This is the first of two entries. I intended to post it as one but it got too long. Part two on how to get work as a fit model or how to hire one will be posted tomorrow.
Preamble: In 2006, I posted an entry about a well known cartoonist for the New Yorker who worked as an occasional fit model. Since then, the entry continues to collect comments from people who have been interested in becoming fit models and wanted to know how to go about it only, few of them who post comments appear to know what a fit model is. Most aspire to making a lateral move into fashion modeling from fit modeling -you know, like they teach you in school that you can become a designer by being a pattern maker first ~shudder~. This is the painful truth: the chances of breaking into fashion modeling from fit modeling are effectively ZERO. Many -new designers and prospective models alike- do not understand what a fit model is. Strangely enough, the post I’d written about the perfect fit model a month prior doesn’t get many comments. Too bad, it provided some useful hints.
Today I will provide some background for people who want to become fit models and those who seek to hire them. The first step in getting started as a fit model is to know what one is and the function they are expected to perform.How can you expect to do a job if you don’t know what the job is? A fit model:
- is NOT a fashion model.
- is not fashionably thin, quite the opposite.
- does not need to be attractive.
- is not used in fashion photos.
- represents the average customer of a given manufacturer, namely the middle size of the size spread or size run.
Because there are many kinds of manufacturers and the size ranges they sell, many kinds of products and many kinds of people, there is an endless variety of fit models who may be needed making it difficult to define one. The size of a fit model depends on the size spread or size run of varying manufacturers. For example, if manufacturers offer these sizes, the given size fit model should be:
- Sizes: 0-12, the fit size is 6
- Sizes: 4-14, the fit size is 8
- Sizes: 6-16, the fit size is 10
- Sizes: XS-XL, the fit size is M
If the manufacturer produces an even number of sizes, the fit size is usually the smaller of the two middle sizes. This explains why with sizes 4-14 (4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14), sizes 8 and 10 are in the center but the size 8 is selected as the average or median size.
Region: The size range is not the total answer either. The region of the country in which you work also matters a great deal. In NY, a size 8 is the most common fit size. Most everywhere else, the standard fit size is a 10.
Cost: The cost of the line also matters. More expensive product lines use a smaller sized fit model because wealthier people are thinner and vice versa. For example, the traditional fit model size in Dallas is a 10. However, if the line is a bridge or expensive contemporary line, it would not unheard of if the fit model were a size smaller (8) than typical for the area.
Height range/Women:
- Petites: Average height for women in the US is a little under 5’4″. Petites are defined as 5’4″ and under. Most petite manufacturers fit at the upper end of the range and will want a fit model who is 5’3″ to 5’4″. This means that although you may wear petite sized clothes, 5 foot is too short. Sorry.
- Average: It is difficult to define a height range because a target consumer can vary so widely. For middle range lines, the average height is at least 5’6″ or even 5’7″. If the line is more expensive, a taller fit model is used because wealthier people are taller on average. These lines will seek a model who is 5’7″ to 5’9″. The lowest cost lines in the average range often do not use fit models at all because their product development processes and costs are pared to match their pricing.
- Talls: Being specialty lines, the height requirement can vary a great deal. Some target taller than average women (5’7″-5’10″+/-) and others target very tall women (5’10”-6’2″). It is impossible to say. Being smaller niche lines, the designer is often her own fit model. Within specialty lines, it is more typical for the manufacturer to occasionally want a range of various models who will represent the various sizes in the size spread to get an idea of how well their styles fit across the range of sizes they offer. These jobs are rarely long term, more of a one-time thing.
Height range/Men:
- Shorts: The caveats about niche lines mentioned under tall women applies here too. I’m not familiar with lines that dress shorter men, my brother in law says buying clothes is terrible. He is a perfectly proportioned 5’6″.
- Average: Average height for men in the US is 5’9″ but most manufacturers cut their sizes for a man who is at least 5’10 or 5’11”. Again, “average” is misleading because pricier or specialty lines need and use taller models. Specialty lines such as fitness apparel (cycling, climbing etc) are unique in that the models may be taller but also fitter. By contrast, only rarely is fitness (a specific range within the BMI index) important in women’s apparel. It is not unusual for other specialty lines like western wear to use a taller model, say six foot.
