11 Trailblazing Plus-Size Models Changing The Fashion Industry
Changing the perspective on beauty and opening the stage to the inclusivity movement.
Eleonora Fiano is a seasoned fashion stylist with over 5 years of experience. Her impressive portfolio includes creating captivating fashion editorials both online and in print and collaborating with emerging brands and designers. She also attends masterclasses and webinars and keeps herself up-to-date with the latest trends in the worlds of fashion, art, cinema, and music.
Read full bio of Eleonora Fiano
Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.
Read full bio of Pratima Ati
Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Image: Midjourney/ StyleCraze Design Team
Thanks to plus-size fashion models, today, society is gradually trying to break the stereotypes when it comes to body shapes. Gone are those days when being thin, tall, and skinny was essential to be considered beautiful. In today’s day and age, people make sure to have an inclusive outlook on things, especially looks. They are making the world understand that it is important to celebrate one’s own body. Fashion Stylist, Eleonora Fiano, opines, “Plus-size models are important because they promote diversity, challenge beauty norms, cater to market demand, boost confidence, and influence positive changes within the fashion industry. Their presence helps create a more inclusive and empowering environment for people of all body types.”
To this end, we shall talk about some of the plus models who are taking the lead and paving the way for all the plus-size people out there to flaunt their bodies like never before. So, without further ado, let us go ahead and learn about these models. Come on!
In This Article
The Importance Of Body Positivity
Before we begin with our list of top plus-size models in the fashion industry it is important to understand how they contributed to the concept of body positivity. Plus-size models play a vital role in promoting body diversity by challenging traditional beauty standards and celebrating different body types. Their visibility in fashion and media trains the public to accept and appreciate all shapes and sizes, thereby encouraging self-acceptance and empowering people to embrace their natural bodies and have a strong self-image.
Now, let’s begin with our collection of the top 11 plus-size models who can be considered patrons of promoting body positivity in the fashion world. Scroll down!
11 Trailblazing Plus-Size Models Changing The Fashion Industry
1. Ashley Graham
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A supermodel who managed to be the first plus-size model on the Sports Illustrated cover and did it with so much grace that she bagged another three covers right after.
She is associated with Vogue, British Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and many other big names. The American model continues to redefine the way a woman’s body is looked at and is a body image activist leading positive body movements, indeed making a difference. She has been featured in Vogue’s ‘30 Under 30’ list and is also part of the ‘25 Most Intriguing People’ in 2016. Ashley took it to the next level by writing a book titled ‘What Confidence, Beauty, And Power Really Look Like’. An inspiration in the most real sense.
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2. Jessica Leahy
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Jessica Leahy is an Australian supermodel who made her debut at the New York Fashion Week. She never dreamt of making it in the modeling industry, but she was one of those women who were extremely comfortable with their big and beautiful bodies. She is a true believer in the need for a genuine conversation about body types positivity, and empowerment. She propagates the need for women to be truly unapologetic and comfortable about their bodies.
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3. Precious Victoria Lee
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Precious Victoria Lee’s story is as precious as her name. From having an off-beat name to rocking a voluptuous body type and ethnicity that is not considered mainstream, Precious Lee is all about bending curves and breaking barriers toward acceptance. She followed Ashley Graham to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated when they started embracing plus-size models. She cut her hair short a few years ago even though all her agents advised her against it. She managed to create ripples but for all the right reasons.
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4. Chloe Marshall
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An English supermodel, she won the Miss Surrey title in 2008 and was also the first plus-size model to make it to the Miss England finals.
This gave her and the idea of plus-size a lot of mileage and representation. It opened up opportunities for her modeling career and also made her conviction to spread the message that you do not always have to be thin and tall to be considered beautiful, thus paving the way for fashion industry reform. Chloe later moved to New York and took up modeling assignments and did a lot of campaigns for Project Runway, Macy’s, and Torrid – a brand that specializes in plus-sized clothing.
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5. Danika Brysha
From battling a lousy relationship with food to losing weight and gaining it all back, Danika Brysha is a full-figured model who has evolved by facing her problems upfront and working with them. Danika went on to start her brand called ‘Model Meals’, which deals with delivering healthy food. She promotes the idea of being healthy but loving who you are. Her modeling career took off when she least expected it and she soon started signing assignments for Forever 21, Kohl’s, etc. There was no looking back after that! She is ranked one of the highest-paid models right after Gigi Hadid, Miranda Kerr, etc.
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6. Lexi Placourakis
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A mother of a 3-year-old, Lexi strives to debunk rules of how one is supposed to look. After a lot of personal struggle with weight, food, and trying to incorporate a healthy lifestyle, Lexi Placourakis is now a supermodel and entrepreneur, touching many lives. Her mother was Miss Hawaii USA who then continued her modeling career in Japan, but Lexi’s personality was nothing like her mom’s. She had a rather unconventional body type and mindset that does not come easily – but that’s what catapulted her into the career of a plus-size model.
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7. Tabria Majors
A woman of color and a plus-size model, Tabria Majors is a firm believer in body diversity and the idea of big and curvy women being just as sexy as regular models. An unassuming girl from Nashville, Tennessee, she left a steady 9 to 5 job to pursue plus-size modeling after a modeling agency approached her. However, she was moonlighting as a maid in LA to fend for herself, and that stint made her stronger than ever. Being on the cover of the Sports Illustrated magazine and hosting a podcast ‘The Thick’, she is driving her point home and inspiring women by breaking one barrier at a time.
