Model Requirements
Fashion model requirements are dictated not by the fashion trade, but by the clients of model agencies that require a certain build, at a certain height, with a certain "look" for their advertisement, or to sell their clothing.
So just what are the fashion model requirements for a model generally?
A model must be almost perfect.........and almost perfect can come in many different shapes and sizes.
Underneath we listed the requirements for the most popular types of modelling you would find under the three main categories:
- Fashion Modelling
- Commercial Modelling
- Glamour Modelling
These requirements is a mere guideline and is not cast in concrete. Fashion houses change their "look" (requirements) from time to time.....
| Type of Modelling: | EDITORIAL MODELLING | ||||
| Model Category: | Fashion | ||||
| Category Description: |
Editorial assignments can include major international fashion magazines like Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, etc. or the Fashion section in major newspapers.
| ||||
| Appearance and Physical features: |
Tall, thin build, narrow hips, smaller bust, and usually young.Strong and distinctive features such as high cheekbones, square jaw line and long necks
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| Age Group: |
14 - 24 yrs
|  | |||
| Length: |
5’8” – 6’0” → 1.75 - 1.84m
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| Weight: |
113 - 128 lbs → 51 - 58 kg
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| Bust Size: |
32"- 34" → 81 - 86 cm
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| Cup Size: | A & B or sometimes C | ||||
| Waist Size: |
26" →66 cm
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| Hip Size: |
35½"
| → |
90 cm
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| Dress Size: |
4 - 6
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| Type of Modelling | : | RUNWAY/RAMP MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Fashion | ||||||
| Category Description | : | The purpose on the runway model, is to display the designers clothes. Clothing designers traditionally show their new collections twice a year (Fall and Spring) to perspective (store) buyers. How well a model brings the clothes to life and shows important features of the garments can determine how well they sell. So it is worth it to a designer to have the most ideal models show these collections. | ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | Young, very tall, slender and move very well in clothes. (Very thin, narrow hips, small bust) | ||||||
| Age Group | : |
Usually young: can be as young as fourteen to the early twenties.
|  | |||||
| Length | : | 5'9" and taller | → | 180 cm | ||||
| Weight | : |
110 - 125 lbs
| → |
50 - 57 kg
| ||||
| Bust Size | : |
32” - 34”
| → |
81 - 86 cm
| ||||
| Cup Size | : |
A or B
| ||||||
| Waist Size | : |
22” – 25”
| → |
56 - 63.5 cm
| ||||
| Hip Size | : |
33”- 35”
| → |
84 - 89 cm
| ||||
| Dress Size | : |
0 - 6
| ||||||
| Type of Modelling | : | CATALOGUE MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Fashion | ||||||
| Category Description | : |
Catalogue models are hired to wear clothes or demonstrate products for various print publications and store catalogues. These models typically don’t have supermodel proportions, and look more like everyday people. However, they still need to meet certain physical requirements and have a certain ‘look’ to be selected by a casting agency or company.
| ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | Young, very tall, slender and move very well in clothes. (Very thin, narrow hips, small bust) | ||||||
| Age Group | : |
14 - 25 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : |
5’7” or taller
| → | 1.70 m or taller | ||||
| Weight | : |
110 - 125 lbs
| → |
50 - 57 kg
| ||||
| Bust Size | : |
32" - 35”
| → |
81 - 89 cm
| ||||
| Waist Size | : |
22" – 25”
| → |
56 - 64 cm
| ||||
| Hip Size | : |
33" - 36"
| → |
84 - 92 cm
| ||||
| Dress Size | : |
4 - 6
| ||||||
| Type of Modelling | : | PRINT MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Fashion | ||||||
| Category Description | : |
Fashion Print models are seen in printed advertisements and billboards, wearing fashion clothing. It can be display ads or collateral print materials. This is the most demanding work to get but pays the best because of usage and exclusives. These are the ads that can make or break a designer's reputation. With these ads it is very important that the concept, photo, and model work perfectly to convey the 'image' that is wanted.
