A subcategory of fashion modeling called fit modeling involves fashion industry specialists working fully behind the scenes to try out new clothing items while they are being designed. Fit modeling might prove to be an interesting option for you if you have a passion for fashion and satisfy the physical requirements of the manufacturer or designer. In this post, we define fit models, outline the qualities they should possess, and discuss the process of becoming one.
What exactly is a fit model?
When fashion designers want to evaluate how their clothes designs drape on a living, moving body for fit and appearance, they use fit models as a component of the process. In this respect, a fit model is comparable to a mannequin, though a fit model may imitate the actions of a real consumer and stand, move, and pose as desired by a team of designers.
Fit models don’t pose for the general public, unlike their counterparts on the runway. Also, they offer input and recommendations on how to improve the garment’s comfort, functionality, or aesthetic appeal, assisting the designer in making changes before manufacturing.
Adapt to industry standards and fit modeling categories
Fit models are characterized by having bodies that adhere to the industry norms for a certain fashion category. So, understanding your body measurements and recognizing which class is a fit are the two most crucial skills a fit model may possess. To guarantee the continued success of this professional path, it is essential to maintain industry standards.
Clothing is divided into categories for men, women, and kids, with each of those groups further subdivided. For instance, in addition to the typical menswear sizes, there are also other categories for men, such as young men or huge and tall, each with its specifications. Misses, maternity, juniors, petites, and sizes are just a few of the subgroups that women’s sizes often further segment into. Standard US size 8 is considered to be the size that women should wear to be considered fit (or 10 in certain areas away from a fashion hub like New York City).
Qualifying physical traits
Remember that keeping a healthy weight and paying attention to it is essential for fit models. Being employed only based on your physical size, it is insulting to keep lying about your background or to refuse to suit your agency profile or Z card information.
There is a lot of extremely motionless standing, moving in response to commands, and walking when necessary (for designers to see how a fabric responds to movement). Models must have a very relaxed, receptive demeanor. Models should respect the design team but also be able to collaborate with them; for example, if a designer wants you to explain how the pant fit at the crotch, you should feel comfortable telling them the truth because your ultimate goal is to improve the style of the garment. (A design team will specify your level of participation and level of input before you begin your work. Take care not to overdo it. Excellent organizations can also give you advice.)
For categorization, fitting models must have symmetrical, proportionate bodies with estimated sizes that are universal. To create clothing that fits properly, a fit model must be able to communicate the fit concerns they experience in apparel. They should be prepared to offer the designers frank and encouraging comments to help manufacturers forge deals and lower return rates.
A fitting model can contribute significantly to the design process by commenting on how clothing and materials fit, move, and feel, going above and beyond merely donning the garments for study.
Similarly, to be a fit model, you must be aware of how your physical measurements fit inside the parameters of accepted norms. There is typically a demand for models in adult, kid, and teen plus sizes as well as maternity, though numbers can fluctuate from client to client depending on current demands. Although the chest, waist, and hip dimensions are the most crucial, a fit model must be aware of the following:
- Weight: Although it’s not the most important aspect of fit modeling, there are standardized requirements for body weight within every category. Fit modeling has fewer strict weight requirements than fashion runway modeling.
- Height: There will be a range of heights judged suitable for each category. For instance, a suitable model for women’s petites should stand no higher than five feet, four inches.
- Chest, waist, hips: A fit model’s body frame is usually their most distinguishing feature. The chest-waist-hip ratio that a designer wants to design a garment for is often determined before finding out a fit model to test it on. Regulatory requirements differ among various manufacturers and their target markets. For instance, a company that makes women’s clothes would look for a fit model with hip measurements that are similar to their bust and a waistline that is 10 inches shorter than the two.
- Additional measurements: The complete body is measured as part of the fitting process, albeit this information is less important. Fit models must be aware of their inseams, arm, and leg lengths, and even the angles of their shoulders.
Skills and characteristics of a fit model
The ability to physically satisfy professional standards is the most crucial quality in a model, but because fit modeling is a hard-working professional, they must also be able to:
Be both psychologically and physically tough
You might be required to remain still for extended periods while designers are at work. You’ll spend a lot of time on your feet and need to keep a positive attitude while promoting a product. It will be beneficial to be in a state of mental and physical wellness.
Be confident
Although you will only be seen by designers when you are changing out of and into their clothing, this is still fit modeling work that takes place behind the scenes, so you must feel at ease in your flesh. Designers may respond better to an individual who embodies the brand. It is necessary to be at ease as you’ll be moving in the clothing in ways that are supposed to mimic everyday wear.
Recognize fashions and trends
A fit model must follow industry trends, much like anyone working in the fashion sector. Fundamental knowledge of fashion design would also help with better comments. Your job search will be more successful if you are aware of which businesses are looking for models with various types of bodies and what they demand.
What is the best way to become a fit model?
