Male Model Requirements: Height, Age & Measurements

Model measurements & height – The classic modeling career, which every aspiring model dreams of, initially depends on the model’s height, and only in the second step do presence, facial expression and gestures come into play. Many requirements that you have to fulfill when becoming a model. Exceptions are rare, maybe one in a thousand, who have managed to make it despite their special nature.

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Why are model measurements so decisive for jobs?

Measurements & Sizes at a Glance: National and International

Indeed! Body height makes a difference in jobs for models

Converting Measurements: UK, USA, EU

The Elegance of Advertising for All Kinds of Brands

Become a Curvy Model: Supersize Models are becoming increasingly popular

Shows in Milan, New York, Paris, Hong Kong and London

Modeling without standard measurements – is that possible?

Do you want to become a model for fashion brands, magazines and runways? Send us your application with 2-3 polaroids. Good luck!

Why are model measurements so decisive for jobs?

Why are measurements for models so important? You always have to imagine that there are many models. Whether a designer is presenting his collection in London during the Fashion Week, in Paris for Haute Couture, in Hong Kong, in Cape Town, or also in New York. Fashion collections are cut to a specific size, especially when they are tailored for the next season and are initially shown on a few sample pieces to customers at fashion shows or in showrooms.

What measurements should I as a model pay attention to?

These collection pieces are usually cut to a standard size, which corresponds, for example, in High Fashion, to a height of 175 cm for female models and typically a clothing size of 34 or 34, 36 (EU). Women should not be taller than 181 cm.

Why? Male models should have a minimum height of 185 cm and be no taller than 190 cm. When female models wear high heels, the biggest differences are not too extreme. At a fashion show, all models are approximately the same height and nothing distracts from the clothing pieces. For men, it is especially important that the body should not be too trained.

Model for E-Commerce and Online Stores

The same applies to E-Commerce and online shops, especially when it comes to the first pieces of a collection, standard sizes are released. Whether it’s clothing in size S or M (US) or shoes with a standard size of 36 to 38 (EU) for women and 42 or 43 (EU) for men.

Here we present everything important for fashion models & curvy models, should your measurements differ. Tips for small and tall models:

Authentic figure? Curvy Models
Sports model with broad shoulders? Fitness Model
Too tall for the runway? Models over 180 cm as women?
Small models and minimum height

Measurements & Sizes at a Glance: National and International

Before we go into detail, these are the general “standards” for 95% of all jobs. The closer you are to these measurements, the better the prerequisites – aside from personality.

Women
Body height for Fashion: 176 – 180cm / International
Body height for Advertising: 172 – 181cm / Germany
Slender figure, usually long hair

Men
Body height for Fashion: 186 – 190cm / International
Body height for Advertising: 184 – 194cm / Germany
Slender or slightly athletic figure

Whoever has international measurements can also model abroad! Modeling abroad

Measurements for Advertising Models

Those who only want to work in advertising, that is, not in the field of high fashion, do not require these measurements as much. Here, women can also be successful with a body height of 170 cm or even up to 183 cm. For male models, the measurements are also more flexible. Advertising does not require the “absolute ideal measurements” and the figure can also deviate a little.

Requirements for Plus Size Models

Plus Size Models are really in trend. More and more fashion designers and creative arts directors are turning to curvy women in advertising. However, there is still a small difference between Plus Size models and Curvy Models. Plus Size models are models who are a little above the “normal” fashion standards, which means Plus Size models are women who have a ready-to-wear size of 40 or 44 (EU). Plus Size models can work very well because more women can identify with them. As a Plus Size model, you can therefore not only work in advertising, but also for fashion clients such as Dior, Chanel and Prada. This makes the job opportunities diverse and so you can earn good money as a Plus Size model. Do you want to become a Plus Size model? Then send us your application!

Take your measurements yourself! Measure your hips, waist and bust

Here you see all the important points on your body to take your measurements yourself. Make sure you wear as little clothing as possible when measuring and be honest with yourself!

