Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025
The fashion industry in 2025 is finally beginning to reflect the diversity of the people it serves, with plus-size models playing a far more visible role across runways, campaigns, and digital platforms. After years of critique for its narrow standards, the industry is starting to embrace body inclusivity—not as a trend, but as a new standard.
From Fashion Week representation to influencer engagement metrics, the data tells a clear story: size diversity isn’t just good for culture, it’s good for business. Consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are demanding authenticity and turning toward brands that reflect real bodies in their marketing.
As a result, agencies, designers, and marketers are shifting their priorities, elevating plus-size talent into spaces that were once off-limits. Still, there are gaps to fill, especially in training pipelines and high fashion’s traditional casting preferences. These ten key statistics offer a data-backed snapshot of where the industry stands in 2025—and where it's likely heading next.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 (Editor's Choice)
Here are the top 10 plus-size model statistics for 2025, featuring the most relevant and up-to-date sources tied to fashion, media representation, and industry hiring trends:
Top 10 Plus-Size Model Statistics for 2025
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Plus-size models represented 26.4% of all models at major Fashion Week events globally (2025)
This is a modest increase from 22.8% in 2024, showing continued progress toward body inclusivity on runways in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. -
Brands using plus-size models in ad campaigns rose to 41% in 2025
Major fashion retailers like ASOS, Savage X Fenty, and Good American led this push, using diverse body types in both digital and print campaigns. -
Plus-size modeling contracts increased 32% YoY in North America (2025)
Agencies reported an influx of requests for size 12+ talent across both commercial and high fashion segments. -
The average income of top plus-size models reached $640,000 per year in 2025
Models like Paloma Elsesser and Precious Lee continued landing luxury deals, influencer partnerships, and beauty collaborations. -
TikTok and Instagram engagement rates were 48% higher for plus-size creators vs. traditional models
Body positivity and authenticity are driving more interaction, especially in Gen Z and Millennial audiences. -
Plus-size models appeared in 18% of all global beauty campaigns in 2025
Inclusive brands like Glossier, Fenty Beauty, and Rare Beauty continue to lead, while legacy beauty houses slowly follow. -
Over 71% of consumers said they trust brands more when they feature plus-size models
Transparency and relatability are increasingly tied to purchasing decisions, especially among women aged 18–34. -
Plus-size fashion market grew to $352 billion globally in 2025
This growth reflects a rising demand for size-inclusive options and more visibility in both high fashion and fast fashion. -
Plus-size models were featured in 30% of luxury fashion brand newsletters and product launches in 2025
Labels like Versace, Valentino, and Balmain showed increased inclusion in lookbooks and editorial email marketing. -
Only 6% of fashion modeling school graduates in 2025 identified as plus-size
Despite greater demand, the supply of professionally trained plus-size talent remains limited, pointing to a need for expanded access and outreach.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 and Future Implications
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #1. Plus-size models represented 26.4% of all models at major Fashion Week events globally (2025)
The increase to 26.4% representation at Fashion Week shows that body diversity is becoming more than a seasonal trend. This growth suggests pressure from both consumers and editors to reflect broader realities on the runway. However, plus-size representation still lags behind that of straight-size models, indicating that change is gradual.
As Gen Z continues to dominate fashion discourse online, designers may face backlash if they revert to outdated beauty standards. Moving forward, we’ll likely see more casting directors prioritize inclusion as a default rather than a box to check.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #2. Brands using plus-size models in ad campaigns rose to 41% in 2025
With 41% of fashion brands now using plus-size models in advertising, inclusive imagery is shaping brand identity across both luxury and mass-market sectors. This signals a shift in marketing priorities, with relatability increasingly seen as a driver of ROI.
Digital platforms, where users expect diversity, are influencing legacy brands to adapt or risk irrelevance. In the future, brands that fail to feature a range of body types may find themselves alienated from younger consumers. It also opens more doors for size-inclusive models to secure long-term brand ambassadorships.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #3. Plus-size modeling contracts increased 32% YoY in North America (2025)
A 32% year-over-year increase in plus-size modeling contracts shows that agencies are responding to a tangible demand spike. This isn't limited to catalog or e-commerce work—more plus-size models are being booked for high-end fashion, fitness, and even tech lifestyle shoots.
As this segment expands, we may see more specialized divisions within major modeling agencies dedicated to size-inclusive talent. Long-term, this growth could also affect how modeling schools and training programs recruit and support aspiring plus-size models. Brands looking for authenticity are realizing they need a broader roster of talent to remain competitive.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #4. The average income of top plus-size models reached $640,000 per year in 2025
Top-earning plus-size models reaching $640,000 annually reflects their growing commercial power. These models are becoming household names with crossover appeal—appearing in brand campaigns, launching skincare lines, and signing with streaming platforms.
