Size does matter, or size doesn’t matter; it’s your preference. Our society has a preconceived notion of beauty standards, and being plus-size doesn’t fall under the norms. There is a real struggle for women to fit into the societal framework of being ‘perfect’ and in a specific shape. The ideal would be skinny, tall, and flawless, but it is not always achievable.
With the emergence of plus-size models on fashion ramps worldwide, plus-size models teach us to admire our bodies just the way they are. Although ‘lean and thin’ are still considered the most desirable body type, plus-size fashion is catching up.
It’s about time we see beauty for what it is, not what we think it should be. And today, we will talk about a few women who are taking the lead and are at the prime of their modeling game. According to well-established measurements, a plus-size woman is someone who is a size 12 or up. Even to be a plus-size model, you need to meet certain requirements. Primarily, your waist must be 10 inches smaller than your hips.
Despite the baseless shaming and prejudice, these women have chased careers in modeling, despite what society, or even the world of modeling itself, considers ‘model material.’ With more and more brands and designers catering to curvier women, the need for plus-size models is more significant than ever. Plus-size models are making waves in the fashion industry and beyond. Besides, these inspiring “curve” women break barriers, challenge societal norms and confirm that beauty appears in all shapes and sizes.
They’ve broken down barriers. They’ve showcased their true selves. And they see no reason to give in to unrealistic expectations to satisfy a market saturated with unreasonable biases. Step aside stereotypes.
Each of these curvy plus-size models is not just smoking hot. More importantly, they come from a place of depth that recognizes beauty and chooses to go despite the odds. These plus-sized models have taken center stage, and they see no purpose in standing down.
Lauren Chan
Lauren Chan is a Canadian model, editor, and entrepreneur. After graduating from university, she moved to New York City to pursue a career as a plus-size model. In 2019, Chan was named one of Chatelaine magazine’s Women of the Year. Recently, she was honored by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Assembly Member Grace Lee for her efforts in New York City’s Asian American community on size inclusion in the fashion industry.
Jennie Runk
Jennie Runk is an American plus-size model. She is best known for appearing in H&M’s Summer 2013 beachwear campaign, which featured her on the front page of H&M’s United States website in late April 2013.
Leslie Sidora
You’ve never met a sexy plus-size model like Leslie Sidora. She’s the girl you want to be friends with—maybe more than just buddies! Her accent is captivating; it leaves me hanging on every word as she talks about modeling from London (and now New York) these last three years—how it began rather unconventionally but has turned out ultra-nowadays at 439k followers strong for her Instagram account, where we see all sorts of fashion shots showing off this gift bound in Glamour and warmth.
Ekaterina Zharkova
The Russian model, also known as Katya, has had size 14 modeling ever since she was 14. She has made various appearances for different campaigns, especially for Forever 21.
Bree McCann
Irish model Bree McCann, a rising star since 2017, quickly gained attention for her confidence and beauty. She has modeled for brands like Penningtons, Yours Clothing, and Navabi. Bree advocates for body positivity, showing that curvy girls can wear trendy fashion, and inspires women on social media to celebrate their unique beauty, proving diversity is the new norm in fashion.
Jocelyn Corona
The Mexican plus-size model’s career skyrocketed after walking in Chromat’s FW15 runway show just six months into modeling. At 20, she challenged body standards by starring with Gigi Hadid in Simply Be’s “Every Body Is A Beach Body” campaign. Jocelyn Corona founded Desert Rose Modeling and graced covers like Vanity Fair Mexico (2016), Cosmopolitan Spain (2017), and GQ Portugal (2018). This year, she reached new heights with a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover.
Barbie Linhares Ferreira
Barbara Linhares Ferreira, a model and actress known for advocating body positivity, was born in Queens, New York. She moved to Maywood and attended Hackensack High School. After graduating, Barbara returned to live with her Brazilian mother and grandmother. Her career quickly gained attention, and she inspired many through her social media presence.
Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is an American plus-size model and television presenter. In 2016, she became the first size 16 model featured on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover. Glamour described Graham as “bringing size acceptance into the mainstream.”
Georgia Pratt
Georgia Pratt Holiber never wanted to be the girl with no voice. The New Zealand native found success in her design career while studying at Auckland University of Technology but decided to put it on hold when she moved overseas and joined Lane Bryant’s Plus-Is Equal campaign–and now we’re all listening!
Bishamber Das
Das is widely known for contributing to the plus-size industry in the United Kingdom and the United States. Bishamber is recognized as the first British Asian plus-size model in the country.
Philomena Kwao
Philomena Kwao exemplifies what can be accomplished when you’re not afraid to break barriers and pave your way. Her work in the modeling industry has been groundbreaking, especially for plus-sized models who had never had leadership roles. She took them on herself as if they were any other responsibility needing care, which makes sense considering how much effort it takes to succeed!
