Knowing Your Model Measurements
As a model, you will have your own portfolio with professional images of yourself to show to prospective agencies and brands. This portfolio works as your visual CV; it gives potential employees a chance to see what you’re like behind the camera, how flexible you are, and whether you’re worth hiring.
As well as these photos there will be a series of numbers and information. These numbers are your model statistics – your measurements. It is vitally important for agencies and brands to know your measurements so they can judge whether or not you will fit into their clothing and whether you will be a suitable candidate for a specific modelling job.
Most agencies and brands will have some idea of the body shape and type they want to work with. That’s why it’s important to give them this information about yourself so they can make informed decisions about whether or not to work with you.
Knowing Your Measurements
There are certain measurements you will be expected to know. These include:
- Height
- Weight
- Bust (or chest for men)
- Waist
- Hips
- Dress size
- Shoe size
- Men should add their neck size as well as their inside leg and outside leg length
It’s a good idea to include all measurements relevant to you to give agencies and brands as much information as possible.
Measuring Yourself Regularly
It’s important that models measure themselves regularly as bodies fluctuate. Weight can go up or down due to illness, a change in diet or exercise, pregnancy, age or hormones, and this can result in a change to measurements. It’s a good idea to re-check your statistics every few months to ensure they’re as accurate as possible.
How to Effectively Measure Yourself
The most accurate way to measure yourself is to enlist a friend for help. You need to stand tall but relaxed; no sucking in or flexing to make muscles appear bigger. The measurer should use a flexible tape measure and carefully record each measurement.
There is no point in adding or removing centimetres here and there. If you get a job due to lying about your measurements, they will soon find out when they fit you for clothing. Not only will this potentially lose you the job but it will also give you a bad reputation. Be as accurate and honest as you can.
What Measurements Should I Be?
There are no right or wrong measurements. Everybody is built differently and no one is expected to be exactly the same size.
Measurements vary from agency to agency, so don’t be discouraged if you do not meet the requirements for one agency. There are many agencies out there; research them online and apply to the ones you are suitable for.
Some agencies are also far more strict about their required statistics than others. Generally, most agencies are after models who are in proportion, but this isn’t always the case.
Why Do Agencies Need to Know My Sizes?
Agencies need to know your measurements so that brands who are looking for a specific model can understand the sort of shape and size you are.
Imagine a bra company was looking for a model who could showcase their range in their latest campaign; they may want to hire a more busty model who will represent their clientele more than a flatter-chested model.
Or perhaps a fitness company is looking for a more muscular model to wear their athletic clothing. They may be looking for a model with more muscle tone to show off their items.
Each brand has a different requirement in mind. While you may not be suitable for one campaign, that doesn’t mean another company is not searching for your exact look. That’s why rejection should not make you despondent. It’s important not to give up in the modelling industry; your next opportunity may be just around the corner.
Important Statistics
A modelling agency will want to know your height. For catwalk modelling, models must be over 5’7, while men need to be over 6’1. Don’t panic if you don’t meet these general guidelines – catalogue models can generally be shorter.
Women need to know their bra size. This can be a tricky measurement, so it might be worth visiting a bra store that provides a measuring service. Breasts change size constantly, so it’s important to get measured regularly.
When taking measurements, stand a shoulder-width apart and stand tall to ensure an accurate reading.
What Else?
Some models like to include other statistics like their hair and eye colour. If your hair is dyed, include the colour your hair currently is.
Where Will My Statistics Be Featured?
Your model measurements will generally be featured along with your portfolio images. If you have an online portfolio, this means including them there. If you have an agency, your image and statistics will likely feature on their website.
You will also need to know your measurements if you are applying to agencies as your statistics will be part of the application process