Finally, becoming a model is possible even if you aren’t extremely skinny. Nowadays, the standards concerning physical parameters are overhauled, which has a positive effect on the diversity of characters. If you yearn to become a part of this world, namely, enter the segment of plus size models, you should start with learning the plus size model requirements, compile your portfolio, and find a credible agency that will represent you. Keep in mind, that a golden standard for plus size models is 45-34-48 measurements. Want to find out more details? Keep reading this guide.
Though such requirements differ depending on the country, brand, and agency, there are certain numbers to stick to while searching for a job:
Size Requirements – the ideal sizes range from 12 to 14 if we are talking about print media. 18 is a perfect option for modeling and the numbers from 18 to 22 fit the bill for runways.
Height Requirements – height is one of the key measurements for a plus size model. If you are interested in high fashion, you need to be between 5’9” to 6”. Fit models are expected to be 5’5 - 5’9’. Agents seeking models for commercial modeling mainly concentrate on body and face type rather than height.
Body Shape – namely refers to the waistline, which must be 10” lesser than that of the hips.
The requirements for plus size male models are less stringent. As the standard model has a waist size from 29 to 34, a plus size colleague should stick to the number over 34.
Note: Regardless of the area of plus size modeling you’d like to specialize in, it is very important to feel confident, be healthy, have smooth skin, shiny hair, white teeth, and good nails.
I have collected the info about the most famed representatives of the plus size modeling sphere. These are larger-than-life personalities, who have made a significant impact on the development of this niche. Besides, they shared some useful tips and inspirational stories for beginners, which you can find below.
Measurements: 42-30-46 in
Ashley Graham has a long track record in the modeling world. She was among the first plus size supermodels who appeared on the Sports Illustrated cover. The success was whopping and her photos were featured on the next 3 covers. Ashley has cooperated with Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and other high-profile magazines.
You can see her images on Vogue’s ’30 Under 30’ list. Besides, she was among the ’25 Most intriguing People’ in 2016. However, Ashley didn’t stop there and wrote a book called ‘What Confidence, Beauty, And Power Really Look Like’. If you want to find out Ashley’s personal opinion about plus size models measurements as well as real-life stories, you should read this book.
Measurements: 51-49-59 in
Tess Holliday is a prominent example of how determination and persistence can transcend well-established plus size model requirements. With her 5’3” and a US size 16, she has few chances to make a successful career as a model. However, that didn’t stop Tess and she launched the Instagram hashtag #effyourbeautystandards. I was actually a social protest against strict standards that have ruined so many aspiring dreams.
She broached the subject of body positivity and actually resigned from her day job to fully concentrate on her activity. Over some time, she appeared in the viral video #everyBODYisflawless, which spiked lots of debates. After rising this topic, Tess was photographed for the Cosmopolitan UK and starred in an H&M campaign. Besides, she posed for Marie Claire, Nylon magazine, and Vogue Italia.
Measurements: 40-34-48 in
Barbie Ferreira started her career as an actress and you can see her in the role of Kat Hernandez in Euphoria. Since her first filming experience, she communicated openly her attitude to fixed measurements for a plus size model and encouraged society to treat a person deeper not only her/his appearance.
Barbie accentuated the importance of equality and the absence of body shamers. She also worked with top-tier brands, including Adidas, ASOS, H&M, and Aerie, to name a few.
Measurements: 41-27-42 in
She is the first Afro-American plus size model who posed for US Vogue photographers. Being an innovator in many aspects, Precious Lee has retained her status in the modeling world for over a decade.
She has walked the runways of Savage x Fenty, Versace, and Moschino, as well as participated in campaigns for Khloe Kardashian's Good American and Kim Kardashian's SKIMS. Precious Lee is recognized for her powerful model poses and distinctive emotions.
Measurements: 41-32-47 in
Kate Wasley proclaims the principles of body positivity not only with the help of modeling but also through different social media campaigns. Her big breakthrough was in the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit series, and that event was a stepping stone to her modeling career.
After that, she supported the initiative of her colleague, Georgia Gibbs, and together they founded Any Body Co. The organization raises the issues of modeling standards and the place plus size models occupy in this highly competitive sphere.
