The global mannequin market reached USD 6.09 billion in 2024, with 5.83% CAGR (2025–2030), as brands invest in lifelike, tech-enabled mannequins.
A mannequin also referred to as a manikin, lay figure, dress form, or dummy, is a human body-shaped dummy used in visual merchandising garments at clothing stores. These products help improve customer experience and maintain visual merchandise at these stores. These products are of various types such as the realistic, abstract, torso, and others. Over time, the craftsmanship and materials evolved significantly, with the mid-20th century ushering in fiberglass and plastic mannequins that allowed for greater durability, realism, and design flexibility. This transformation enabled retailers to create more engaging and lifelike displays, enhancing the shopping experience and effectively showcasing their products. As consumer preferences shifted and retail environments became more competitive, mannequins evolved from mere display tools to critical elements of visual merchandising that help convey brand identity, appeal to targeted demographics, and foster emotional connections with shoppers. The manufacturing sector here utilizes fiberglass, plastic, and increasingly eco-friendly materials, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability issues. The demand in India is driven by the burgeoning middle class, rising fashion consciousness, and the increasing number of shopping malls and branded stores that require mannequins for visual merchandising. For instance, in May 2021, Morplan, U.K.'s leading mannequin supplier, introduced a set of biodegradable dummies made with bio-resin, raffia paper, and rice powder. By introducing such a set of products, Morplan can better reduce environmental pollution due to fiberglass-based lay figures. Furthermore, the growing popularity of abstract, semi-abstract, and window display lay figures among apparel retailers to display contemporary garment designs to their customers will accelerate the market growth. Also, the increasing usage of chrome-plated, shiny, plus-size, and dress form mannequins among garment retailers will surge the product demand. According to the research report, "Global Mannequin Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the Global Mannequin market was valued at more than USD 6.09 Billion in 2024, with the CAGR of 5.83% from 2025-2030. Nowadays, key companies, such as BONAVERI, Euveka, and others, offer innovative and high fashion-tailored dummies to enable clothing retailers to maintain influential merchandise in their stores. For instance, HANS BOODT MANNEQUINS, a Netherlands-based manikin seller, launched 140 high-fashioned customized lay figures at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Canada. The increasing demand for customized products contributes significantly to the global mannequin market share. The unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic forced governments worldwide to impose social distancing norms and lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus. These lockdown restrictions led to the closure of apparel, jewelry, and other fashion goods stores and lowered the usage rate of dress forms among these stores amid the pandemic. H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB, apparel goods major, reported a 20% decline in its revenues in 2020. Customization allows brands to create unique store atmospheres and build stronger emotional connections with customers. This trend has increased the importance of mannequins as focal points for in-person brand engagement. In addition, the company used a limited number of dress forms in its apparel stores due to the closure of apparel stores globally. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce has influenced the mannequin market by encouraging hybrid retail models, where physical stores serve as experiential hubs complementing online shopping. The rapid growth of e-commerce propels the mannequin market by increasing the demand for virtual mannequins or digital models. Virtual mannequins simulate the appearance and fit of clothing on a virtual body, allowing customers to better visualize how the garment would look on them. This technology bridges the gap between the physical shopping experience and online shopping, boosting customer confidence and aiding their purchasing decisions.
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Asia-Pacific dominates the market and is the largest and fastest-growing market in the animal growth promoters industry globally
Download SampleMarket Drivers • Expansion of the Global Retail and Fashion Markets: The global mannequin industry is strongly driven by the continuous growth of retail and fashion sectors worldwide. As emerging economies develop and consumer spending rises, more brands and retailers are establishing physical stores and enhancing their visual merchandising. Mannequins play a critical role in store displays by effectively showcasing apparel, accessories, and footwear to attract customers. The increasing number of shopping malls, brand outlets, and specialty stores fuels demand for a wide variety of mannequins, ranging from traditional forms to more avant-garde and artistic styles. This retail expansion, coupled with rising fashion awareness, consistently drives the need for innovative mannequins globally. • Technological Advancements and Innovation: Innovation is another key driver transforming the global mannequin industry. Developments such as 3D printing, augmented reality (AR), and smart mannequins embedded with sensors or digital screens are reshaping how mannequins are designed and used. Retailers are increasingly investing in mannequins that offer interactive and immersive experiences to engage customers better. Technology also allows greater customization and faster prototyping, helping manufacturers meet diverse market demands. This fusion of fashion and technology enhances brand storytelling and marketing effectiveness, pushing the mannequin market forward on a global scale. Market Challenges • High Production Costs and Supply Chain Complexities: The mannequin industry faces significant challenges related to production expenses and global supply chain disruptions. Manufacturing high-quality mannequins often requires specialized materials such as fiberglass, plastic, or eco-friendly composites, which can be costly. Additionally, many manufacturers rely on complex, multi-country supply chains that can be affected by tariffs, shipping delays, and rising fuel prices. