A couple of years back we did a blog about the plus-size revolution but we’re curious to revisit this modelling category and see how things may have changed, if anything, since then. Does the industry still use the term plus size? How is it viewed now? Are we still size-inclusive? Let’s explore more here…

What’s it shaping up like out there? 

Models Direct have been scouring through the trails of the world wide web to investigate, and here’s a quick snapshot of what different clothing retailers kick-start their sizing range from and more interestingly what they refer as to their plus-size category:

ASOS begin at size 18, sticking to their roots: plus size and curve

Shein starts at size 16 and just has theirs down as plus

Boohoo’s sizing is at 16 with plus too

Yours are size 14 under as plus

It seems that out of plus-size the word size has been dropped but we’ve seen a similar pattern run through a lot of the industry, the terms are still very much the same so no real big change there. Is this surprising? No, probably not. It might just mean that most people are satisfied with the term and are happy to keep it on continuing their support for size inclusivity. Woohoo! This area of the industry is continuing to grow and develop with all the choices and options out there. So whether you’re a size 14 and onwards, fashionistas can keep up with the latest trends and current styles because they’ve been given the opportunity to continue to do so. Simples!

Conversations about size inclusivity

A few years back, conversing about size has helped to begin the process of debunking body shaming where conversations have sparked what beauty means to people and how it should be showcased, perceived and translated not just in the modelling and fashion world but in the community at large. This has helped break down barriers and push forward positive messages with more acceptance of the variety society has of body shapes and sizes…voila, here we are today!

We’ve got models that are camera present, in the spotlight and being called for assignments regardless of their size and we love it! Take Nadia Aboulhosn, Gabi Fresh, Darnel Ghramm, Tess Holliday, and Ashley Graham, who are just a few of the many influencers rocking up the scene and showing the world that beauty isn’t filtered through slender, tall bodies, it’s through all mediums.

A fresh outlook…always!

Our agency, Models Direct, thrives on what makes us different – this is what’s so wonderful about our way of thinking as a modelling agency. We look outside the box, give pride to how we operate as a business, and continually adapt and innovate according to the changes in our society. So when it comes to body positivity, curves, plus, plus-size, we’re all in.

Plus size modelling is a contentious subject in the media, with brands being slammed for using plus size models in their marketing campaigns and consequently then promoting an unhealthy lifestyle or brands using size 6-8 models and therefore not appealing to the majority – so how can these fashion houses get it right??

Models Direct is the UK’s number one commercial modelling and talent agency. We have a more varied demand from our clients for the types of models and talent we represent and have done since 1990 when the agency was created, this is why ‘size’ is literally just a number for us!

With big name high street brands like ASOS, BooHoo, River Island and Marks & Spencer using plus size models to promote their clothes the demand for plus size models is big.  Now you can use your size to your advantage which wasn’t the case historically in the modelling industry.

Brands pay big money with us for the right plus size model to promote their garments. Some of the top curve models are able to earn up to £20,000 per day!

Models Direct has always represented plus-size models. Average female in the UK is a size 16, so a plus size model can vary from a size 12 upwards. Recently Models Direct has seen a rise in demand for models size 16 and above.

Here’s Lisa she had this to say:

“I just wanted to say such a huge thank you to Models Direct!! “

“I went on my first photo shoot 2 years ago because I was struggling with body confidence, ( I had a breast reduction planned and a huge weight loss dream) the reduction I had but the weight loss didn’t happen as I became quite poorly. I never planned to sign up to a model agency, it was just to help me feel better and it really did. So in all honesty I half heartedly filled out my account and never looked at it again and my photos I kept hidden behind my sofa never to be seen by anyone ! It’s really funny because over Xmas we were moving furniture my mum and sisters found the folder and we all sat there laughing at them at how huge I looked ! I was mortified by them and embarrassed . When you called me I literally thought it was a joke! I thought maybe it’s an open audition and it’s what the agency do before your account runs out – I hadn’t even thought for one second my account was really live. I spent the morning of the casting writing a blog about self confidence and used the experience as a challenge about facing demons head on, it took me right back to my dancing days (which is another lifetime ago!) when I was always told great dancer but you won’t fit in the costume at all my auditions soul destroying as back then I was only a size 10 but just had these huge boobs that made me look a 16+ To have you call me yesterday with the great news was mind blowing, I’m literally blown away it was so unexpected and I’m so over the moon to just have had that phone call, it was so unexpected ! Fingers crossed for Monday it will either be something to scream about or write about either way I’m happy with both options Thank you again for taking the time to call me on your day off it was really appreciated – Lisa x ”      

