what should i use to pad out a SS wrap on a mannequin

[ironcross13]

Hi guys,

Ive got a SS wrap that is a small size, as you know most was small sizing.
i've bought a small size mannequin but need to pad it out around the shoulders.
what should i use to pad it as i don't want to damage the wrap or anything.

I was thinking of using bubble wrap or some cotton type of material what do you guys think?

Regards Martin.

[Adam S.]

I use plastic shopping bags. Plentiful and easy to shape.

[ironcross13]

I use plastic shopping bags. Plentiful and easy to shape.

Yeah thats one cheap way. i was unsure what to use as did not want to damage the cloth, i bought some plain parcel paper to use as it dont have any dies or anything in i don't think.

so do people just use anything? i was worried incase die or something soaked into the cloth over time, maybe i'm just overthinking lol

[keifer kahn]

I use a cotton towel and over the top a plain cotton t shirts to hold it all in.

I cut a hole in the top middle of the towel,slip that over the neck and fold the sides under to adjust the shoulder width and round the waist.Then i put a snug fitting t-shirt over the top to hold all the size adjustments in place.

I was every thiing at least twice to remove any dye due to lack of coloufastness.

[Disco Partisan]

I use this material (they call it "foam underlayment")
apply on mannequin and shape desired form with multilevels
layers are thin so it takes a lot of time and patience but at the same time it gives you good control of what you are building (size)

[Disco Partisan]

or i also use this. Easy to apply. waterbased, sticks to everything, when dries becomes like plastic/wood

[Disco Partisan]

and/or this "high performance" foam "2K" means it is a more "solid" than a regular foam





basically when it dries up it is more like this :

[Disco Partisan]

The most important part in displaying uniforms on mannequins IMO
is
to find the right size for your tunic that will fit neck, shoulders, chest, length, etc perfectly
which is pretty much impossible because

there is always something (pose, size, face etc.) is wrong - wont fit your tunic

so the best way is to make your mannequin customly - not entirely but partially

rework it is a good idea and only way to go so
good luck

because this is not my collection right?

[ironcross13]

thanks guys been very helpful.
mine is just a cheap mannequin with no head. the wrap is a small size but arms are really long.

[ironcross13]

The most important part in displaying uniforms on mannequins IMO
is
to find the right size for your tunic that will fit neck, shoulders, chest, length, etc perfectly
which is pretty much impossible because

there is always something (pose, size, face etc.) is wrong - wont fit your tunic

so the best way is to make your mannequin customly - not entirely but partially

rework it is a good idea and only way to go so
good luck

because this is not my collection right?

very nice display there lol

[ironcross13]

Just ordered a small T Shirt and some plain cotton.
as i need to pad out the shoulders

[Wilhelm]

I too use plastic shopping bags. Duct tape can be of use as well.

[DonC]

The smaller air-filled shipping "bags" are great to fill out the shoulder areas and arms of tunics on forms to give them a more realistic look.

Don

[Disco Partisan]

shopping bags, etc often create uneven and bumpy areas under your tunic; also with such materials it is hard to achieve the exact size (shoulders, neck, etc) you are trying to build; also they are not permanent (on mannequin) - every time you take your tunic off the mannequin you have to fix it here and there all over again.
I've tried many different 'shortcuts' (bubble-wraps, multiple sweaters, etc) nothing seemed good enough to me , so this what I've come to. As I said yesterday it takes time to build with this thing but at the same time you have full control of the size and shape that you are trying to achieve

[Disco Partisan]

German factory-made tunics all have five different size markings on them because at least these five are essential for good visual appearance of the tunic when worn. And a tailor would take much more measurements of your body when making a custom-tailored tunic for you.