Bust (Chest) measurement:
Stand straight and breathe normally. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your bust. This is usually the spot where your bust is fullest. Make sure the measuring tape is not too loose or too tight. It should lie straight around your body.

Waist measurement:
Your waist is the narrowest part of your upper body. This is usually slightly above the navel. Wrap the measuring tape around your waist. Again, make sure the measuring tape is straight and not too tight.

Hip measurement:
You measure your hips at the widest part of your lower body. This is usually over the buttocks and the hip bones. Wrap the measuring tape around this area.

Curvy Models: Measurements and Tailoring

Curvy Models in women with a clothing size between 38 and 42. The cup size is also significantly larger and can go up to a G-cup. Curvy Models are just as popular as Plus Size Models because they most closely match the measurements of an average woman. The average woman in Europe has a clothing size 44. This means that even Curvy Models are only in the general size range with a typical clothing size of 38 to 42. We are also very happy to receive your Application in our model agency.

Here you will find our Curvy Models!

<h3>Camille @Berlin Fashion Week: Video</h3>
Camille from Hamburg visited us for the Berlin Fashion Week and voila, a new video! Here you can find the first shootings of <a href=”/?p=95870″>Camille</a>!

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Indeed! Body height makes a difference in jobs for models

Every Model agency is happy about such a diamond. But for the majority, it remains the rule: Your modeling career really almost always depends only on your height. When we go through applications at the agency, the first piece of information shown is not your name or your place of residence, but we see your height first. Of course, we always take a look at the photos. As a smaller model, you always need the special, international look or a finished model portfolio. For international clients, the body and clothing size of the models is particularly important. But first, we look at what a typical customer from Germany values in his request.

Generally, the following specifications are given by the client to the model agency:

Model’s height (80% of requests focus on this)
Model’s clothing size (70% send measurements with their request)
Model’s appearance (hair length, hair color, skin tone, etc. to 65% of requests)
Recognizability (only 10% of inquiries)

You can see that measurements make a big difference. You have to find your market, as small model, photo model, curvy model, etc.

Elegant presentation of fashion requires slim bodies

Elegance – In order for products to be presented elegantly, the model’s figure is crucial for fashion designer and their agencies. The model’s proportions must be right for the overall image during the presentation to be correct. Whether it’s a fashion show, advertisement poster or advertising spot. Clothing looks much more elegant on slim bodies. We all know the famous “dream measurements” of 90-60-90 (hips/waist/bust). These three measurements are considered the ideal image when in proportion to body height.

As a high fashion model in Milan or Paris, this is often already too much. Your hips may still be slender as a New Face, as well as your bust. A 87-58-82 (H/T/B) has good chances at castings in the fashion metropolises.

Small models have fewer chances for big jobs

Under 175cm, as a woman, you have no chance at castings in fashion cities. If you are shorter than 175 cm, you unfortunately won’t have any chances at the castings of the big designers. However, for online Stores, labels and national market photo shoots, you still have the chance to get jobs. Therefore, it’s worth it to pursue modeling jobs even if you’re shorter, as long as you pay attention to your proportions. For example, if a product is presented by a single person, not a group, body height is already much less important. If the proportions are right and you have something less than 90-60-90 even if you’re under 175cm, the overall image will still look good. However, PR and advertising agencies know that you tend to be booked less as a smaller model, so the pay is somewhat lower. The earlier you as a model fit the schema: tall and attractive, the easier it will be for you.

Over 181 cm it becomes difficult again for women. Just as there are limits downwards, there are also limits upwards. Female models over 181 cm find it difficult again. On the one hand, you are taller than your colleagues. But you are also often taller than your male colleagues. With high heels, you are easily as tall as most guys who are 187 cm. Also on the runway. The fashion collections are produced in only one size for the first presentations. Usually for dress size 34 (max. 34/36) at 175-179 cm. Fitting Model is generally a job you often do as a model.

These are just two factors to describe why it becomes difficult to be successful as a model once you reach a certain body height. Nevertheless, you have good chances in the national advertising markets, for example in People agencies. They often have very similar jobs to modeling agencies: Commercials, Exhibitions & Co. In every big city there are People agencies.

