/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Cosplay novice here. Is it worth getting a full body maniquin? I've made two outfits so far and I've struggled the most getting a flattering fit. I'd wear a garment then have my gf pin the material tighter, cutting the excess until it was my size. It seems wasteful and time consuming. I'm also new to sewing so it's been hard visualizing patterns before cutting them. I'm usually going back and forth draping it on myself and trying to redraw cut lines.

I'm thinking just a torso would be fine, but I can see the benefit of having hips or legs in there too. I have limited storage so that is a factor in considering how big the maniquin is.

Lastly, does it really matter what kind I get or would scavenging local trade groups be fine? Price is less of an issue, I don't need the best of the best, but I also don't want to get something that's hard to work with or will fall apart.