Which dummy mount should I choose? Base attachment for calf, thigh or foot?

The full-figure ladies' mannequin is a common display fixture in clothing shops. Amongst other things, display mannequins are divided by the method of attachment to the base. We explain which type of attachment is best - to the calf, thigh or perhaps the foot? Find out the advantages and disadvantages of the several types of mannequin attachments!

Mannequins have three types of attachments: calf, thigh and foot:

• The calf fixation is the most popular - it is the most versatile.
• The thigh fixation is characterised by the longest rod.
• The foot fixation is very aesthetically pleasing and functional but requires the footwear to be perforated.
• The modern solution is the Allen screw, guaranteeing a neat appearance for the mannequin, as well as working easily with leggings and tube trousers.

What are the types of mannequin fixations?

Full-face mannequins can be attached to the base in several ways. The first is the calf fixation. This involves the rod protruding from the base entering the mannequin's calf. The next way is attachment to the foot, in which the rod is least visible, as it enters the dummy's heel. The last type of attachment is the thigh attachment, where the rod is the longest and led from the base all the way to the back of the mannequin’s thigh.

Advantages and disadvantages of calf fixations

The calf-mounted mannequin is the most popular type of whole-body dummy. Its main advantage is that the bar is hardly visible and allows shoes to be put on without damaging them. It is for this reason that this type is most often chosen for shops with varied items of clothing. Nothing stands in the way of presenting upper garments on it, as well as skirts, dresses or trousers. In the case of the latter, however, attention should be paid to their width. A calf-length mannequin may prove problematic with tight, narrow trouser legs. Standard trousers, on the other hand, should cover the bar.

Advantages and disadvantages of the foot fixation

 Foot-mounted mannequins are great for presenting all types of trousers and other garments. Unfortunately, a problem arises when the mannequin needs to be fitted with shoes. It is then necessary to make a hole in the shoes. For this reason, this solution is not overly popular, but it provides high stability and easy work with the mannequin. One large international fashion chain has opted for this mounting method.

Advantages and disadvantages of thigh fixation

The advantage of the thigh-high mannequin is its stability and the fact that it can be used to present all kinds of high shoes, e.g., very high boots. Unfortunately, the bar located at the top of the leg makes it impossible to put on trousers without making a hole in them. For this reason, mannequins of this type are not used very often. However, they will work well in shops with dresses or skirts that can be put on regardless of the position of the bar.

What is the Allen screw calf fixing?

Working with calf-mounted mannequins is greatly facilitated by the use of Allen screws. They make the appearance of the bar more minimalistic as well as easy to install. This makes the mannequin look more natural, and it is also possible to wear even very tight trousers or leggings on it. An ampoule spanner is included with these mannequins to operate the screw. This is one the first mannequin fittings of its kind in Europe.