People Models and Faces

The last area of modeling focuses on those with particularly distinctive features: Faces. Extremely wild hair, tattoos, Best Ager and many more. As a People Model, you mainly work in the field of advertising, whether it’s for a cereal commercial or a comfortable mattress. People Models reflect the everyday look of regular people. They have a special gap in their teeth, an unusual amount of curls, or a noticeable and distinctive nose. If you want to work as a People Model, you shouldn’t apply to a model agency, but rather to a specialized People Agency. What’s the difference? People agencies work just as much in advertising, the only thing they serve less is the field of fashion. As a model, you can still get jobs in advertising, for online shops or also classic advertising materials such as image brochures and catalogs.

Model Measurements are as diverse as the job. For every area there is a suitable Agency.

Interview with Fashion Photographer Oliver Rudolph: Curvy Models

Fashion Photographer Oliver Rudolph in an interview with FIV Magazine. Find more models, influencers and photographer interviews in the Fashion Magazine.

Converting Measurements: UK, USA, EU

All important Measurements for the USA, UK and Europe including hips, waist and bust for female and male fashion models.

Measurements for Female Models

Alles wichtige von Brust bis Po und Konfektion weltweit.

Size	XXS	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
IT	36	38	40	42	44	46	48
UK	4	6	8	10	12	14	16
US	2	4	6	8	10	12	14
Bust	79cm	83cm	87cm	91cm	95cm	99cm	103cm
Bust	31″	32.5″	34.25″	35.75″	37.25″	39″	40.5″
Natural Waist	60.5cm	64.5cm	68.5cm	72.5cm	76.5cm	80.5cm	84.5cm
Natural Waist	23.75″	25.25″	27″	28.5″	30″	31.5″	33.25″
Low Waist	77cm	81cm	85cm	89cm	93cm	97cm	101cm
Low Waist	30.25″	31.75″	33.5″	35″	36.5″	38″	39.75″
Hip	85.5cm	89.5cm	93.5cm	97.5cm	101.5cm	105.5cm	109.5cm
Hip	33.5″	35.25″	36.75″	38.25″	40″	41.5″	43″
Overarm	74cm	75.5cm	77cm	79.5cm	81cm	82.5cm	84cm
Overarm	29″	29.75″	30.25″	31.25″	31.75″	32.5″	33″

Source: Belstaff

Measurements for Men’s Models

Alle wichtigen Daten für Männer, die Model werden wollen.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL	XXXL	XXXXL
IT	44	46	48	50	52	54	56	58
UK	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48
US	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48
Chest	90cm	94cm	98cm	102cm	106cm	110cm	114cm	118cm
Chest	35.5″	37″	38.5″	40.25″	41.75″	43.25″	44.75″	45.5″
Low Waist	78.5cm	82.5cm	86.5cm	90.5cm	94.5cm	98.5cm	102.5cm	106.5cm
Low Waist	31″	32.5″	34″	35.5″	37.25″	38.75″	40.25″	42″
Hip	91cm	95cm	99cm	103cm	107cm	111cm	115cm	119cm
Hip	35.75″	37.5″	39″	40.5″	42.25″	43.75″	45.25″	46.75″
Overarm	82.5cm	84cm	85.5cm	87cm	110cm	89cm	90cm	91cm
Overarm	32.5″	33″	33.5″	34.25″	34.5″	35″	35.5″	35.75″

Source: Belstaff

Convert shoe sizes: EU, UK and US

Table from Asos.

