What Is A Plus-Size Model?
Plus-size models participate in a variety of modeling jobs including print work, runway shows, and fit or informal modeling. Fashion modeling is the category aspiring models usually think of when they dream of being a model. Fashion plus modeling can include a magazine cover or layout, representing a plus-size manufacturer in print advertisements, or strutting down the catwalk in the latest Lane Bryant lingerie.
Requirements Can Include:
Between 5'8" and 6'0"
5'9" is pretty much minimum for larger markets though Wilhelmina in NYC does represent a few girls who are 5'7" and 5'8".
Size 12, 14, 16
Sizes 10 and 18/20 are also used, but are not as common.
Toned
You may be a "plus size," but you may have to be in shape if you model swimwear, lingerie or fitness gear.
Proportionate
You should be in proportion. Your bust, waist and hips should be about ten inches apart in size (i.e. 42-32-42) or very close. In addition, the shorter you are, the smaller your size should be. Someone who is 5'8" would be expected to wear a smaller size (12/14) than a taller model. It is all about length and proportion.
When looking for an agency to represent you, ask if they represent plus-size or commercial models. If they do, ask what their height and size requirements are. If you fit their requirements, ask to schedule an interview or find out if they have open calls. If you live a distance away from the agency, do a mail-in with your pictures and information.
To find out when Wilhelmina Models is conducting their next search for a plus size model, visit www.wilhelminaportfolios.com
Comments
Hey Tyra!
I am about 5'9 1/2, 5'10 and i wear a size 11. I have always wanted to be a model, but i know i am not the right size. Would plus size modeling be a good choice for me?
Posted by: Patrice | October 6, 2008 6:02 PM
Hey Tyra!
I am about 5'9 1/2, 5'10 and i wear a size 11. I have always wanted to be a model, but i know i am not the right size. Would plus size modeling be a good choice for me?
Posted by: Patrice | October 6, 2008 5:54 PM
HI, TYRA MY NAME IS NAMARSHA AND IM A 16 YEAR OLD PULS SIZE TEEN.I ALWAYS WANTING TO BECOME A TOPMODEL I THINK I BE A GREAT TOPMODEL SO IF U WANT TO KNO MORE ABOUT ME EMAIL ME BACK AND MABE U CAN HELP ME TO BECOME A TOPMODEL.
Posted by: NAMARSHA BROWN | September 30, 2008 9:54 PM
Hey Tyra!
I would really like to be on ANTM when Im older. I am currently 13 and turning 14 and i'm exactly 5" If i Don't grow to 6" is there a way I can still be a model? I can fit in size 1 jeans but I still feel big. Even though i fit size 1, im not a pencil like some people though. But Im worried about not growing that extra foot.
You are amazing!
~zoey
Posted by: Zoey | September 30, 2008 3:07 PM
Hello Tyra.
I'm a 27 year old lady of colour living in Cape Town, South Africa. I'm 5'5" and a size 14. 3 years ago I was a size 8 and had been modelling in another part of Africa. I now want to do plus-size modelling either here or abroad. However, I am struggling greatly to find any agencies that take plus-size models seriously in Africa, and all the ones abroad insist on my being at least 5'8". I would greatly appreciate advise on agencies abroad I can send my photos to (without being asked for cash in advance before I even get evaluated), or agencies here that will agree to see me. Thank you for being the inspiration you are. I watch your live show as wellas America's Next Top Model and I am proud that a fellow black, gorgeous woman is showing the world that beauty isnt always without brains, and isnt always selfish. Thank you for giving us motivation, within ourselves, all the way here in Africa too. Kind regards and anticipating a positive response. Diann
Posted by: | September 27, 2008 5:45 PM
i want model desgin plus
Posted by: gwen | September 24, 2008 5:17 PM
hi tyra
i want model desgin also plus make up Iam deaf sign launage i do can i want happy make feel good heared of you my name is gwen jordaa thank you
gwen
Posted by: gwen | September 24, 2008 5:13 PM
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Posted by: qgizcbto nclomjive | September 17, 2008 6:22 PM
Hello Tyra i'm 17 years old and i am a size 14. I know that way big for my age but all i ever wanted to do is plus size modeling please help me with my dream. I'am a good kid i got to school everyday work in i do my best at what ever price it may take. I'm also in shape to be plus size, So please help me thank you god bless.
Posted by: Ta'Quandra Smith | September 11, 2008 5:03 PM
Hello Tyra,
All of my life I have loved being infront of the camera, always smack infront of the camcorder on home videos,taking pictures everywhere and having a desire to make something of myself. Growing up I always wished I was small like my older sisters just so I could feel better about myself and be able to wear all the latest styles but because of my size I could only shop at CATO and WALMART. For the longest time I felt so insecure about myself and thought there would never be a chance for plus sized women until Monique's FAT Chance. I am 20 years old 5ft 6in and I wear a size 16. I know that I am under the height requirement but if given a chance I can really go far with modeling. I believe that I have a very unique personality with a natural glow about myself and all I am asking for is a chance. Please contact me if you would like for me to send pictures or discuss anything. I really appreciate it.
Thanks so much,
Posted by: Tammy | September 10, 2008 6:10 PM
Im told by people that i have a very beautiful face...and sometimes people think im a suicide girl, even though their thin and have tattoos and piercings and well im the total opposite. Ive always wanted to become a plus size model but ive never tried because well im 5,5". Im not sure if im still growing though, i turn 17 in dec. and i seem as though im getting taller, what should i do?
