Fashion model | Explore careers (2024)

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a fashion model

You can get into this job through:

  • applying directly

Volunteering

You could develop your skills as a model by helping out with charity fashion shows.

Direct Application

You'll usually start your career by going to a model agency in person or sending photographs and details of your measurements to them.

You'll need a good appearance and the right 'look' for the area of modelling you want to go into.

You should usually be well-proportioned for fashion modelling, with regular features and healthy skin, teeth and hair. For other types of modelling you would need to fit in with the look that modelling agencies want.

You don't need to do a modelling course or have an expensive portfolio of pictures. The British Fashion Model Agents Association has advice on what to expect from reputable agencies and how to avoid rogue ones.

More Information

Career tips

There's a lot of competition for modelling jobs. You'll improve your chances of finding work if you build up a good portfolio and get experience and contacts.

Model agencies are not allowed to charge an up-front fee for you to join them.

Professional and industry bodies

You can join Equityfor professional advice and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a fashion model from the British Fashion Model Agents Association andDiscover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • active listening skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • concentration skills
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need a license from your local council, if you start modelling before the legal school leaving age.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You’ll often have to go to casting sessions with potential clients or agencies. You’ll also spend a lot of time looking after your appearance.

You could specialise in different types of modelling, like:

  • high fashion and catwalk
  • photographic editorials for magazines
  • advertising for magazines, billboards, websites, and social media
  • TV commercials
  • promotional modelling like music videos, personal appearances, leaflets and brochures
  • in-house live modelling for designers and clothing wholesalers

In fashion show modelling you'll walk along a catwalk, turning to display clothes in front of an audience. You'll work closely with stylists, hair and make-up artists, producers and directors.

In photographic, advertising and promotional modelling you'll:

  • take directions from photographers
  • pose for photographers in a studio or on location
  • act or deliver lines in TV commercials

Working environment

You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio, in a photographic studio or at a store.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a booker for a model agency or set up your own agency. You could also move into other areas of the fashion industry like styling or fashion journalism.

You might also find opportunities in areas like TV presenting or acting.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a fashion model right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a fashion model?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Fashion model | Explore careers (2024)

FAQs

Is being a fashion model a good career? ›

It can be engaging and highly profitable; however, it takes more than just hard work or grit to succeed in this industry. For starters, competition is intense – even for seasoned professionals – often making success elusive for aspiring models out there before they even get started in many cases.

How good looking do I have to be to be a model? ›

Height is typically between 5'9″-6″, bust is between 32″-36″, waist is between 22″-26″, and hips should be between 33″-35″. Of course most woman don't meet these standards and that is why fashion models generally get paid the most and work the most.

How much do you have to weigh to be a model? ›

Average: average doesn't mean much but you should weigh about 5 to 7 pounds for every inch over five foot plus 100 lbs. A 5'6″ average model should weigh 128 to 135 lbs. Plus size fit models should weigh about 7 to 9 lbs for every inch over five foot plus 100 lbs. A 5'8″ plus size fit model should weigh 155 to 170 lbs.

Why do you want to be a model answers? ›

Make sure that your answer highlights your passion for the position and doesn't focus on reasons such as money and fame. Example: 'Although modelling has always been a dream of mine, I am also fascinated by fashion trends and how individuals use clothes to represent themselves daily.

Is modelling a hard career? ›

Models often have to cope with hard schedules, a barrage of rejections from both scouts and critics, long hours in taxing environments, severe dietary requirements, as well as physical strain. Complicating matters further, the modeling industry pays inconsistently because of the intense competition for jobs.

Is modeling actually hard? ›

Modeling is also really hard work. You won't get jobs handed to you just because you're pretty. Everyone in the modeling industry is pretty, so you will have to put in the hustle and work to set yourself apart from all the other pretty faces.

How much do models weigh? ›

On average, models range from 120-130 lbs (54-59 kg) for smaller body types and 130-150 lbs (59-68kg) for larger body types.

What size are most models? ›

Measurements and Requirements

Here's an outline of general requirements: Women's Fit Model: Usually between 5'5” to 5'9”, with measurements close to 34-26-37 inches (bust-waist-hips). Men's Fit Model: Generally around 6'0” with measurements near 40-32-39 inches (chest-waist-hips).

Who is the shortest model? ›

Shortest professional model (female) 📸✨ Wildine Aumoithe (USA) - 72 cm (28.3 in)

How do I know if I could be a model? ›

They are generally required to be between 172cm to 180cm (5”8 to 5”11), with a dress size of 4-6 US (6-8 UK), with a typical bust size of 34. The age range can be from 14 to 25. For guys the age range is more flexible and they can start from the age of 16 until their late 40's.

How tall and skinny do models have to be? ›

Fashion modeling

Female measurements: Female fashion models are usually at least 5'9” tall. Model waist size tends to be 10 inches smaller than the chest and hips. Male measurements: Male fashion models are usually 6' to 6'5,” wear a size 40–42 top, and have a 32-inch waist.

How do I introduce myself as a model? ›

If you know what to say beforehand, you will be able to come up with more creative responses during introducing yourself. The initial lines of our introduction must contain information regarding your full name, age, height and weight, work experience, and where you are from.

What to say in a modelling interview? ›

Prove that you really want to work for them and not just any modeling agency. For example, say, "I love how diverse your models are and I think I'd be a really good fit," or, "I've always been impressed with your agency's reputation and I'd love to build a solid career."

What to expect at a modeling interview? ›

A hiring manager asks general questions to learn more about your personality and interests to see if you're a good match for the position. Some professionals begin their modeling careers while working another job or attending school. An interviewer might ask general questions to learn more about your availability.

Do fashion models get paid well? ›

Models can earn anywhere from as high as $401,500 to as low as $11,000 a year according to Ziprecruiter. Model salaries are highly variable based on industry and depending on experience, appearance, celebrity factor etc.

Do fashion models make a lot of money? ›

Fashion model salaries typically range between $53,000 and $525,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for fashion models is $80.34 per hour. Fashion model salary is impacted by location, education, and experience.

How long is a fashion model's career? ›

The majority of models start working before age 16 and their career is over by their mid-20s.

Do models actually get paid well? ›

Beginners and more experienced models alike can receive $125–$175 per hour, with a two-hour minimum for all jobs. In smaller markets, commercial models can earn anywhere from $25–$75 per hour.

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