Requirements for a model: height, weight, school

Modeling – what measurements, height, weight and look give the best chances for jobs and cover spots? Inner strength and conviction are absolutely essential on the path to becoming a model. As a model, it’s important to appear strong and confident in your profession! Even if you had a long flight the day before and only reached your hotel in the evening: tiredness, stress – none of this should be visible during castings or photo shoots. Organisation and self-confidence are essential requirements for modeling. You meet the requirements to become a model. Do you know someone who should be modeling? Apply now at CM Models.

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Measurements and requirements for models in the modeling industry

What if my measurements differ?

Between modelling career, school and study

A typical modelling casting

Professionalism distinguishes models for agencies

Casting, application & more at a glance

What makes a good modelling agency?

Next Steps: Application and Casting

Measurements and requirements for models in the modeling industry

nModels abroad – international clients demand international measurements. Anyone wanting to walk the truly international runways and campaigns of this world must know this. These are so specific that they allow little room for error. Many have the dream: “How can I become a model for Otto?”, “Can I become a model for H&M?”, “Zara” and so on. On the fashion show, in the online shop and in the lookbook, everything must be perfect!
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These measurements apply in the international modelling industry

Women: 177–180 cm; hips under 90 cm for Paris/Milan and New York or for the Fashion Week

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Slim figure

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Men: 186–190 cm

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Slim to athletic figure

International Fashion

nCollections worldwide are tailored to a certain size in advance, for Fitting Models and photographic models. The same applies to fashion shows, where it is important that up to 20 models look harmonious side by side. During photoshoots, there is often a mix of models, and different measurements and sizes would disrupt the harmony. That is why the size of models is a crucial factor. Clothing looks more delicate, shows are predictable, and photoshoots are easier to plan. This makes organisation much simpler for photographers, agencies and bookers.
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Mode National

For domestic markets and many advertising productions, measurements can vary. Women and men can be up to 2 cm taller or shorter. Women usually wear dress sizes 34 or 36 and should have a slim figure, without too much sport, especially around the hips. Male models can be slim or slightly athletic, but without excessive muscles. An athletic body is important, but not that of a bodybuilder. Fitness is an important requirement for models, especially for a long-term career. Bodies change, so you must stay as fit as possible.

For fashion in general, hips between 87–93 cm (women)
For High Fashion it applies: hips under 90 cm (women)

What if my measurements differ?

Of course, there are also many jobs outside of fashion & high fashion. A large portion of modelling jobs actually takes place in the field of advertising. From the classic image brochure for business clients to advertisements for TV and YouTube Ads. Here we present everything important for fashion models & curvy models.
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nIf your measurements differ, you’ll find tips for small and tall models here:
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Curvy Models

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Fitness Model

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Modelling over 180 cm as a woman?

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Small models and minimum height

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Model agencies for larger sizes

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Model agencies with no minimum height

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Between modelling career, school and study

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Organise and plan your life well, as the modelling job involves a lot of travel and new contacts, but less time for friends and family. You will see your home less often. In return, however, you will get to know new countries and cultures, when modelling abroad. It is important to start a degree as well, to be secure in case the modelling career does not develop as expected. Keep your goals in mind and do not focus solely on the modelling career. Many models later move into other areas such as acting or media. Therefore, you should not neglect your academic and professional education.

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Read more here: Modelling & School

For new, young models, it is especially important to talk to their family. Even before you start pursuing your dream of modelling and apply to modelling agencies, you should speak to your parents or guardians. Good academic results are important, as reputable modelling agencies like CM Models pay attention to ensuring that school does not suffer under the modelling career. Discuss your goals early on to combine school and modelling, and achieve good grades to make it easier to get exemptions at school.
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A typical modelling casting

nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQrI9i07kbU
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nAs a model, you are booked because you are the absolute expert in the visual sale of products, services or brands. Always keep in mind: the latest fashion collections look perfect on you. The expensive watch looks even more exclusive on you. The phone looks perfect on you. Whoever is so convincing makes it into the agency board.
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View this post on Instagram

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A post shared by CM X MODELS (@cmxmodels)

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Critical photographers and clients require calmness and a positive aura

nYou will often come across critical photographers in your job who may not always have a smile for you. They may have had a bad day and are struggling to deal with their negative emotions. As a model, this should not affect you. You were booked for the job and you carry it out professionally. Even if no one on set is laughing that day – your day is perfect!
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Communication and social skills are important for models

That demands special qualifications from models in communication and interpersonal skills. Models need to be very sociable. You will have many conversations even when you are on set. Many people want to know something about you. Some go to eat something during the production. You meet other models and photographers. Good models are often also very communicative people. This brings an additional advantage: you remain positive in customers’ memories. This increases the chance of follow-up bookings and regular clients. A big gain for you as a model.