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed vulnerabilities in global logistics, leading to inventory shortages and increased lead times. These cost pressures can limit manufacturers’ profitability and affect pricing for retailers. • Changing Retail Landscapes and E-commerce Growth: The rapid rise of e-commerce poses a challenge to the traditional mannequin industry. As more consumers shop online, brick-and-mortar stores are seeing fluctuations in foot traffic, which may reduce demand for physical mannequins. Retailers are reallocating budgets toward digital marketing and virtual try-on technologies, which could diminish the emphasis on in-store visual merchandising. While physical stores remain important, the shift to online shopping requires mannequin manufacturers to rethink their product offerings and innovate to stay relevant in a changing retail ecosystem. Market Trends • Sustainability and Eco-friendly Mannequins: Sustainability has emerged as a major trend globally, affecting how mannequins are produced and marketed. Increasing consumer awareness about environmental issues pressures retailers and manufacturers to adopt greener practices. This includes using recycled materials, biodegradable composites, and low-impact manufacturing processes to create mannequins. Brands are also emphasizing sustainability in their visual merchandising strategies by showcasing eco-friendly mannequins that align with their corporate social responsibility goals. The trend pushes the industry toward more environmentally responsible production while catering to the growing market of eco-conscious consumers. • Rise of Customization and Diversity in Mannequin Design: Another prominent trend is the growing demand for mannequins that reflect diverse body types, ethnicities, genders, and abilities. Retailers worldwide want mannequins that resonate with their varied customer bases to create inclusive and relatable shopping experiences. Advances in design technology, including 3D scanning and printing, enable manufacturers to offer customized mannequins with realistic features, different poses, and diverse looks. This trend not only improves customer engagement but also supports the broader social movement toward diversity and inclusion in fashion and retail.
Geography | North America | United States |
Canada | ||
Mexico | ||
Europe | Germany | |
United Kingdom | ||
France | ||
Italy | ||
Spain | ||
Russia | ||
Asia-Pacific | China | |
Japan | ||
India | ||
Australia | ||
South Korea | ||
South America | Brazil | |
Argentina | ||
Colombia | ||
MEA | United Arab Emirates | |
Saudi Arabia | ||
South Africa |
Children type is the fastest in the global mannequin industry because their smaller, lighter frames and simpler design requirements allow for quicker production and easier handling compared to adult mannequins. In the global mannequin industry, the production speed of children’s mannequins outpaces that of adult mannequins primarily due to their smaller size, which naturally requires less material and labor-intensive detailing. Children mannequins are designed with simpler anatomical features and often fewer customization requirements, which streamline the manufacturing process. Unlike adult mannequins, which may involve complex poses, detailed facial expressions, and intricate body proportions, children mannequins typically emphasize a more straightforward and standardized design. This simplicity means fewer molds, less sculpting, and reduced finishing time, enabling factories to ramp up production rates efficiently. Moreover, the smaller scale of children mannequins means that they consume fewer raw materials such as fiberglass, plastic, or resin. This reduction not only cuts material costs but also shortens the curing and drying times in the manufacturing process, which are critical bottlenecks in mannequin production. Handling smaller mannequins is easier and less time-consuming during assembly, painting, and packaging stages, further contributing to overall speed. Additionally, the global demand for children mannequins has been increasing steadily due to expanding children’s apparel markets and retail segments focusing on youth fashion. This demand incentivizes manufacturers to optimize their production lines specifically for children types, adopting leaner workflows and faster turnaround times. Another important factor is that children mannequins are often produced in larger batch runs with standardized sizing, unlike adult mannequins that may require more custom fitting to different adult body types and poses. Mass production techniques, such as injection molding and automated assembly lines, are more easily adapted to the consistent shapes and sizes of children mannequins, reducing variability and production time. Plastic material is the fastest in the global mannequin industry because it allows for rapid, cost-effective mass production through versatile molding techniques, enabling quicker turnaround times compared to traditional materials like fiberglass or wood. In the global mannequin industry, plastic has become the fastest material choice primarily due to its inherent properties that facilitate quick and efficient manufacturing processes. Unlike heavier and more labor-intensive materials such as fiberglass or wood, plastics can be molded rapidly using automated injection molding or rotational molding techniques. These methods enable manufacturers to produce large volumes of mannequins in a shorter amount of time with minimal manual intervention. Injection molding, for example, allows molten plastic to be injected into pre-made molds where it cools and solidifies swiftly, drastically reducing production cycle times compared to casting or sculpting traditional materials. Additionally, plastics are lightweight, which simplifies handling during assembly, painting, and packaging stages, further speeding up overall production and logistics. Plastic’s versatility also allows for easier customization and adaptation of designs