Can You Become A Model At Every Age, Height, and Body Shape?

Yes, you don’t have to be at a certain age, height, or size to become a model. The industry is a lot more inclusive than it used to be. However, it doesn’t mean it will be an easy career journey. There is quite a bit of research and preparation you need to do if you would like to become a successful model.

There are 19 types of modeling and I assure you, there is at least one type of modeling that is a good fit for you. I recommend reading about different modeling types and finding out what suits your appearance best. This is not to say that there are certain modeling jobs you won’t be qualified for but it’s good to be aware of the requirements. For example, if you are 20 years old, a mature modeling job that requires women over 50 years old won’t be a good fit for you.

Modeling is More Than Runway Shows

When the subject of modeling comes up, the image that shows up in many people’s minds consists of fit and tall models walking at a fashion show. This is a stereotypical way of thinking about modeling. Even though runway modeling is one of the most popular and went-after types of modeling, there are huge industries such as commercial modeling and print modeling with lots of high-paying jobs available for women of all ages, heights, and body shapes.

Runway modeling was traditionally dominated by women who had athletic body types and were at least 5 feet 7 inches tall. This is because the majority of the fashion designers in the previous century were men, and most of them are taller than many women. When they designed clothes, they needed mannequins that are at least as tall as themselves so they didn’t need to lean down during the lengthy design process. Because the mannequins (and clothes they designed by using them) were long in height, they needed tall women to wear them at fashion shows.

As a fashion spectator who watched major shows during New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Los Angeles Fashion Week, I can tell that the approach of fashion designers and showrunners to model castings is completely different than it was decades ago. It’s a lot more inclusive and diverse -thankfully- which means ladies of all sizes and heights are cast to show off new designs. 

At the end of the day, clothing brands want to make garments and sell them to as many people as possible which means selling them to everyone regardless of their body shapes. What is a better way to tell their brand is for everyone than representing the diversity of women on the runway?

Take The First Step

At Fashion Republic Magazine, we receive numerous messages from aspiring models about their concerns. Here are a few of them:

They have dreams of becoming a model but they are giving up on them. Reading sentences like “I don’t think I could be a fashion model” is heartbreaking. 

We come across amazing people with similar thoughts again and again. They stop going after their modeling dreams because they don’t think they have what it takes. They think they are not young enough, tall enough, or fit enough to become a model.

That’s why, I can’t stress this enough: You don’t have to be at a certain height, age, body shape, or location to become a successful model. As I mentioned in the beginning of the post, there are 19 types of modeling. I guarantee you, there is a type of modeling that fits your look best!

When ladies ask for advice, we tell them to take the first step. Take a modeling class. A comprehensive class such as Modeling Master Course will teach you the fundamentals, different types of modeling, and materials you need. It will provide all the knowledge and tools you need to succeed in the modeling industry.

Cliche but True: You are Stronger than Excuses

Many aspiring models we talk with want to start doing modeling itself as soon as possible rather than learning it and doing practice. This is partly because they see modeling as simple as doing a pose smiling, which is also a thought that indicates the need for learning about modeling.

When we recommend they take a modeling class (any class), what we mostly hear are

• I don’t have time for taking a class
• I live in a small town. There is no modeling class here
• It’s too expensive. I’m not able to afford
• I don’t know what kind of class I should take
• I don’t think I’m tall enough, fit enough, or young enough to be in a modeling class
• I don’t feel comfortable being in a class with others

These excuses point out concerns about time, location, money, knowledge, and insecurities. To overcome all of these concerns, we recommend taking an online, self-paced, comprehensive modeling course with lifetime access. Benefits of this kind of course:

• Since it’s self-paced, you can take it whenever you have time. It works with your schedule
• You can take an online course from anywhere in the world so your location won’t limit you
• Online courses are a lot more affordable than in-person classes
• A comprehensive course teaches you everything you need so you don’t need worry about what to learn
• Since there is no in-person interaction with other people, you will feel a lot more comfortable and confident

Enroll in the Modeling Master Course to get your modeling career started from your home and no matter what your age, height, or body shape is.

Conclusion

Don’t overthink! Don’t let the mainstream media that shows tall and fit women at fashion shows discourage you from going after your modeling dreams. The industry is inclusive and there are modeling types that are good fits for everyone regardless of their sizes, ages, heights, and locations.

Set aside the concerns and take the first step. Keep learning and practicing. You will soon start booking modeling jobs and notice that becoming a successful model was within your reach.