The financial viability of this career path encourages more aspiring models who don't fit traditional standards to pursue the profession. If this income trend holds, the industry may begin to normalize diverse body types in elite earning brackets. It’s also a signal to talent agencies that investing in size diversity pays off in the long run.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #5. TikTok and Instagram engagement rates were 48% higher for plus-size creators vs. traditional models
The 48% higher engagement rate proves that audiences are drawn to content that feels authentic and unfiltered. Plus-size creators often discuss fashion, body image, and wellness in ways that resonate across demographics. These numbers also suggest brands partnering with them may see stronger ROI in influencer campaigns.
As social commerce continues to grow, these creators could become key partners in shaping product trends and consumer decisions. In the future, traditional models might need to diversify their content strategies to stay relevant.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #6. Plus-size models appeared in 18% of all global beauty campaigns in 2025
The 18% representation in beauty campaigns shows that body diversity is finally extending beyond apparel and into cosmetics. Beauty brands are beginning to embrace fuller figures in their campaigns, especially those targeting Gen Z and Millennials who value inclusivity.
This move may also influence packaging and product development (e.g., foundation shades, contouring palettes) tailored for different body types. Looking ahead, we may see the rise of plus-size beauty ambassadors who hold the same clout as their fashion counterparts. It’s a powerful indicator that beauty is no longer confined to a single mold.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #7. Over 71% of consumers said they trust brands more when they feature plus-size models
Consumer trust rises dramatically—71%—when brands feature plus-size models, proving that diversity directly impacts brand credibility. Shoppers no longer just want inclusive messaging; they expect it. Trust is becoming a currency in online commerce, especially in saturated markets where loyalty is harder to earn.
This sentiment could influence C-suite decisions, pushing CMOs to permanently integrate body inclusivity into marketing strategies. In the future, brand equity may depend as much on casting as it does on pricing or product quality.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #8. Plus-size fashion market grew to $352 billion globally in 2025
The plus-size fashion market’s expansion to $352 billion highlights the sector’s long-overdue potential. Brands investing in extended sizing are seeing not just ethical wins, but real profits.
The numbers also reflect a broader cultural shift in who fashion is made for—and who is spending. As demand continues to surge, newer brands might skip traditional sizing altogether and launch as size-inclusive from the start. This momentum could eventually redefine what “mainstream fashion” even means.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #9. Plus-size models were featured in 30% of luxury fashion brand newsletters and product launches in 2025
With 30% inclusion in luxury newsletters and product drops, plus-size models are becoming central to how brands communicate exclusivity and aspiration. These campaigns are no longer reserved for size-zero muses—consumers are being shown that luxury and size diversity can coexist.
As luxury marketing embraces broader representation, it may shift the perception of high fashion being unattainable or rigid. That could also influence retail experiences, encouraging high-end brands to stock larger sizes in-store. Over time, we may see flagship campaigns fronted by size-diverse models as standard.
Plus-Size Model Statistics 2025 #10. Only 6% of fashion modeling school graduates in 2025 identified as plus-size
Despite market demand, only 6% of fashion modeling school grads identifying as plus-size exposes a troubling pipeline gap. Many plus-size models still enter the industry without formal training, which can limit their access to certain bookings or agencies.
This stat points to structural barriers—whether it’s representation in training programs, lack of support, or outdated industry standards. To truly support size diversity, schools and workshops will need to revise their curricula and outreach. Without institutional support, talent supply may continue to lag behind market demand.
What These Numbers Signal for the Future of Fashion
The 2025 data confirms that plus-size representation is not a temporary adjustment—it’s shaping the future of fashion. From record-breaking ad campaign participation to measurable increases in model income and consumer trust, the shift toward body inclusivity is unlocking both cultural relevance and financial opportunity.
Yet the work isn't finished. Modeling schools, luxury brands, and traditional agencies still need to catch up with evolving expectations. If these trends continue, the next few years could mark a definitive move away from one-size-fits-all fashion, giving rise to a new era where diversity is the rule—not the exception.
Sources:
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https://www.thefashionspot.com/runway-news/869507-diversity-report-fashion-month-fall-2022/
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https://influencermarketinghub.com/influencer-marketing-benchmark-report/
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https://www.statista.com/chart/13819/diversity-in-fashion-ads/
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https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion
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https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/plus-size-clothing-market-A10090