10 Famous Plus Size Models In The World

Changing the perspective on beauty and opening the stage to the inclusivity movement.

By Pratima Ati

Thanks to the plus-size 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. 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!

Top 10 Most Famous Plus Size Models In The World

1. Ashley Graham

A supermodel who managed to be the first plus size model on 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.

Official Instagram – instagram.com

2. Jessica Leahy

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 in their bodies. She is a true believer in the need for a genuine conversation about body types and positivity. She propagates the need for women to be truly unapologetic and comfortable about their bodies.

Official Instagram – instagram.com

3. Precious Victoria Lee

Precious Victoria Lee’s story is as precious as her name. From having an off-beat name to rocking a body type and ethnicity that is not considered mainstream, Precious Lee is all about bending curves and breaking barriers. 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.

Official Instagram – instagram.com

4. Chloe Marshall

An English supermodel, she won the Miss Surrey title in 2008 and was also the first plus size model to make it to Miss England finals. This gave her and the idea of plus size a lot of mileage. 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 stronger. 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.

Official Instagram – instagram.com

5. Danika Brysha

From battling a lousy relationship with food to losing weight and gaining it all back, Danika Brysha is a 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.

Official Instagram – instagram.com

6. Lexi Placourakis

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.

Official Instagram – instagram.com

7. Tabria Majors

A woman of color and a plus size model, Tabria Majors is a firm believer in 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 L.A to fend for herself, and that stint made her stronger than ever. From that to being on 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.

Official Instagram – instagram.com

8. Anita Marshall

Anita Marshall’s story, like any other plus-size model’s, has been anything but easy. It was not roses and snowflakes before she was taken seriously or considered a model, but she persisted and stuck around to prove herself. She gained traction from her Instagram post and found her way up in the fashion industry. From being a makeup artist from Boston to making it big in the industry, Anita Marshall is unstoppable.

Official Instagram –  instagram.com

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 in 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.

Official Instagram – instagram.com

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. 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.

Official Instagram – instagram.com

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 like never before. So yes, there is a lot of scope. However, the requirements are 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 fit 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.

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.

the best plus-size fashion brands [infographic]

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. It is time for you to shine, so go on and grab the attention that you deserve!

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After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, Pratima Ati jumped ship to pursue two things she... more

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