Model type in modeling: meaning, example and tips

How it works

Agencies and clients rarely say "pretty" or "not pretty". They say "editorial", "commercial", "classic", "unusual", "girl next door", "androgynous". These are types, and each has its own circle of clients.

The type decides which market a model is sent to: one look suits Paris and Milan, another Asian markets, a third commercial advertising in Germany or Scandinavia. That is why the same agency sends one model to some countries and another to others.

A type is not for ever: it changes with age, a haircut, fashion. What is "not the moment" today can become the most wanted look a few seasons later.

In practice

An agency sees two new models differently. The first has unusual features and height that suit high fashion, so she is sent to Paris. The second has a warm smile and a girl-next-door look that suits commercial work, so jobs are arranged for her in Germany. Both work a lot, just in different markets.

What to watch for

Ask your agency how it sees your type and for which markets.
Build your portfolio around your type, not around trends.
A no often means "not the right type", not "not attractive".

Related terms

Types of work and modelsEditorialAn editorial is a magazine fashion or beauty shoot that tells a story or carries an idea, rather than selling one particular product.Types of work and modelsCommercial modelA commercial model advertises products and services to a broad audience: in adverts, catalogues, packaging and on social media.Requirements and looksModel height requirementsHeight is the first requirement for a fashion model: runway work usually needs from about 172–175 cm for women and 185 cm for men; commercial work is more flexible.Agencies and representationPlacement agencyA placement agency represents a model in one particular market, such as Paris or Tokyo, and works together with the model's mother agency.Portfolio and materialsModel portfolioA portfolio is the collection of a model's best pictures, from which the agency and clients judge which jobs the model suits.

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

01How do you find out your type?

An agency judges it best after meeting you; it depends on your face, figure, height and how you look in pictures.

02Can you change your type?

Partly: hair, style and experience change how clients see you, but the core features stay.

Model type (look)