In the past decade, the fashion industry has witnessed a significant shift, thanks in part to plus-size models who are challenging conventional beauty standards. These curvy icons are setting new benchmarks by gracing the covers of prestigious fashion publications.
They are also paving the way for upcoming talent by starring in high-profile advertising campaigns for leading designer brands like Calvin Klein. Explore our list of fifteen influential models featuring Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, and other trailblazers who are redefining beauty and fashion.
What size do plus-size models wear?
In the fashion industry, plus-size models typically wear a U.S. size 12 or above. While there may be some variation depending on the brand or modeling agency, this size range is widely accepted as the standard for plus-size modeling.
According to Healthline, the average American woman now weighs 170 pounds, underscoring the idea that curve models are increasingly reflective of the everyday woman.
Plus Size Models
Robyn Lawley
In 2011, Australian model Robyn Lawley made history by gracing the renowned Vogue Italia cover, and she further broke barriers as the inaugural plus-size ambassador for Ralph Lauren. Expanding her influence beyond the runway, Robyn launched a culinary blog called “Robyn Lawley Eats.”
She continued to set milestones by becoming the first curvy model to be featured in Vogue Australia. Adding another feather to her cap, Robyn Lawley achieved another first in 2015 when she became the premier plus-size model to appear in the iconic Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Issue.
In 2021, she launched the podcast Every Body, which discusses living in a body-shaming world.
Tara Lynn
American model Tara Lynn made waves in the fashion industry when she appeared on the coveted Vogue Italia cover in June 2011. The brunette beauty has been the face of high-profile campaigns for popular brands, including H&M, Forever 21, Lane Bryant, and Lucky Brand.
Beyond her work in advertising, Tara has also been featured on the covers of leading international magazines, notably Elle Spain and Elle France.
Tess Holliday
Wearing a size 22, Tess Holliday captured national attention when she graced the cover of People Magazine in 2015 under the groundbreaking headline: “The World’s First Size 22 Supermodel!” An outspoken advocate for body positivity, Tess has actively worked to reclaim the term fat as a descriptor of negativity.
Standing at a relatively short 5’5″, she defies the conventions that curvy models need to be tall. The red-haired model has starred in advertising campaigns for well-known brands like Torrid, H&M, and ModCloth. In 2023, she signed on as an inclusivity consultant for H&M.
Ashley Graham
Originating from Nebraska, American model Ashley Graham was discovered at just 19 years old. She quickly became the face of top plus-size retailer Lane Bryant. Ashley garnered significant media attention when a Lane Bryant lingerie commercial featuring her was banned for being too risqué for TV audiences.
Her career reached new heights in 2016 when she became the first plus-size model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. This milestone led to further high-profile opportunities, including cover appearances on Vogue US, Cosmopolitan, Vogue UK, and ELLE Canada.
Additionally, the brunette modeling icon has collaborated with brands like Knix, Swimsuits for All, and Marina Rinaldi. With over 22 million followers on the social media platform Instagram, Ashley Graham is the most famous plus-size model.
Candice Huffine
Dark-haired model Candice Huffine gained international acclaim when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia’s plus-size issue, captured by renowned photographer Steven Meisel. Since then, Candice has been featured in editorial spreads for publications like V Magazine, Vogue Germany, ELLE US, and W Magazine.
On the advertising front, the American model has been a prominent face for brands such as Torrid, Mango, Bloomingdale’s, Levi’s, and H&M. Beyond her modeling achievements, Candice is also a marathon runner and the founder of the activewear brand DAY WON.
Emme
Emme is an American plus-size model and advocate for body diversity. She achieved a milestone by becoming the first full-figured model to be in People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People list, initially in 1994 and again in 1999.
She has been a spokesperson for Revlon and launched her own inclusive clothing lines, including me BY EMME, available at QVC, and the Emme Collection, sold in department stores.
Paloma Elsesser
Paloma Elsesser was discovered on Instagram, and she quickly rose to prominence and has since become a fixture in the fashion scene. She became the first curve model to walk for Fendi alongside Jill Kortleve.
