What is a Plus Size Model?│London and New York Talent│Article

What is a 'Plus Size' Model? 

Plus size models are models that do not fit into the “typical” measurements that a standard model has in the fashion and modelling industry. Although plus size models are measured differently depending on clothing brands and agencies, they have been labeled as models who are size 12 and above.  

In the past, the modelling industry has been extremely strict about its size and height requirements, which can be exacerbated when agencies look for models with specific features and proportions. Hence, the fashion industry has received scrutiny for its often-unattainable standards, leaving consumers demoralised and alienated by the industry’s exclusion of people who do not conform to their requirements.  

In recent decades, however, the industry has grown to become more accepting of curve models, providing opportunities to those who otherwise might not find entry into this competitive industry. Though the women’s “curve” division is what pioneered the breakthrough of the plus size model in the fashion industry, many agencies have broken barriers to form a men’s “big and tall” division to celebrate men that do not fit the ‘ideal’ standards in modelling.  

Despite the Curve industry’s great developments and gaining popularity, the plus size industry’s share of the fashion industry is still developing in comparison to the overall women’s market and the men’s big and tall industry is even smaller in comparison. Reports from fashion week in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 show that only 46 out 6,879 models and 34 out of 2,293 models were curve, respectively. Therefore, there is still a noticeable divide between the standard and the curve modelling industry, and there must be additional steps taken in the future to bridge the gap. 

Nevertheless, this side of the fashion industry is always evolving through social media, especially with the recent replacement by some of the term “plus size models” with “curve models” to bring a greater emphasis on body diversity to women, aiming to be more inclusive.  

BRIDGE was created to give exposure to Curve/Big & Tall models and influencers by creating a diverse platform that celebrates everyone. Even though there is still a lot of work to do in the industry, we are proud to be doing our part!