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| Appearance and Physical features | : | Print Models must be tall with a slender figure & attractive | ||||||
| Age Group | : |
14 - 25 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : |
5'7" - 5'9"
| → | 1.70 m or taller | ||||
| Weight | : |
110 - 130 lbs
| → |
50 - 59 kg
| ||||
| Bust Size | : | 34" | → | 86 cm | ||||
| Waist Size | : | 24" | → | 61 cm | ||||
| Hip Size | : | 34" | → | 86 cm | ||||
| Dress Size | : |
4 - 6
| ||||||
| Type of Modelling | : | SHOWROOM MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Fashion | ||||||
| Category Description | : | Showroom modelling can include runway shows in local boutiques introducing a new collection or in conventions or other retail stores for products. Showroom models can also showcase a fashion designer’s clothing line. Models for showroom modelling jobs are usually hired through contacts with local boutiques and fashion designers and cater to local clients. | ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : |
These models are typically taller, but there is quite a bit of flexibility in this category. No strict requirements, sizes vary from designer to designer.
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| Age Group | : |
14 - 25 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : |
5'2" to 5'7" tall
| → |
1.62 - 1.70m
| ||||
| Weight | : |
93 - 117 lbs
| → | 42 - 53 kg | ||||
| Bust Size | : |
32" - 35”
| → |
81 - 89 cm
| ||||
| Waist Size | : |
22" – 25”
| → |
56 - 64 cm
| ||||
| Hip Size | : |
33" - 36"
| → |
84 - 92 cm
| ||||
| Dress Size | : |
2 - 6
| ||||||
| Type of Modelling | : | LINGERIE MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Fashion / Glamour | ||||||
| Category Description | : | Lingerie models are curvy models displaying designer underwear and sleepwear at Fashion shows or alternatively posing for photographs which will feature in fashion catalogues | ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : |
This type of modelling may be more revealing it therefore requires very good body tone and proportions. No cellulite or excessive muscles, thin waist, narrow hips, fuller bust. Flawless skin, not much body hair, very few moles, scars, or freckles. Models with naturally darker skin or a light tan colour (not overly tan, and certainly no tan lines) arepreferred.
| ||||||
| Age Group | : |
18 - 28 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : | 5'6" - 6' | → | 1.70 - 1.83 m | ||||
| Weight | : | 90-140 lbs | → | 41 - 63.5 kg | ||||
| Bust Size | : | 32"-36" | → | 81 - 91.5 cm | ||||
| Cup Size | : | C - Cup | ||||||
| Waist Size | : | 22"-26" | → | 56 - 66 cm | ||||
| Hip Size | : | 34"-35" | → | 86 - 89 cm | ||||
| Type of Modelling | : | SWIMWEAR MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Fashion | ||||||
| Category Description | : | Most swimsuit modelling jobs have very specific physical requirements since swimsuit models must have great bodies. Almost all swimsuit models have long legs, small waists, great curves and nice tanned skin. | ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | Lean fit body fit, strong, firm, well-proportioned and healthy at all times. This might require regular work-outs at a gym, Beautiful skin, teeth and hair. | ||||||
| Age Group | : |
18 - 28 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : |
5'6"-6'0"
| → |
1.70 - 1.83 m
| ||||
| Weight | : |
100-130 lbs
| → |
45 - 59 kg
| ||||
| Bust Size | : | 34" - 36" | → |
86 - 91.5 cm
| ||||
| Cup Size | B to D - Cup | |||||||
| Waist Size | : | 24"- 26" | → |
61 - 66 cm
| ||||
| Hip Size | : | 34" - 36" | → |
86 - 91 cm
| ||||
| Type of Modelling | : | SPORT/FITNESS MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Fashion / Commercial | ||||||
| Category Description | : | Fitness modelling centres on displaying an athletic physique. Fitness models usually have defined muscles like bodybuilders, but with less emphasis on muscle size. Their body weight is usually similar to (or heavier than) fashion models, but they have a lower body fat percentage due to increased muscle mass relative to fat mass. | ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | You need to be trim, strong and look great in active wear and swimwear. Avoid too much muscle definition; you still need to look pretty and feminine | ||||||
| Age Group | : |
18 - 35 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : |
5'5" to 6'
| → |
1.68 - 1.83m
| ||||
| Weight | : |
110 - 140 lbs
| → |
50 - 63.5 kg
| ||||
| Bust Size | : |
32" - 36"
| → |
81 - 91.5 cm
| ||||
| Cup Size | : |
B - D Cup
| ||||||
| Waist Size | : | 22" - 26" | → |
56 - 66 cm
| ||||
| Hip Size | : | 30" - 36" | → |
76 - 92 cm
| ||||
| Type of Modelling | : | FIT MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Fashion | ||||||
