Fit models, hand models, plus-size models – a complete guide! Everything about modeling
Chapter 1.
What Does a Model Do?
Models visually convey the message of products and brands across various industries, such as fashion, advertising, beauty, and fitness. Runway models dominated the field in the past, but with the rise of social media and online marketing, models have become increasingly diverse.
In the 2025 fashion industry, diversity and inclusivity are emphasized more than ever, bringing significant changes to the modeling market. Recently, Hailey Bieber’s beauty brand, Rhode, featured models of various ethnicities, such as Tate McRae, Bae Yoon Young, Anok Yai, and Mahi Kabir, in its campaign, highlighting the trend of respecting individuality and charm.
Chapter 2.
What Are the Different Types of Models?
Models are categorized based on their field of activity, and the appropriate model is selected depending on the brand’s goals and message.
1. Fashion Models
Fashion models wear clothing designed by fashion designers and present them to the public through runway shows or advertisements. They are classified into high-fashion models and commercial models.
1-1. High-Fashion Models
High-fashion models work primarily with luxury brands and haute couture collections. They walk the runways of primary fashion weeks in New York, Paris, Milan, and London, setting fashion trends. Female models typically need to be at least 175 cm tall, while males must be at least 185 cm tall. An intense, unique look and a striking presence are essential.
1-2. Commercial Models
Commercial models appear in advertisements, brand campaigns, TV commercials, and shopping mall photoshoots. They must present a friendly, approachable image and use natural facial expressions and emotions. Unlike high-fashion models, commercial models face fewer body type and appearance restrictions.
For instance, Kim Jung-chul is active as a high-fashion model at Milan Fashion Week and also works as a commercial model for brands like ASICS. Some models cross over between high-fashion and commercial modeling, engaging in various fields.
2. Beauty Models
Beauty models promote brands related to cosmetics, skincare, perfumes, and hair products. Since many close-up shots are involved, clear skin and well-proportioned facial features are key attributes.
Short-form video content has recently become popular in beauty advertising. It effectively conveys product textures and application methods. Brands increasingly hire models with diverse skin tones and backgrounds to reflect the global beauty market.
3. Body Part Models (Hand Models, Leg Models, etc.)
Body part models showcase physical features such as hands, feet, legs, lips, and hair. They are frequently seen in advertisements for nail polish, rings, watches, shoes, and hair products.
Some professional models even serve as hand doubles for celebrities. These models must maintain their featured body parts meticulously and may avoid activities that could cause damage, such as sports or excessive travel.
4. Plus-Size Models
Plus-size models represent diverse body types and promote confidence and a healthy self-image. The demand for plus-size models is rising in the fashion industry as inclusivity trends grow stronger. In the 2025 F/W runway of Sinéad O’Dwyer, not only plus-size models but also models using wheelchairs are set to appear.
5. Fit Models
Fit models wear clothing samples for designers to check fit and silhouette. ‘Fit Models for the Runway’ help fashion designers evaluate and refine their designs before fashion shows. These models must meet standard runway body measurements.
‘Fit Models for E-commerce’ are hired to showcase clothing in online and offline stores. Unlike runway models, they represent average consumer body types. Plus-size or activewear models may be recruited depending on the brand’s target audience.
6. Influencer Models
Influencer models promote brands through social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. They collaborate with brands to create product reviews, unboxing videos, and sponsored content.
Chapter 3.
Do you know where you can hire models?
Although models are used in various industries, finding and hiring the right model can be challenging. Below are the best methods for securing the ideal model for your brand.
1. Model Agencies & Model Hiring Platforms
Model agencies offer professionally managed, verified models tailored to the needs of brands and companies. Agencies benefit from fashion shows, advertisements, and catalog shoots requiring experienced models.
Recently, brands have increasingly turned to platforms like Spotlite, which connects companies with various models.
With Spotlite, users can filter models by height, nationality, eye color, and other criteria to quickly find and hire suitable talent. Individual models can also upload their portfolios and receive direct booking requests from brands, allowing for more flexible collaborations.
2. Hiring Models via Social Media
Many brands now hire models through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Models showcase their portfolios online, and brands can contact them directly.
However, direct hiring without contracts can lead to risks such as unpaid wages, copyright disputes, or excessive workload demands. Using official model hiring platforms is increasingly essential to ensure a secure hiring process.
