Direct Answer
Short answer: yes. Brands hire chubby models all the time. In the industry, you’ll hear the terms plus-size, curve, and mid-size more than chubby, but the idea is the same. If you’ve got curves, there’s real work out there, including right here in Dubai. Fashion, e-commerce, beauty, lingerie, modest wear, fitness, and lifestyle campaigns all cast curve talent. Think retail giants, regional e-commerce platforms, and hotel or lifestyle shoots that want to look like real people customers can relate to.
What’s realistic? You’ll see more curve bookings in commercial work than on high fashion runways, but the runway is opening up too. You won’t need to fit a single number. Instead, clients look for confidence, proportion, great skin and grooming, on-camera comfort, and a professional attitude. If that’s you, you’re in the game.
If the word chubby feels off to you, use plus-size or curve. Clients and agencies prefer those terms. They’re neutral and standard for castings.
Key Points
- Plus-size and curve models are in demand in Dubai for fashion, e-commerce, beauty, modest wear, and lifestyle shoots.
- Sizing varies by client. Curve often starts around UK 12 to 14 and goes upward. Mid-size usually sits around UK 10 to 14.
- Local agencies like Bareface, MMG Talent, and Diva Dubai list curve talent. Regional e-commerce platforms also book directly.
- Day rates in Dubai typically range from AED 1,500 to 6,000 for commercial work, plus usage buyouts. Bigger brands pay more.
- You don’t need perfect measurements to start. Strong polaroids, a clean portfolio, and consistent practice on camera matter most.
Guide to Plus-Size and Curve Modeling in Dubai
Let’s break this down as if you’re about to act on it today. You probably want to know three things: what counts as chubby or curve in modeling, who hires curve talent in Dubai, and how to actually book paid work without getting scammed. We’ll cover the essentials, with examples and simple checklists you can follow.
plus size models Dubai get hired for relatable campaigns. If you shop online in the UAE, you’ve already seen curve talent across fashion retailers, beauty launches, and resort-wear lookbooks. Brands want customers to feel seen. Curves help sell.
Definition and context
- Plus-size vs curve vs mid-size: The words overlap. Curve and plus-size usually start around UK 12 to 14 and go up. Mid-size often describes UK 10 to 14. Don’t obsess over labels. Clients care about fit, energy, and how the clothes sit on you in photos and video.
- Why the term matters: Using curve or plus-size signals you know industry language. It also helps clients find you when they search casting databases.
- What agencies look for: Clean, current polaroids. A few strong test shots. Good posing. Range of expressions. Proof you can deliver on a brief.
Real-world examples you’ll recognize
- Global: Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee, and Yumi Nu opened doors at big-name shows and campaigns.
- Regional: Ameni Esseibi, often called the Middle East’s first prominent curvy model, has shot in Dubai and helped normalize curve bookings in regional fashion.
- Local usage: UAE retailers and hospitality brands cast curve talent in e-commerce, social ads, and lookbooks, especially for modest fashion and swim-resort content.
Types of curve work in the UAE
- E-commerce: Fastest path to regular bookings. You’ll model multiple looks in a studio with simple lighting and clean poses.
- Editorial: Magazine or online fashion stories. Lower pay, higher creative value. Great for your book.
- Runway or presentation: Boutique designers and resort-wear shows sometimes cast curve models, especially for inclusive lines.
- Beauty: Skincare and makeup brands want textured, healthy skin across different face shapes and tones.
- Modest fashion: Abayas, kaftans, and contemporary modest pieces often look fantastic on curves and need accurate size representation.
Who hires in Dubai
- Agencies: Bareface, MMG Talent, Diva Dubai. These are known names that routinely list curve or commercial models alongside straight-size talent.
- In-house brand casting: UAE retailers and e-commerce teams sometimes cast directly through social media call-outs or internal talent pools.
- Production houses and content studios: They place models for campaign days, social shoots, and lookbooks when brands outsource.
How to find legit castings fast
- Build simple polaroids: Natural light by a window, clean background, tight hair, light makeup. Capture front, 3-4 profile, full-length. Wear fitted jeans and a plain top.
