Sample size in modeling: meaning, example and tips

How it works

Before production every garment in a collection is made as one sample. The same samples travel to the show, the showroom, lookbook and magazine shoots, so every model wearing them has to be a similar size.

For women's runway this is usually a small size, around European 34–36, but every brand has its own standard. Plus-size and commercial brands increasingly make samples in larger sizes too.

Sample size explains why measurements matter so much in fashion work, and why changes in them can cost a job. On the other hand, health and consistency matter more than trying to fit someone else's standard.

In practice

A fashion house makes its collection samples in size 36. At the fitting it turns out the trousers are too narrow at the hips for one model, so she is given another look and the trousers go to someone else. Nobody makes a drama of it: it is a normal part of a fitting.

What to watch for

Know your size in different countries' systems.
Keep your measurements stable through the season.
Health matters more than fitting a sample.

Related terms

Requirements and looksModel measurementsA model's measurements are height plus bust, waist and hip circumference, together with shoe size, hair and eye colour; agencies and clients use them to decide whether the clothes will fit.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.Types of work and modelsRunway modelA runway model shows collections live at fashion shows, walking the catwalk in the designer's clothes before an audience, press and buyers.Types of work and modelsShowroom modelA showroom model presents a collection to store buyers in a brand's showroom, trying on garments and showing them close up during sales appointments.Runway and fashion weeksReady-to-wearReady-to-wear, or prêt-à-porter, is designer clothing made in standard sizes and sold in stores; these are the collections shown at the main fashion weeks.

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

01What is sample size?

Usually around European 34–36 for women's runway, but it depends on the brand.

02Is sample size the same everywhere?

No. Each brand has its own standard, and plus-size brands make larger samples.

Sample size