At Fundamental Models, we truly believe that anyone can learn how to become a model in today’s world. It’s not like back in the day when modelling agencies had super strict model requirements and you had to fit into certain stereotypes to be considered.
Our guide on the 16 types of models you can find in a modelling agency is here to help you understand the different model niches that you can pursue. Although we won’t go into detail about the exact ‘physical traits and requirements’, we will explore the options available to aspiring models.
These model types are not specific to any gender, however, sometimes might sway more to one gender than another.
The Definition Of A Model In 2024
In today’s fashion and advertising industries, a model is a person who serves as the face or the representative of a brand, product or concept. They are responsible for showcasing items or ideas in a manner that typically appeals to a specific target market. This usually involves posing for photos, walking down fashion runways or appearing in video ads.
In 2024, with the rapid growth of digital platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, the demand for a varied range of traditional and UGC models to create content is on the rise! As you can be suited to many of these model categories, your modelling portfolio should show considerable diversity in the niches you’re interested in working within.
What Are The 16 Types Of Models
Although there are always new model niches being created as the demand for tailored content increases, the following 16 types of models can be found in most modelling agencies.
Fashion Models
A Fashion model is one of the most recognised forms in the modelling industry. They are typically involved in high-fashion events and photoshoots and are the faces you often see in fashion magazines, billboard advertising, on fashion week runways or featuring in designer campaigns.
But their roles aren’t just restricted to high fashion, they can also be booked for various other industries such as beauty, cosmetic and commercial campaigns.
Fashion models work closely with fashion designers, stylists, photographers, and other industry professionals to visually communicate fashion trends and brand concepts to consumers.
Commercial Models
Commercial models are quite versatile and commonly work within a variety of advertising and promotional campaigns. They represent a vast demographic, embodying ‘everyday people’ and as such, they are hired to promote products or services that target a wide range of consumers.
Commercial Models may be seen in print advertisements, social media ads, catalogues, brochures, and online stores.
The industries commercial models work in are diverse, including but not limited to online fashion, food and drink, technology, healthcare, travel, and finance.
Unlike fashion models, commercial models do not necessarily participate in high-fashion events, but they may be found portraying roles such as the ideal client for business professionals, patients, holiday-goers, or technology users in advertisements aiming to connect with the audience on a relatable level.
Editorial Models
Editorial models are those you will typically see gracing the pages of high-fashion magazines such as Vogue Australia, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. They work with leading fashion photographers and stylists to create visually compelling stories and concepts that reflect current fashion trends and designer collections.
It’s important to note that editorial modelling is often about the mood, story, and artistic aspect of the shoot, with the model complimenting the story. This branch of modelling is highly sought after for its high exposure and opportunity to create highly creative and artistic content.
Besides appearing in print magazines, editorial models can also be seen in digital magazine platforms and fashion blogs.
Fit Models
Fit models play a key role in the fashion industry by helping designers and clothing manufacturers create garments that fit well. They are essentially live mannequins that work with designers or brands to check the fit, drape and visual appearance of design on a ‘real’ human body.
Unlike other types of models, the demands for fit models aren’t necessarily about specific looks or having the perfect runway walk, but about having the precise measurements and proportions that a brand is targeting for its clothing line.
Due to the nature of the design industry, fit models often collaborate with fashion designers or garment manufacturers regularly, participating in multiple sessions to ensure consistent development of the garments.
When it comes to booking fit models, clients typically pay lower fees compared to other types of modelling. This is because fit modelling does not involve model usage and royalties, and there is often a high demand for repeat work.
Runway Models
Runway models, also known as ‘catwalk’ models, are those who showcase the latest fashion designs on a runway during fashion shows. They play a pivotal role in the fashion industry, serving as the live representation of designers’ creative ideas.
When models are cast for runway events, there are usually a few more hoops to jump through to secure runway bookings with fashion brands and designers. Although looking the part and fitting the clothing are factors, runway models must also have excellent walking skills, the ability to pose and pivot swiftly and the confidence to perform under pressure and in front of a crowd.
Runway models often work in high-profile industry events like Melbourne Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week or London Fashion Week and they might work for prestigious fashion labels such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Prada.
These models are an integral part of the global fashion industry, influencing trends and often serving as a bridge between the designer and the public.
Parts Models
Parts Models are a unique category within the modelling industry, focusing on specific body parts rather than the entire person. These models often possess captivating features such as hands, feet, hair and eyes. These attributes are commonly showcased in advertisements and promotional activities that require close-up shots of these specific body parts.
The typical requirements for a parts model are highly variable and depend on the specific body part in question.
For example, hand models might need to have long, slender fingers with smooth, unmarked skin, while foot models would require well-proportioned feet and neat, clean toenails.
Parts Models work across a wide range of industries including beauty, fashion, and even tech, where their ‘parts’ are used to demonstrate or promote products like jewellery, cosmetics, clothing, shoes and mobile devices.
Swimwear Models
Swimwear Models specialise in modelling swimwear and beachwear. They are often involved in showcasing a wide range of swimwear designs from bikinis to full-body swimwear in various mediums such as online stores, magazines, social media and print advertisements.
An essential aspect of their job is to effectively demonstrate the fit, style, and details of the swimwear, inspiring potential customers within a brand’s market to make a purchase.
A high level of comfort and confidence when posing in swimwear is a desirable trait of these models.
Lingerie Models
Lingerie Models are professionals who specialise and feel confident in presenting and promoting everyday and intimate lingerie collections. Working primarily within the fashion industry, they are booked for a variety of contexts including online and print catalogues, advertising campaigns, and runway shows.
