Many young girls dream of becoming a fashion model. She thinks it would be great to walk in fashion shows, be on the cover of a famous magazine and star in commercials. Unfortunately, you have to meet very strict requirements for this. In this article you can read what exactly the requirements are if you want to become a model.
The demands
Length
When you register with a modeling agency, you will always be asked about your height. The ideal height for a model is between 1.72 and 1.82. If you are shorter than 1.72 or taller than 1.82 it will probably be difficult to become a model: at a fashion show you will be much smaller or taller than the rest of the models, which is of course not the intention.
Sizes
Not only your height is important, but also the rest of your figure. Modeling agencies prefer to hire girls with clothing size 32-36. This means that your chest size should be between 80-90 centimeters, your waist around 60 centimeters and your hips a maximum of 90 centimeters. Models with a hip size greater than 90 centimeters will generally do well and have enough work, but in the larger fashion cities, such as Paris and New York, it is more likely that a model will be rejected due to a hip size that is too large. Of course you shouldn’t be too thin, this can also be a reason that a modeling agency refuses you.
Face & Appearance
Even if you are 1.80 and have the perfect measurements: without the right face and appearance you will not get there. There are no strict requirements that you have to meet in terms of appearance. However, in the modeling world, girls with a large forehead, a straight nose and full lips are usually considered very beautiful. But this does not mean that you cannot become a model with thinner lips or a nose that is not completely straight: in the end it is all about the overall picture. You must also have a good appearance and be photogenic. No matter how beautiful you are, if you are not photogenic and have no charisma, modeling is not for you.
Care
Good grooming is also one of the requirements you must meet if you want to become a model. You are supposed to look neat at all times. So keep the nails on your hands and feet neat, take good care of your skin and make sure your hair looks beautiful and healthy.
Flexibility
As a model you are expected to be very flexible. Clients who want to do a photo shoot with you do not take into account the days that you have to work or go to school. So you have to be able to miss a day every now and then. The conditions of a photo shoot are not always pleasant: sometimes you have to pose in the freezing rain, or in the very heat. It may also be that you are really looking forward to a photo shoot, but you are canceled an hour in advance. So you have to be able to deal with such situations well.
Do you not meet the requirements? Do not panic!
The above requirements obviously do not apply to all types of models, only to fashion models. Almost every major modeling agency has a separate department for girls who do not quite meet the requirements, the so-called ‘Specials’ department. For example, if you are not a size 36 but are very photogenic, you fit perfectly into this category. Even as a commercial model you do not have to meet very strict requirements. Commercial models are, for example, women who advertise for Wehkamp, Otto or make a commercial for Dove.