| Category Description | : | Fashion designers and apparel manufacturers need models to test the size specifications of their clothing before the production phase. The measurements of a fit model vary with the clothing line, designer and customer base. Fit models include children, men and plus size women. This modelling specialty pays well and requires only a few hours of work a week. | ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | Stay in shape. A fit model needs to maintain certain measurements to gain consistent work, so eat right, exercise and keep your body fit. | ||||||
| Age Group | : |
No specific age restriction
|  | |||||
| Length | : | No particular height or weight requirement (depends on client or print publication) | ||||||
| Weight | : | |||||||
| Bust Size | : | 30" - 40" | → |
76 - 102 cm
| ||||
| Waist Size | : | 20" - 30" | → |
51 - 76 cm
| ||||
| Hip Size | : | 30 " - 42" | → |
76 - 107 cm
| ||||
| Dress Size | : | All sizes | ||||||
| Suit Size | : | All sizes | ||||||
| Shirt Size | : | All sizes | ||||||
| Type of Modelling | : | PRODUCT MODELLING | ||
| Model Category | : | Commercial | ||
| Category Description | : | Product Models appear in newspapers, catalogues, magazines, editorials, (photos shown in conjunction with a product in a magazine), brochures, on posters, billboards, sides of buses, packages of food items, household products, games, etc. These models are the silent salesperson promoting a product or company. | ||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | In commercial modelling people of all heights, weights, sizes, ages, and races are used to promote articles/products . | ||
 | ||||
| Type of Modelling | : | LIFESTYLE MODELLING | ||
| Model Category | : | Commercial | ||
| Category Description | : | Models photographed during certain life activities in order to advertise and promote a specific Lifestyle. Lifestyle models are used to act out some concept or idea of life. These photographs might be of a middle aged couple walking in the park and it will for example be used to advertise a new retirement resort, or maybe a photo of a young couple playing in a park with their children which will be used in an ad for a life insurance company. | ||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | Depending on the theme of the advertisement, but irrespective of the age group or gender, it will be very attractive "normal" people. | ||
| Type of Modelling | : | BODY PART MODELLING | |||
| Model Category | : | Fashion / Commercial | |||
| Category Description | : | Body part modelling is a special category that belongs in both fashion and commercial modelling. This is the use of just part of the body in a photograph. Sometimes standard models that look great in full-length shots or headshots don't look so good close up. Their hands or feet might not look good enough for the specific setting...this is where the Body Part Model comes into play. They will set up a shoot using the standard model's face but the body part model's hands and it looks like it is just one person. Usually body part models will specialize in just one part of the body like hands, feet, legs, ears, or neck | |||
Appearance and Physical features
|  | ||||
| Leg/Foot Models | : | Legs should be long and slender and free of any visible veins, scars, stretch marks, or other blemishes. The skin should be smooth and flawless with an even skin tone. | |||
| Hand Models | : | Long slender graceful hand and fingers. We also look for smooth (no wrinkles, hair or large pours), clear (no blemishes or irregular colour) skin, and very good nails. The ability to pose the hand in a relaxed graceful fashion is very important. | |||
| Body Models | : | It could be Neck, bust , torso or even the butt. The body part should be free of any visible veins, scars, stretch marks, or other blemishes. The skin should be smooth and flawless with an even skin tone. | |||
| Type of Modelling | : | CORPORATE MODEL |
| Model Category | : | Commercial |
| Category Description | : |
Corporate modelling is like Lifestyle but it always has a business theme. Again physical requirements can vary greatly, but usually attractive people are used - although sometimes character models are used.
|
 | ||
| Type of Modelling | : | PRODUCT DEMO MODEL | ||
| Model Category | : | Commercial | ||
| Category Description | : |
In smaller markets this seems to be a favourite area to start models. Models stand in front of, or in a store or mall, and hand out free samples of something. The idea is they want someone attractive that people will be drawn to and will work for just a few hours or a few days. When you are young and starting out this pays better then any regular job and it can really build your confidence around people.
