How to Become a Fitting Model

Fashion designers and apparel manufacturers need models to test the size specifications of their clothing before the production phase. The measurements of a fit model vary with the clothing line, designer and customer base. Fit models include children, men and plus size women. This modeling specialty pays well and requires only a few hours of work a week.

Instructions

1. Live in New York or Los Angeles. Most US designers work and reside in these major fashion hubs. Contact agencies like fashionfitmodels.com in New York City or ragemodels.com in Los Angeles. Call or email them for height, weight and measurement requirements, as the specifications vary from project to project.

2. Contact the corporate headquarters of stores like Macy's or Target. These retailers offer their own clothing lines as well as other labels, and the competition for jobs may not be as intense as designer gigs.

3. Offer fit model services to fledgling and underground designers and companies. These gigs pay less, but provide experience and exposure. New designers often feature colorful or outrageous clothing so these gigs may prove to be a lot of fun. Check MySpace and other popular websites for new designer profiles.

4. Stay in shape. A fit model needs to maintain certain measurements to gain consistent work, so eat right, exercise and keep your body fit.

5. Follow the industry. Look at sites like fashion-incubator.com, and learn about different designers, clothing lines and their needs. This will give you an edge over other prospective models and increase your visibility and contacts.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out the Fashion District in New York City. Many designers and manufacturers have showrooms and offices there.

Resources

• Check out fashion news and fit model information at this link.
• Find many fashion industry showrooms here.