While our society has come a long way, there are still some lingering misconceptions about what it means to be beautiful or fashionable.
We’ve certainly become more accepting of people who look different from ourselves, but some people unfortunately still hold onto a belief that people need to have a certain body type to be considered a model.
That just simply isn’t the case. We love to see people embracing bodies of all shapes and sizes, because they are all uniquely beautiful.
The key to having a successful career as a model for people who are curvy or plus size is to find the right representation. Working with a modeling agency that embraces and celebrates bodies of all kinds can make all the difference in your career. These agencies will provide a supportive atmosphere, find you the opportunities that best suit you, and will help you to develop all facets of your career.
We did some research to find some of the best plus size modeling agencies in the country, along with full-service agencies that are body diverse and size inclusive. While each person’s modeling career experience is different and requires a different type of agency, we hope that this list will be a good starting point that you can use to jumpstart your career or kick it into full gear.
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So here are some of the top plus size modeling agencies in the United States:
Winner - 2022 Plus Size Modeling Agency
John Casablancas Modeling and Career Centers
They are committed to providing students with the tools they need to create an individual and unique style in a fun, exciting and professional environment.
Students learn timeless fashion skills to create "the ultimate look" for themselves, regardless of the latest trends. Students develop a strong sense of self, a quality that is always admired, recognized and respected. They continually strive for the highest standards to maintain the reputation that they have earned in a most competitive industry.
Fill out the form below for a free 1:1 consultation to see if you're a good fit for John Casablancas Modeling.
• Ford Models
With locations in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, Ford Models has a major presence in the fashion and commercial modeling scene. In addition to being one of the leading modeling agencies across the board, their plus size division is highly sought after by top brands.
They currently only hold open calls at their Chicago location — those outside the area are encouraged to submit an application online.
Website: fordmodels.com
Address: 11 E 26th St, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 219-6500
What makes them special: Their worldwide reputation
• Dorothy Combs Models
Dorothy Combs Models exclusively represents plus size models, which made them an industry pioneer in 2005. Dorothy Combs has over 25 years of model booking agent experience and a passion for representing curvy women. Although they are located in Miami, Florida, they represent talent based in all major fashion cities and boast a client roster that stretches to all corners of the globe.
Website: dorothycombsmodels.com
Address: 12550 Biscayne Boulevard Suite 608, North Miami, Florida
Phone: (305) 459-0553
What makes them special: They exclusively represent plus size women
• Wilhelmina Curve
Wilhelmina is one of the most widely known and respected modeling agencies in the fashion world. They have locations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and London, and work with clients and talent from all over the world. They also have relationships with hundreds of local model management firms, strengthening their commitment to professionalism and integrity.
Models of all kinds are found on the Wilhelmina roster, including women, men, full-figured, fitness, and children models.
Website: wilhelmina.com
Address: 300 Park Avenue South, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 473-0700
What makes them special: Their prominence in the modeling industry
• IPM Models
IPM is a size-inclusive modeling agency that’s dedicated to promoting “the healthier model” — their models range from sizes 6 to 18 and more importantly live a clean, healthy lifestyle. The team at IPM is dedicated to guiding models and helping them propel their careers in runway, print media, or on-screen modeling. They also have locations in Chicago and Los Angeles, so you can be represented through IPM from just about any place in the country.
Website: ipmmodels.com
Address: 1441 Broadway, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 213-1977
What makes them special: Their commitment to model health
• Natural Model Management
Natural Model Management was founded by Bradford and Katie Wilxoc in 2011, after Katie’s successful career as a plus size model. They started Natural Models with the mission to let models be healthy and happy, while providing them with work opportunities that showcase their natural body shape and size. In addition to placing models with top-tier clients, many of their models also are involved in Healthy is the New Skinny, a company that Bradford and Katie founded to teach body positivity.
Website: naturalmodelsla.com
Address: 1120 N. El Centro Ave Unit 9, Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (323) 462-7400
What makes them special: Their firsthand knowledge of the niche
• Flaunt Models
Flaunt Models has been in the business for over 30 years, representing runway, advertising, showroom, television, and commercial models ages 18 and up in the New York area and beyond. Their plus size division is extremely diverse, having models of many different heights, sizes, body types, and ethnicities. They are alway seeking new talent but do not offer open calls, so be sure to see their website for submission instructions.
Website: flauntmodels.com
Address: 35 W 35th St #901, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 679-9011
What makes them special: Their diverse roster
• IMG Models
With locations in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Sydney, London, and Milan, IMG Models has one of the most expansive global presences of any modeling agency. Their impressive roster of top talent includes Kate Moss, Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid, and arguably one of the most successful plus size models of her time, Ashley Graham.
IMG also has a unique mentorship program for emerging talent, so new plus size models can get practical advice and guidance from successful models with the same goals.
Website: imgmodels.com
Address: 700 N. San Vicente Blvd Suite G600, 6th Floor, Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (310) 550-3405
What makes them special: Their model mentorship program
• ModelScouts
ModelScouts is a great agency for those looking to break into modeling. They are always looking for new talent of all ages and sizes, with no experience necessary. They will help you develop your skills and career in a way that sets you up for success. Since they are body inclusive, models of all body shapes and sizes are encouraged to apply.
Website: model-scouts.nyc
Address: 250 5th Ave 59th Floor, New York, NY
Phone: (646) 530-8333
What makes them special: They welcome models of all ages and sizes
• Heffner Management
Heffner Management is living proof that you don’t need to be in Los Angeles to break into the west coast modeling scene. In fact, Heffner has become one of the largest and most successful direct booking agencies on the west coast since the 1980s. Heffner has an expansive plus size roster that gets placed with high profile fashion and lifestyle brands including Kohl’s, Target, Versace, Calvin Klein, Nordstrom, and more.
Website: heffnermanagement.com
Address: 80 VIne ST #203, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 622-2211
What makes them special:
• TRUE Model Management
TRUE is a full service modeling agency that represents all sizes and categories of models for production fittings, showroom, trade show, print, runway, and commercial opportunities. They also provide career guidance for models to help them launch and maintain their careers. TRUE interviews new talent daily and is always adding new model categories as per demand — so be sure to be yourself when applying!
Website: truemodel.com
Address: 265 W 37th St, New York, NY
Phone: (212) 239-8783
What makes them special: All staff has a background in fashion
With this list as a starting point, we hope you’ll be able to find everything you need for a successful modeling career!