These models are required to show a high level of confidence and comfort while presenting intimate wear in a professional and respectful manner. They also work with brands that cater to a wide spectrum of body types, promoting body positivity and inclusivity.
It’s important to note that while their line of work involves modelling lingerie, the focus is on the garments and the portrayal of the model in this context is respectfully done, endorsing the idea that everyone has the right to feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin.
Curve Models
Curve Models represent a diverse body type that has not traditionally been showcased in the modelling industry. They are typically size 12 and above and they model for a wide range of industries including fashion, cosmetics, and advertising.
Curve models work with brands that are dedicated to serving the ‘plus-size’ market, which is becoming more popular in marketing campaigns. The rise in popularity of curve models can be attributed to a broader shift in society towards inclusivity and body positivity.
There is an increasing demand for the representation of different body types in media and advertising as consumers are seeking out more realistic and relatable images.
Petite Models
Petite Models are those who stand shorter than the average model, often under 5’7″.
While their height may limit them from certain types of modelling, such as runway and high fashion, they are highly sought after in industries such as commercial and print modelling where the emphasis is more on the face, body shape and relatability rather than a person’s height.
They model for a variety of brands that cater to petite sizes, providing representation for a significant segment of the population that stands below average height. They often work in industries such as fashion, advertising and lifestyle, modelling everything from petite clothing lines to beauty products.
The demand for petite models is on the rise, driven by a push for greater diversity and representation in the fashion and advertising industries.
Fitness Models
Fitness Models are professionals who have well-defined bodies where their toned physique can be used to effectively promote products and inspire others.
Their job primarily involves promoting fitness attire and equipment, health products and athletic brands by giving consumers a glimpse into the results of an active, health-conscious lifestyle.
Content created with fitness models can usually be found in fitness magazines, sports equipment ads, health and wellness brands and supplement companies. These models often serve as brand ambassadors for fitness and wellness companies, playing a significant role in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Fitness models are not to be confused with ‘fit models‘ which we discussed earlier in this guide.
UGC Models
UGC Models, or ‘User Generated Content’ Models, are a relatively new category in the modelling industry that came into demand with the rise of social media. These models are not tied to any specific physical criteria and are often ‘real people’ who fit a brand or business’s majority target market.
Except when collaborating with a UGC Agency, these models usually generate their own content, focusing primarily on fashion or lifestyle consumer brands. Their primary objective is to create both content for organic and paid advertising campaigns on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
They represent a wide range of body types, ethnicities and backgrounds, much more than traditional models, which aligns with the current cultural shift towards inclusivity and relatability in media and advertising.
From fashion to tech, brands are collaborating with UGC Models for marketing campaigns, product launches, and explosive brand awareness.
Influencer Models
An influencer model is someone who has built a significant social media presence or following on one of several social media platforms.
Their rising popularity and demand across various industries can be attributed to several factors. By having a direct line of communication with their audience, they create a trustworthy connection that traditional advertising often lacks. As a result, their endorsement of products or brands holds great value.
Unlike user-generated content (UGC) models, influencer models have a broader influence that spans across industries. Brands are drawn to them because of their ability to reach and engage with a large and specific target audience.
Their expertise, credibility, and established personal brand make them highly sought-after in today’s digital marketing space.
Mature Models
Mature Models, often also referred to as ‘Classic Models’, are individuals who fall into the older age brackets, typically over the age of 40, who represent the mature and senior demographic within the modelling industry.
Like all other models, they must show confidence and professionalism on camera or on the runway. Mature models regularly work in industries such as fashion, beauty, healthcare, and travel, especially for brands that target mature and senior audiences. They provide a realistic image of a large segment of the population, helping to break down age-based stereotypes in the fashion and advertising industries.
Beauty Models
Beauty Models usually possess distinctive features such as clear skin, striking eyes or healthy hair, which make them the perfect choice for promoting cosmetics, skincare, and hair products.
They are skilled at conveying emotion through their facial expressions and have a knack for accentuating their most appealing features.
Beauty modelling can be quite diverse, ranging from makeup campaigns, skincare advertisements and hair product promotions to toothpaste ads. Their images can be found on product packaging, in magazines, beauty tutorials, billboards and print or digital ads.
Promotional Models
Promotional Models are people hired by brands to interact with potential customers at events or locations such as trade shows, concerts or sports games to generate interest in a product, service or event activation.
They are often provided with product information to engage directly with attendees, hand out samples or provide product demonstrations. A promotional model’s job is not just to look friendly and inviting, but to actively help increase consumer interest and boost sales.
Their main goal is to leave a lasting positive impression that could lead to a sale or help enhance the brand’s image in the minds of consumers.
Are These All The Different Types Of Models?
These categories are not rigid and new niches continue to emerge in response to market needs and cultural shifts. Whether you’re starting out or looking to diversify your portfolio, understanding these types of model categories can provide valuable guidance.
Use this guide as a reliable resource to navigate your modelling career, identifying the area that best aligns with your physical attributes, interests, and career goals. With dedication and the right direction, you can carve out a successful path in the dynamic and diverse world of modelling.
What Type Of Model Are You Going To Become?
Discover how Fundamental Models can assist you in achieving your modelling aspirations by applying to become a model or booking your very own modelling portfolio photoshoot. Whether you’re taking the first steps on your modelling journey or seeking to create a portfolio for a unique modelling niche, feel free to reach out to our talent agents today!