How to Become a Bathing Suit Model

It can be difficult to break into the swimsuit modeling world.

All sorts of publications and venues, from calendars and magazines to catalogs and fashion shows, utilize swimsuit models. Not every model can easily become a swimsuit model, and modeling is not an easy career choice. Both women and men can become swimsuit models. Bathing suit modeling is perfect for people on the shorter side, since height isn’t as much of a requirement as with other modeling gigs. Anyone who is trying to become a professional swimsuit model should keep in mind that this is an extremely competitive and difficult industry.

Things You'll Need

• Portfolio of photographs and tearsheets

Instructions

1. Create the type of body that’s most sought-after in swimsuit models and that will look great in any type of swimsuit. Women should create and maintain curves by working out specific areas of the body, including their rear ends -- they shouldn’t be too thin or too muscular. Men, on the other hand, should maintain an extremely fit, muscular physique.

2. Follow a skincare regime to maintain healthy, glowing skin. Swimsuit models need more than a great figure -- they also need to appear healthy and attractive all-around. Eating a healthy diet and keeping skin clean and moisturized will contribute to a youthful appearance.

3. Take lessons at a model training school. Models are expected to have certain skills, and training schools will prepare an up-and-coming model for an interview with an agency. Models need to learn how to walk, pose for pictures and utilize their unique features when modeling.

4. Create a professional modeling portfolio. Purchase a portfolio book. Include the model’s best professional photos as well as tearsheets. Tearsheets are pages taken directly from magazines or other print materials and show a model’s past work experience.

5. Hire an agent, preferably from a large city rather than a smaller town, in order to get exposure to more potential jobs. You may have to travel a long distance to meet with the prospective agents and show them your swimsuit portfolio.

Tips & Warnings

• Typically, women who are between 5 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 8 inches and weigh from 90 to 110 pounds are considered for bathing suit modeling.

• When working out, it’s important to focus on certain body parts, such as the belly or rear end. However, pay attention to other body parts, as well. Even if certain body angles won’t be photographed often, swimsuit models are still expected to be toned all over and not have any flab on their bodies.

• It’s not necessary to compromise personal morals for the sake of a modeling job. If there’s something that a model is not comfortable with, she shouldn’t hesitate to speak up.

References

• Vuicy: How to Become a Swimsuit Model
• Mandarich Models: How to Become a Swimsuit Model
• Minor Model: Becoming a Swimsuit Model
• Pittsburgh Creative: Modeling Portfolio