What Do Models Weigh? Does It Matter? (2024)

What do models weigh is a question that is asked by loads of aspiring models across the board. When asking such broad questions, it’s important not to get caught up in a spiral of dangerous eating habits or other seriously negative attitudes which can lead to problems along the way. That said, it is important to recognise that the modelling world can be competitive, and so in order to take part in some kinds of modelling, you will actually have to conform to a certain weight. Don’t worry – there are still plenty of kinds of modelling you can get involved in though, regardless of your size.

What Do Models Weigh To Be On The Catwalk?

Catwalk modelling is where the notoriously slim models that we’ve all seen and perhaps even envied appear most often. Whilst conscious efforts have been made in recent years to ensure that they are still at a healthy weight, it’s important to note that when it comes to women on the catwalk in particular, they’re still at the lower end of the BMI spectrum, which isn’t ideal for a lot of body shapes.

What Do Models Weigh? Does It Matter? (1)

Most estimates say that catwalk models are between 90lbs and 120lbs. Now, when you consider that most girls who model on the catwalk are taller, and between 5’8 and 5’11, this puts them at a weight which may sometimes be a bit risky.

Some girls are naturally slimmer, but others face pressures from their agency to lose more weight to be catwalk ready. Whilst weight loss in itself is fine, you should never put your body under unnecessary strains or pressures, particularly when you’re under 18 and still developing!

What Do Models Weigh To Be Considered Plus Size?

Plus size modelling – as the name implies – allows women to be a larger size whilst modelling than conventional modelling has previously allowed. It recognises that the shapes of women who are involved with fashion either directly or indirectly are varied, and so there should be better representation out there.

Most plus size models start at a size 12, but there are some who are even as small as a size 10. There is often some controversy in the plus size world that women who are a normal size are being labelled as ‘plus’, which has backlash from both bigger and smaller girls.

There are plenty of great plus sized models out there, however, so whether you’re curvy or simply bigger boned, there may well be opportunities out there for you.

What Do Models Weigh? Does It Matter? (2)

What Do Models Weigh In Between?

Some models may not be small enough for the catwalk, but not big enough for plus size. The fact is that not everyone can be a successful model, and it’s not always about weight. It’s an industry with pre-existing set conventions. Girls who are in between unfortunately do have to consider making changes at times – it’s an industry that rarely changes for people, people have to change for the industry! However, with that said, it’s becoming more inclusive. You shouldn’t give up on your dream, if you’ve got the right attributes in other respects. Weight is only one part of the aesthetic puzzle!

Another scenario is that models may do a kind of modelling which isn’t really dependent on size, for example glamour modelling or modelling of a particular body part. What do models weigh in those

cases? The answer is that weight isn’t really a focus there, but there are other considerations and boxes you’d have to tick for those kinds, too.

What do models weigh in your experiences? Do you think the industry should change or do you think it’s great the way it is? Let us know in the comments!

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What Do Models Weigh? Does It Matter? (2024)

FAQs

What Do Models Weigh? Does It Matter? ›

In order to be considered as a fashion model, you must have at least a height of 5'9 or many agencies will not even consider you. According to the National Institute of Health, a woman that is 5'9 should be in the range between 128 and 162 pounds. However, a fashion model's average weight is around 113 pounds.

Does weight matter in modeling? ›

The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who are 5'8″ and taller, the weight range should be somewhere between 105-125 lbs. Can you be a few pounds under or over? Sure, you can! Weight is one of the last things an agency considers.

What weight should models be? ›

The average model weighs 113 pounds, which is 23% less than the average woman. It is no wonder why young girls develop body image issues when they grow up seeing models on the front cover of their magazines who do not look anything like them.

Do models have to be a specific weight? ›

Models that are employed by various clients and agencies are often required to meet specific weight criteria based on their individual size as well as the kind of modeling they're assigned.

