How to become a fashion male model? (2024)

How do I become a male fashion model?

As far as common characteristics that are important for anyone looking to get into modeling, height is probably the single most important physical attribute for most models, with 5'7'' generally considered a minimum.

On the runway, male models who wear the latest designer fashions must be at least 6' tall. Male models photographed for commercial advertising purposes are required to be 5'11 to 6'2 and fit into a 40R jacket. Hand and foot models must have straight appendages and an even skin tone for modeling jewelry or footwear.

Salary Ranges for Male Models

The salaries of Male Models in the US range from $10,094 to $254,999 , with a median salary of $45,701 . The middle 57% of Male Models makes between $45,701 and $115,345, with the top 86% making $254,999.

Even then, it's not a hard and fast rule. There are different types of modeling, and they don't all call for the long and lean man. Not only is it okay to be taller or shorter than traditional standards, but the modeling industry is also welcoming to male models of different sizes.

Runway and Fashion Male Model Height Requirements

On the runway, male models are usually over 6' tall, however, commercially photographed models are within 5'11” – 6'2″. It is believed that there are a few different reasons for these measurements.

When it comes to male models, they are typically expected to weigh between 120 and 170 pounds, which is also lower than the healthy weight for men. A man who reaches six feet tall, which is the average height for male models, should weigh somewhere between 160-196.

Is there a demand for male models?

Once considered the more esoteric side of modeling, more savvy fashion brands are waking up to the idea that most guys are not model size; and that, in fact, we're getting bigger. As a consequence, the demand for plus-size male models is on the up.

Plus-size and catalogs models will generally be paid the same hourly, half-day, and full-day booking rates. Natalie Fletcher, the owner of nxt|Model in Colorado, says that most agencies take a 20% commission. Typically, taxes are not withheld from modeling gig pay, so it's up to you to budget for your yearly taxes.

Seasoned female models make more bucks

This means fewer men on the ramp, and the reasons according to agencies could be many - fewer designers foraying into menswear, main revenues generated from women's collection or simply, less money being invested in men's apparel and products.

When a modeling agency becomes interested in you, they will ask for an in-person interview. Then, they may take photos of you that are very natural (without makeup, styled hair) to see how photogenic you are and take down your personal details such as your height, weight and other relevant skills.

Yes, typically speaking it is. Some model agencies are more picky than others and won't sign on a 5′10 guy or a 6′3 guy but generally speaking both of those heights are accepted. About 5′11 to 6′2 (180 to 190 cm) is the “golden range” for male models.

Requirements for runway shows, commercial catalogs, advertising campaigns, and editorial opportunities vary, but men who start a modeling career between the ages of 15 and 25 can continue well into their 40s or 50s.

Male models usually have a very slim and toned physique. Having excess mass in the hips, thighs, midsection, and butt will not allow them to model fashionable clothes. Their legs are ripped but they also carry a slim waist. This can be done by skipping squats and dead lift.

To call a man “petite” is considered emasculating, as the word is associated with femininity and daintiness. So we call them “short” male models. Short male models are generally under 5'10” (177.8 cm).

How do I start modeling at 15?

If you want to start as a model at the age of 15, you'll probably have your first jobs in showrooms. At such a showroom, fashion designers present their new collections. The invited guests are buyers of major fashion chains or fashion boutiques, domestic or abroad.

Apply in modeling agencies at the age of 14 years

All our model agency needs from you are two very simple photos you can do with your phone. Make sure that you stand in the daylight and that you send a portrait and a full body photo. In addition you send us still your most important measures and your contact data.

But keep it groomed, shabby looking facial hair is not something a casting agent from the best male modeling agency wants to see on your face. Photos with both clean shaved as well as bearded are requirements for a male model portfolio. A male model should take care of his eye brows too, keep it trimmed and in shape.

Other models have said they eaten anywhere from 800 to 3,000 calories per day. In essence, a model's diet totally varies depending on their body type, how easily they gain or lose weight, and what their nutritionist is asking of them.

The standard height requirement for a female fashion model is 5 feet and 9 inches to 6 feet. For men, the required height is 5 feet and 11 inches to 6 feet and 3 inches. You might have heard of top fashion models, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Karlie Kloss.