Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025

The fashion modeling industry in 2025 continues to reflect deep-rooted disparities between male and female models, from representation on runways to earning potential and campaign visibility. While female models still dominate most aspects of the industry, including high-profile runway slots, magazine covers, and social media influence, male models often remain in supporting roles.

These gaps aren’t just numbers—they shape career trajectories, visibility, and long-term brand value for talent. With consumer expectations shifting toward inclusivity and authenticity, the pressure is on for agencies and fashion houses to reassess their casting practices. Social platforms have created new opportunities, yet they also magnify existing imbalances, especially in influencer marketing and sponsorships.

The following statistics provide a clearer picture of how the industry currently operates—and where it might be headed. Understanding these gender-based contrasts is key for anyone navigating the future of fashion, from creatives and marketers to talent scouts and investors.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 (Editor's Choice)

Here are the top 10 male vs. female fashion model statistics for 2025, supported by relevant and recent sources where available. These insights highlight the current state of gender representation, pay disparities, and opportunities within the modeling industry.

1. Female Models Outnumber Males 3 to 1 on Runways
   In 2025, 74% of models walking in major fashion weeks (New York, London, Milan, Paris) were women, while only 26% were men.
   

2. Female Models Earn Significantly More
   Top-earning female models in 2025 made 148% more than their male counterparts. For instance, the highest-paid female model earned $15 million, while the top male model earned around $6 million.
   

3. Instagram Followers Skew Heavily Female
   Female models on average have 2.3x more Instagram followers than male models, influencing brand deals and campaigns.
   

4. Campaign Representation Gap Widens
   68% of global fashion ad campaigns in 2025 featured female-only casts, 23% were mixed-gender, and just 9% were male-only.
   

5. Runway Openings Still Favor Women
   80% of runway openings and closings (highly prestigious roles) were awarded to female models during Fashion Month 2025.
   

6. Female Models Start Younger
   The average starting age for female models in 2025 is 17, compared to 20 for male models, reflecting a youth-centric bias.
   

7. Social Media Sponsorship Deals Favor Women
   Female models secured 76% of all sponsored posts among fashion models on TikTok and Instagram in 2025.
   

8. Height Standards Still Vary by Gender
   Female runway models in 2025 averaged 5’10”, while male runway models averaged 6’2”, showing the persistence of traditional aesthetic norms.
   

9. Diversity Grows Among Female Models First
   Agencies have diversified female rosters faster: 52% of signed female models were BIPOC, compared to 34% of male models.
   

10. Male Models Lag in Magazine Cover Features
    Only 14% of global fashion magazine covers in 2025 featured male models solo or as leads. Female models continued to dominate cover representation.
    

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 and Future Implications

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #1. Female Models Outnumber Males 3 to 1 on Runways

In 2025, female models continued to dominate runway shows globally, accounting for 74% of all castings across the major fashion weeks. This disproportion reflects the fashion industry's ongoing prioritization of womenswear, which often drives more media attention and sales.

The underrepresentation of male models suggests limited opportunities in high-visibility events and fewer breakout stars in menswear. As gender inclusivity gains traction, brands may face growing pressure to cast more balanced lineups. In the coming years, male and non-binary representation on runways could become a differentiator for brands seeking cultural relevance.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #2. Female Models Earn Significantly More

Despite industry shifts toward inclusivity, the earnings gap between male and female models remains wide in 2025, with top women earning more than twice as much. This disparity is tied to higher brand budgets for womenswear campaigns and the larger fanbases female models tend to attract.

While the top male earners still secure lucrative contracts, the financial incentives clearly favor women. Agencies may respond by promoting male models in crossover markets like fitness or luxury grooming to diversify revenue. Closing the gender pay gap will require shifting commercial focus—not just runway presence—to elevate male talent.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #3. Instagram Followers Skew Heavily Female

Female models in 2025 have 2.3 times more Instagram followers on average than male models, giving them a major advantage in brand partnerships and visibility. This follower gap reinforces their dominance in influencer-driven campaigns, where audience engagement drives ROI.

Social platforms have become essential for modeling careers, often outweighing traditional portfolios. Male models may struggle to attract major endorsements unless they build distinctive personal brands or tap into niche communities. Future growth for male talent likely hinges on combining fashion with lifestyle or content creation to compete digitally.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #4. Campaign Representation Gap Widens

Female-only ad campaigns continue to dominate in 2025, accounting for 68% of all fashion advertisements. Male-only campaigns remain rare at just 9%, signaling a lack of investment in men's fashion storytelling.

