It’s no surprise that the demand for talented and quality models, of all types, is rising. This upward trend has female and male models across the country asking themselves if they have what it takes to become a promotional model. What is the average height of a female model? What is the average model weight? And what are the average model requirements?
The TSM Agency, one of the top model staffing agencies, reviewed their extensive database of over 30,000 models to answer the question, What are the average height and weight of a model, both female and male.
Agencies often receive questions from modeling candidates wondering if they have the physical attributes to be considered for promotional model jobs. Male and female models alike ask “am I tall enough? What are height and weight requirements for my height?” or, “how much does the average model weight?” Our comprehensive analysis compiled the data from all male and female models in an extensive database to provide the answers.
We were curious to find out the averages ourselves and created the enclosed infographic to share our findings with you. A website that specializes in infographics even found our information interesting enoughto share it.
The infographic below provides a visual representation of the physical makeup of our database, including how models compare with the general population on some key attributes. The average model height. The average model weight. The average model measurements. We have compiled data for both male models and female models. Check this out for more services.
This information is helpful for individuals who are wondering if they have what it take to enter the field as a male or female model. It is important to note that models that are in the sampled database have applied for spokesmodel, trade show model, auto show model, bikini model, or brand ambassador positions; not runway, fashion, or print. Those looking to staff or hire models may find the information of interest as well.
Many feel that a model has to have certain attributes, like large breasts or a height taller than average, to be successful. The statistics contradict this notion. For example, our model’s breast size is smaller than the national average.To view the models sampled in this post click here.
AVERAGE MODEL HAIR COLOR
We can’t vouch for blondes having more fun, but we can tell you this, more blondes are models.
- 2% of the world’s population have BLONDE hair, while 28% of models have it.
- BLACK is the most common color in the world, but only 18% of models have black hair.
- 1-2% of the world’s population has RED hair compared to 4% of models
- BROWN hair is the second most common hair in the world, but the most common amongst models with a 50% representation.
MODEL GENDER
A gender gap is common amongst professions, and modeling is no exception. 94.8% of promotional models are female while 5.2% of models are male.
Guys, you can become a model, but the job opportunities are fewer and farther between for you.
AVERAGE MODEL EYE COLOR
Models eye colors matched closely with the general population of the United States.
- BROWN: 48% of models versus 41% of the US population
- BLUE: 23% of models versus 32% of the US population
- GREEN: 15% of models versus 12% of the US population
- HAZEL: 14% of models versus 15% of the US population
FEMALE MODEL BREAST CUP SIZE
The stereotype of busty female models has been shattered upon review of our data. The average American bra size has increased from 34B to 34DD in the last 20 years. We speculate much of this is due to the increase in obesity. Only 6% of female models have a DD cup size.
The average female model breast size is a B cup at 38% of models. C cup came in second place with 32% of models having this cup size. 15% of models have a D cup, and 9% have an A cup.
AVERAGE MODEL WEIGHT
According to Plus Model Magazine, twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less. The CDC lists a healthy female weight, at average height, as being between 108-144 pounds. 87% of female models weighed between 100 and 150 pounds. Well within the healthy weight range.
As for males, the healthy range was started at 121-163 pounds. 46% of male models were within this range with the majority falling in the overweight category. We speculate this being due to higher levels of muscle mass amongst male models as well as an above average height.
AVERAGE FEMALE MODEL WEIGHT – IN POUNDS
75-100 9%
101-125 59%
126-150 28%
151-175 3%
176-200 .7%
201-225 .2%
over 226. .1%
Now for the question you all want answered, what is the average model weight?
The average female model weight is 114 pounds.
AVERAGE MALE MODEL WEIGHT – IN POUNDS
75-100 2%
101-125 4%
126-150 17%
151-175 39%
176-200 30%
201-225 6%
over 226 2%
The average male model weight is 167 pounds.
MODEL ETHNICITY
Promotional model ethnicity varied significantly from the US population with only 51% being Caucasian compared with 72% of the US population. 24% of promotional models listed their ethnicity as other. We have no way of knowing whether they are of mixed race, other races, or chose not to answer the question.
African American and Native American representation were in line with the United States Census Bureau with 12% and 1% of models, respectively. Asian models were also in line with the Census findings at 4% versus 5%. Hispanics were under represented with 8% versus 16% of total models.
AVERAGE MODEL AGE
The notion that modeling is for younger people is correct, though some models are still working jobs into their forties. It is important to note that models younger than 18 are not accepted for promotional positions at the TSM Agency.
- 61% of models were between the age of 18 and 32.
- 34% of models were between the age of 23 and 27
- 27% of models fell between the ages 28 and 32.
- Models over the age of 43 are 2% of our sample group.
AVERAGE MODEL HEIGHT
One of the most common questions agencies receives about height. “Am I tall enough to model?” What is the average model height? Promotional modeling differs from high fashion jobs. The fashion industry typically requires a height over 5’8,” so your odds of getting work in this field are slim to none if you are shorter than that.
Promotional modeling is a bit more forgiving, and height is not as important as experience, personality, interpersonal skills, and looks. 44% of female models were shorter than standard modeling requirements, being under 5’5” tall. 43% of models were between 5’6” and 5’10” tall. The average female model height is 5’7″.
Male models were of average to above average height as well, with 52% of them being between 5’6” and 5’10” tall. 50% were between 5’11” and 6’4” tall. The average male model height is 5’11”.
Averate female model heights:
Under 5’ 2%
5’1” – 5’5” 44%
5’6” – 5’10” 52%
5’11” – 6’4” 2%
Over 6’4” 0%
The average female model height is five feet and seven inches tall; 5’7″.
Average male model heights:
under 5’ 0%
5’1” – 5’5” 2%
5’6” – 5’10” 43%
5’11” – 6’4” 50%
over 6’4” 5%
The average male model height is six feet tall; 6′.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
Your chances of working a promotional model job increase dramatically if you live in a larger city. It makes sense, larger cities hold more trade shows, and conventions and brands typically market to major markets.
The top five states where models live, in order of highest to lowest:
1. California
2. New York
3. Illinois
4. Georgia
5. Nevada
The top five populous states, in order of highest to lowest:
1. California
2. Texas
3. New York
4. Florida
5. Illinois
The top five model staffing cities:
1. Las Vegas
2. Orlando
3. Chicago
4. New York
5. Atlanta
The largest five cities contain 16.5% of the model population and include Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Atlanta. Surprisingly Atlanta was the fifth most populous city for models while being the 40th largest city.
IN CONCLUSION
We were able to share the average female model height and found some interesting information on breast size, and showed average model measurements and weight. You may see all of our male and female model in the infographic below. Hopefully, this data helps give aspiring models a better idea of what it takes to become a promotional model. If you are already a model, you can see where you fall when compared to your peers.
Model height and weight requirements are vague in this industry. They vary depending on the job and client’s preferences. The next time you ask yourself “am I tall enough or is my weight in line with that of models?” know that you should not let these numbers stop you from submitting to a brand ambassador or top promotional model staffing agency. Go ahead and take a chance, you never know unless you try!
Were there any findings that surprised you? Let us know your thoughts!
(Click on the image to see the full-size promotional model infographic)
