It’s been a strange couple of years: COVID, Brexit, gender identification, BLM…we don’t have enough space to list every single event that has led to these extraordinary times. But some things have remained true. One of them is that the commercial modelling industry has been screaming out for male models. Males just like you!

A lot of genres have been labelled with stereotypes, and this stands true with male modelling. Close your eyes and think about what you perceive a male model to look like…

…Finished? OK, did you visualise a strapping, 6’2’’, dark-haired, striking young man with a chiselled jaw line and fashionable stubble? That’s fair enough, because we do have several males on our books that fit this description.

But, wait…! Though we have a number of males that are categorised as a “typical” model, the majority are not. Sure, a lot of them are good-looking, but facial features and physical traits only just scratch the surface when we look at a male and consider if they can become a model.

You see, professionalism can count for more in the commercial modelling industry than mere eye-catching appearances. What catches our eye is a model’s personality, temperament, confidence and determination. We do our very best to place models in various assignments, but it’s up to the model to have the persistence and grit to succeed. We have the tools and the experience – all a male model needs is the resolve and desire to go that little bit farther.

Due to the diversity of our clients (several of them are “big hitters” and world famous), we require a diverse collection of male models to match modelling briefs. There isn’t just one type of male model, so any male with the drive to become a model can actually be a model. It’s as simple as that!

The need for male models has never been so clear-cut. We have a professional booking team that has been with us for years, eager to hear from male models to fulfil roles that could be tailor-made for men just like you.  

The adage of “you won’t win the raffle if you don’t buy a ticket” can be applied to modelling applications. Be confident that you can become a male model; apply with us, and we’ll see what you’ve got to offer. What better way to banish the oddities of the last few months than taking that first step to becoming one of our male models?

https://www.modelsdirect.com/male-modelling/

https://www.modelsdirect.com/become-a-model/men/

Not to be mistaken for a fitness model who models sportswear and is associated with anything to do with fitness, health and wellbeing, fit models try and test garments for a target market.

Being this type of model doesn’t give you as much exposure as a runway, commercial or promotional model would but it’s certainly a satisfying one. Knowing that you’re helping a team achieve a fashion goal and an end product that will end up in a store and eventually in someone’s closet is definitely fulfilling. 

In this blog, we focus on male fit models as the spotlight usually shines on female models. Models Direct want our male audience to know that there is a demand for anyone interested in being a behind-the-scenes model. Here are some areas to consider if you’re thinking of being a fit model. 

Are industry-standard measurements important? 

Yes and no – it depends on what the client requires. They might call for a male model who is tall, petite, standard or plus-size. Don’t let the typical male model measurements put you off or make you think that you don’t stand a chance. On the contrary, get in touch with our Models Direct team today so that we can discuss the demand for a male fit model. We have clients who need a man who can try on their clothing and see how it fits on a real person as opposed to a mannequin. 

Being physically and mentally fit

Designers may want you to stand for long durations of time so that they can focus on creating a garment just right for your body. They may want to pin, cut, pull and mould the apparel so that it fits well – and this may take some time getting right. Therefore, being physically and mentally fit is a bonus. 

Body shy?

Are you comfortable in your own skin? Are you okay with getting dressed in front of other people? If you answered yes, then you probably don’t feel body shy… which is perfect. Fit models will be asked to change into and out of clothes so that designers can get an idea of how easily their design can be put on and taken off by you. You’ll represent their potential customer so they will probably expect you to change frequently whilst really investigating the mechanisms of their clothing. Therefore, being a fit model means no time for being body shy. 

Being vocal

Designers may want your feedback on how the apparel feels and fits, and whether you can easily manoeuvre in it. Its functionality is paramount to its success so if you are asked your thoughts, you will need to be vocal and let the designers know as precisely as possible. If you think that there is room for improvement or something doesn’t fit right, they should know so that they can rectify the issue and create a piece that will do well with their target market.  

Get in touch with a reputable scouting agency

If you’re thinking of launching a career as a fit model, you’ll need to get in touch with a trustworthy modelling agency who will put you forward whenever an opportunity pops up and is promising. Models Direct is certainly an agency who is reliable and reputable with 30 years’ worth of modelling experience. Connect with us and we’ll give you the lowdown on fit modelling.

• Confidence.  Clients are looking for someone who is confident and can sell a product convincingly. If you’re not naturally confident, consider using one of the many self-help books or podcasts available that can help you to build up self-confidence. To renew your confidence in your looks, remind yourself of compliments you’ve received from others.
• A ‘thick skin’.  You must be able to handle the rejection that every model faces, while still putting yourself forward whenever there’s a chance of getting the job. You can’t expect to meet the expectations of every client. Try to think, ‘It’s good if I get the job, but if they don’t want my look I won’t feel bad about it’.

• Stamina.  A model needs to be fit and healthy so they can work all day and still look good at the end of it. Maintain a healthy diet and work out at least three times a week. If you can’t afford a gym, walking and running are great exercises that anyone can do. If you’re too busy to exercise, build exercise into your daily routine by walking to work or to the shops.
• Independence.  Professional models may have to travel often, so you need an independent spirit and a self-starting attitude. You’ll need to get yourself up in the morning and make sure you arrive at the job on time and ready to perform. You also need to be comfortable if you need to be by yourself for long periods.
• Organisation.  You need to be well organised in order to keep track of the dates, times and locations of your castings and appointments. Keep a paper diary with you or use one of the many online tools available to enter and edit your appointments. Keep all your papers in a single safe and secure location.
• Willpower.   Working models can’t afford to indulge in drink, drugs or partying. You must have the will power to say NO. An agency will drop a model very quickly if it becomes clear that his or her lifestyle could affect her work – or the agency’s reputation.
• Availability and responsiveness.  Make sure it’s easy for agencies to get in touch with you if they need to. When you have a confirmed job, communicate with the photographer/agency as much as you can, and answer their queries as quickly as possible.
• Fashion.   Keep up with the latest styles and clothing trends, particularly those that suit your looks and style. Keep your portfolio updated with shots that use recent looks.
• Persistence.  This is perhaps the most important attribute of all. It takes a lot of work to be a professional model! It’s no good waiting for work to come to you – you need the get-up-and-go attitude of someone who sets goals and goes after them. As George Bernard Shaw said, ‘The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.’