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The Different Types of Modeling




Because there seems to be so much confusion as to what types of modeling there are out there, here is a basic rundown, including the requirements (thanks to Infiniti Models) :

High Fashion ( Runway ): This is for the tall and thin body type. This is a very strict division of modeling because all the top designers only make their new designs in certain sizes.

Fashion models mostly do runway shows, promote new clothing designs in magazines, newspapers and sometimes TV. As a high fashion model you must have a tall, lean frame and be attractive. Possessing unique, alien, exotic or prominent features is a plus, as is having strong bone structure.

Requirements: Age between 15-22 yrs old, Height: 5'8 - 6'0", Bust: 34, Waist: 24", Hips: 34" or less. Average weight 100 - 125 lbs.

Promotional Modeling (Or Swimsuit / Beauty Modeling): Promotional models do just that, they promote a variety of products at events such as trade shows, malls, conventions and more. The Coors Light twins or Budweiser Girls are a good example of promotional models.

Requirements: Promotional modeling is a fairly open field with very little restrictions. Models are 5'0" and up, 18-35 yrs old, have a great figure, very attractive and have an outgoing personality because they do a lot of speaking.

Commercial/Print: Print models represent a wide range of products and services such as shampoo, insurance company ads, cars and a lot of the things you see advertised or for sale.

Because they represent such a diverse range of products the models are also diverse in how they look. Print models can range from 4 years old to retirement age. Print is by far the largest percentage of modeling jobs in the industry.

Requirements: Unlike runway models, agency standard requirements for print models typically range from 5'5" to 5'7" in height. Bust: 34", Waist: 24", Hips: 34" but in this particular field agencies are not as strict about having models maintain these specific measurements. As long as they are proportional and healthy in appearance, that is what counts. They have a symmetrical face, great teeth and good skin.

Petite Fashion Modeling: Petite Fashion is a division of fashion modeling for those very few models who are absolutely good looking but do not meet the height and size requirements of regular runway models. This is a very tough area to get into, especially since petite is currently not in high demand like plus size.

Requirements: Petite models are about 5'0" to 5'5" (although those in the industry typically consider anyone 5'7" or under to be "petite"). Bust: 34", Waist: 24", Hips: 34", Dress: 0-4 Petite.

Plus Size Fashion: Yet another division of fashion modeling but for full figured women. With a growing percentage of women wearing larger size clothing, plus size fashion is on the rise, plus consumers are pushing for a more realistic representation of the clothes they buy. This is one of the fastest growing divisions of modeling.

Requirements: Most people are under the impression that all it takes to be a plus size model is a large dress size, wrong! Plus size models are about 5'8" - 6'0" in height and they wear dress sizes 10 and up. They are attractive, have a proportional figure and shapely legs. In terms of measurements, an ideal example would be something along the lines of...Bust: 42", Waist: 32", Hips: 42".

Comments

Nika said…
Hi Dania,

I am pursuing commercial print/lifestyle modeling. Do I need to learn runway? I have no interest in it. Should I learn it just in case I'm requested to do it?

I'm 5'5", wouldn't think I'd have many requests.
Nika said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Nika! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #446," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Nika said…
Hi Dania,

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to answer all of my questions. I had a lot. I appreciate you creating this website and all the love and sincerity you have put into it. I'm definitely gonna be in touch to let you know how this goes for me. Keeping my fingers crossed! I'm sure I'll have more questions too. lol

Nika
Sabrina said…
Hi Dania,

I'm 16 and I'm only 5'2. Is there any place that would willingly accept me? I'm only 89 pounds and otherwise also petite.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Sabrina! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #586," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Rita said…
Hi Dania!