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| Appearance and Physical features | : | No age and gender restrictions. Demo models to be attractive with outgoing personalities. | ||
 | ||||
| Type of Modelling | : | TRADE SHOW MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Commercial | ||||||
| Category Description | : |
Once again attractive people are attention getters. When a trade show comes to town some exhibitors may hire models to hand out literature at their booths. One of the classics examples of this is the auto show. Again, it gives some income when you are starting out and gets you in front of the public. Next step could be Catalogue or Print Modelling
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| Appearance and Physical features | : | Attractive and well toned body, with a outgoing personality | ||||||
| Age Group | : |
18 - 26 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : |
5'7" - 5'9"
| → | 1.70 m or taller | ||||
| Weight | : |
110 - 130 lbs
| → |
50 - 59 kg
| ||||
| Bust Size | : | 32" - 34" | → | 81 - 86 cm | ||||
| Cup Size | : |
B - D
| ||||||
| Waist Size | : | 24"- 26" | → | 61 - 66 cm | ||||
| Hip Size | : | 32" - 34" | → | 81 - 86 cm | ||||
| Dress Size |
4 - 6
| |||||||
| Type of Modelling | : | HOBBY/CASUAL MODELLING | |
| Model Category | : | Fashion/Commercial | |
| Category Description | : | This is modelling for the fun of it...maybe to help out with a fundraiser Fashion show, or to get exposure to modelling before you start a career. Some Models may never make a living at modelling but enjoy being in front of the camera or being on the runway. There have also been cases where someone may start modelling just for fun and then end up making a career of it. | |
| Appearance and Physical featuresAttractive with a well toned body. Not to strict requirements if done for free, but if a potential career in Modelling is the objective, then requirements (as noted elsewhere on this page) will be a determining factor. |  | ||
| Type of Modelling | : | ALTERNATIVE MODELLING | |
| Model Category | : | Fashion / Commercial / Glamour | |
| Category Description | : |
Alternative modelling is a branch of the modelling industry that features models who do not conform to mainstream ideals of beauty. Alternative models are often niche-specific, with a personal style that represents subcultures like Goth, burlesque, latex and fetishism. An alternative model may for example be tattooed, pierced, or have distinctively sub-cultural hair (shaved, dyed a distinctively unnatural colour, or in dreadlocks).
| |
| Appearance and Physical featuresThe term 'alternative' suggests that alternative modelling is classed as any model with a look which doesn't fit into mainstream modelling, so height, size, and even what would be considered 'beautiful' are all up for tradition-smashing, but whilst it's true that there's a wide variety of alt model looks, it's not quite that open a term these days. With the rise of social networks, mass marketing with sites like suicide girls and god girls, the term 'alt model' has definitely become associated - at least in the world of online media, with body art, burlesque, retro pinup, gothic and fetish looks. Many of the girls do sit outside of what would be considered 'high-fashion' proportions, but the look has definitely become more and more recognisable as 'alt' in recent years, as its popularity has spread. |  | ||
| Type of Modelling | : | GLAMOUR MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Glamour | ||||||
| Category Description | : | Glamour Modelling is one of the only kinds of modelling that is not used to promote a product or service. The main aim of glamour modelling is to advertise the model herself and sell the sexualised images that she creates. Glamour Modelling does not have the same demands as Catwalk and Fashion Modelling, with the lack of height requirements being a great selling point to those looking at the glamour industry. Models still need to have good skin, teeth and hair and are often 'persuaded' to increase their breast size artificially, although it is not demanded. Many woman will increase their breast size believing that this will enhance their career, but this is not always the case. A Glamour Model must also have a fun personality and be very outgoing, as the type of work involved requires someone with a high degree of confidence. There are different types of Glamour Modelling that involve the models wearing a different amount of clothes, from bikini and lingerie shot to topless and nude poses. There are opportunities in all of these fields and many photographers that specialise in each area. | ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | |||||||
