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Frequently Asked Questions
No stand is included. We found that customer’s requests were so varied that a “one-size-fits-all” (like the dress form itself!) was not a good solution.
Each DittoForm includes a top pole with hook so it can be hung from a tension bar (or such) and includes a lower pole support for a stand with up to a 1 1/8″ pipe (for pole-mounted from below, through the center between legs).
We suggest searching for terms like: Economy IV Pole, Caster Base with Pole, Display Stand
Also recommended by customers: The base from a Hat Rack or Floor lamp
RECOMMENDATION: Mannequin Madness carries quality dress form stands (bonus: Black-Woman-Owned Business) has generously offered a 10% Discount Code for DittoForm Customers. Code: DittoForm [Note: you likely will not use the neck cap. Your DittoForm’s neck will be your size/shape, may be on an angle (not flat on top) and will have a 1/2″ top pole approximately in the center.]
Very! DittoForms capture Your body shape. The measurements are typically accurate to within a quarter to half an inch, depending on the area of the body.
We’ve found that in the parts of your body that expand and contract when you breathe (especially the bust and stomach/waist), you can expect to see measurements that reflect your average measurements. These measurements are generally 0.25-0.75″ (1-2 cm) greater than your body in its relaxed state, but accurate for your body when you are breathing in.
There is a degree of “squishiness” to the real body that we cannot fully replicate with the form, but the measurements afford considerable accuracy for fitting and drafting patterns. A DittoForm is NOT an EXACT copy of you. You are human. A DittoForm is foam. Clothing will hang on the DittoForm in the same ways that it does on you – eg. if a shirt has drag lines in a certain area when you wear it, it will have drag lines in the same place when it is on the DittoForm.
Our professional 3D scanning software gives us instant, real-time feedback on the measurements taken by the scanner. We review these measurements with you at the time of the scan and you will approve the final image used for manufacture BEFORE placing your order.
No.
We do not recommend getting a scan just for the measurements. The dimensions are accurate, however, the files are not calibrated to produce reports in a format that are usable for pattern drafting. For example, the narrowest waist line generated by the software is at placed at the narrowed circumference horizontal to the floor — often an underbust (not particularly useful).
Our process doesn’t use calculations and math to set the carving – it uses the picture itself. That’s how we can do asymmetries, slopes, angles and curves. We take hand measurements as an extra step to ensure that we capture specific details of the parts of you that might not be visible on the picture (most specifically underarms, overbust, and shoulder areas.
SIDE NOTE:
Some of our Vendors are able to use the image files to generate Master Patterns. (Software Tailoring)
There may be other uses for the image files. Please contact us if you want to see if our files will work for your purpose.
We run a small shop right now – so “as soon as we can.” We commit to a ship date 8 weeks out from the date your DittoForm is Ordered. Typical turnaround is 4-5 weeks. We can do Rush Orders for an additional fee.
We will ship the DittoForm earlier if it is complete. We always check with you first to make sure you will be home to sign for it!
*Within a few days following the scan appointment, you will have a video call to review the final file to be used for the manufacturing process. Once we have your approval and payment, the order is officially placed.
Like most professional dress forms, DittoForm is not automatically adjustable by pushing a button. Please note: A DittoForm is a snapshot in time. Various factors affect the details of your shape from day to day: what you have eaten, your posture, being fatigued or breathing patterns. We do our best to capture the best, most usable shape for your projects.
If you are someone whose weight fluctuates significantly (more than 10 pounds up and down in three months or so), and you make clothes for every phase of your swing, DittoForm may not be an appropriate product for you. Each DittoForm is custom-crafted for each customer and is not refundable or returnable.
Yes – we CAN make adjustments. But “taking off two inches around your waist” is not as easy as an equal reduction in circumference. We have found post-production edits to be extremely problematic: When “remove weight loss” or “adjust the shoulders to where I prefer them to be”, you enter the realm of art over science. We strongly recommend using a realistic body and can help you understand that what you see on the DittoForm may be difficult, but isn’t Wrong. So… Yes. The foam is able to be carved, meaning can be carved smaller if you lose weight in a particular area. It can be padded out with batting applied under the cover if you gain weight. Each case is different. We will work with you for the best solution. Pricing for post-production alterations by DittoForm will be determined case by case.
Yes — it is very lightweight (most are less than 10 lbs or 4.5 kg) and the hook at the neck can be used to hang the DittoForm in a closet.
DittoForms are constructed from a UV-resistant foam that completely pinable and durable. It is not hard like plastic nor is it compressible like a cushion. It is closed-cell foam and will not shatter. *It is latex-free.
Each DittoForm’s cover is custom made. The cover is a stretch jersey knit fabric and includes body marking lines. The standard color for the cover is a heather grey material. We can special order another color for you or use material you provide for an additional fee. NOTE: the final control measurements are taken with the cover on. The cover does not add to the overall measurements.
In Madison Heights, MI – a suburb of Detroit – by some amazing craftspeople. The majority of the materials are USA-made products.
Building these forms give us the opportunity to give work to more people, and that makes us happy.
- We have a Studio just north of Detroit, Michigan. Due to Covid-related health restrictions, appointments are scheduled only on request. Please contact us for availability.
- We have also have a permanent scanning location in the Washington DC area. Please contact us for availability.
- You can go to Software Tailoring in Santa Rosa. Watch our website for future Approved Scanners.
- Our Travel Schedule has been significantly limited due to Covid-related health restrictions. Watch our site for updates!
And
If you have six or more people interested in purchasing a DittoForm if scanning were done in your city, please contact us and we’ll work out how to get there.
We recommend that women wear just a bra (similar to what you wear most often) and underwear. If you normally wear shapewear under your custom-sewn garments, you may prefer to wear it for the scan. Non-shiny pantyhose or plain black leggings will work. Just know that the DittoForm will have the shape and size of what is exposed to the scanner. The 3D scanner cannot detect your body contours beneath your clothing. Wearing a tank top, for example, can smooth over cleavage and the curve of your spine.
On the other hand, if you typically wear foundation garments that compress (and readjust) certain softer areas – or your clothing style has a similar effect (think tight jeans) – then wear something that will give you the shape you want to capture.
For men, we suggest form-fitting boxer-briefs or just briefs.
Unless your hair is short, please bring something to pull your hair up and off of your neck.
We place an extremely high value on confidentiality. If you wish to have a DittoForm made and sent to another person (a relative or seamstress), we can, of course, do that at your request. Just let us know when scheduling the scan and when giving us the delivery details. No one else will be able to order a DittoForm from your image. You cannot order a DittoForm of anyone else without their permission. We do not sell the graphic files, ever.
DittoForms are unique, one-of-a-kind item. They are NOT returnable and NOT refundable. You will be asked to acknowledge that you understand that the DittoForm will not be Exactly you. (You are Human. It is Foam.)
We’ll do our best to make sure you have a DittoForm that will make your sewing easier.