I am 17 years old and an aspiring model. There is an agency near me that does open casting calls on certain days. They also asked that I bring a few snapshots with me, and i was wondering how to dress in those snapshots, and when i visit hte agency. I've been told to wear solid colors and no jewlery or makeup. Is this correct? Also, I am 5'8 and my measurements are 34-25.5-36. Any workouts i can also be doing to slim my thighs? i feel tehy are a bit too big.
Thank you for reading,
Rita
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Rita! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #604," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Rita said…
Thank you so much! And do you think my measurements are ok? i am 32-25-36. I was remeasured by a friend. I am 5'8 and my weight is about 120lbs. Another question, i promise it is my last,is do you have to wear heels to the open call? A friend of mine told me it makes the agency believe thaet you are lying about your height, so i just wanted to verify.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Rita! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #606," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hi, I'm 5'3 and want to get in commercial modeling. I don't know if I'm growing anymore, but appear taller because of my long legs. I live in Cleveland, Ohio So there is not really in opportunities here. Do you think I will be able to get into to commercial modeling and where should I start since there is no agencies in Cleveland.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #611," which can be found on my new blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Hi Dania,
I am 24yrs young and stand 5'9'' tall and weigh 145. I am very proportioned I am just a little bottom heavy. When i was 16-18 i did run way but I know i can not do that now because my measurements are 31.5-29-45 I wear a size 6-8 in dresses. What type of modeling should i pursue besides eye candy like everyone tries to put me in because of my hips?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Yancie! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #726," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hi, I'm 14 and 5'7 and three fourths (though I usually say 5'8). I weigh 113 pounds and I don't know if runway would
consider me. Would losing weigh accommodate for my lack of height? If there are any suggestions for me I'd appreciate it. Thanks so much.
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #767," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hi!! I am 14 and my proportions are something around 33/23/35. I'm also about 5'5. What category do you think I would fit best in?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #773," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hey there! I'm looking into commercial/print modeling, and I'm 15 years old and around 5'5. My proportions are around 31/25/31. Do you think I would have a chance with a buisness like JCPenney, or Sears, ect.? Thanks!!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #774," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Hi so i'm currently 22 years old & i want to pursue high fashion modeling but i'll be 23 soon ! do you think agencies will accept me ?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Tatianna! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #792," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
akila said…
Hi Diana im 10 and im not sure what kind of modeling i want to do im 4,8 what is best for me

Akila
Charlette said…
Hi Dania!
My name is Charlette and I am 15 years old. Im 5'1 and weigh 88 pounds. I look a little young in the face but have the body shape for a model. Any suggestions and would anyone even consider me for how little i am?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Akila! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #812," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Charlette! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #813," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Kira said…
Hey Dania, I am 19 and curvy. I have a hourglass shaped body which is proportional, but curvy. I am interested in Plus Sized modeling. I'm a size 14, but I am 5'5. Do you think that is too short for modeling in the field I am interested in?
-Kira
Meagan said…
Hi Dania! I am 15 and roughly 34-27-36. I would like to pursue high fashion, but I'm moving to Florida, so I will have to look for a modeling agency there. Do you think I would have a chance? If not, what else could I pursue? Thank you!
Meagan said…
Hi! I am new to modeling (at least I would like to start!) and I am 15 and 34-27-34. I would like to pursue high fashion (I can do exercises to lose waist sizes), but I don't know where to start! Do you think I would have a chance? If not, is there something else I could pursue? Thanks!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Kira! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #825," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Meagan! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #830," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Hi Diana. I am 14 and 5'0" and don't know what modeling to go into. I also am not the most skinny as a model and would like some exercises to flatten my stomach and thighs. I also live in Westfield, IN and there are not many options for modeling for me. Where should I start?
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Lexi Koch! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #885," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Hi Denise. Am 20,and new to modelling..34-28-34 are my measurements and I'd love to pursue high fashion..please help me on how I can start.
katy said…
Hey Dania,
So I am 14 years old and 5'3". I've done extensive research on modeling in the past couple weeks, so I am well aware of the fact that I'm too short for runway modeling. I am, however, aware that I may be able to do commercial modeling, which would be a dream come true. I have been told I could be a model (but then again, so has everyone else, haha). An issue I might have is, my teeth, because of genetics, are fairly yellow and not as straight as I would love them to be..., is there anything I can do that would easily fix my teeth in a matter of a few weeks or months? Also, I live in the Denver, Colorado tri-state area and so far I have found a few agencies and places that are holding open audition type things and stuff, but I'm still unaware if I will have to pay an upfront fee just to book an appointment with them, or if I will just have to pay if they sign me. If you could answer any of those questions it would be so greatly appreciated! I love your blog and it has answered many of my other questions as well! :) Thanks
Dania Denise said…
Hi Kadani Iavy! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #895," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Dania Denise said…
Hi Katy! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #897," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Unknown said…
Hey! I am very new to modelling and would like to know where to start!! I am 14, almost 15... and am only 5'1. My proportions are roughly 31/26/34. What category would I be best in?
Also, I am from Adelaide, Australia and can't find any close modelling agencies.. thanks x
Dania Denise said…
Hi Tahnee C! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #962," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
Anonymous said…
Hi Dania,
I am 18 years old and want to be a high fashion model.....can i still be one if I'm 5'4.
If yes,what shld i do to achieve this.??
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous!

If you are not within the height range listed in the post for high fashion, you would not meet the physical requirements to pursue that category of modeling according to the current industry standards.

Your age and height realistically make you ideal for commercial/print modeling.

Hope that helps and thanks for being a reader!

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