UK SIZE	EU SIZE	US SIZE	FOOT LENGTH (MM)
3	35.5	4	220
4	37	5	229
5	38	6	237
6	39	7	246
7	40.5	8	254
7.5	41	8.5	258
8	42	9	262
8.5	42.5	9.5	266
9	43	10	271
9.5	44	10.5	275
10	44.5	11	279
10.5	45	11.5	283
11	46	12	288
12	47	13	296
13	48	14	305
14	49.5	15	314

The Elegance of Advertising for All Kinds of Brands

In the international fashion industry, the rules, as mentioned before, are significantly stricter. Instead of 90-60-90, it can just as well be 87-58-82. Fashion designers, as well as agencies, are looking for models to present the products as high-quality as possible. The more high-quality and exclusive the product appears to the consumer in the commercial or from the poster, the easier it is to justify a high price for the product or service. Therefore, a good model who can sell products through looks and poses can also earn a lot of money. Even for individual advertising campaigns, amounts in the four- and five-figure range are possible for one-day advertising productions for “New Faces”. Why do advertisements need models for events, photos, and videos? Read more here: Advertising and its Function in Marketing.

Expensive or affordable: Fashion must be presented elegantly

Even more affordable brands always try to reach the level of high-end labels in their advertising. Whether it’s an exclusive, international label or a fashion startup, the model must have a slim body so that the clothing fits perfectly, doesn’t wrinkle, and hangs well. This applies to all fashion metropolises and models in New York, Paris, London and Milan.

Fashion is always something special. Fashion lives from being special! New fashion collections are regularly released by designers around the world, every season. Not only large international fashion designers and retail chains work this way. Small fashion labels also have to continuously present their customers with new designs and cuts in order to capture their attention. Designers and fashion must therefore constantly reinvent themselves in order to remain interesting to consumers.

Become a Curvy Model: Supersize Models are becoming increasingly popular

Never before have they been so in demand – Curvy Models. Personality instead of “ideal measurements”. The curves of the 50s, together with the still prevailing Size 0 models, bring the next development in the fashion world, the Curvy Model. It is important to note: Curvy is not the same as lazy and fast food. Nutrition is as important for every model as it is for anyone else, because you definitely don’t want to lose your athletic curves. The market for Curvys is growing steadily and they are sought after everywhere.

Learn more about the topic: Curvy Models: The Trend of Individuality

Shows in Milan, New York, Paris, Hong Kong and London

On the Fashion Weeks, new masterpieces are regularly presented. In Milan, New York, Paris, Hong Kong and London. In spring, summer, autumn and winter, people are always looking for new looks and trends. One thing almost all designers have in common is that they design their collections for tall, slim people. The clothing looks more elegant, fabrics show their full effect, everything appears more exclusive and high quality! Graceful figures make clothing and its possible price more expensive. Even though not all fashion brands work within this framework, it is still the majority of the industry.

Measurements for Fashion Show

Fashion shows and fashion presentations are subject to an unwritten standard. For female models, a dress size of 34 (max. 34/36) with a height of 177-180 (176-181) cm is considered ideal at the beginning of a career. Your hips should be under 91 cm. For male models, a dress size of 48 (max. 50/52) with a height of 185-192 cm is generally the standard. Here’s a tip for male models: At the beginning of your career, you should also pay attention to a younger look. If you already look too masculine in your first years as a model, you will quickly lose opportunities in the fashion industry and at castings. Therefore, as a male model, you should always go to castings with a clean-shaven beard in your first few years.

Model Casting Berlin – Video from the Agency Casting

Here is a small insight into a Model Casting, this one from Berlin in the summer and in the highest club in Berlin, the House of Weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnI6leZ-Lm8

Model Coaching Days – This is how our models learn

Here you can see one of our last Model Coaching Days (exclusive for our models). Also in the interview, the Model Coach Lutz Marquardt!

Modeling without standard measurements – is that possible?

The modeling industry has changed. While classic runway models still have to meet strict measurement requirements, advertising, social media, and catalog photography are increasingly open to diverse body types.

Runway & High Fashion: 175–182 cm, clothing size 34–36
Catalog & Advertising: From 168 cm, sizes 36–40 possible
Curvy/Plus-Size: Sizes 42–48, focus on presence rather than measurements
Commercial/Lifestyle: No fixed measurement requirements — authenticity counts

“Measurements are the starting point — but what really makes you successful as a model is personality and professionalism.”

You’re unsure if your measurements are sufficient for a modeling career? Apply to CM Models — we personally review every application. Learn more about getting started on our Becoming a Model page.