Breaking Gender Norms: Exploring Gender-Neutral Visual Merchandising with Mannequins

For decades, retail stores have been using gendered mannequins to display their clothing: female mannequins for women’s garments and male mannequins for men’s. But times are changing, and an increasing number of stores are requesting gender non-conforming mannequins to appeal to a larger audience, and ensure an inclusive experience. In this article, we are going to explore how gender-neutral mannequins can transform a retail space into a more diverse, considerate and respectful environment.

What are gender-neutral mannequins?

Gender neutral mannequins, otherwise known as gender non-conforming mannequins, are forms specifically designed to showcase unisex clothing. These mannequins are part of an effort to increase diversity in mannequins and include shoppers who are non-binary or gender fluid.

These mannequins are made to measurements that fall between the standard male and female forms, with smaller breasts than female busts and are smooth between the legs.

Why are gender-neutral mannequin options important?

In a survey conducted by UniDays in 2022, 61% of those asked believe that the mainstream fashion industry overlooks minority groups including non-binary and trans people. Gender-neutral mannequins are a way of bringing representation to the fashion industry, allowing all customers to feel included and celebrated, regardless of how they identify. 

The need for genderless mannequins is not a new one. In fact, Zara introduced its revolutionary unisex collection, ‘ungendered’, back in 2016. The collection, featuring 16 items that ranged from sweatshirts to shorts, was photographed and showcased on the website on both male and female models. While the clothing line was mainly made up of pieces generally considered to be ‘unisex’ anyway, this marked a shift in the mindset of popular high street brands.

As well as increasing inclusivity, using gender-neutral mannequins also has an economical benefit. By using a unisex mannequin, the need to purchase, maintain and replace both male and female mannequins is reduced. Instead, retail stores can showcase all ranges of their adult clothing on a single range of mannequins. 

Gender neutral visual merchandising

The rise of gender neutral mannequins marks a significant shift in the retail landscape, bringing with it a requirement for retailers to reassess and revolutionise their visual merchandising. They can no longer rely on outdated stereotypes. Instead, there is a demand to move towards a more inclusive approach to displaying their products. 

Retailers need to adopt a more holistic approach when thinking about diversity within their visual merchandising. For example, unisex mannequins alone are insufficient and unlikely to have the desired impact. Instead, a combination of various different marketing elements would display a more comprehensive transformation. One strategy to think about is the incorporation of more inclusive brand imagery across their advertisements, in-store billboards and websites; alongside gender neutral mannequins.

As well as this, retailers could consider using signage to communicate their commitment to diversity. Intentional, well throughout copy can reinforce the idea that fashion is a form of self-expression that goes beyond traditional gender boundaries. 

Another strategy could include rethinking the layout of the store. For example, removing the conventional ‘mens’ and ‘womens’ sections in favour of a more open layout encourages customers to embrace styles and clothing based on their personal preferences, rather than rigid gender distinctions and societal expectations. Not only does this leave more space for customers to browse, but it also creates a more welcoming environment for all.

How Proportion London can help

If you’d like to transform your visual merchandising to reflect greater diversity and inclusion, then Proportion London can help you. 

Though we have been manufacturing mannequins since 1867, we are far from outdated and we recognise the importance of continual evolution in order to keep with the times. Since our conception back in the 19th century, we have grown to the global brand we are today, hiring and selling mannequin collections to leading retail brands and museums across the globe, as well as designing and manufacturing bespoke creations that meet our customers’ requirements. 

We’ve also partnered with clients worldwide, crafting beautiful visual merchandising displays, store layouts and ​​showcases across high street shops, luxury retail spaces and museums. 

Get in touch with our team today to see how we can help you.