Plus-Size Lingerie Modelling

Plus-size models have seen a huge increase in demand. The modelling industry is working hard to show more diversity with its choices, and that can be seen most clearly in the lingerie industry. 

With many celebrities launching their own lines, inclusivity has become a priority for many. Rihanna’s brand, Savage X Fenty, has done particularly well to stand out from the masses with its unique range of different-looking models.

Here’s the low-down on our favourite plus-size lingerie models – plus advice on how to get into plus-size lingerie modelling.

Are you interested in becoming a plus-size lingerie model? Click here to register with us today!

Famous Plus-Size Models

Ashley Graham

As one of the most famous models in the world, 33-year-old Ashley Graham has done incredibly well for herself. Many consider her to be one of the world’s only plus-size supermodels. She is the first plus-size model to feature in Sports Illustrated Annual Swimsuit Issue. The size 16 model regularly advocates body positivity and has done many talks on the subject. 

Kelly Brook

Kelly is a popular sex symbol and style icon in the UK. She began modelling at 16 when she won a beauty contest and was crowned FHM‘s Sexiest Woman in the World in 2005. She modelled for Bravissimo, a company specialising in lingerie for bigger-breasted women. She later caught the attention of the Daily Star and became a page three girl. 

Tara Lynn

American Tara, also known as “the body”, is well-known for her work in lingerie. She has fronted Elle and Elle Italia twice. She is one of the faces of plus-size modelling after featuring on the front cover of Elle magazine. The cover, along with the tagline ‘The Body’, implied her physique was one to aspire to. 

Quinn Miles

Quinn is a lingerie model who has worked with popular American brands like Old Navy and Macy’s. Quinn is another body positivity advocate. She wrote an article about it which featured in Glamour magazine. 

Margaret Macpherson

Margaret took part in a project called ‘Project Womankind’. The goal of the project is “body positivity and acceptance”. 

Candice Huffine

Candice was signed in 2000 at the age of 15 as a plus-size model (though she prefers the term ‘curve model’) – way before the plus-size industry became popular. She famously said, “we can’t let clothing sizes ruin our lives”. She believes the only way forward is inclusivity.

Requirements for Plus-Size Lingerie Modelling

You don’t have to meet the strict requirements expected for high-fashion modelling, but there are some standards that you will be expected to meet:

– Height. Apart from the petite modelling category, women over 5’7″ will have an advantage over their shorter counterparts. Brands and agencies love taller models because they are thought to photograph better and look better on the runway. 

– Hourglass. A plus-size model doesn’t have to be a specific weight or size, but agencies and brands will be on the lookout for those with a proportional, hourglass body shape. 

– Good skin. Having good skin provides a good base for make-up artists to work with. Having bad skin isn’t the end of the world, but more time will need to be spent in the make-up chair and your photographs may need more touching up, which can cost more time (and therefore more money). 

– Talent. Modelling is much more than standing there and looking pretty – many attractive people don’t photograph well at all. You’ll need to understand how your body looks from different angles. 

Pro Tips for Becoming a Lingerie Model

1. Look after your body. 

Just because you’re plus-size doesn’t mean you don’t need to think about nutrition and exercise. If modelling is your job, that means that your face and body are your work; you need to look after them.

2. Have a good skincare routine. 

We touched on good skin above. Having a good skincare routine will help keep blemishes at bay, as well as premature signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sunspots and fine lines. A good skincare routine doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. You’ll need a good cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen as a minimum, and you’ll need to be consistent for best results. 

3. Have a positive outlook. 

Having good mental health is important when working in the fashion industry, but it’s even more important for plus-size models as they can face a lot of negativity online and in the press. Fortunately, things are beginning to change as we see more diversity within the modelling industry. 

4. Know how to network. 

Networking is a really important part of modelling, and all models should know how to do it. Often, models get work because of who they know. A photographer, make-up artist or even photography assistant may help find you work elsewhere. This is why it’s so important to be kind to everyone you meet. 

5. Know your stuff. 

To give yourself the best chances of success, you should make sure you know the types of brands that work with plus-size lingerie models. You should also try to keep on top of new trends. 

6. Get signed to a modelling agency. 

It’s not impossible to become a model without an agency, but it’s incredibly difficult. To get signed to an agency, you have to find them online and apply via their website. It’s difficult to get signed because competition is so high, but if you’re serious about pursuing a career in modelling you’ll have to be patient and keep applying to as many agencies as you can. 

Are you interested in plus-size lingerie modelling? Register with us today for professional industry advice!