How much do 5 4 models weigh? ›

Meaning, a 5'4″ true petite fit model should weigh about 108-115 lbs. If the line is for “petites” who are larger framed but happen to be short, you should weigh about 3 to 5 pounds for every inch over five foot, plus 100 lbs. Meaning, a 5'4″ short (petite) fit model should weigh about 115-120 lbs.

How much should a 5 7 female weigh? ›

Ideal Weight Chart
MaleFemale
5' 6"128 - 156 lbs.117 - 143 lbs.
5' 7"133 - 163 lbs.122 - 149 lbs.
5' 8"139 - 169 lbs.126 - 154 lbs.
5' 9"144 - 176 lbs.131 - 160 lbs.
28 more rows

What is the perfect model size? ›

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 should a female weigh at 5 5? ›

Height and Weight Chart
HeightWeight
5' 5"114 to 149 lbs.150 to 179 lbs.
5' 6"118 to 154 lbs.155 to 185 lbs.
5' 7"121 to 158 lbs.159 to 190 lbs.
5' 8"125 to 163 lbs.164 to 196 lbs.
17 more rows

Are models at a healthy weight? ›

Through anonymous survey responses, the researchers found that 81% of models possess a Body Mass Index, or BMI, that would be classified as underweight.

How much should a 5 3 female weigh? ›

Weight and height guide chart
HeightModerate weight BMI 19–24Overweight BMI 25–29
5 ft 2 in (62 in)104–131 lb136–158 lb
5 ft 3 in (63 in)107–135 lb141–163 lb
5 ft 4 in (64 in)110–140 lb145–169 lb
5 ft 5 in (65 in)114–144 lb150–174 lb
15 more rows
Jun 29, 2023

How much do most female models weigh? ›

In order to be considered as a fashion model, you must have at least a height of 5'9 or many agencies will not even consider you. According to the National Institute of Health, a woman that is 5'9 should be in the range between 128 and 162 pounds. However, a fashion model's average weight is around 113 pounds.

What are models BMI? ›

We found that the BMI in models of 17.1±0.9 was lower than the BMI of 17.5 set by the American Psychiatric Association as a cut-off for anorexia. Korean national standards classify a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/ ㎡ as underweight, 18.5-22.9 kg/㎡ as normal, and 23- 24.9 kg/㎡ as overweight or risk weight.

Can I be a model and not be skinny? ›

There is no set template for models. Depending on genre and industry, different kinds of models are in demand. Runway models are typically expected to be tall (5'8” or above) and skinny. There is also a growing demand for plus sized models, mostly in catalog modeling.

What is a 5 4 chubby weight? ›

This table shows us that a woman who is 5 ft. 4 in. tall is considered overweight (BMI is 25 to 29) if she weighs between about 145 and 169 pounds. She is considered obese (BMI is 30 or more) if she is closer to 174 pounds or more.

How much does a skinny 5 4 girl weigh? ›

The average woman's height is 5 feet, 4 inches. If you weigh 107 pounds or less at this height, you are considered underweight with a BMI of 18.4. A healthy weight range for that woman would be 108 to 145 pounds.

What is the most attractive weight for a 5 4 female? ›

The average female height is 5'4. The ideal weight would be around 110–115 pounds (163cm and 51kg).

Can you be a model if you're chubby? ›

Now that the modeling world has finally started including a diversity of body shapes and sizes, becoming a plus-size model is more attainable—and more competitive—than ever. To jumpstart your plus-size modeling career, you need to build your portfolio, develop your talent, and find an agency to represent you.

Can you be an overweight model? ›

Plus-size models are typically evaluated and cast based on dress size rather than body measurements. As a general rule, plus-size models are defined by the fashion industry as anyone larger than a size 6.

Can you be chubby and a model? ›

Of course. Modeling involves all sorts not just thin people. There are plus sized models, hand models, feet models, pregnant models, and more.

How much weight makes a difference in appearance? ›

For a weight change to show up on your face, you'd need to change your BMI by 1.33 points, the study found. That means a woman and man of average height would need to gain or lose eight pounds and nine pounds, respectively. For this study, the average woman was 5 feet 4 inches tall; the average man 5 feet 10 inches.

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