Mannequins are funny objects. They’re meant to do something very simple: display clothes in a way that gives you an idea of how they look on a real person. Unfortunately, that often misses the mark! Or maybe we should say “fortunately” because that means we have more to laugh at.
But mannequins are also used by corporations trying to figure out exactly what customers want. They usually don’t get it right. What they give us are mannequins with unachievable body types, bizarre poses, and outfits that no one would ever want to wear.
Maybe that’s what makes them so funny. We might not always want the clothes they display, but we really love making fun of them.
These days, companies are utilizing all kinds of mannequins. They include ones with different skin colors, body types, and even special accommodations. That’s fantastic because everyone should feel represented in the fashion industry.
Overall, mannequins can help retail companies do a better job in connecting with consumers. By listening to what their customers want, retailers display clothing that’s more enticing. But sometimes, stores showcase clothes and the mannequins that wear them, well, in very weird ways. And we’re going to laugh.
1. How we all look on our way to work
This mannequin is a perfect representation of how we all look on a Monday morning. At least she’s really fashionable and has a killer hairstyle.
As the internet memes say: “Just another unrealistic expectation for women.” I can’t even figure out what they’re selling. Is it the underwear, the headband, or both?
This is probably just a case of very, very poor placement, but there’s just no getting around that red plant. Placed right behind the mannequin, it definitely looks like she’s getting her head blown off.
Have you ever known someone who was just a little too enthusiastic and it made people feel uncomfortable? That’s this mannequin, that’s way too happy to report for duty.
For a mannequin wearing a bridal gown, this lady looks…well, pretty miserable. If you see a bride that looks this upset on her wedding day, you might want to hail her a taxi.
6. Now you know what it’ll look like on your grandpa
They say we need mannequins with more realistic bodies and they’re right! This one is designed for someone with a very specific body type: The Grandpa Body, complete with a beer belly.
7. This store provides designated feeding stations
When breastfed babies see a breast, they might decide it’s snack time. Hilariously, this store left its nude mannequins on the floor right at baby mouth-level.
This is the pose that teens strike when they don’t want to do something. Remember when your mom would make you try on all your school clothes and perform a fashion show for your dad?
Some mannequins have false faces, some have no faces, and some have faces that are just a little too realistic. Apparently, others have the face of former President Barack Obama.
10. Mommy, I don’t want to go to this store anymore
There’s something about a little too much enthusiasm that can be unsettling. If you doubt it, take a look at these child mannequins in action. That’s one way to prevent you from spending any money at this store.
Sure, most of the time when people say they want to see more realistic women in fashion, they’re referring to body types. But I’ll accept a mannequin fixing a wedgie.
12. At least you know what this outfit will look like while doing your lunges
Thank goodness they have the mannequin in this position. Otherwise, how would you ever know what these clothes look like while you’re being completely fabulous? I just think he needs more scarves.
While this mannequin looks relatively normal, the placing of that decoration above its head is reminiscent of The Sims. Nobody should place anything in front of the chair or she’ll never be able to move.
14. These suits are perfect for your ninja impression
Who needs mannequins standing in regular boring positions when you could have ninjas? And of course, in addition to the ninja poses, they’re wearing some lovely business attire.
I don’t work in sales, but it seems like you wouldn’t want a mannequin that looks like she hates what she’s wearing. Seriously, who thought the “screaming child” look was a good sales tactic?
16. Is this the best way to display an eloquent dress?
I get that stores want to be different as a way of getting customers to look at their products, but I think they missed the mark on this one. On the other hand, this display definitely makes you do a double-take.
Toddlers cry a lot. So, in reality, this mannequin is quite realistic. Even if your kid’s crying, probably for a silly reason, at least he or she will have a cute outfit on while doing it!
This mannequin looks quietly distraught. I feel like I need to ask him if he’s okay. Seriously, this is how people look when their entire lives are falling apart before their eyes. Nice jacket, though.
These mannequins might be showing off some nice clothes, but there’s no getting around the fact that they look like they’re in the middle of a marital crisis. Maybe they’re fighting because the dad doesn’t have any hands.
There’s nothing worse than public displays of affection. Just kidding, it turns out there is. It’s public displays of affection between two mannequins. This is downright creepy.
Here’s another mannequin that looks like she’s questioning all her life decisions. Of course, that might actually fit, considering she works in a sex shop.
The details of this face are what makes this mannequin so creepy. That giant mouth looks like something straight out of a horror movie, and what’s up with those lifelike eyes?
At first glance, you might think someone knocked over this display of toddler clothing. But I like to think they’re creating a realistic depiction of how the outfit will look during a tantrum.
24. He’s ready to hype everyone up about these sales
Remember what we said before about overly enthusiastic mannequins being creepy? This guy is yet another example. Of course, that facial hair isn’t helping.
Most mannequins have a classic model physique, complete with toned, muscular arms. But not this guy! His arms are apparently made out of cardboard tubing, based on those divots.
When your mannequin is posed like this, you might not want to dress it in business casual. If you do, you’ll end up with a philosophy professor who’s trying way too hard to be cool.
This Nike mannequin is pushing the realms of the male physique to places it’s never been before. I’m not sure this guy could even walk upright with a butt like that!
Stores use mannequins of all shapes and sizes these days, and that’s great! But this one really messed up. What’s up with the small head and the freakishly tiny hands?
If you love to mow lawns, drink beer, and grill burgers, we’ve got the shirt for you! After all, they say that women are scientifically more attracted to the dad body type.
Mannequins are featured online around the world, but none of them are as weird as this one spotted in Chile. Who thought “Nah, we don’t need a mannequin, let’s just use a terrifying goblin to model the clothes instead”?
Mannequins used to stand, blankly staring off into space. But these days, retail stores are trying to make them a little more interesting. This one shows what you’ll look like while Army crawling across the floor!
This store was kind of stumped about how to best set off their French-themed clothes. They came up with the brilliant idea to tie baguettes to the mannequins’ heads. What a waste of good bread!
Clothing companies have always had unrealistic expectations for men and women alike, and this mannequin is proof! What workout is going to help him achieve arms like that?
This store decided to leave their mannequins’ faces blank, but some customer decided to make things a little more interesting. That just begs the question: who walks around a department store with googly eyes and glue?
35 Of The Most Weird And Hilarious Mannequins Found In Stores
Cedric Jackson
10.14.19
Mannequins are funny objects. They’re meant to do something very simple: display clothes in a way that gives you an idea of how they look on a real person. Unfortunately, that often misses the mark! Or maybe we should say “fortunately” because that means we have more to laugh at.
But mannequins are also used by corporations trying to figure out exactly what customers want. They usually don’t get it right. What they give us are mannequins with unachievable body types, bizarre poses, and outfits that no one would ever want to wear.
Maybe that’s what makes them so funny. We might not always want the clothes they display, but we really love making fun of them.
These days, companies are utilizing all kinds of mannequins. They include ones with different skin colors, body types, and even special accommodations. That’s fantastic because everyone should feel represented in the fashion industry.
Overall, mannequins can help retail companies do a better job in connecting with consumers. By listening to what their customers want, retailers display clothing that’s more enticing. But sometimes, stores showcase clothes and the mannequins that wear them, well, in very weird ways. And we’re going to laugh.
