How To Become A Swimsuit Model
Becoming a swimsuit model is not as hard as it seems. You just need to be able to fulfill the requirements for being a swimsuit model and have the right attitude about it. The first step in becoming a swimsuit model is looking at yourself in the mirror and deciding if you’re confident enough to show off your body. If you are then you’re ready to start on your journey towards becoming a swimsuit model.
The first thing that you’ll need to do is find an agency that handles swimsuit models. These agencies can be found all over the internet, so look around until you find one that suits your needs best. Then fill out their application form online or mail them your resume with photo attached if they don’t have an online application form available yet. Once they receive this information back from them they’ll let you know whether or not they would like to meet with you personally before making any final decisions regarding hiring potential new models on staff at their modeling agency.”
How To Become A Swimsuit Model
What Is A Swimsuit Or Lingerie Model?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in swimsuit or lingerie model roles:
- Pose for photographs for a variety of mediums, wearing new swimsuit and lingerie styles
- Alter facial expressions, poses, and gestures to capture the impression the photographer or designer is aiming for
- Wear swimsuits or lingerie while walking down the catwalk during fashion shows
- Sit for hair styling and makeup application prior to photo shoots and fashion shows
- Maintain a portfolio and composite card, and actively seek new modeling opportunities
A Day In The Life
Swimsuit and lingerie models specialize in making people want to purchase newly released styles of swimsuits, bras, underwear, and lingerie. They may work for swimsuit or lingerie designers, modeling new fashion designs by wearing them while walking down the catwalk during fashion shows. They may also work for a specific swimsuit/lingerie manufacturer or retailer, posing for photographs that appear in store catalogs, on websites, and in advertisements to entice consumers to purchase new fashions.
While modeling is the goal of swimsuit and lingerie models, a significant percentage of their work is dedicated to finding new opportunities. Most companies switch their models out each time a new line of swimsuits or lingerie is released, so models are always seeking their next job opportunity. They often work with agencies that help them find work, but they may also spend a lot of time collecting images, crafting their portfolios, creating composite cards, and networking with clients to find new jobs.
Before a fashion show or photo shoot, swimsuit and lingerie models must spend a lot of time preparing. They sit while their makeup is applied and their hair is fixed by professional stylists, and they practice any clothing changes that must occur quickly during the show. They also discuss needs and desires with clients to ensure the gestures, attitudes, and facial expressions they employ meet the designer’s or photographer’s goals for the impression of the apparel being worn, or of the photograph being taken.
Typical Work Schedule
There is no set schedule for working as a swimsuit or lingerie model. At times swimsuit and lingerie models work much more than 40 hours a week, and at times they may have little work and work only part-time hours. Fashion shows commonly occur in evenings or on weekends, so they do not have a normal 9-5 schedule, and they commonly need to travel for work to meet with clients or participate in photo shoots.
Typical Employers
For the most part, swimsuit and lingerie models are self-employed, though they typically have contracts with modeling agencies that help them find and secure work for a percentage of the amount of money made on jobs. Their clients often include swimsuit and lingerie retailers and fashion designers. Some find regular work for companies like Victoria’s Secret, and some are featured annually in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
How To Become A Swimsuit Or Lingerie Model
No formal postsecondary education is required to become a swimsuit or fashion model, though modeling classes can help improve your chances of finding work by teaching you how to alter your facial expression to achieve different impressions, how to pose, and how to walk down the catwalk correctly.
The biggest requirement, however, for swimsuit and lingerie models is meeting the aesthetic requirements of clients. Most clients will want their models to be certain heights, weights, and have distinct facial structures. Staying fit is often an important prerequisite for finding work in this field because you’ll be posing while wearing little clothing, so clients often want very thin or somewhat muscular models.
Finding a modeling agency is an important first step in becoming a model. While it’s possible to find work as a model without an agency, most clients prefer working with agencies, so not having an agency could limit your potential job opportunities. Before choosing a modeling agency, it’s important to do research and find reputable agencies. Unfortunately, many modeling agencies take advantage of their clients by charging high fees and producing dissatisfactory results, providing few jobs.
Whether you choose to find an agency or not, having a portfolio of work and a composite card—a card highlighting your best photographs and your body measurements—is crucial. Without a portfolio of professional photographs, you may still be able to find an agency to represent you by attending open casting calls or sending photos of yourself to agencies.
Swimsuit Or Lingerie Model Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$18,780
Average
$37,240
High Range
$54,670
National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$9/Hr
Average
$18/Hr
High Range
$26/Hr