Carly Stone
Stone explains that she mostly credits the turning point of embracing her voluptuousness when she worked as a nurse in a surgical ward. At the time, she says, she was working with patients recovering from cancer-related surgeries, which allowed her to see how important her own body is—regardless of size or appearance.
Hayley Hasselhoff
Hayley, an actress, fashion designer, and contributor for Marie Claire UK, is dedicated to making a positive impact. She hosts “The Curve,” a show promoting inclusivity and body positivity across all genders, races, shapes, and sizes. Hayley emphasizes the need for more representation, especially for size 18 girls, often overlooked by designers.
Tara Lynn
The girl with a chubby, cute face and full figure worked in grocery stores and restaurants. Tara Lynn appeared on the cover of Italian Vogue and works for various lingerie ads.
Precious Lee
Precious Lee has shattered many barriers in her curvy modeling career. As one of the first plus-size women of color in Sports Illustrated’s swimwear edition, she has worked with brands like Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, and Skims. She made history as the first curvy African American model in Versace’s Spring 2021 show and recently cut her hair short, defying her agents’ advice.
Denise Bidot
Born in Miami, Florida, in 2014, Denise Marie Bidot became the first plus-size model to walk the runway for two straight-size brands during New York Fashion Week.
Clementine Desseaux
Clementine Desseaux is a 37-year-old beauty and lifestyle blogger from France. She has been traveling extensively since she was young, which gives her an advantage in knowing what people around the World think about plus-size fashion options. However, it can be challenging to find something fashionable when you’re larger than most stores’ standards (especially if your shape doesn’t match any current trends). Over time, this woman moved abroad to New York City!
Iskra Lawrence
Iskra Lawrence, the size 14 model, is making waves to promote body positivity. At just 15 years old, she was dropped from her first agency because her hips were “too big” before being told they were “too small” by plus-size agencies.
Kate Wasley
Kate Wasley is an Aussie plus-size model who has become well known for being body-positive and one-half of the social media initiative Any Body. In addition, she has accumulated thousands of followers on her Instagram account thanks to bold photos and modeling content with trendy outfits that appeal worldwide. Her face appears on several brands, such as Avenue The Label Forever 21, among others!
Hunter McGrady
Hunter McGrady was born in Los Angeles to American actor Michael McGrady and model Brynja McGrady. At 19, she started plus-size modeling because she could not maintain her agency’s 00 standards. In 2017, Hunter became the most extensive model, size 16, to appear in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. In 2019, she was the first plus-size model on the cover of The Knot.
Louise O’Reilly
Louise O’Reilly is an internationally recognized plus-sized model and award-winning beauty influencer based in Dublin. She is currently signed with agencies all over the World, including London, Germany, Milan, South Africa, and Australia. 9 years ago, she created StyleMe Curvy as a platform for showcasing the diversity within fashion & aesthetics through her love of curves to body image; it has been one mission that continues today!
Silvia Rho
Silvia Rho is a hot Korean plus-size model working with a Los Angeles, CA-based models agency.
Danika Brysha
Danika Brysha, a plus-size model known for promoting self-love and body care, adopted a healthy lifestyle and founded “Model Meals” to encourage balanced diets. She’s worked with brands like Forever 21 and Kohl’s and is one of the highest-paid curvy models after Miranda Kerr.
Louise Boyce
Louise epitomizes longevity and sustainable beauty in modeling, maintaining impeccable personal style throughout her career. Starting at 14, she struggled with insecurity, leading to bad habits like smoking. Eventually, she found solace in the weed gardens near Storm Models’ NYC headquarters.
Justine LeGault
Justine LeGault is a Canadian model known for her successful modeling career. She has graced popular magazine covers and done endorsement work for brands like Torrid Fashion and Catherine’s Plus Sizes.
Anita Marshall
Anita Marshall overcame obstacles to become a successful plus-size model, initially gaining fame through social media. She models for major brands like Old Navy, Lane Bryant, and Macy’s, embracing her body and inspiring others with messages of inner beauty and self-worth. Anita brings confidence and talent to every shoot, serving as a role model in the fashion industry.
Olivia Campbell
Olivia Campbell is a confident British plus-size model who shares her life on social media. She captivatingly captures fans with photos and videos of her shopping trips and travel adventures. Represented by MSA, Bridge Curve, and DE Curve, Olivia consistently makes a strong impression.
Nadia Aboulhosn
With roots in Miami, this beautiful plus-size model is known for her fashion blogs. Nadia is also an entrepreneur with significant business and commerce skills.