- Big and Talls: This category is misleading because tall doesn’t necessarily mean big. Talls are usually 5’11” to 6’4″ with the average fit model 6’2″. A big and tall fit model will be the same with girth proportions being more important than height.
Weight range/ Women:
- Petites: petite and short are not synonyms! Petites have a smaller frame size and shorts are an average frame size who happen to be shorter. A true petite should weigh about 2 to 3 pounds for every inch over five foot, plus 100 lbs. 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.
- 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. It is not unusual for plus size models to be taller than fit models of average frame sized lines. Since dimensions can vary so much more in plus sizes, most manufacturers are seeking models whose dimensions are proportionate. Meaning, that the differences between bust, waist and hip, don’t vary more than 8 inches plus or minus with the waist being the smaller measurement.
Weight range/Men:
- Lines most likely to use a male fit model will use a medium or size 42. A male model should weigh 7 to 9 pounds for every inch over 5 foot plus 100 lbs. A man who is 5’11” should weigh about 177-195 lbs. Again, one’s mileage varies depending on the product line. If the intended consumer is very active (climber, distance runner, triathlete etc), the manufacturer will be interested in a man who weighs 6 or 7 pounds per inch over five foot plus 100 pounds.
Proportions and Dimensions: Chest, waist and hip
Many women think that having a cute figure (larger than average bust but slender etc) makes them a shoe-in but nothing can be farther from the truth. The best way to know if your key measurements are within range for fit modeling is to look at sizing charts of various clothing lines. The closer you match the dimensions of their middle size, the better a match you are. Generally, you can’t get a job fit modeling if you wear a cup size larger than C and even that is dicey. Of course caveats abound. A clothing line designed for fuller busted women will want the larger cup size. Being specialty lines, only the designer can say who their model or customer is.
Tomorrow I will post the rest. It will include information on working conditions, pay, how to find a fit model and how to get a job fit modeling.
Related
FAQs
I had never heard of it, but a fit model is somebody who works closely with designers and manufacturers in the process of creating new clothing. Fit models are sort of real-life mannequins; you try on different clothing items in early stages so designers and manufacturers can see it on a human body.
What makes a good fit model? ›
The goodness of fit of a statistical model describes how well it fits a set of observations. Measures of goodness of fit typically summarize the discrepancy between observed values and the values expected under the model in question.
What is a fit model and how can you benefit from it? ›
Fit modeling is a subset of fashion modeling where fashion professionals work entirely behind the scenes to test new clothing products during the design process. If you are interested in fashion and meet the physical criteria of the designer or manufacturer, fit modeling could be an exciting opportunity for you.
What do you need to be a fit model? ›
Fit Modeling Requirements
Fit models must have balanced, well-proportioned and symmetrical bodies with standard size measurements for their category. A fit model must be able to clearly verbalize the fit issues they feel in garments which is integral to creating clothing that fits properly.
What 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 do you know if you are fit 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.
What is a good model fit value? ›
Values less than 0.03 represent excellent fit. GFI Values greater than 0.95 Scaled between 0 and 1, with higher values indicating better model fit. This statistic should be used with caution. AGFI Values greater than 0.95 Adjusts the GFI based on the number of parameters in the model.
What are 3 characteristics of a good model? ›
As a Model, you will need to be:
- fit, healthy and energetic.
- reliable, organised and punctual.
- confident, positive and persistent.
- able to handle criticism and rejection.
- patient; you might have to hold a certain pose, or wait around, for a long time.
- able to get on well with people.
The best fit approach
There are three models, namely: lifecycle, competitive strategy, and strategic configuration.
Why would you think you're fit to be a model answer? ›
I've always dreamed of modeling. Took good care of my looks, diet, lifestyle. What's more, fashion is my passion, and I enjoy nothing more than trying new pieces of clothes. For me, modeling represents a way of earning a living while doing something I love.
