dress form

IPA/dɹˈɛs fˈɔːm/
IPA/dɹˈɛs fˈɔːɹm/

dress form — noun

1. a torso-shaped model on a stand that dressmakers use for fitting, pinning, or sh

1.nounC1
Definition

a torso-shaped model on a stand that dressmakers use for fitting, pinning, or shaping clothes

Example

The designer pinned the silk bodice onto a dress form.

pin clothing onto a dress form

A padded dress form stood beside the sewing table.

padded dress form

Common collocations
  • adjustable dress form
  • padded dress form
  • wire dress form
  • pin fabric on a dress form
  • dress form on a stand
Synonyms
  • tailor's dummy

    chiefly British or informal; similar object used for fitting clothes

  • mannequin

    broader; often a full-body display figure in a shop

Grammar Patterns

a dress form

pin fabric on a dress form

adjust a dress form

dress form on a stand

Usage Note

A dress form is usually only the body from shoulders to thighs and normally has no arms or head. It is used for making and fitting clothes, not mainly for shop display.

Common Mistakes

Do not use 'dress form' for every shop-window figure. A full human-shaped display figure is usually a mannequin.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A dress form is the specialised torso used by a dressmaker or tailor while fitting and shaping clothes. A mannequin is broader and usually refers to a full figure used in shop displays, though artists and tailors may also use one. Tailor's dummy is close to dress form, but sounds more informal or British.

dress form ↗mannequin ↗tailor's dummy

Common collocations

Nouns

  • adjustable dress form
  • padded dress form
  • wire dress form
  • dress form stand

Phrases

  • pin fabric on a dress form
  • adjust a dress form
  • fit a garment on a dress form
  • display a bodice on a dress form

Prepositions

  • on a dress form
  • onto a dress form

Etymology

English

Dress form is a compound of 'dress', here meaning clothing, and 'form', meaning a shaped model.