without the need for extensive mold retooling. Manufacturers can quickly modify mold components or switch between colors and finishes with minimal downtime. This flexibility supports rapid response to market trends and seasonal demands, essential for the fast-paced fashion and retail sectors that rely heavily on mannequins for visual merchandising. Moreover, plastic mannequins are durable yet less fragile than fiberglass alternatives, which reduces breakage rates during production and shipping, lowering delays and costs related to quality control. The cost-effectiveness of plastic material is another critical factor that contributes to its speed advantage. Raw plastic resins are generally less expensive and more readily available worldwide than specialized materials, ensuring a steady supply chain and avoiding production bottlenecks. Economies of scale come into play as plastic mannequins can be mass-produced at a lower cost per unit, allowing manufacturers to prioritize quantity and speed without sacrificing profitability. The lightweight nature of plastic also reduces shipping time and freight costs, making it a preferred choice for global distribution. Beauticians, hair professionals, and cosmetologists are the fastest end-user type in the global mannequin industry because their frequent need for realistic, versatile training mannequins drives high demand and rapid production cycles tailored. The end-user segment comprising beauticians, hair professionals, and cosmetologists leads in production speed due to the nature of their training and operational requirements. These professionals rely heavily on mannequins that serve as essential tools for practicing and perfecting techniques such as hairstyling, cutting, coloring, makeup application, and other beauty treatments. Unlike mannequins used purely for display in retail or fashion sectors, cosmetology mannequins must be realistic, durable, and adaptable to frequent use, necessitating continuous supply to meet the high turnover rate caused by wear and tear. This consistent demand drives manufacturers to prioritize fast production cycles specifically for this segment, enabling them to replenish training models quickly and keep up with the evolving educational needs of beauty schools and salons globally. Additionally, cosmetology mannequins are often designed with specific features like natural or synthetic hair that can be washed, styled, and colored repeatedly, which requires specialized manufacturing processes optimized for speed without compromising quality. The competitive nature of beauty education and professional development means institutions and individuals frequently update their mannequins to align with new trends, techniques, and tools, encouraging manufacturers to maintain flexible and responsive production lines. These results in rapid prototyping and shorter lead times, supported by streamlined supply chains focused on these specialized mannequins. Moreover, the global expansion of beauty and personal care industries, particularly in emerging markets, has led to a surge in demand for cosmetology mannequins as more people pursue careers in hair and beauty services. The training market is highly dynamic, with frequent workshops, certifications, and new course launches, all requiring mannequins that are readily available and easy to replace.
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The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing market in the global mannequin industry due to its booming retail sector combined with rapid urbanization and increasing consumer demand for fashion and lifestyle products. The Asia Pacific mannequin industry is witnessing unprecedented growth largely driven by the region’s expanding retail landscape, which is fueled by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing middle class with a strong appetite for fashion and lifestyle products. Countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations are experiencing massive infrastructure development and modernization of shopping malls, boutiques, and department stores, all of which require mannequins to enhance visual merchandising and attract customers. The retail sector in these countries is evolving quickly, with brands emphasizing store aesthetics and customer experience more than ever before. Mannequins play a vital role in this transformation by showcasing apparel, accessories, and footwear in an appealing manner, helping brands create an emotional connection with shoppers. Moreover, the rise of e-commerce has influenced physical stores to invest in more innovative and eye-catching displays to stay competitive, further boosting demand for sophisticated mannequins. Additionally, the manufacturing capabilities and cost advantages in the Asia Pacific region contribute to its dominance in this industry. Many mannequin manufacturers have established production hubs here due to lower labor and material costs, enabling them to offer affordable and diverse product ranges, including customized and technologically advanced mannequins such as those with articulated limbs or realistic facial features. The region’s fashion industry is also gaining global prominence, with local designers and international brands expanding their presence, thus increasing the requirement for mannequins to meet diverse style demands. Furthermore, government initiatives supporting retail and manufacturing sectors, along with favorable trade policies, have enhanced the ease of doing business, encouraging both domestic and foreign investments in this space.
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• February 2023: MuckN Brass started selling ‘Luxe-Cycling,’ a garden project-purpose mannequin legs to the department stores in the U.K. • November 2022: Gymshark, a British fitness brand, opened its flagship store in London. The store uses mannequins that are designed with 3D printing technologies for a genuine representation of the products. • March 2022: PUMA India introduced diverse dress forms at its flagship stores to mark Women's Day 2022. • April 2021: Sempere Mannequin started a service of selling custom-made sports & athlete torsos and other mannequin accessories in London, U.K.
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