Nowadays, the variety of modeling schools, classes, as well as individual coaches is staggering, so if you are serious about this profession, you should find an assistant/mentor, who you’ll feel comfortable with. An expert can show you different types of male poses and female poses, and choose those that best fit your body type.
Besides, you’ll be able to discern the difference between fashion, beauty, glamour, and lifestyle plus size boudoir photography poses, thus creating a portfolio with a diversity of images. Another advantage of hiring a seasoned coach is his/her extensive network of business contact, so you may even happen to find your first job for Instagram or Facebook photography campaigns.
No wonder, applying for a model position is impossible without an interesting portfolio. When you start to create a portfolio, you should think of what designers and casting directors would like to see. Of course, several images in natural lighting are a must. However, this is a bare minimum and you need to experiment with poses and looks to get captivating shots. The main intricacy here is to demonstrate your range. In fact, a diversified portfolio can be enough for spiking interest in casting agents.
It makes sense to have a go at plus size boudoir photography if you plan to look for plus size bikini model jobs. After receiving your images, choose from popular portfolio website builders to make a portfolio. Wix and Squarespace are the most feature-rich yet intuitive options. Make sure to add a link to your Instagram to help potential employers form a complete opinion about you.
To find your place among plus size models, you should get in touch with trustworthy agencies that specialize in this particular niche. If you reach out to a standard modeling agency, you may waste your time as few of them have a plus division.
The most feted and reliable agencies I can recommend are IMG Models, Ford+, IPM Models, Flaunt Models, and Bicoastal Management. There are also several curvy agencies that hire plus size models – Curve Models in Germany and Bridge Models in the UK.
When you are invited to casting, there are several things to take care of. You should always start by reading the invitation form attentively. Some agencies want models to put on something specific. If there is nothing of this kind in the papers, you are free to choose any outfit. However, opt for clothes that highlight your body curves favorably without being flashy.
As for a hairdo, you should opt for a frizz-free style. It is needless to devote much time to complicated up-does as you may be asked to make it lose. Besides, apply minimum makeup that will gently flatter your genuine beauty and plus size models measurements. Steer clear of dark eyes and a bold lip.
You may need to improve your makeup in the process of shooting, so bring concealer, lip balm, powder, and other accessories with you. If casting is planned to last several hours, it is better to have a bottle of water and a snack at hand.
Social media platforms are fantastic for promoting services and finding clients. For example, you can use Instagram and post different images, thus bolstering your chances to become noticed by casting directors. However, posting photos randomly will unlikely bring any good, so learn the recommendations of how to have a successful Instagram that is built with consistency in mind.
In fact, you can use a social media profile as a full-featured portfolio. You need to update it with new photos from different events, comment on your recent modeling experiences, and even share your ideas about posing, etc. Use every possibility to cooperate with Instagram photographers residing in your neck of the woods. Thus, you can understand what is demanded in your region.
You have probably noticed that average plus size model measurements have nothing to do with obesity. In fact, plus size models regularly train in a gym and have a balanced diet. So, if you hope to make a living by partaking in such photo sessions, you have to devote enough time to sports and keep tabs on your nutrition. This looms particularly large if you will pose in lingerie.
It is also very important to maintain your weight and size. If your proportions wax and wane all the time, you risk losing your clients because people want to work with the model, they saw in photos not its smaller or bigger copy. Your lifestyle has a serious effect on how your skin, hair, nails, and teeth look. So, if you have any bad habits, it is necessary to get rid of them.
Models should stick to the numbers ranging from 161 to 205lbs. The admissible chest size is within the 41-45 diapason. However, when choosing plus size models, casting agents also gauge waist and hip ratio.
Tess Holliday, who is 5’5” tall and has a size 22, was called the largest woman of her size. She signed a contract with MiLK Model Management in the UK and worked with the company for quite a long time.
Models working in America can earn from $10,060 to $181,237, while an average wage equals approximately $32,786 a year. For many plus size models, this occupation is rather a side hustle so it is difficult to forecast how many photo sessions will be arranged the next month and how much money they will earn.
Of course. In fact, this is an obligatory condition for anyone doing modeling professionally. It is very important to keep size and weight unchanged, which is possible with an active lifestyle and a balanced diet.
According to WWD, model Ashley Graham was the first plus-size model to ever appear on a Vogue cover. It happened in 2017. In fact, she was one of 7 models featured in the image.