A brand or designer chooses fit models depending on their physical attributes (Unlike in other modeling genres where the face plays a similar role). Their height, bust, waist, hip, and thigh measurements, arm and leg length, shoe and garment size, and more usually for men, neck, and shoulder size are used to determine whether their bodies meet the requirements. In essence, all designers follow a model size established by the elite fashion industry.
In general, any fashion model can be proposed for a fitting modeling job as long as they exhibit the appropriate psychological and physical qualities. Being added to an agency’s books can be incredibly beneficial, especially if you want to concentrate on fit modeling in which case we advise signing with a specialized fitting agency. But, some high street companies, like H&M, market their models directly via their websites.
Below are a few steps you may do to start your career as a fit model if you are contemplating it seriously:
1. Get familiar with the world of fashion
Fit models are not necessary to have to have a certain degree path, but they must be able to describe the fit and texture of clothing in great detail. Having a working knowledge of fashion terms and trends can assist you with advice and give feedback to models.
Consider enrolling in a few courses or an online workshop if you’re just getting started in the fashion industry so you can pick up some terminology and fundamental information.
2. Work on your poses and motions.
To test garments, fit models must remain still and move in specific ways for some time. Although the work may be physically taxing, developing your endurance and power will be beneficial to your success. Consider working on your posture and standing positions because designers frequently need good posture to observe how clothing drapes on a body. After deciding on your fit modeling niche, think about the motions you might need to do to evaluate the products, and then exercise to increase your endurance.
3. Locate an agent
You can hunt for chances on your own, but joining a fit modeling agency may prove quite beneficial for locating clients and establishing connections. Knowing all of your measurements and providing photos to start your portfolio are requirements for obtaining an agency.
If you don’t have the means to shoot your pictures, you could have to hire someone else to do it.
You can be invited to an audition by an agent to show off your potential as a model. Before extending an offer of employment, they may also interview you to determine your suitability for their company.
The Measurements
These measurements—also referred to as a model’s statistics—are essential bits of knowledge that fit models must have about themselves. Although a fit model must rapidly refer to this information, you won’t be required to understand it off the bat (apart from probably height and waist size). For this reason, UK Models has created Z cards. You can have your measurements properly displayed on these little business card-style cards in addition to your name, picture, and contact information. If you’re interested in fit modeling, having these Z cards on hand to hand out to prospective employers is incredibly helpful.
Keep in mind that maintaining and monitoring your weight is crucial for fit models. It is disrespectful to continuously change the facts that people may know about you or to choose not to fit your agency profile/Z card details since you’re getting hired based only on your physical size.
Why do manufacturers and designers use fit models?
When creating clothing for the client, designers and clothing manufacturers must use standard estimation that consumers are comfortable with. Although a designer may use extremely tall and slender models to show off their creations on the catwalk, they are aware that their clients rarely fit the model’s definition.
Conclusion
Fit modeling may appear simple, but it entails standing for extended periods as the fabric is draped and pinned about your body, as well as longer hours of changing into and out of numerous outfits. Nonetheless, even though their work is frequently unnoticed, it is crucial to the fashion industry, and they are frequently well-paid, which makes the long hours spent as human mannequins worthwhile. When a business discovers a model that benefits its brand, it frequently sticks with it for several years. As consistent bookings are difficult to come by in this market, the model will need to be cautious about keeping their measurements accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fit Modeling
- How is fit modeling implemented?
Fit modeling is a branch of fashion modeling where stylists test out new clothing items while they are still in the design stage. Fit modeling may be an interesting option for you if you have an interest in fashion and satisfy the physical requirements of the manufacturer or designer.
- What are the requirements for being a fit model?
Fit models must have symmetrical, well-balanced, and well-proportioned bodies that adhere to the industry-standard size guidelines. To make clothing that fits appropriately, a fit model should be able to articulate the fit concerns they experience in clothes.
- What does a modeling fitting entail?
Attending a fitting entails putting on the clothing before the runway show or photo session. Only models with the appropriate measurements are hired for the project since the designer is concerned that the clothing and accessories fit properly.
- What size is the model?
All fit models must, first and foremost, have well-balanced bodies that adhere to accepted standards of measurement. Clients typically seek female models between the heights of 5’4″ and 5’9″ with body measurements of 34-26-37. Clients typically choose masculine fit models who are 6’1″ or 6’2″ tall and have dimensions of 39-34-39.
- What is the potential income for a fit model?
The bulk of FIT Model salaries now varies between $31,000 (25th percentile) and $52,000 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) getting $235,500 yearly across the United States, while ZipRecruiter has annual incomes as high as $249,000 and as low as $23,500.
Elizabeth is a seasoned content writer with multiple years of experience writing on different topics under the general terms of scholarship, academics, business management, and human resource management and development.
She has a degree in Mass Communication and other relevant certifications.