Requirements to become a model: Height, weight, school

Become a model – what measurements, size, weight and look do models have that have the best chances for jobs and cover? Inner strength and conviction are absolutely essential on the way to becoming a model. As a model, it is important in your profession to appear strong and confident! Even if you had a long flight the day before and only reached your hotel in the night: tiredness, stress – none of this should be noticeable during castings or photo shoots. Organisation and self-confidence are prerequisites for being a model. You meet the requirements to become a model. Do you know someone who should be modelling? Apply now at CM Models.n

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Measurements and requirements for models in the modelling market

What if my measurements differ?

Between Modeling Career, School, and Studies

A typical model casting

Professionalism distinguishes models for agencies

Casting, Application & Co. at a Glance

What makes a good model agency?

Next Steps: Application and Casting

Measurements and requirements for models in the modelling market

nModeling abroad – international customers require international measurements. Whoever wants to be on the really 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” etc. On the fashion show, in the online shop and in the lookbook everything has to be right!
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These measurements apply in the international modeling industry

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

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Slim figure

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Men: 186-190cm

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Slim to athletic figure

Fashion International

Collections worldwide are tailored in advance to a certain size for Fitting Models and photographic models. This is also important at fashion shows, where up to 20 models need to look harmonious next to each other. During photoshoots, there is often a mix of models, and different measurements and sizes would disrupt the harmony. Therefore, the size of models is a crucial factor. Clothing looks more delicate, shows are easier to estimate, and photoshoots are simpler to plan. This makes the organization for photographers, agencies and bookers significantly easier.
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Fashion National

For domestic markets and many advertising productions, measurements are more flexible. 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 general fashion: hips between 87–93 cm (women)
For High Fashion: 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 modeling 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 will find tips for small and tall models here:
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Curvy Models

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Fitness Model

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Modeling over 180 cm as a woman?

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Small models and minimum height

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Model agency for larger sizes

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Model agency without minimum height

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Between Modeling Career, School, and Studies

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Organize and plan your life well, as the modeling job involves a lot of traveling and making new contacts, but leaves 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 modeling abroad. It is important to also start a degree, to be secure in case the modeling career does not develop as expected. Keep your goals in mind and do not focus solely on your modeling career. Many models later switch to other areas such as acting or media. Therefore, you should not neglect your academic and professional education.

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Read more here: Modeling & School

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

nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQrI9i07kbU
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nAs a model, you get booked because you are the absolute expert in the visual sales 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 that convincing makes it into the agency board.
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Check out 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

nOften you will also encounter critical photographers who may not always have a smile for you. They might have had a bad day and are unable to properly 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

nThat requires models to have special qualifications in communication and interpersonal skills. Models must be very social. You will have many conversations when you are on set. Many people want to know something about you. Some even 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 win for you as a model.
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Professionalism distinguishes models for agencies

nFrom the agency’s perspective, professionalism in the job and in everyday life is an absolute requirement for models. This includes, on the one hand, 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 nutrition and exercise) and post thoughtless comments.
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Your own social media profile: 2 channels?

nClients, especially in large film productions, don’t just check which clients you’ve already worked for. It’s 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.
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1 Channel as a model – public

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1 Private Channel – for friends and family

nSocial networks naturally offer an excellent platform for promotion for models. That’s why we also have a few Instagram tips for you here. Skilfully managing followers and media is an absolute prerequisite to becoming a model. More and more clients are also looking at the number of your followers.
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Self-organization and independence in work and everyday life

The way of dealing with clients should be as professional as one’s own marketing. Punctuality and trust are basic prerequisites for photo models. One should always arrive a few minutes early at the client’s or casting location. For longer travels, it is advisable to arrive the evening before and stay overnight at the 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-organization and independence, which modeling agencies expect. The job is demanding and requires special independence.

A photo posted by COCAINE MODELS (@cocaine.models) on Aug 17, 2016 at 14:07 Uhr

Speaking of sporty … This is what a test shoot for New Faces looks like

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 as well. 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. This is not the case! You should always pay attention to your choice of clients and your choice of photographers. For example, if you as a young model go to 40 different photographers, you will have a lot of material for your portfolio, but there will probably also be a lot of unusable photo material included.

“Quality over quantity: Good model management chooses targeted shoots with top photographers instead of random mass.”

nMany shootings will be duplicates and you’ll have stacks of images from one set, while for example you won’t have that many from sports photography. As a model, it’s important to have a diverse portfolio, that’s true. However, 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 have to approach your dream of modeling in the same way.
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Interview with CM-Head Booker

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

Casting, Application & Co. at a Glance

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

What makes a good model agency?

Models work with many agencies — but not every one is serious and goal-oriented. A professional model agency is clearly distinguishable: It doesn’t ask for advance payments, nurtures genuine client relationships, and strategically supports its models in their career development.

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

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

“A good model agency invests in you — not the other way around. Anyone who asks for advance 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 model agency. CM Models is constantly 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: Become a model — the complete guide

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