of glossy mannequins. They have a non-reflective finish and a smooth surface that reduces glare and provides a soft, understated look that is perfect for more minimalistic displays and contemporary stores.
However, matte mannequins don’t stand out as much as their glossy counterparts, so they aren’t the best choice to catch your customer’s attention. If you’re displaying products that perhaps aren’t as visually exciting, a glossy form would probably be a better choice than matte mannequins.
Satin mannequins, otherwise known as semi-gloss mannequins, are the perfect balance between glossy and matte mannequins. Perfect for versatile retail environments, a satin finish has a sheen to it that’s not quite glossy, and is often described as looking velvety.
The subtle shine of semi-gloss mannequins means that these mannequins can catch the light without any excessive glare, meaning they are a versatile style for a number of different stores and locations. However, this lack of strong visual impact could make them less striking in certain environments, so it really depends on the kind of aesthetics you want in your store.
Fabric-covered mannequins are exactly what they say on the tin – usually papier mâché mannequins covered in a fabric or material, such as velvet, leather or calico. Ideal for use in luxury boutiques, concept stores and seamstress workshops, fabric-covered mannequins can be covered in a material of the customer’s choice, meaning they are highly customisable and are the perfect unique branding opportunity. They are often a popular choice for a dress-making mannequin, as clothes can easily be draped and pinned to assist with clothes making or altering.
However, because of the high customisability of material mannequins, they are often more expensive, and the fabric covering can make them harder to clean and maintain, as you can’t just wipe them over and top up any scratches with paint.
We’ve spoken about fabric-covered mannequins being highly customisable, but the truth is, most mannequin manufacturers are able to customise your forms to suit your desired mannequin finish! For example, here at Proportion London, we have in-house sculptors that are able to manufacture your museum or retail mannequins to your exact specifications. We have a number of mannequin paints, fabrics and materials in different colours, patterns and finishes to meet your requirements.
Popular custom mannequin finishes include woodgrain, metallic and custom painted mannequins – the possibilities really are endless to create a truly bespoke papier-mache or fibreglass mannequin. Popular in luxury, high-end boutiques, custom mannequins create a sense of exclusivity that elevates the shopping experience and reinforces a brand’s unique identity.
As we have mentioned, mannequin finishes play an important part in shaping the overall aesthetic of a retail or exhibition space. The choice of finish can affect how light interacts with the mannequin, how products are perceived, and how customers engage with a display.
Beyond aesthetics, mannequin finishes also influence the atmosphere of a store or museum exhibit. A high-shine finish conveys luxury and modernity, making it ideal for premium fashion brands, while a textured or muted finish can create a sense of heritage or craftsmanship, which is particularly suited to artisanal brands or historical exhibitions.
Selecting the right mannequin finish requires balancing your brand aesthetics with the practicality of your environment. Lighting, for example, is a key consideration. Glossy mannequins can amplify lighting effects, creating a high-impact, dynamic look, but they can also cause unwanted glare under bright spotlights. Matte or satin finishes, on the other hand, diffuse light more evenly, making them a better fit for environments with strong overhead lighting or natural daylight.
Brand identity also plays a significant role. Luxury retailers often opt for sleek glossy mannequins to reinforce their premium position, while highstreet retailers might prefer matte finishes for a more contemporary, minimalist feel. Museums, meanwhile, may lean towards fabric-covered mannequins to ensure the focus remains on the artifacts rather than the display itself, and that the products are protected from any damage.
Target audience is another important consideration. Trend-focused shoppers might be drawn to the vibrancy of high-shine mannequins, but high-end customers may appreciate the elegance of a satin finish.
At Proportion London, we have over a century and a half’s experience in providing different mannequins and bust forms and helping our retail and museum customers with their visual merchandising display strategies.
We offer a range of different forms in various finishes and mannequin colours, available to both hire and buy, depending on your requirements.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help you.
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