The Model Fit table provides fit statistics calculated across all of the models. It provides a concise summary of how well the models, with reestimated parameters, fit the data. For each statistic, the table provides the mean, standard error (SE), minimum, and maximum value across all models.
How much can you make as a fit model? ›
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $249,000 and as low as $23,500, the majority of FIT Model salaries currently range between $31,000 (25th percentile) to $52,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $235,500 annually across the United States.
What do you wear to a fit model casting? ›
The clothes should be tight fitting without being skin tight since that can count against you, too. You want to wear jeans, tights or a denim skirt that shows the contours of your body and the quality of your legs. Conversely, oversized clothes will count against you.
How tall should a fit model be? ›
First and foremost, all fit models must have well-proportioned bodies that meet industry-standard measurements. For female models, clients usually look for someone 5'4'' to 5'9'' with measurements of 34-26-37. For male fit models, clients generally prefer a height of 6'1'' or 6'2'' with measurements of 39-34-39.
What weight is skinny for a 5 4 girl? ›
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 size is a petite model? ›
A petite model generally measures between 5'2” and 5'6” tall. Their hip, waist and bust sizes also tend to mirror their height (slightly smaller than the average male or female).
What size is a typical model? ›
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.
Can you be a model if you're chubby? ›
You don't have to be huge to fit this category. It's usual for plus size model agencies to look for girls who are just a little over normal weight – obese or very overweight models are still extremely rare.
What is acceptable fit? ›
Comparative fit index
90 or larger was considered to indicate acceptable model fit. However, recent studies have indicated that a value greater than . 90 is needed to ensure that misspecified models are not deemed acceptable. Thus, a CFI value of . 95 or higher is presently accepted as an indicator of good fit.
What do companies look for in models? ›
As a promotional model, you need to advertise a product at a trade show or event. Therefore, a modeling agency usually looks for a model who is friendly, outgoing, and confident to talk about the product to customers.
Best fit simply means that the differences between the actual measured Y values and the Y values predicted by the model equation are minimized. It does not mean a "perfect" fit; in most cases, a least-squares best fit does not go through all the points in the data set.
What is the fit approach to strategy? ›
Strategic fit expresses the degree to which an organization is matching its resources and capabilities with the opportunities in the external environment. The matching takes place through strategy and it is therefore vital that the company has the actual resources and capabilities to execute and support the strategy.
What is best fit and best practice? ›
The idea is that certain practices will ultimately result in better performance regardless of the business, and should be applied in almost all cases. Best fit is more flexible, taking into account your business, your team, your products, services and point of difference.
Why would I be a good fit for this role? ›
Your skills and qualifications. If you can prove that you've got all the skills that the company is looking for in a candidate, you'll have effectively answered the question. Your passion and motivation. You can highlight how good of a company fit you'd be and how much you love working in your field or industry.
Why should we hire you? ›
“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”
Can anyone look like a fitness model? ›
Most fitness modeling agencies look for body types that are lean and fit, with defined muscle tone. Being fairly tall—no shorter than 5'6″ if you're a woman and six feet and above if you're a man—is usually standard in the industry. Many fitness models also have a healthy glow, great skin, shiny hair, and a nice smile.
How much should beginner models make? ›
Beginner and experienced models can earn $125-$175 per hour, with a two-hour minimum for all jobs. Commercial models in smaller markets can earn between $25 and $75 per hour. Plus-size and catalog models will typically be compensated the same hourly, full-day, and half-day booking rates as standard models.
Do models actually 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.
Can I wear leggings to a model casting? ›
Bottoms: Dark blue or black skinny jeans or leggings. Make sure the jeans don't have acid wash details or tears, and if you wear leggings make sure they don't have logos or mesh cutout details. Shoes: Simple black or nude heels that don't have any bling or too large of a platform.
What height is the shortest model? ›
Devon Aoki is one of the shortest high fashion models out there, and has enjoyed a lot of success through her career. In the late 90s, she became the face of Versace and also posed for Chanel, Kenzo, Moschino, Fendi and many more. How tall is she? Just 5'5".