Paloma has been featured in campaigns for major brands like Fenty Beauty, Marc Jacobs, and Nike, showcasing her versatility. She’s also graced the cover of British Vogue, making a significant impact on the perception of beauty standards.
Barbie Ferreira
Barbie Ferreira first gained widespread cultural recognition as the face of American Eagle Outfitters’ Aerie swimsuit campaign, posing unretouched. Building on that momentum, the American beauty has since been featured in advertising campaigns for major brands like Adidas, Forever 21, Levi’s, YSL Beauty, and Missguided.
Expanding her talents beyond modeling, Barbie has also ventured into acting, appearing on the hit TV show Euphoria.
Marquita Pring
American model Marquita Pring gained international fame when featured in Vogue Italia’s iconic “Plus Size Issue.” Since then, this sensation has graced the pages of esteemed fashion magazines like V Magazine and Glamour Iceland.
On the advertising front, Marquita has been a prominent face for major brands, including Talbots, Levi’s, Macy’s, and Lane Bryant. Adding to her list of accomplishments, she posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in both 2020 and 2023.
Jill Kortleve
Jill Kortleve is another curvy model who broke barriers in fashion. The Dutch beauty made history as one of the first plus-size models to walk for Chanel in nearly a decade. With her unique look and confident strut, Jill has also graced runways for high-end brands like Alexander McQueen and Jacquemus.
Her influence extends to print as well, with features in top-tier publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and advertisements for Victoria’s Secret and Louis Vuitton.
Whitney Thompson
American model Whitney Thompson gained widespread recognition for her triumph in Cycle 10 of the hit reality TV show “America’s Next Top Model,” where she secured a unique place in history as the competition’s first and only plus-size winner.
Following her win, Whitney starred in high-profile advertising campaigns for CoverGirl and was featured in popular magazines like Seventeen. In addition to her modeling career, she served as an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association, highlighting her commitment to body positivity and mental health.
Precious Lee
A trailblazer in her own right, Precious Lee has carved out a niche for herself in high fashion. She graced the cover of British Vogue in 2023. Beyond that, Precious has been featured in campaigns for illustrious brands like Versace, Jimmy Choo, and MAC Cosmetics.
Her magnetic presence, both on the runway and in print, has made her one of the most sought-after plus-size models today.
Yumi Nu
Yumi Nu is a Japanese-Dutch model and singer making waves in the fashion world. She made history by becoming the first Asian American curve model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Yumi has appeared in campaigns for companies like adidas, Victoria’s Secret, and Good American. Her influence extends beyond modeling. She’s also a singer-songwriter, blending her creative talents to make a significant impact in both the fashion and music industries.
Tess McMillan
Tess McMillan is an American model whose rise to prominence has been meteoric. She first caught the industry’s eye when she appeared in a Marc Jacobs campaign and has since walked for designer brands like Simone Rocha, Gucci, and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Advertisements for Savage X Fenty, Zara, and Pat McGrath Labs are also under her belt. Known for her striking red hair, she has become a symbol of the changing face of beauty in the fashion world, challenging traditional norms and expectations.
Denise Bidot
Denise Bidot is another American model who’s made headlines for her curves. She gained fame for her “Beach Body. Not Sorry” campaign with Swimsuits For All, which was presented unretouched.
Denise has walked the runway for brands like Chromat and Serena Williams’ fashion line and has appeared in advertising campaigns for major brands like Lane Bryant, Old Navy, and Nordstrom. Her work is a powerful statement in the ongoing conversation about body diversity and inclusivity in fashion.
The Importance of Curve Representation
It’s essential to recognize that the rise of plus-size models is a cultural shift redefining beauty standards. These models are diversifying the fashion industry, challenging societal norms, and inspiring a more inclusive world.
Their influence transcends the runway, creating a ripple effect that encourages everyone to embrace their unique beauty and shape. As we move forward, hopefully, the fashion industry’s landscape will continue to evolve, becoming a mirror that reflects the diversity of the world we live in.
The work of these trailblazing models catalyzes this transformation, making fashion a place where everyone belongs.
