Curved Models: Plus Size Model for Fashion & Advertising

Curvy, confident and more in demand than ever: Curved Models are transforming the fashion world from the ground up. Anyone who thinks modelling is only for size 34 is long mistaken. The average woman in Germany wears a size 44 – and exactly this reality has been recognised by the advertising industry. From big fashion houses through international campaigns to German online shops: Curvy models are everywhere, and demand is rising rapidly. Anyone who wants to become a Curvy Model finds more doors open to them today than ever before.

Overview hide

What are Curved Models and why are they so in demand?

Requirements: What a Curved Model Really Needs to Bring to the Table

How to Become a Curved Model: The Journey from Application to Booking

Areas of Employment: Where do Curved Models work?

Your checklist: Ready for the application?

Frequently asked questions about curved models

What are Curved Models and why are they so in demand?

The term Curved Model or Plus Size Model refers to models who wear sizes 40/42 and above. In the industry, the term “Curvy Models” is often used – a term that positively portrays fullness and radiates strength. But why is this sector booming so strongly right now?

It’s simple: consumers want to see themselves reflected in advertising. Studies in consumer psychology show that purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by whether target groups can identify with the models presented. A size-46 customer who wants to buy a dress is more likely to make the purchase if she sees how the dress fits on a woman with a similar figure. Brands like ASOS, Zalando or H&M have understood this and are increasingly diversifying their campaigns. Those who want to find out more about becoming a model in larger sizes will today find a much broader range of agencies and bookings available.

Curved vs. Classic: The main differences

Curved Models work in the same areas as classical models – from catwalk presentations through lookbooks to TV spots – but with specific requirements. While classical editorial models often have strict size specifications, the focus with Curved Models is more on presence, movement flow and the ability to present fashion convincingly. Those who want to find out more about general model measurements and requirements should take a look at the overview.

Feature	Classic Model	Curved / Plus Size Model
Ready-to-wear size	32–36	40–54+
Minimum height typically	174 cm+	168 cm+ (flexible)
Main market	High Fashion, Runway	E-Commerce, Advertising, TV
Market growth	stable	strongly growing
Body image in focus	less emphasized	central to the job
Agency options	many	increasingly many

Requirements: What a Curved Model Really Needs to Bring to the Table

Contrary to what many might assume, it’s not all about the ready-to-wear size for Curved Models. Those who want to learn about the requirements to become a model quickly discover: personality, body awareness and professionalism are at the top of the list.

Physical requirements

Most agencies specialising in Curved Models work with a model agency without minimum height or set significantly more flexible standards. Nevertheless, the following guidelines can serve as an orientation:

Height: from approximately 168 cm for fashion
Clothing size: 40 to 54+
Even proportions
Neat appearance
Natural, expressive presence

Those wondering whether a particular minimum height model agency is really essential will find a pleasant answer in the Curved world: it is significantly rarer than in the classic segment.

Soft skills and mental strength

Curved Models sometimes still face prejudices in the job market – those who handle them confidently have a decisive advantage. The following qualities are in demand:

Confidence in front of the camera
Strong body language expression
Flexibility and team spirit
Punctuality and reliability
Willingness to travel and shoot

“The best thing about Curved Models is their authenticity. Clients book them not in spite of their curves – but precisely because of this naturalness, which creates trust with the end consumer.”
— Agency Scout, CM Models

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How to Become a Curved Model: The Journey from Application to Booking

Getting started in the modelling world is more structured than many think. Those who know the steps to become a model save time and avoid typical beginner mistakes. At CM Models, the process takes place in clearly defined stages.

Step 1 – The Application

The first step is a professional online application. Important: No overly edited photos, no filters. Casting managers want to see real people, not perfectly retouched figures. A natural smile and good lighting are completely sufficient for the initial stage. Those who want to find out more about casting at CM Models will find all the details about the process there.

Step 2 – Preparing for the Casting

Those invited to a casting should prepare well. Clothes that accentuate your silhouette, fresh makeup and a relaxed posture make all the difference. Detailed tips on preparing for a casting help maximise the first impression. Equally helpful is a well-structured model portfolio for casting, which presents the first photos and basic data clearly.

Step 3 – Agency and Contract

A reputable modelling agency does not ask for advance fees. Full stop. Anyone wondering whether a modelling agency charges money should take this as a warning sign. Reputable agencies – identifiable by transparency, clear contract terms and genuine booking references – only earn money when the model earns it. Information on this can be found under modelling agency without fees and reputable modelling agency.

Areas of Employment: Where do Curved Models work?

The range of bookings for Curved Models is enormous. Anyone wanting to start modelling as a side job will find particularly many opportunities for flexible bookings in the Curved segment.

Fashion and E-Commerce

The biggest market is in e-commerce. Online shops need models suitable for every product category – and in large volumes. From swimwear and underwear to business clothing: Curved Models are booked for all genres. Those applying with a Berlin modelling agency, a Hamburg modelling agency or with becoming a model in Frankfurt will find particularly many local bookings in the e-commerce sector.

Advertising, TV and Film

Curved Models are now a standard feature in TV commercials, brand films and print advertisements. Brands in the food, cosmetics and fashion industries deliberately choose diverse castings because they know: diversity sells. Anyone with international ambitions should find out more about becoming a model in London or becoming a model in New York – both cities are considered world leaders in the Curved segment.

Fashion Weeks and the Runway

Yes, on the catwalk too! More and more designers are opting for curvaceous silhouettes in their shows. Anyone looking for catwalk and runway tips should also keep an eye on the key dates: the New York Fashion Week dates, the Paris Fashion Week dates, the Milan Fashion Week dates and the London Fashion Week dates are the global highlights. Nationally, events such as the Fashion Week Berlin are also important platforms. For a complete overview: The Big 4 Fashion Weeks explains all four events in a concise manner.

Your checklist: Ready for the application?

Before you apply to an agency, go through these points. Anyone who can tick them all off is well prepared:

☐ Natural photos (no filter) prepared
☐ Measurements (size, weight, clothing size) noted
☐ Short personal letter written
☐ Availability and flexibility checked
☐ Research into reputable agencies conducted
☐ Casting-Outfit ausgewählt
☐ Questions for the casting interview noted
☐ Application submitted via the official form

Those who want to know how to contact a modelling agency will find specific wording tips there. And those looking for an overview of the market: The Top 10 modelling agencies provide a good introduction to the agency landscape. Which fashion designers particularly use curved models can be seen by looking at German fashion designers.

Frequently asked questions about curved models

How much does a curved model earn?

Earnings vary greatly depending on experience, agency and type of job. E-commerce shoots are often paid by the day, while TV advertising is significantly higher. Those who want to know more will find a detailed breakdown with realistic figures for different booking types under How much does a model earn?.

What size do I need to be as a curved model?

There is no single rule. Most agencies in the Curved segment work with models from size 40/42. For fashion shoots and the catwalk, a minimum height of 168 cm is often recommended, while for e-commerce and advertising the range is much broader. Find more information under Becoming a model in larger sizes.

Can I become a Curved model without any experience?

Yes – and this is not an exception, but the rule. Most successful Curved models start without prior experience. What matters is presence, willingness to learn and the courage to apply. The casting at CM Models is explicitly open to beginners too. Apply now and take the first step.

Is it possible to model as a Curved model on a part-time basis?

Absolutely. Many Curved models work alongside their studies or full-time job. Particularly e-commerce shoots and regional advertising productions can easily be combined with a fixed daily schedule. Everything important on this topic is explained in the article Modelling part-time.