Many beauty shots are extreme close-ups, so casting agents will be on the lookout for good lips, eyes, brows, cheekbones and jawlines. Successful beauty models do not have to have all these qualities, but having at least one good stand-out feature will definitely help agents to notice a model.
Can fitness models be short? ›
Agencies and brands use petite models for all types of campaigns. From commercial, high-street fashion brands who's sizes are for the average-sized consumer to beauty products where height is often irrelevant. Petite models can be commercial models, swimwear models, fitness models, and promo models, for example.
What weight is considered chubby? ›
Adult Body Mass Index
If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range. If your BMI is 18.5 to <25, it falls within the healthy weight range. If your BMI is 25.0 to <30, it falls within the overweight range. If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obesity range.
Is a BMI of 19 skinny? ›
If your BMI is: under 18.5kg/m2 – you are considered underweight and possibly malnourished. 18.5 to 24.9kg/m2 – you are within a healthy weight range for young and middle-aged adults. 25.0 to 29.9kg/m2 – you are considered overweight.
What is considered petite weight? ›
Petite refers to stature not weight. Most people still think petite means skinny when in fact petite has nothing to do with weight. Petite is the term used in the fashion industry to describe a woman who is 5'3 tall or under. Petite women come in all shapes and sizes, whether they're a size 4 or 14.
How short is too short for a female model? ›
Runway Models
The height requirements are 5.9 and above for female models and between 5'11" to 6'2" for male models. The fashion industry is very strict and has high, and sometimes unreasonable standards. Since the requirements are not very flexible, it is a hard industry to get into.
What waist size is petite? ›
Petite Size Chart
| SIZE | S – Petite | M – Petite |
|---|
| WAIST | 64cm | 72cm |
| 25.0in | 28.0in |
| HIP | 90cm | 98cm |
| 35.4in | 38.6in |
10 more rowsSize Chart
| hernest size | BUST | WAIST |
|---|
| XXS | <32" | 20-23" |
| XS | 30-32" | 23-26'' |
| S | 33-35'' | 27-29” |
| M | 36-37'' | 30-32'' |
5 more rowsAs far as a machine learning algorithm is concerned, a good fit is when both the training data error and the test data are minimal. As the algorithm learns, the mistake in the training data for the modal is decreasing over time, and so is the error on the test dataset.
What are two benefits of using models? ›
Models use familiar objects to represent unfamiliar things. Models can help you visualize, or picture in your mind, something that is difficult to see or understand. Models can help scientists communicate their ideas, understand processes, and make predictions.
Fitness models pose for product photos, advertisem*nts, and magazines. They specialize in selling fitness products, and are commonly more muscular and defined than fashion models. Fitness models often find work modeling for sporting goods stores, or they pose for article photos for fitness magazines.
What are the 4 types of models? ›
9 types of modelling explained
- Runway models. A runway model works most commonly on the catwalk, which is the runway at fashion shows where designers showcase their work, such as a new clothing line. ...
- Fashion/editorial models. ...
- Commercial models. ...
- Photographers. ...
- Textile designers.
Models can be used to introduce specific content. A model can introduce students to important terms as well as provide an environment to explore relevant processes. Models can be used to explore "What-if" scenarios.
What are three uses of models? ›
The use of models includes being a descriptive or explanatory tool, using the model to test ideas, make predictions, and formulate hypotheses.
How to look like a fitness model? ›
How To Build A Fitness Model Body
- Don't overdo the cardio. Women often make cardio the focus of their workout routine and the weights get pushed to the back burner, when it should actually be the opposite. ...
- Eat more! ...
- Lift heavier. ...
- Keep a workout journal. ...
- Train with intensity. ...
- Take progress pictures. ...
- Have the right mindset.
When you see the cover of SHAPE magazine, that is a fitness model. You might also see fitness models on exercise infomercials, gym advertisments, and nutritional products. Now for a fit model. A fit model is a human being that “fits” the clothing for a specific clothing manufacturer.
What is the difference between model and fitness model? ›
Fashion models are generally people, full of life, toned, quite muscular and through them the ideal physique seems easy to achieve. Fitness models on the other hand are muscular people, more complete in their development in general in the muscle mass of the whole body.