- Make a minimal portfolio: 8 to 15 shots is enough. Include one beauty close-up, one 3-4, and full-length looks in form-fitting outfits and dresses. Add 2 to 3 lifestyle frames that show movement.
- Pitch agencies: Submit to Bareface, MMG Talent, and Diva Dubai through their forms. Only attach your best 10 shots and polaroids. Include your measurements and honest sizes.
- Leverage platforms: ModelManagement.com and Backstage list modeling calls across MENA. Filter by location and paid only. Avoid anything that asks you to pay to apply.
- Use social without spamming: Follow Dubai photographers, stylists, makeup artists, and casting directors. Watch Stories for quick call-outs. Engage politely and deliver what they ask for in the brief.
Measurements and sizing that help you get booked
- Provide: Height, bust, waist, hips, bra size, dress size (UK), shoe, hair and eye color. Keep it honest. Agents will measure you anyway.
- How to measure: Soft tape, standing tall. Bust at fullest point, waist at narrowest, hips at the fullest point of the bum. Measure twice and average.
- Size ranges that book: Curve commonly starts at UK 12-14 and goes to 22+. Mid-size often lands around UK 10-14. Petite plus is a thing. Big and tall exists for men.
What a typical shoot day looks like
- Call sheet: You’ll get call time, studio or location, team list, and mood board. Read everything. Save it offline.
- Arrival: Come with clean hair, nails, and face. Bring nude and black seamless underwear, strapless bra, neutral heels, and clean white sneakers.
- Makeup and hair: For e-comm, expect clean, glowy skin and natural hair unless the brief says otherwise. For beauty, skin prep starts earlier.
- On set: Hit consistent poses that show fit from front, side, and back. Ask the stylist where the clothes should sit on your body to avoid pin marks showing.
- Wrap: Sign your timesheet. Confirm image usage and buyout details match the booking agreement.
Pricing and booking in Dubai
- Day rates: For commercial print and e-commerce, you’ll often see AED 1,500 to 6,000 per half or full day depending on experience and client size.
- Buyouts: Usage fees sit on top of the day rate. Expect 1x to 5x your day rate based on territory and duration. GCC or global usage pays more than UAE-only.
- Variables: Rates shift with deliverables like video, social cutdowns, and whitelisting. Always ask about usage length, territories, media types, and platforms.
- Agency commission: Agencies often take 20 percent from the model and 20 percent from the client. Clarify what’s net to you.
Safety and red flags
- Never pay to join an agency: Real agencies make money from commissions, not sign-up fees. Paying for optional portfolio tests is different from paying to be represented.
- Get everything in writing: Rate, hours, overtime, usage, territories, and social usage. Ask to see the mood board or wardrobe direction.
- Public or studio meetings: First meetings should be at an agency office, studio, or a public coworking space. Trust your gut if the vibe is off.
- Bring a chaperone if needed: Reputable teams won’t mind. Share your live location with a friend and set check-in times.
Portfolio mini-checklist
- Polaroids in natural light: front, side, back, full-length.
- 1 beauty close-up, 1 three-quarter, 1 full-length in fitted outfits.
- 2 lifestyle shots in motion outside or in a cafe setting.
- 1 seated pose to show clothing drape on curves.
- Optional swim or resort if comfortable and aligned with your goals.
Simple email pitch template you can copy
Subject: Curve Model Submission - [Your Name] - Dubai
Hello, I’m a curve model based in Dubai. I’m [height] with [bust-waist-hip] measurements, UK [dress size], shoe [size]. I’ve attached polaroids and 10 portfolio shots that show full-length, beauty, and lifestyle looks. I’m available for e-commerce, beauty, and lifestyle campaigns. Thanks for your time, and I’d love to come in for a chat or digitals.