Stephanie Viada
Stephanie is also a makeup artist and has achieved good success in cosmetology. She owns a Kosmetica salon. In her modeling career, she became famous after working with brands such as Debshops, GS Love, and Forever 21.
Felicity Hayward
Model and social media influencer Felicity Hayward is an innovative beauty who has broken barriers in the fashion industry. She was first scouted dancing by photographer Miles Aldridge while impersonating Anna Nicole Smith, becoming one of Britain’s most recognizable curve models today! Influenced early on with her groundbreaking collaborations; this British native offers up all types – from traditional clothing lines to plus-sized collections for many world-renowned brands both abroad and here at home.
Graciela Montes
Graciela is a talented Mexican girl whose fame grew because of her positive attitude about life. She is also an entrepreneur and runs her own makeup label.
Lexi Placourakis
Lexi Placourakis is a powerhouse in plus-size modeling. After overcoming an eating disorder, she found empowerment in her curvaceous body. She models for Target, Old Navy, and Macy’s and launched her own body-positive shapewear line. Lexi offers realistic fashion advice on social media and inspires women to embrace their unique beauty daily.
Ashley Alexiss
The 34-year-old beauty is well known for her women’s assets. Conquering the hearts of various people, her Insta family has increased at a very high rate.
Paloma Elsesser
Paloma Elsesser, an American gorgeous curvy model and body advocate, made history by becoming the first plus-size model to win the coveted Model of the Year award in 2023. Despite criticism for not fitting traditional beauty standards, Paloma remained confident in her uniqueness. She serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Candice Huffine
The US model in size 12 is very proud of her curves and voluptuous body. Candice is known to appear in the Pirelli calendar 2015. She is so obsessed with her curves that she bluntly refuses to work when she asks to shed a few pounds.
Anastasia Vinogradova
Anastasia is a popular plus-size model from Russia with an enormous Instagram fan following. She is famous for her cute look and curvy figure. She appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
Bianca Mitsuko Davies
Bianca Mitsuko Davies is a prominent plus-size fashion model from the United States, renowned for her modeling career in the fashion industry. She encourages girls everywhere to embrace their curves.
Vanessa Romo
Vanessa Romo is a 30-year-old Chicana plus-size model and University of California Santa Barbara Alumni. Having almost 100 thousand social media followers combined, Romo has worked with major brands like Forever 21, Good American, Fashion Nova, Windsor, CYA Moda, and more.
Saffi Karina
An English plus-size model has worked to help promote body positivity with her popular Instagram page. Saffi also created the Curve Project London to help inspire other women to understand the importance of size acceptance.
Emilee Rae
Emilee Rae is represented by Natural Model Management, a successful modeling agency that represents plus-size models and models with curves.
Sabina Karlsson
Sabina Karlsson, a Swedish model, made waves in 2010 with a Vogue Italia editorial, pioneering space for curvy girls in high fashion. She models for H&M, Mango, and Evans and was the first plus-size model to cover Elle Sweden, known for her striking blonde looks and confidence.
Johanna Dray
Johanna Dray is a groundbreaking French plus model from Paris. When Dray first began modeling, no plus-size agencies or plus-size divisions existed.
Grisel Paula
Paula was born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic, a humble town hours outside the country’s capital, Santo Domingo. Grisel is the CEO and founder of Rebdolls, an online fashion retailer committed to providing unapologetic fashion to women of all sizes.
Melissa Masi
Melissa Masi model plus size from the United States. She is represented in DcM.
Allexa D’Alessio
Allexa is a plus-size model who has opened up about her struggle to give up starving herself to pursue her dream.
Cleo Fernandes
Cleo started modeling and rapidly achieved immense success due to her potential and faith. The central turning point came when she won the crown of Miss Plus Size Brazil 2012. Since then, her confidence has only been boosted, and now she does not wish to become slim or skinny.
Kristina Yeo
Yeo is well-established in the industry and effectively applies that experience. Kristina also has a curvaceous appearance and uses it stylishly and effectively.
Juliya Lavrova
Juliya Lavrova was born in St. Petersburg. In high school, she began to attend model school. During this period, Julia understood all the advantages of her appearance. Working as a model is just a hobby; in the main work, Julia’s support and understanding are her aspirations to change the standard idea of the beauty of the female body.
Danielle van Grondelle
Danielle started in the modeling industry at 14 as a straight-sized model before breaking into the plus-size industry and becoming Holland’s first curvy top model.
Robyn Lawley
35-year-old Robyn Lawley is Australia’s most well-known plus-size model, the first to appear in a campaign for Ralph Lauren and shot for some of the world’s most prominent fashion magazines.
These curvy models plus size create a more accepting and representative world by celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity. Their stories remind us that everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful, regardless of size. These women could give you a few new names to follow and spark your interest in the beautiful plus-size women.
