Forums > Model Colloquy > What is a "fit model"?

Model

Sabine Luise

Posts: 890

Boston, Massachusetts, US

I just moved to the city and I was looking at agency requirements. This particular casting asks for three different size models.

Size 6, 8, and 18W. I know it is over, but I am just wondering.

https://scouting.fordmodels.com/opencall/Fittting_bannernew.jpg

Can someone explain what the a "fit model" is?

Nov 30 11 05:15 pm Link

Model

K I C K H A M

Posts: 14689

Los Angeles, California, US

A model the exact size of the garments they are making.

From my understanding, they use you as a human mannequin as such.

I know a few girls who make a lot of their income doing this.

If I have a misunderstanding, I'm sure someone will come in and correct me. smile

Nov 30 11 05:17 pm Link

Model

Sabine Luise

Posts: 890

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Interesting... thanks!

Nov 30 11 05:31 pm Link

Clothing Designer

Baanthai

Posts: 1218

Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

A "fit" model is exactly that. We use them to see how our apparel fits. Generally the process goes something like this: First the design and re-designs of a garment; then decisions are made about fabric choices. Then the pattern is rendered and a dummy copy is made. A "fit" model is now brought in for final alterations and to see for the first time (usually) what the garment looks like on a real person. After alterations, the fit model is again used to check the final garment. Now the apparel is ready for manufacture. Fit models are pulled, tugged at and questioned about the fit of the apparel and even how they feel about its style. Almost all our models also double as fit models if needed. It's a lotta fun. And you'll learn alot about design and manufacturing.

I hope this helped. (at least that's the perspective of small shop designer.)
-Jenny at www.houseofthailand.com

Nov 30 11 08:10 pm Link

Model

Amy Cavanaugh

Posts: 171

Kirkland, Washington, US

I never knew "fit models" existed, that's awesome. Now if only I were 5" taller and several inches curvier. -snap-

Nov 30 11 08:41 pm Link

Model

Sabine Luise

Posts: 890

Boston, Massachusetts, US

House of Thailand wrote:
A "fit" model is exactly that. We use them to see how our apparel fits. Generally the process goes something like this: First the design and re-designs of a garment; then decisions are made about fabric choices. Then the pattern is rendered and a dummy copy is made. A "fit" model is now brought in for final alterations and to see for the first time (usually) what the garment looks like on a real person. After alterations, the fit model is again used to check the final garment. Now the apparel is ready for manufacture. Fit models are pulled, tugged at and questioned about the fit of the apparel and even how they feel about its style. Almost all our models also double as fit models if needed. It's a lotta fun. And you'll learn alot about design and manufacturing.

I hope this helped. (at least that's the perspective of small shop designer.)
-Jenny at www.houseofthailand.com

Thanks, I wish I could do it, but my breast measurements are too small. I am pear-shaped, seems they are looking for an hourglass. Plus since I moved to NYC and not using my car that will be the first thing to go! lmao!

That reminds me I should change my measurements on my profile.

Nov 30 11 08:42 pm Link

Model

Sabine Luise

Posts: 890

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Amy Cavanaugh wrote:
I never knew "fit models" existed, that's awesome. Now if only I were 5" taller and several inches curvier. -snap-

I know too bad I can't stuff my bra and get away with it. big_smile

Nov 30 11 08:43 pm Link

Makeup Artist

ArtistryImage

Posts: 3091

Washington, District of Columbia, US

Sabine  wrote:
Can someone explain what the a "fit model" is?

Fit models are employed by design houses during the creation of production samples... For women, typically a size 8, for men size 40R...

That said, Fit Models are highly skilled/paid since they must maintain an ideal size for at least several months until production fitting is completed...

Fit Models typically have a heighten awareness of garment design/fabrication/construction in as they are expected to give valued feedback during sessions...

This isn't really an option for an inexperienced non-industry savvy individual...

think highly specialized here...  it isn't easy to maintain an EXACT size for a lengthy period...

Dec 01 11 07:18 am Link

Model

Sabine Luise

Posts: 890

Boston, Massachusetts, US

ArtistryImage wrote:

Fit models are employed by design houses during the creation of production samples... For women, typically a size 8, for men size 40R...

That said, Fit Models are highly skilled/paid since they must maintain an ideal size for at least several months until production fitting is completed...

Fit Models typically have a heighten awareness of garment design/fabrication/construction in as they are expected to give valued feedback during sessions...

This isn't really an option for an inexperienced non-industry savvy individual...

think highly specialized here...  it isn't easy to maintain an EXACT size for a lengthy period...

Exactly why the casting says "experienced".

Dec 01 11 07:24 am Link

Model

Malin_

Posts: 3902

New York, New York, US

ArtistryImage wrote:

This isn't really an option for an inexperienced non-industry savvy individual...

think highly specialized here...  it isn't easy to maintain an EXACT size for a lengthy period...

I would say it's pretty easy if it's your natural size, i e the size/weight that your body tends to gravitate to if you're not dieting or working out like a maniac, or stuffing your face with cookies and ice cream. Especially since most fit models (at least that I know of) seem to be a size 6 or 8. Those sizes should be fairly easy to maintain, as opposed to runway size, which often takes a little more work even if you're naturally skinny.

Dec 01 11 07:32 am Link

Model

Sabine Luise

Posts: 890

Boston, Massachusetts, US

It is something for models to consider, especially when they hear they can't be one in the fashion industry, without being a size 0 to 4. But, how would you get experience? It is like graduating from college and all you see is "experienced only".

Dec 01 11 07:51 am Link

Model

Malin_

Posts: 3902

New York, New York, US

Sabine  wrote:
It is something for models to consider, especially when they hear they can't be one in the fashion industry, without being a size 0 to 4. But, how would you get experience? It is like graduating from college and all you see is "experienced only".

You don't need experience. Agencies that specialize in fit usually train their models so that they know how to behave in front of clients and what will be expected of them. Check out MSA, Fit Models LLC, True Model and Bicoastal Fit Models. All you need to bring is the right measurements, a clean and healthy appearance and a great attitude and personality.

Hour glass shapes are the most sought for, but even if you're on the pear shaped side, you might have some luck. smile

Dec 01 11 02:15 pm Link

Model

Michelle Renee

Posts: 1073

Los Angeles, California, US

On the west coast Peak Models and Talent and Rage Models do a great deal of fit work.

There are models that may fit for something very specific. I have done tops only as a size 2x fit model, junior plus denim as a size 15, and bras as a size 42DD, intimate bottoms as a 1x, and swim suit fit for tops.

Plus size fit models are often an 18, but some are 14, or 16. And while 8 is probably the most common straight size fit model, I have seen 6's and 10's used as well.

Height is also more commonly between 5'6" and 5'8" when doing fit, but I have seen models up to 5' 10" do fit also.

Fit work is a nice consistent paycheck if you can get it!

Dec 01 11 03:02 pm Link

Model

Sabine Luise

Posts: 890

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Thanks so much, everyone is so full of knowledge.

Dec 01 11 11:15 pm Link

Model

Sabine Luise

Posts: 890

Boston, Massachusetts, US

*double post*

Dec 01 11 11:15 pm Link