Best, [Your Name] | IG: @[handle] | Phone: [number]
Comparison: curve vs straight-size modeling in Dubai
| Aspect | Curve or Plus-size | Straight-size |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size range | UK 12-22+ | UK 4-10 |
| Most common bookings | E-commerce, lifestyle, beauty, modest fashion | Runway, editorial, e-commerce, campaigns |
| Day rate range in Dubai | AED 1,500-6,000+ depending on client | AED 1,500-6,000+ depending on client |
| Buyouts | 1x-5x day rate based on usage | 1x-5x day rate based on usage |
| Casting volume | Growing, steady in commercial | High, especially in fashion weeks |
| Portfolio emphasis | Fit on curves, relatable lifestyle, clean beauty | Editorial range, high fashion lines, runway walk |
| Common pitfalls | Over-retouched images that hide shape | Lack of personality in shots |
| Big wins | High relatability and strong conversion for retail | Prestige placements and editorial visibility |
Local notes that help you book faster
- Neighborhoods: Production often happens around Al Quoz studios, d3, JLT content spaces, and Marina apartments for lifestyle. Plan your travel time during peak hours.
- Weather: Outdoor shoots can be humid. Carry blotting papers, water, and backup hair products.
- Modest wear: Practice poses that show garment flow while keeping lines smooth and respectful of styling notes.
- E-comm pace: Expect fast outfit changes. Learn to reset poses in 5 seconds and offer front-side-back angles without prompting.
Mindset and body prep without diet culture
- Consistency over extremes: Sleep, hydration, and light movement will do more for your skin and posture than crash diets.
- Fit kit: Keep nude seamless underwear, shape shorts if you like them, clear straps, and a strapless bra that truly supports.
- Practice expressions: Mirror drills sound silly, but they save time on set. Cycle through soft smile, natural smile, lifestyle laugh, and relaxed mouth.
- Walk and turns: Even for e-comm, practice clean turns and small steps so hems and drape read well on camera.
If you’ve been told no
Rejection stings, and it’s part of the job. Ask politely for feedback. Update your digitals every 6 to 8 weeks. Test shoot with a new photographer to add variety. Keep submitting. Plenty of models get a yes after 10 rejections because a brief finally matches their look.
FAQ and Next Steps
Do agencies in Dubai actually represent curve models?
Yes. Bareface, MMG Talent, and Diva Dubai list curve or commercial models on their boards. Check their sites and submit via the proper forms.
What size do I have to be?
There’s no single cutoff. Many curve rosters start around UK 12-14, with work available well above that depending on brand and market niche.
I’m 5’4. Can I model if I’m curvy and not tall?
Petite plus exists, and lifestyle and beauty work are height-flexible. E-commerce sometimes prefers taller for standardized samples, but there are exceptions.
Do men have curve or big-and-tall options?
Yes. Men’s curve is growing for lifestyle, grooming, and retail shoots. List chest, waist, inseam, and collar size on your comp card.
Do I need professional photos before applying?
No. Good polaroids and a few clean test shots are enough to submit. If an agency is interested, they’ll guide your next steps.
How do buyouts work?
Buyout is a usage fee on top of the day rate. It’s calculated by usage length, territory, and media type. Always ask for it in writing.
Can I request a chaperone?
Absolutely. Reputable teams won’t mind. If someone pushes back without reason, consider walking away.
What if a “scout” DMs me to pay for a portfolio package?
Hard pass. Legit agencies don’t demand upfront fees for representation. Testing is optional and should be your call.
How often should I update my digitals?
Every 6 to 8 weeks or any time your hair, size, or look changes.
What should I bring to castings?
Nude and black seamless underwear, strapless bra, simple heels, sneakers, brush, blotting papers, and a water bottle. Keep your comp card on your phone and printed if requested.
Next steps if you want to start this month
- Take fresh polaroids this weekend. Natural light, minimal makeup.
- Build a tight 10-shot portfolio with 1 beauty, 1 three-quarter, 2 full-length, and 2 lifestyle images.
- Submit to two Dubai agencies today. Follow their instructions exactly.
- Book one test shoot with a local photographer you admire. Trade if needed, but sign a usage agreement.
- Practice posing for 10 minutes nightly for one week. Hit angles that show garments cleanly on curves.
Ready to give it a real shot? Pick one action from the list above and do it today. The industry is more open than it used to be, and Dubai hires curve talent regularly. If you’ve got the presence and the follow-through, there’s space for you.