Posted by: Bella | August 31, 2008 7:03 PM
Dear Tyra, I see the requirements to be a plus sized model, but i think that those requirements are all wrong. I am a plus sized girl and i am beautiful. I am very very photogenic. I can post hudreds of pictures of me, and you would never guess it was by a plus sized girl. I think that any plus sized girl who is photogentic can model no matter her size, that's what plus sized means, right? Well i think that is a very good things how you show these woman to have confidance because confidance is key. I am currently a college student and i love modeling, i just dont know were to begin. I am 18 yrs old and been plus sized all my life, but i love it. My myspace is Myspace.com/nenamaslinda21
tell me what you think.
Thank You
p.s To all you plus sized woman, never give up because no matter the eyes of another God loves you for who you are and how you carry yourself. God dosent look at your flaws, for nobody is perfect.
God bless all my plus sized woman.
Dennise
Posted by: Dennise Pagan | August 28, 2008 8:47 PM
im kinda sad that the sizes are kinda small. im 17 and and a size 26. i know thats big but i WORK it and im feirce :]i love both of your shows and i think your an amazing inpspiration.
Posted by: jennie | August 21, 2008 9:49 PM
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Posted by: | August 14, 2008 8:25 PM
I whant to be a plus size model just for one day and see what is it like to be famis
Posted by: veatta | August 12, 2008 5:07 PM
I whant to be a plus size model!
Posted by: veatta | August 12, 2008 5:03 PM
hi im 15 im a size 12-14 and i would like to know how to get modelling agency's and what i need to do for an agency to want to use me as a model.
Posted by: anne-marie | August 5, 2008 12:31 AM
i think it sucks that models have to be 5'9 or taller...i am 5'5 with heels i am 5'9 and i have a unique look and i am so tired of people askin why i never auditon for america's next top model and i have to explain well im to short...and then they think im crazy because of the height requirments. im a aspiring model and fashion designer i will be looking into average height models i agree with the shorter the smaller the size should be but 5'5 is a good height its pretty average
Posted by: love | August 3, 2008 8:55 AM
Hello Tyra! Well i Think this idea of a contest for us bbw (plus size modeling is pretty awesome well im 5'8 195 pound girl yes im in the thick side and i have been searching like crazy to become a plus size model i think i got what it takes to appear in runways ect i really would like a shot and see what the modeling lifestyle is like i would really like any information in regards of plus size modeling i live in LA so i know im a few steps away to become what i want HOLLYWOOD BABY i really want to try modeling please can i get some help or info PLEASe TYRA help ME !!!i luv you much-Mercedes(MZ.BENZO)
p.s
I have send few pictures to you to see if by what you see can be what i want
Posted by: Mercedes O S | August 1, 2008 4:43 PM
hello tyra,how have you been? i bet you been pretty busy but i cant tell you how much i love you i watch every single show i cant name one i havent seen! but every sence i was a little girl i loved the camra i dont know what it is but when im infrount of a camrea i just go all out with it lol i love love to runway i practice down my hall way in the stores in streets i dont care i love it, i got so used to walking that way i do it everywhere its a habbit know lol but the reason i wont sign up for anything is all my money goes on bills, lets just say when its done and over with i dont have no play money should i say but im also scared to get out there im so scared of rejection i dont know why but i know i can do it when it comes down to it but im so happy because i have the confadence to even e-mail you everytime i watch americas next top model i fill like i should be there ok what i look like im 5'7 i am light complected like over cooked carmal lol just a little bit but im in a size 15-16 and i know i have it! how do i start where do i start? tyra it would be a dream come true if i was infrount of the camra if i was a plus size model period. thats all how do i do it were do i start?
Posted by: Lindsay | July 30, 2008 7:23 PM
Very interesting and beautiful site. It is a lot of ful information. Thanks.
Posted by: Sewamug | July 29, 2008 9:52 AM
hi tyra my name is taylor im 13 and i weigh ike 200 pounds im like 5 4 nd i have boys all over me us bbw a beautiful nd just cause im short i really think we all need a chance to in the modeling biz i thinku should reat a pluse sized modelig show fr us orsomething ur my idel nd i wish i could look like u but nothig ev works so plzz just plzzzz just contact me!!!!!
Posted by: taylor | July 26, 2008 3:58 PM
hi tyra my name is melody and i am 17-years-old and i am plus size i am 5'8 and i dont know if im the right size of plus size modelin i have a neck! lol and i am flexible soo flexible that i am a dancer at my school but i dont know tyra im not big big im a good size for my age i dress my age and i always smile but i still didnt come out my shell yet! i dont like food buffets i dont like gettin dress in front of all my friends! and i still have people talk behnd my back until i saw your show and ms.f.a.t! moniques fat chance! i seen that and i realized that all those people that was talkin about me i dont pay attention to and i shou;ld not be afraid to go to the buffet because everybody thats in there is in the same reason im in there! and i shouldnt be afraid of my body because im beautiful on the inside just as well on the outside and i just wanted to give a shoutout to every girl with low seteem or just think they arent pretty to themselves...love yorself because you are beautiful you shouldnt let nobody put you down because of your size because if somebody talk about you well u look at them and you tell them they must have nothin else to do to be talkin about me because i must be on your mind! i love you soooo much tyra and i love the way i am! because i love me!
Posted by: MELODY | July 26, 2008 12:52 PM