Model Neri gives her feedback on working with Models Direct:

” I was a Care Worker. My degrees are in  Performance and Writing, but I never thought in a billion years, that I may actually use them. When I made the decision that perhaps I could become a plus size model, most people would dismiss the very notion. But it was like I woke up one morning and decided that I could show off my size 20 skills, just as well as those size 10 ladies. After about 10 minutes on Google, I didn’t stop to consider if I should apply, I just did it. I’ve always known I looked different, but Models Direct was the first one to see it as a potential selling point. Who knew my first assignment would end up being my regular income!

This journey has been amazing so far, with my agent Molly having my back the whole time and encouraging my curvy self to push forward. I never thought that being hairier than the average woman, would have landed me such an awesome role. Whatever happens, taking a chance on myself, was the best thing I did and Models Direct taking a chance on me, has been life changing.” 

To find out more about plus size modelling click here.

With the modelling industry evolving it’s refreshing to see that curvier models are featuring on the covers of International magazines and it seems the hour glass figure really sells – curves are being celebrated by big brands around the world!

The plus size clothing market is approximately worth £4.7 million and brands are extending their sizing range daily, it makes sense that big name brands are now including plus size models, (size 12 and above is considered plus size, so that’s the majority of women!), in their advertising campaigns. It is a sure sign that the industry is taking note that diversity is needed and Models Direct are delighted to be able to represent many of these models.

#Realgirl, #Honouryourcurves, #Bodypositive #Loveyourself………

Models Direct is a commercial modelling and talent agency, therefore we have a more varied demand from our clients for the types of models and talent we represent and have done since the agency was created, this is why ‘size’ is not a consideration for us!

For a long time, women (and men!) have been influenced by the stereotypical body type we have been exposed to in the media and in the fashion industry, but a very small percentage of us fit that mould – hardly any of us! Therefore you could argue it is not relateable to the consumer, creating a relateable marketing campaign is key when selling a product.

Models Direct have always represented plus size models, though ‘plus size’ is not a term we like to use, they are beautiful and often very talented. The average female in the UK is a size 16, so a plus size model can vary from a size 12 upwards, simply depends on the the type of modelling they are being considered for.

If you are interested in modelling, have a unique look and are 12 size or above then please visit www.modelsdirect.com.

With the modelling industry evolving it’s refreshing to see that curvier models are now featuring on the covers of International magazines and it seems the hour glass figure really sells – curves are being celebrated by big brands around the world!

The plus size clothing market is approximately worth £4.7 million and brands are extending their sizing range daily, it makes sense that big name brands are now including plus size models, (size 12 and above is considered plus size, so that’s the majority of women!), in their advertising campaigns. It is a sure sign that the industry is taking note that diversity is needed and Models Direct are delighted to be able to represent many of these models.

#Realgirl, #Honouryourcurves, #Bodypositive #Loveyourself………

Models Direct is a commercial modelling and talent agency, therefore we have a more varied demand from our clients for the types of models and talent we represent and have done since the agency was created, this is why ‘size’ is not a consideration for us!

For a long time, women (and men!) have been influenced by the stereotypical body type we have been exposed to in the media and in the fashion industry, but a very small percentage of us fit that mould – hardly any of us! Therefore you could argue it is not relatable to the consumer, creating a relatable marketing campaign is key when selling a product.

Models Direct have always represented plus size models, though ‘plus size’ is not a term we like to use, they are beautiful and often very talented. The average female in the UK is a size 16, so a plus size model can vary from a size 12 upwards, simply depends on the the type of modelling they are being considered for.

If you are interested in modelling, have a unique look and are 12 size or above then please visit www.modelsdirect.com.