Professionalism distinguishes models for agencies

From the agency’s perspective, professionalism in the job and in everyday life is an absolute requirement for models. This involves, on the one hand, the fact that a model must project a certain image to the outside world. Therefore, you should not present yourself with too much junk food (Tip: Healthy Eating and Exercise) and avoid posting thoughtless comments.

Your own Social Media Profile: 2 Channels?

Clients, especially in large film productions, do not only check which clients you have already worked for. It is not uncommon for your name to be Googled beforehand. Your own profile (whether on a blog or in social media) should always present you as a likeable, versatile person. As a model, you will always also be a public figure.

1 Channel as a model – public
1 Channel private – for friends and family

Social networks naturally offer an excellent platform for promotion for models. We therefore also have a few Instagram tips for you here. Skilfully managing followers and media is an absolute prerequisite for becoming a model. Increasingly, more clients are also looking at the number of your followers.

Self-organisation and self-employment in work and everyday life

Dealing with clients should be as professional as your own marketing. Punctuality and trust are fundamental prerequisites for photo models. You should always arrive a few minutes early at the client’s or casting location. For longer journeys, it is advisable to travel the day before and stay overnight at a hotel. Flights must be well planned and suitcases perfectly packed. Punctuality at the airport, in the hotel and during the shoot is essential. This requires a high degree of self-organisation and independence, which modelling agencies expect. The job is demanding and requires special self-reliance.

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A post shared by COCAINE MODELS (@cocaine.models) on 17 Aug 2016 at 14:07

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On the subject of sporty … This is what a test shoot for New Faces looks like

nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxLSABjPXHM
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Naturalness and well-groomed appearance

Hair, hairdresser, nails, make-up – as a model, it’s always important to be well-groomed. The A and O for models is naturalness. Whether you’re a woman or a man, you should always make sure your hair is well cared for. Your hands and feet should be too. You should have nice teeth. At castings or for jobs: your naturalness is the most important thing. You should not have done nails, false lashes, extensions. You should also avoid make-up. What sells is your inner beauty, your presence and your natural, outer beauty.

Less is more: quality over quantity for jobs and photos

You should be able to focus and maintain your exclusivity as a model! For many models, the prerequisite to becoming a model is to have as many shoots as possible. That’s not the case! You should always be selective about your clients and your photographers. For example, if you as a young model go to 40 different photographers, you’ll have a lot of material for your portfolio, but there will probably also be a lot of unusable photographic material included.

“Quality over quantity: Good model management chooses targeted shoots with top photographers rather than random volume.”

nMany shootings will be duplicated and you’ll have stacks of images from one set, while for example you won’t have so many from sports shoots. As a model, it’s important to have a diverse portfolio, that’s true. But quality comes before quantity. A good model management will always make sure you work for good clients, for good money, and that your model portfolio is gradually improved by selected photographers. No one becomes a star overnight, even the biggest top models have started small and worked their way up step by step. You must also approach your dream of modelling in the same way.
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Interview with CM-Head Booker

Interview with Stephan / Head Booker CM on STYLIGHT: Becoming a model – Interview

Casting, application & more at a glance

Your first model application

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Agency Introduction – what you need to know!

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The Interview at a Model Agency

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Social Skills, Critical Photographers and Clients

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Models Between School, University, Friends and Family

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Male Models

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Model Portfolio

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Becoming a Model – Small Business

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Haute Couture & Pret-a-Porter

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Top Models vs New Faces

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Becoming a Model Abroad Including Model Documentary

Bei der Agenturwahl sollte man auch Internet-Modelagenturen kennen – spezialisiert auf Online-Veröffentlichungen, mit besonderem Augenmerk auf Serioüsität und Vertragsbedingungen.

What makes a good modelling agency?

Models work with many agencies — yet not every one is legitimate and effective. A professional modelling agency is clearly distinguishable: it doesn’t ask for upfront payments, nurtures genuine client relationships and strategically supports its models in their career development.

Transparent contract terms without hidden costs
Active brokerage to renowned clients (Fashion, Advertising, E-Commerce)
Personalised care instead of anonymous mass distribution
Fair commission — no advance or registration fees

More on this: What is a modelling agency? and All the requirements for models at a glance.

“A good modelling agency invests in you — not the other way round. Anyone asking for upfront payments is not an agency, but a risk.”

Next Steps: Application and Casting

Do you meet the requirements? Then the next step is your application to a modelling agency. CM Models is always accepting applications — directly online, uncomplicated and free of charge.

View current castings at CM Models
Information on model measurements and size charts
Step by step: becoming a model — the complete guide

Further guides: Sedcard for Models — everything about the model portfolio, creation and costs. For younger applicants: becoming a model at 16 — special requirements and parental consent. And for families: becoming a child model — what parents need to know.