| Age Group | : |
18 - 28 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : | 5'6" - 6' | → | 1.70 - 1.83 m | ||||
| Weight | : | 90-140 lbs | → | 41 - 63.5 kg | ||||
| Bust Size | : | 32"-36" | → | 81 - 91.5 cm | ||||
| Cup Size | : | C - D | ||||||
| Waist Size | : | 22"-26" | → | 56 - 66 cm | ||||
| Hip Size | : | 34"-35" | → | 86 - 89 cm | ||||
| Type of Modelling | : | BIKINI MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Glamour | ||||||
| Category Description | : | Most swimsuit modelling jobs have very specific physical requirements since swimsuit models must have great bodies. Almost all swimsuit models have long legs, small waists, great curves and nice tanned skin. | ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | Lean fit body fit, strong, firm, well-proportioned and healthy at all times. This might require regular work-outs at a gym, Beautiful skin, teeth and hair. | ||||||
| Age Group | : |
18 - 28 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : |
5'6"-6'0"
| → |
1.70 - 1.83 m
| ||||
| Weight | : |
100-130 lbs
| → |
45 - 59 kg
| ||||
| Bust Size | : | 34" - 36" | → |
86 - 91.5 cm
| ||||
| Cup Size | B to D - Cup | |||||||
| Waist Size | : | 24"- 26" | → |
61 - 66 cm
| ||||
| Hip Size | : | 34" - 36" | → |
86 - 91 cm
| ||||
| Type of Modelling | : | BOUDOIR MODELLING | |
| Model Category | : | Glamour | |
| Category Description | : |
A great deal of "boudoir" is now created in the photographer's studio, where it has become very fashionable to create a set of sensual images for ladies of all ages, shapes, and sizes in the "boudoir style". This often takes the shape of partly clothed images or images in lingerie, and has become more than just a passing fad for brides to surprise their future husbands. Although in the past there were many negative connotations associated with boudoir photography in recent years the trend has begun to gain momentum, and the entire look of boudoir photography has begun to change. Brought about by Sex In The City and various other leaps.
| |
| Appearance and Physical features
Female, generally over the age of eighteen, tight, toned body, no cellulite or excessive muscles, thin waist, narrow hips, fuller bust. Flawless skin, not much body hair, very few moles, scars, or freckles. Models with naturally darker skin or a light tan colour (not overly tan, and certainly no tan lines) are preferred.
|  | ||
| Type of Modelling | : | FINE ART/ FIGURE MODELLING | |
| Model Category | : | Glamour | |
| Category Description | : | Art models are models who pose for photographers, painters, sculptors, and other artists as part of their work of art. Models are frequently used for training art students, but are also employed by accomplished artists. The most common types of art created using models are figure drawing, figure painting, sculpture and photography. Although commercial motives dominate over the aesthetics in advertising, its 'artwork' commonly employs models. | |
Appearance and Physical features
Model must be in good physical condition with measurements proportional to their height |  | ||
| Type of Modelling | : | GRAVURE IDOL MODELLING | ||||||
| Model Category | : | Glamour | ||||||
| Category Description | : | A gravure idol is a Japanese female model who primarily models on magazines, especially those marketed to men, photo books or DVDs. Gravure idols, in most cases, emphasize their sexual attractiveness and often model in swimsuits. Gravure idols appear in a wide range of photography styles and genres. Their photos are largely aimed at male audiences. Contrary to popular foreign belief, gravure idols never appear fully nude in their photos but their poses often can be labelled as semi-provocative. In addition to appearing in mainstream magazines, gravure idols often release their own professional photo books and DVDs for their fans. Many popular female idols in Japan launched their careers by starting out as gravure idols. Gravure models are commonly photographed wearing bikinis or lingerie, but may also appear wearing schoolgirl uniforms, Japanese street fashion, and kimonos | ||||||
| Appearance and Physical features | : | Firm, well-proportioned , trim and well toned body. | ||||||
| Age Group | : |
14 - 26 yrs
|  | |||||
| Length | : |
5'2" - 5'8"
| → |
1.58 - 1.77m
| ||||
| Weight | : |
100 - 115 lbs
| → |
45 - 52 kg
| ||||
| Bust Size | : |
33" - 35"
| → |
84 - 90cm
| ||||
| Cup Size | : |
B - C
| ||||||
| Waist Size | : | 22" - 26" | → |
56 - 66 cm
| ||||
| Hip Size | : |
33" - 35"
| → |
84 - 90cm
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