How to be a Plus-size Fit Model
(loosely based on my time working for Reitmans, and the inspiration behind Screenplay Top 10 finalist “The Proverbial Fit”
The world of fashion is a cruel one, especially for a Plus-sized Model, which, if you think about it, is somewhat of an oxymoron. Models are usually standing around and walking all day and that is fine, if you are a size 0 and weigh 90lbs, but being Plus-sized means you probably have less stamina to keep up and greater chances of your feet aching because of the extra weight. This is hurtful, in every sense of the word.
Why complain though? All that pain and effort surely must be worth it if the reward is seeing your gorgeous image splashed across magazine covers and displayed on billboards across the country, right? Wrong, because there is a difference between a regular model and the lowly “Fit Model.”
A Plus-sized Fit Model? Another contradictory term? Pun? Cruel joke?
In this case, the word “fit” does not refer to energy-level or athletic build but to the way clothes shape the body. Fit Models try on the garments BEFORE they go into production, so these items are in the process of becoming stylish and beautiful, and are at this stage, usually one hot mess. Guess who is the lucky lady who has to don these atrocities? Yup, you!
Fit Models test the clothes for comfort and the fabric for softness as well as determine how good they fit the body because these are the issues that ultimately matter to the customer. Have you seen the nonsense on display at fashion runways across the globe? Who really knows how comfortable or practical any of that stuff is ?
You, Ms Fit Model, will never be on the billboard, or in the magazine or travelling to Europe and although Fit Models are usually the size that represents the true Plus-size consumer, like an 18, the models that they actually use for those photo shoots are size 12.
To add insult to injury, creative insider tricks for these magazine layouts include pinning the clothes from behind to make them more presentable and desirable from the front. Women are not afforded that luxury in real life.
The Fit Models should actually be the voice box for the entire Plus-size market but sadly they are at the bottom of the pink fashion ladder.
Think the injustices are over? You are photographed from the neck down. Yes, nobody is allowed to see your face.
More unfairness ? You get to work with designers who are no more than a size 2 or 4. Yes, skinny people are trying to dress the Plus-size market, and you get to stand in front of them exposing your cellulite, stretch marks and jiggly parts every day.
The mother of all sins ? They get to sit while you stand – for hours!
Along with these grievances, your job will require a wealth of knowledge and experience in Psychology, Hygiene/Body Image, Nutrition, Anger Management and Self-Esteem. Let us examine all of these in detail.
Psychology
You will be dealing with several different personalities on a daily basis and therefore you need to know how to expertly respond/handle/manage each one. There are numerous departments that require fittings and never just one photographer or one designer for each. On some occasions designers will call in their bosses to get an opinion. Other times the outside vendor will be invited into the Fit session. This could mean up to five, six or seven people invading your personal space at the same time on any given day. The comedian, the anal-retentive, the quick-tempered, the loud and brashy, the know it all, the chatterbox, the PMS-er, etc. Unfortunately that also means five, six or seven different unpleasant aromas that you will have to endure: coffee, gum, perfume, cigarette, candy and yes, brace for it, plain old bad breath.
Hygiene/Body Image
Do not wear makeup /Do not comb your hair
You cannot wear make-up or have neatly coiffed hair because you are pulling clothes over your head constantly. Make-up will soil the garments and hair will become dishevelled throughout the day. Leave your face bare and your tresses loose. Yes, you are the model and also the worst looking person in the entire building.
Shower, lotion and shave every morning
Shower – With people so close to your half-naked body, elimination of all offensive odors is very important for your own self worth. Pity that it does not occur to anyone else to consider this rule.
Lotion, Lotion, Lotion – especially in the winter when the skin is excessively dry. You’ll be embarrassed by your cracked heels and elbows if you are not thoroughly moistened.
Shave – Those buggers under your arm and at the bikini line grow back super fast. Keep them in check.
Should you forget to do any of these activities one morning, keep a razor, bottle of lotion and deodorant in your purse/handbag/desk for emergencies.
Wear comfortable shoes
You will be standing for hours every day. Even during your allotted break/recess, people will be hounding you for last minute fits. Wear shoes with plenty of rubber soles and cushioning. Change/rotate them regularly to prevent wear and tear of your soon-to-be-more obvious, varicose veins.
No squirming allowed.
While one person is grabbing at your crotch trying to pin excess fabric, another is drawing down your boob to see how a princess seam would look at that spot. Sometimes designers will cut the clothes while you’re still in them. Yes, a pair of scissors is being wielded around near your face and eyes while they animatedly discuss the shape of the collar.
You will also get shocked repeatedly by static electricity because there is too much polyester in the room. Try not to flinch, wiggle, laugh out loud or bitch-slap.
Nutrition
Do not skip breakfast
Standing/walking/changing for long hours will make you dizzy if you haven’t had a well-balanced meal. You cannot be falling on your face when the designers (who are sitting down nibbling on their whole wheat low-carb blueberry muffin) are trying to fix and judge the garment on you.
Do not try to mimic the skinny.
At lunch everyone will be eating soup and salad. Do not be tempted to copy this. Although you will be subjected to judgemental stares when you pile your plate with pasta, remember you will be standing for the rest of the afternoon and getting a workout while you whip clothes on and off. You need sustenance.
Keep water, a sugary drink and/or candy nearby
Some sessions last longer than others and involve designers more picky than usual. For times when you cannot abort the fit to retrieve a snack, keep these items with you at all times should you feel parched or light-headed.
Anger Management
Ignore the mean-girl looks when you ask for a break.
The anal-retentive have been sitting down for an hour while they nitpick about moving the zipper ¼ inch to the left. Do not be ashamed to tell them you need a bathroom break. Try to shake off the feeling that their eyes are stabbing you in the back as you walk away.
Resist yelling at the designers
Whereas you may be convinced that nobody will notice that the logo should have been 1/8th of an inch higher from the hemline, the garment is their baby so let the designers be. Shouting will only make things worse and may lead to physical violence which is always discouraged.
Do not roll your eyes.
You will have to listen to designers argue over spending an extra 5 cents on a button while justifying the $49.99 price tag for a blouse. Try to resist telling them that there are children starving in Africa.
Do not daydream.
Very rarely will designers ask your opinion because they are well-educated and world-travelled (albeit non-representative of the focus group) but if they do, try to remain alert and attentive. Pretend as if you have been aware of what was being debated for the last hour. Feign an interest in clothing detail and design.
I won’t bother to go into all the times the camera stops working, the flash malfunctions or the battery died mid-session. This is no-one’s fault really but it just adds to the frustration and pain.
Self –Esteem.
The most difficult part of this job is holding your head high. Your own self esteem must be healthy and intact. The designers want the clothes to look good on you but they would rather die than be in your shoes or God forbid, actually be your SIZE. Embrace the booty. Double-chin up.
So these are a few tips for you to implement as you pursue a new and exciting career as a Fit Model (insert barfing here). Good luck, bon appétit and, for the love of all that is holy, leave all sharp instruments at home.
In all seriousness, Fit Models are unsung super heroes, living and working among us mere mortals, every single day. If given the opportunity, go out and hug one of these dear souls today.