Bust forms are a branch of mannequin that typically consist of only the torso, and do not have arms or a head. They usually come in a range of different forms, including female, male and child body busts, and are ideal for displaying clothing such as shirts, jackets and bras.
Mannequin busts are also ideal for use as dressmaker’s forms. The strict workroom specifications means that tailors can achieve precise measurements when designing and making clothing.
At Proportion London, we have supplied bust forms to retailers, museums and galleries across the world. We have three display bust-only retail collections, comprising of over 30 different body busts in order to suit all shapes and sizes.
Our bust forms are handmade in London using the artisan manufacturing technique of papier-mache, and upholstered in natural calico as standard. Depending on the collection, you can choose to stain the calico to make it appear more vintage, or keep it white for a cleaner look. We even offer a bespoke service to accommodate alternative fabric
Handmade in our London factory, each of our bust forms are crafted using eco-friendly manufacturing methods and materials, delivering unique, high-quality products that don’t date.
There are a number of different display options that you can choose from, including ceiling mounds and hanging tubes to create beautiful, space-saving displays; and a range of different bases – from vintage round to cast metal tripod, and even the addition of a trouser rail – so you can showcase your garments in whichever way works for you.
We also offer interchangeable options such as the addition of wooden articulated arms and head/headless, meaning that you can position your mannequin in a number of different poses to suit your particular exhibit.
We have a choice of different cuts, so that you can choose a bust form that perfectly fits your requirements. For example, we offer a female knitwear form that is cut just below the hip, which is perfect for showcasing blouses and knitwear; and a male blouson form, specifically designed with a cut at the hip height to display shirts and suits easily.
Our full body bust form features a long-length body that works well for dresses and coats. We also offer a cutaway body that has been adapted for trouser display.
Explore our selection of bust forms available for sale or hire. We carefully curate a range of quality options, regardless of what type of clothing you are displaying.
If you’re looking for customised, one-of-a-kind bust forms to showcase your clothing, discover our custom creation services. We can help you design a form that perfectly suits your vision.
Bust form mannequins are designed to display and showcase clothing, particularly garments that focus on the upper body, such as tops, blouses, and jackets. They provide a realistic and three-dimensional representation of how the clothing will fit and look on an actual person, aiding in visual merchandising and product presentation.
Bust form mannequins are typically made from a variety of materials, including fibreglass, plastic, and papier-mache. Fibreglass busts are durable, while papier-mache body forms offer a more lightweight and eco-friendly alternative.
Yes, bust form mannequins are excellent for online retail as they help showcase clothing items more professionally. They provide a realistic representation of how garments fit, allowing online shoppers to better visualise the product and make informed purchasing decisions.
Bust form mannequins are available in male, female and children versions, as well as unisex models. This diversity allows retailers and designers to cater to a wide range of target audiences and display clothing items in a way that reflects the customer base.