Fitting in modeling: meaning, example and tips

How it works

Before a show the designer and the stylist choose each model's garments, take them in or up, and pick shoes and accessories. Each look is photographed and pinned up backstage so nobody gets confused during the show.

A fitting can take ten minutes or several hours and may be late at night, especially during fashion week. The model stands, walks and changes several times while garments are pinned on them.

A job can still be lost at the fitting: if the clothes do not fit, or the model has changed since the casting, the client may pick someone else. In many markets a fitting is paid separately, at a lower rate than the job.

In practice

Two days before the show a model is called for a fitting at 10 pm. The stylist chooses two looks for him, the trousers are pinned shorter and shoes are picked. Each look is photographed with the model's name. The fitting takes an hour and is paid at the hourly rate given in the confirmation.

What to watch for

Wear seamless nude underwear.
Do not comment on the clothes: your job is to show them.
Ask your booker whether the fitting is paid.

Related terms

Types of work and modelsFit modelA fit model is the person on whom designers and pattern makers try and correct garments while they are being developed; their measurements become the collection's standard.Runway and fashion weeksLookA look is one complete outfit of a collection: the clothes, shoes and accessories a model wears on the catwalk or in one frame.Runway and fashion weeksBackstageBackstage is the space behind the catwalk where models get hair and make-up done before the show, change and wait for their exit.The team on setFashion stylistA fashion stylist chooses and combines the clothes, shoes and accessories for a shoot, a show or a person so the look fits the idea.How a job happensCallbackA callback is the second round: the client invites a shortlist of models back to make the final choice.

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

01Is a fitting paid?

Often yes, at a lower hourly rate, but it depends on the market and the client. Find out in advance.

02How is a fitting different from fit modeling?

A fitting prepares one show or shoot. A fit model works with designers on an ongoing basis while patterns are developed and checked.

Fitting