There are different modeling types, and models may choose to focus on a specific type of modeling. If you want to become a model, it is good to know what the different types are. Let’s look at 15 different modeling types. 

FASHION & RUNWAY MODELING

Fashion models are the faces you see in high fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Fair, and Vanity. These models are found on the catwalk and are hired to showcase a designer’s clothing line. Most Fashion models are incredibly tall, slim, and on average, at least 5 feet, 9 inches tall, and have measurements around 33 inches at the bust and hips, and 23 inches around the waist.

Fashion models get hired to do editorial work in the fashion industry. Not all runway models who work on fashion shows do editorial work.

EDITORIAL MODELING

An editorial model is a fashion model who gets photos featured in magazines or online magazines wearing designer clothes. The photo may be on the front cover or run alongside the article itself. Where editorial models focus on becoming a brand and a recognized name, commercial models will work with a multitude of clients and build a strong client-model relationship.

PRINT & CATALOGUE MODELS

Print models are used for publications, such as magazines, print advertisements, billboards, posters, calendars, campaigns, booklets, flyers, and banners. Print models must have attractive faces and bodies. Catalogue models are people who pose for photographs while wearing or displaying a product to help sell it. This market presents commercial models with a wide range of opportunities.

COMMERCIAL MODELING

There are multiple categories within commercial modeling, including catalogue, fit, and editorial. Commercial models are the people you see in ads, whereas editorial photos are used in fashion magazines. Commercial Models are not restricted by age, height, or size. There is a wide range of products advertised by commercial models.

PROMOTIONAL MODELING

This type of model books jobs that help sell or promote a certain commodity at events. Models must be personable, outgoing, and have a strong knowledge of the product they are representing.

SPORTS & FITNESS MODELING

These models are fit, toned, and athletically built. They’re hired to do ads for a wide variety of brands like Adidas, Nike, and Fabletics. They can also work for health supplement brands or to promote gyms. Most fitness modeling agencies look for body types that are lean and fit, with defined muscle tone. A fitness female model is, on average, at least 5 feet, 5–9 inches tall and has measurements: 34–26–37. A fitness male model is, on average, at least 6 feet, 1- 2 inches tall and has measurements: 39–34–39.

LINGERIE MODELING

Models are hired for campaigns showcasing bras and undergarments. Work can range from appearing on the runway for events or being featured in a commercial. They’re hired to do ads for a wide variety of brands like Spanx, Lily Silk and Bluebella. A lingerie model is on average, at least 5 feet, 6–7 inches tall and has measurements around 35 inches at the bust and hips, and 35 inches around the waist. A bikini model will be like a lingerie model but with a slightly larger bust size.

MODELING SWIMWEAR

A swimsuit model promotes all kinds of swimwear products and is mainly booked by larger companies. They’re hired to do ads for a wide variety of brands like Speedo, Dolfin Swimwear and BlueSeventy.

GLAMOUR MODELING

This modeling is centered on appearance, including facial beauty and body shape, and has an attractive physique. These models are usually curvier than editorial models and often book swimsuits and lingerie photoshoots. Glamour photography is a genre of photography in which the subjects are portrayed in erotic poses ranging from fully clothed to nude.

MATERNITY MODELS

Maternity models are always needed for parenthood and baby brands. Pregnant models with the right image could be perfect for a spectrum of maternity modeling assignments, from photographic shoots for catalogues, magazines, websites, and films.

PLUS SIZE MODELING

Plus-size models are typically size 12, confident and with radiant personalities. Plus-size clothing is big business and modeling opportunities are increasing across the industry, from catalog and commercial jobs to swimsuit modeling, magazine editorials, and even runway shows.

Mature modeling is for people over the age of 50. Both men and women are in significant demand for mature modeling, especially as the population of people over the age of 50 continues to grow.

BODY PART MODELING

Parts Models specialize in modeling their hands, arms, feet, and legs. A hand model can book a job involving a new hand cream, and a foot model can book a job with a shoe brand.

FIT MODELING

Fit models are not seen in ads. A fit model is a model that works behind the scenes and helps the designer find out how sizes fit on a human body before the garment is produced. This type of job can provide steady work for models. Fit models are a diverse group in terms of body shape and size.

STOCK MODELING

Stock photographers create generic photos, and they hire models to be in their shots. A stock model is a person being photographed for one or more pictures in different poses, clothing, and places. Photographers then place the shots on stock photography websites, where they can be bought. Many models refuse to do stock photography because anyone can buy it, and use it anywhere and legal issues could arise if you unknowingly accept a booking for an ad with a competitor.