Plus-size model

A **plus-size model** is a female model, who has a clothing size that is bigger than the size 34/36 used for women.  Usually they were clothing sizes 40 to about 52.They are also called **Curvy models**.  Some of the models criticize the naming. They want to drop the "plus" from the name, and be considered normal. Very often, they advertise clothing that normal women can actually wear. Many are also active in stock photography. Some are advertising products other than clothing, for example cosmetics or sunglasses.

Other names used include "full-figured model",  "extended-sizes model", "over-weight model", and "outsize model". Previously, the term "large size model" was also frequently used.

In the past, there were discussions about models being anorexic, or models with eating disorders and problems of drug abuse. With this in mind, many fashion designer started to use plus-size models for advertising campaigns and catwalks.

## Fashion shows

Jean-Paul Gaultier and John Galliano both used plus-size models in their Spring 2006 showings in Paris. Gaultier also used plus-size models Marquita Pring and Crystal Renn in his Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear show. Italian plus-size fashion house Elena Mirò now regularly stages biannual prêt-à-porter shows during Milan Fashion Week. Mark Fast and William Tempest each used plus-size models during their own London Fashion Week showings for Spring 2009, and again as part of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk event held on 19 September 2009 in association with the British Fashion Council. Mark Fast also used plus-size models in Fall 2010, Fall 2011, and Spring 2012. Mr. Debonair of Beautiful You Fashion Tour uses plus-size models in shows around the world, including during the Beautiful You fashion show during New York Fashion Week 2022 which included Ms. Plus Intercontinental 2021 title holder Wendy Roach. Plus-size models became increasingly represented in high fashion after 2020 but saw a decline in early 2023 when ultrathin models made a comeback.

There are specialized model agencies focussing on plus-size models. The first of these agencies started in the 1970s.

European magazines, including European editions of Elle and Vogue have featured plus size models on covers and in editorials.

In France, the media _ma grande taille_ is dedicated to plus size industry and body positivity.

## Origins

Lane Bryant began trading in the early 1900s as a producer of clothing for "Expectant Mothers and Newborn"'. By the early 1920s, Lane Bryant started selling clothing under the category 'For the Stout Women', which ranged between a 38–56 inch bustline. The earliest catalogs used illustrations to sell their products, but by the mid-1950s photographs were integrated into the catalogs as the evolution of printing technology made this option available.  After a hiatus through the 1960–1980 period, Lane Bryant again began using plus-size models.

Evans, a U.K.-based retailer, was founded in 1930. Evans specializes in plus-sized clothing, lingerie, shoes and swimwear.

Max Mara started Marina Rinaldi, one of the first high-end clothing lines, for plus-size women in 1980. Marina Rinaldi started advertising in 1981. The line's campaigns were photographed by top photographers such as Richard Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier, Arthur Elgort, Greg Kadel, Peter Lindbergh, and Craig McDean, used top models and celebrities(including Carré Otis, Candice Huffine, Crystal Renn, and Kate Dillon Levin), and were featured in magazines and on billboards. The ads were also the first to use the term plus size rather than outsize in Europe.