TriviaOfficial Instagram – instagram.com
8. Paloma Elsesser
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Paloma Elsesser has an interesting family background, which explains her interest and prominence in the industry. All her siblings are in showbiz while she herself was discovered on Instagram. She gained traction from her Instagram posts and found her way up in the fashion industry, modeling for various high-end brands and making it to the cover of Vogue. In 2019, she also made her acting debut in the movie Uncut Gems.
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9. Fluvia Lacerda
Fluvia Lacerda, a Brazilian beauty, is nothing like your regular models. She is the first plus-size model to be on the cover of Playboy, Brazil. She was first discovered by a magazine editor on a bus in Manhattan, New York, and has ever since been modeling for some of the biggest plus-size brands as well as regular ones.
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10. Candice Huffine
Candice Huffine has been leading the charts of plus-size models for the longest time and has been in the industry for over a decade now advocating size diversity. Apart from being a supermodel, she inspires people to run marathons and shows women that you do not have to be skinny to be fit. She was the very first plus-size model to be on the cover of Elle magazine, which was very unlike the norm during her times. She is also coming up with her lingerie line to make beautiful women celebrate their bodies.
11. Denise Bidot
Denise Bidot, a celebrated model and champion of body positivity, defies conventional beauty standards by embracing diversity in size, shape, and cultural background. Hailing from Puerto Rico and Kuwait, her multicultural roots underscore her role as an empowering figure. Beyond modeling, she advocates for societal change through her collaborations with major fashion brands. Her career reflects the kind of success in the fashion industry that embodies a steadfast commitment to positive change and representation for people of all backgrounds and body types. Bidot’s influence extends beyond the runway and makes her a significant force in fostering inclusivity and encouraging individuals to embrace their uniqueness in showbiz.
These are some of the famous plus size models. But, do you know how they reached there? Take a look!
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How To Be A Plus-Size Model
From Sports Illustrated to Vogue, Elle, and other big names that rule the fashion industry, companies are embracing plus-size modeling and diversity in sizes like never before. So yes, there is a lot of scope. However, the requirements are a little more stringent when it comes to plus-size modeling, but just like all rules, there are exceptions to these as well – and one may simply make way to success by being confident, fit, and taking care of themselves.
- Size Requirements – Sizes 12-14 are ideal for print media. While 18 is considered great for modeling, anywhere between 18-22 fits the bill for runways.
- Height Requirements – For plus-size modeling, height is a crucial parameter, so anywhere between 5’9” to 6” is ideal for high fashion. However, for commercial modeling, you need to match their requirement of body and face type.
- Body Shape – It is a general understanding that your waist needs to be 10” lesser than your hips.
- Portfolio Requirements – It is important to have a strong portfolio if you wish to land work with big magazines and brands. Ensure you incorporate a variety of poses and expressions, work with different photographers, and seek input from industry professionals for feedback.
Infographic: The Best Plus-Size Fashion Brands
From models to clothing brands, the industry is constantly evolving and growing to make sustainable fashion inclusive. So, shopping for bigger sizes need not be tricky or tiring anymore. Click the infographic below for a list of some of the best plus-size shopping brands and stores. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Plus-size models have not only broken many stereotypes but have also encouraged people to embrace themselves the way they are by promoting body positivity. Thanks to plus-size models like Ashley Graham, Jessica Leahy, Precious Victoria Lee, Chloe Marshall, and more, people feel comfortable in their unique bodies and skins today. They are more confident than ever before. So, if you ever feel low about yourself, take some inspiration from these amazing plus-size models and wear your confidence to slay. You can also follow popular plus-size fashion bloggers on social media to learn tips for rocking your outfit. It is time for you to shine, so go on and grab the attention that you deserve!
Illustration: Most Famous Plus Size Models In The World
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first curvy model?
Emme, whose birth name is Melissa Owens Miller, is believed to be the first curvy model who has been able to grab mainstream commercial success.
Is it hard to become a plus-size model?
Just like all professions, being a plus-size model may be challenging. But with hard work, dedication, and thorough knowledge of the domain, one can surely rock as a plus-size model.
Who is the first Indian plus-size model?
Tinder Badhesha became the first plus-size Indian model in America. She has been featured in various international brand campaigns and is a well-recognized face in the fashion industry.
Do plus-size models wear shapewear?
Some plus-size models also use body enhancement products like shapewear, padding, and tummy tuckers. It can also be a personal preference of the model if they want to embrace their natural curves.
Can plus-size models work in high fashion?
Yes! Plus-size models can thrive in high fashion. Icons like Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser have graced major runways like Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and Fendi and many campaigns, proving that high fashion is embracing body diversity.
Key Takeaways
- Plus-size models are reshaping, diversifying, and challenging stereotypes by defying norms and bringing inclusivity into the fashion scenes.
- Some of the most popular plus-size models in the world include Ashley Graham, Precious Victoria Lee, Danika Brysha, Tabria Majors, Jessica Leahy, etc.
- The ideal requirements to become a plus-size model are: Size 12-14; age 18-22; height 5’9” – 6”; waist 10” less than the hips.
Beauty is to be celebrated in all shapes and sizes. This video showcases the top 10 plus-size models who are making waves in the fashion industry. Watch this video to be inspired by the beauty that redefines standards.
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