What are the requirements for being a model?
Is there a minimum or maximum height, weight or other factor?
There are many different types of modeling categories. Each modeling category has different requirements. The main modeling categories are:
Editorial / Fashion
Commercial / Print
Fitness
Plus Size
Kids
Real People
Modeling is open to both male and female models and people of any ethnics or national background. While some modeling categories can have very specific height or weight requirements others can be more accessible. There are models of all ages, up to 60+.The two main modeling categories are Editorial/Fashion (i.e. runway and fashion magazine models) and Commercial. Editorial/Fashion has very strict requirements for height and weight, Commercial is a very broad category with requirements that are not as strict, there are all sorts of commercial models. Basic height requirements for the two main modeling categories, Commercial and Editorial/Fashion modeling usually are in these ranges,
Commercial Modeling:
female:
5’6 to 5’11
male:
5’9 to 6’2
Editorial / Fashion modeling:
female:
5’8 to 6’0
90lb- 120lb
male:
5’9 to 6’2
120lb- 170lb
Plus-Size modeling:
5’8 to 6’2
size 10-18
Keep in mind these are just general guidelines and are not absolute.
While there are some exceptions, in most cases female commercial models have to be at least 5’6 or 5’7 and usually no more than 5’11 tall (for male models at least 5’9). If you are 5’5 or under your chances of success are very limited in comparison to taller models.
For fashion/editorial modeling, the requirements are even more stringent. There are very few fashion/editorial models under 5’8, most are 5’10 and taller. Male fashion/editorial models usually have to be at least 5’11. You can still try modeling if you are not within these requirements, but you will have far less chances of succeeding than if you fit within the requirements. Among the agencies that to look for new talent, you will find commercial agencies (more about participating modeling agencies) as well as some of the most exclusive editorial agencies like Elite, Ford, Marilyn, IMG or Next, which represent famous supermodels.