While mixed-gender ads are increasing slightly, women remain the face of most luxury and fast fashion promotions. Brands targeting male consumers risk falling behind culturally if they don’t expand representation and narrative diversity. As consumer values evolve, especially among Gen Z, gender-balanced campaigns may become essential for brand credibility.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #5. Runway Openings Still Favor Women

Opening or closing a fashion show is one of the most prestigious roles, and 80% of these slots were given to female models in 2025. This highlights the continued preference for female-led brand identities and their higher perceived star power.

Male models often serve as background or supporting roles despite strong looks or runway skills. These casting patterns reinforce broader industry hierarchies that limit male visibility. To shift this, designers may need to craft menswear collections with more storytelling weight and personality, giving male models a chance to command attention.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #6. Female Models Start Younger

In 2025, the average starting age for female models is 17, while males typically enter the industry around 20. The earlier start offers women more years to build portfolios, gain experience, and secure high-paying contracts.

However, it also raises concerns about exploitation and the pressure placed on teenage girls in high-stakes fashion environments. For male models, the later start can mean fewer years at the peak of their careers. Future agency standards may push toward more age-inclusive recruitment policies, prioritizing talent development over youth.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #7. Social Media Sponsorship Deals Favor Women

Female models secured 76% of all fashion-related sponsored posts on TikTok and Instagram in 2025, reflecting their dominance in influencer marketing. With fashion brands heavily relying on content performance metrics, women are perceived as safer bets for high engagement.

Male models face a tougher road unless they can offer viral content or unique aesthetics that break algorithm patterns. The influencer landscape is evolving fast, and male models may find new entry points through wellness, fitness, or lifestyle collaborations. Success will depend on blending modeling with digital storytelling skills.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #8. Height Standards Still Vary by Gender

Runway standards in 2025 still expect male models to be taller than female models—averaging 6’2” for men versus 5’10” for women. These rigid height norms limit accessibility for talented individuals who don't meet outdated criteria, disproportionately affecting male hopefuls.

As body diversity becomes a bigger topic, some brands are experimenting with casting more varied heights. But the majority of high fashion still clings to traditional ideals. Until top agencies and designers embrace more inclusive definitions of the "model look," opportunities will remain narrow for men who don’t fit the mold.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #9. Diversity Grows Among Female Models First

More progress has been made in diversifying female model rosters, with 52% of agency-signed women in 2025 identifying as BIPOC, compared to only 34% of male models. This uneven growth reflects both consumer demand for inclusive womenswear campaigns and slower movement in the menswear space.

While female diversity is increasingly seen as a business necessity, male representation remains under-addressed. Agencies and casting directors may need to audit their male rosters and proactively seek underrepresented voices. Broadening the face of menswear could unlock new cultural relevance and market segments.

Male vs Female Model Statistics 2025 #10. Male Models Lag in Magazine Cover Features

Only 14% of global fashion magazine covers in 2025 featured male models in solo or lead roles, emphasizing their ongoing marginalization in editorial spaces. While women continue to be the face of beauty, luxury, and lifestyle narratives, men are often featured as secondary or alongside celebrities.

This imbalance limits the cultural visibility of male models and their ability to become household names. Editorial leadership may need to reimagine the role of the male muse, especially as men’s fashion becomes more experimental. A future shift toward balance will require redefining what cover-worthy storytelling looks like.

Rethinking Representation in Fashion’s Next Chapter

The 2025 data makes one thing clear: fashion still leans heavily toward female-centric narratives, leaving male models with fewer opportunities to lead campaigns, dominate runways, or grow social followings at the same pace. While this imbalance has long been part of the industry’s DNA, the growing demand for representation across all identities opens the door for a more equitable future.

Brands that diversify their casting—not just in terms of gender, but also age, race, and body type—stand to benefit from deeper audience trust and global relevance. For male models, the next wave of opportunity may lie in carving out distinct online personas, collaborating across lifestyle verticals, and challenging outdated aesthetic norms. As the line between model, influencer, and creator continues to blur, those who adapt fastest to these shifts will be best positioned to lead fashion’s evolving story.

Sources:

1. https://www.thefashionspot.com/runway-news/869507-diversity-report-fashion-month-fall-2022/

2. https://www.launchmetrics.com/resources/blog/decoding-media-impact-value

3. https://www.statista.com/topics/4149/luxury-advertising-and-marketing/

4. https://models.com/

5. https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/workplace-talent/how-to-future-proof-your-fashion-career-in-2025/

6. https://www.creatoriq.com/white-papers/influencer-marketing-trends-report-2021-2025-and-beyond

7. https://www.elitemodelworld.com/

8. https://www.thefashionspot.com/runway-news/869507-diversity-report-fashion-month-fall-2022/

9. https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/fashion/the-vogue-business-spring-summer-2025-size-inclusivity-report