How to fit a garment

When working with historic dress do not expect to find a mannequin or dress form that the ensemble will easily fit – some customization of your garment will always be necessary. In this section, learn about how to pad a dress stand, make a top cover, create skirt supports and more.

A green bodice from an 1880s garment on a white background

How to fit a garment – Introduction

When working with historic dress do not expect to find a mannequin or dress form that the ensemble will easily and naturally fit!

A purple suit jacket and skirt with a silver brooch, on a white background

How to pad a dress stand to support period garments

Padding a dress stand physically supports a garment and helps to convey a number of messages about how people altered, enhanced or revealed parts of their bodies.

An embroidered bodice of an 1730s garment on a white background

How to make a top cover

Making a top cover allows a garment to sit well and protects it from the abrasive qualities of the padding.

two long pieces of padding made to be the shape of arms

How to make quick padded arms

Adding arms to an ensemble finishes the torso support and makes an enormous difference to the presentation of a garment by helping to create shape and the illusion of a body inside the object.

A dressmaker's dummy with a half-made dress and padded arms attached

How to make skirt supports

Hoops, bustles and nylon undergarments were often used under skirts to add fullness and shape that reflect the progression of woman’s fashion. Creating the appropriate shape and volume of a skirt is vital to its interpretation.