Fashion models
or what the industry refers to as “editorial models” are the high fashion models that you see in fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, and who work for top fashion designers Giorgio Armani, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Valentino, and others. Female editorial models are generally 5′ 9″ to 6′ 0″ tall and are very slim. A female editorial models’ measurements are usually – bust 33″, waist 23″, hips 33″. Modeling agencies will always look at the “complete package” that the model presents when determining whether or not they can be editorial models, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t meet these stats exactly.
Runway/Catwalk Model
Female runway/catwalk models are a minimum of 5′ 9″ but 5′ 10″ – 5′ 11″ is even better. Runway models must have precise measurements so they are able to fit the clothes that designers are going to be showing to their clients. Their measurements are usually no greater than 34″ – 23″ – 34″. Designers hire models to fit the clothes they have made for their collections, they don’t make the clothes to fit the model – well, not unless you’re a supermodel like Naomi Campbell or Coco Rocha.
Commercial Model
Commercial models can be any age, any size and any height. Hooray! Commercial models can do everything that isn’t normally associated with highfashion, such as product ads (housewares, food products, travel industry, tech devices, and the list goes on.
Plus Size Model
The plus model market has become an important part of the fashion and commercial model industry. Several of the top fashion agencies now have plus size divisions and we’ve seen many plus supermodels over the past few years. Plus models are generally determined by size rather than exact measurements, such as size 12 and up. In the real world a size 12 is not considered a plus size, but in the modeling industry, it can be.
Petite Model
Petite models are generally 5′ 7″ and under. While petite models don’t generally do runway work, they are often booked for swimsuit, lingerie, and parts modeling. Since petite models usually have smaller shoe and glove sizes they are popular as foot and hand models.
Child Model
What do celebrities Brooke Shields, Jodie Foster, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Connelly, Natalie Portman and even CNN’s Anderson Cooper have in common? They were all child models! The age range for a child model is generally 12 years and under and they can be any size and height. Agents that represent child models are looking for children with lots of personality and who are able to work well on set and around strangers.
Swimsuit/Lingerie Model
Swimsuit and lingerie models are curvier and more voluptuous than editorial models. There are many opportunities for swimsuit models other than just modeling bikinis. Swimsuit models can model lingerie, undergarments, sleepwear, summer wear, and can also be showroom and fit models.
Glamour Model
Glamour models are generally more curvy and voluptuous than editorial fashion models. Glamour models often work as swimsuit and lingerie models as well. Glamour modeling generally refers to the type of posing the model is doing in her photographs. Glamour modeling is usually more sexually suggestive or alluring than what a fashion model would do and typically geared toward male audiences rather than female. Pinup models and girls who appear in magazines such as Playboy are considered glamour models.
Fitness Model
Fitness models are models who are very athletic, fit and toned. Many fitness models started out as athletes or trainers and have added fitness modeling to their resumes. In addition to working for fitness companies, supplement manufacturers and athletic wear companies, fitness models are often commercial models as well.
Fit Model
Not to be confused with fitness models, Fit models are models who work behind the scenes in fashion houses and with garment manufacturers to make sure that sizing and fit are maintained in the clothing manufacturing process. Garment manufacturers require a variety of shapes and sizes of fit models in order to fit their garments properly before they are shipped to the consumer. You may not have the look that a print model needs or the height of a runway model, but if you can consistently maintain your measurements then a career in fit modeling may be for you.
Parts Model
Parts models specialize in modeling body parts such as hands, feet, legs, and eyes. A hand model can book jobs for jewelry, nail, and beauty related products and anywhere else a client requires a perfect hand whether it’s in print or on film. A foot model can book jobs with shoe companies, nail and beauty products and anywhere else a client requires perfect feet whether it’s in print or on film. Clients look for well-proportioned body parts and those who can fit sample shoe, glove or jewelry sizes.
Petite models
often find work as part models due to their smaller shoe sizes and body parts. Petite models often find work as part models due to their smaller shoe sizes and body parts.
Promotional Model
Promotional models often book jobs to promote products or services at trade shows, conventions, and live events. Promotional models must be very outgoing, friendly and have a very good understanding of the client’s product as they may be required to talk about the product or answer questions from potential buyers.
Mature Model
The market for mature models has increased tremendously as the baby boomers enter their 60’s and beyond. Mature models are generally 30 years of age and over and work well into their 80’s and 90’s! Mature models are really considered commercial models and can do everything a commercial model can do.