Full Figure Modeling

The Growth of Full Figure Modeling

In today's modeling industry, many well-known modeling agencies recognize increased earning potential as they reach out to the plus size population with established divisions that support full figured career models. Today in North America, there are more that 25 modeling divisions or agencies solely representing plus size models. Internationally, established modeling agencies representing full figured models can be found in:

• England
• Germany
• Australia

Plus Size Magazine

Plus Model Magazine offers current, up-to-date fashion industry news to aspiring and professional plus size models. If you're already a model or looking for more information, this magazine offers plenty of resources to help you gain the knowledge needed to promote a successful full figure modeling career. Along with career tips, this magazine presents news about plus size fashion designers and clothing companies that work with plus size models.

Fit Modeling

Unlike runway modeling, fit models work more like live mannequins. These models try on clothes and manufacturers shape their designs to fit them. Full figure modeling offers opportunities as fit models with companies such as Lane Bryant and Igigi.

Commercial Modeling

Commercial modeling may not seem as esteemed as high fashion modeling, but it pays well and offers plenty of opportunities for plus size models as differing height and weight requirements for varied jobs enter into the picture. Commercial modeling includes:

• Catalogs: Some catalog modeling requires the model to pose with a product, but most highlight the model wearing specific clothing brands. The rate of pay for catalog modeling is quite a bit less than what high fashion models make.
• Cosmetics: Cosmetic models promote a product. Make-up is the number one item sold by models. Other products include:

• • Hair care products
  • Skin care products
  • Perfumes
  • Personal items

• Commercial print: Commercial print models also promote a product and their photographs appear just about anywhere including, magazines, bill boards and even bus stop benches.

Runway Modeling

Most people are familiar with runway modeling because it gets a lot of exposure in the fashion industry. Runway models work in fashion shows. Here designers promote their latest designs. But who hires plus size runway models? Companies such as Macy's and Lane Bryant are among agencies who use full figure modeling to promote their products. In fact, Lane Bryant was one of the first large clothing companies to offer plus-size clothing in the United States. Back in the 1920s, they manufactured clothing advertised for "the stout woman." By the 1940s, their catalogs included photographs using larger models. Today they are one of the largest and most prestigious users of full figured models.

Companies Who Use Full Figure Models

When looking for modeling opportunities, it's good to know where to start. This list includes some of the top fashion industry markets that use plus size models:

• Macy's
• Avenue
• Catherines
• Iggi
• Always For Me
• Lane Bryant
• Fashion Bug
• Silhouettes
• Sizeappeal
• Torrid
• Ulla Popken

Putting Together a Portfolio

Pulling together an effective portfolio is important, because in the modeling business you often have one opportunity to sell yourself. When choosing photos for your portfolio, be sure to include photos that highlight features being sought by the company you are approaching, because your photos will most likely be looked at before you ever meet someone face-to-face. Choose only your best photos. Quantity is not as important as quality..