Ever found yourself staring at the Victoria's Secret runway, thinking, “How do these women actually qualify to be on that stage?” The idea of a strict weight limit for Victoria’s Secret models has been debated in whispers and on headlines for decades. Let’s break down fact from fiction, look behind the scenes, and figure out what’s really going on with the famous VS Angels and their ever-discussed body requirements.

Do Victoria’s Secret Models Have an Official Weight Limit?

If you’re expecting a secret number, like “no model can weigh more than 55 kilograms (121 pounds),” you’ll be surprised. There is no official, publicized weight limit for Victoria’s Secret models. The brand never actually lists a set maximum or minimum weight anywhere in its requirements. Instead, casting directors focus on measurements, proportions, and overall look – that means factors like height, bust, waist, and hips are weighed far more heavily, pun intended.

So where do all the rumors about strict weight limits come from? It’s simple: most VS models just happen to fall within a very tight average range. For example, almost every Angel who made headlines from the late ‘90s through 2018 measured around 5’9” to 6’1” tall, with reported weights between 112 to 125 pounds (that’s roughly 50 to 57 kg). If you do the maths, that means their Body Mass Index (BMI) often hovered close to or just above 18—the lower healthy limit defined by the World Health Organization. Not exactly your average body type.

The unofficial formula plays out like this: Take the typical model height of around 5'9'' (175 cm). Now add measurements; Victoria’s Secret is famous for the "34-24-34" (bust-waist-hips in inches) standard, although a little variation is allowed. This math creates a natural, yet harsh, cutoff for anyone hoping to wear angel wings, since maintaining that shape and size usually keeps total body weight low by default.

If you’re shocked, you’re not alone. A lot of aspiring models think there’s some secret number, and some agencies do stick to limits for health and branding reasons. However, at Victoria’s Secret, scouts and casting folks look at your silhouette, angle, and symmetry as much as your digits on a scale. It’s much more about the way you fill out the brand's famous lingerie and less about chasing a specific weight to the decimal point.

Still, the reality for models is that being asked to fit into a sample size (usually size 0 to 2 US, or 32-34 EU) practically requires them to keep within a very narrow weight range. Former VS models like Bridget Malcolm and Erin Heatherton have gone public about feeling pressure to shrink into these sample sizes, claiming it meant dieting, hours at the gym, and sometimes resorting to extreme measures to see the numbers the brand wanted. Even Candice Swanepoel, one of the most recognisable Angels, admitted to 2-a-day workouts and a super-strict diet before each big televised show.

Here’s the truth: Victoria’s Secret uses unspoken expectations, not a hard weight limit, to shape its famous cast. That’s how the standards you see on the runway evolved over the years.

The Reality Behind Victoria’s Secret Casting: Height, Measurements, and More

So, if it’s not all about weight, what are the concrete requirements? First up, height. Agencies and casting calls have long written “5'8'' minimum” into modeling requirements. Most VS Angels easily clear that bar. Take a stroll through the classic roster: Adriana Lima stands at 5'10''. Alessandra Ambrosio? 5'9''. Jasmine Tookes and Karlie Kloss each tower above 5'10''. Shorter models – even someone fit with a runway-ready body – rarely get through the door.

Then come the measurements. VS loves their models to fit sizes that highlight the shape of their signature bras. That means somewhere close to 32-34 inch bust, a 23-25 inch waist, and hips around 34-35 inches. It’s a narrow window. Models born with these proportions find it easier to meet the standard, but plenty of aspiring Angels have shared wild stories about their efforts to shrink or contour into those numbers. Nutritionists have revealed that many of these women track everything from salt intake to grams of carbs, cutting out things like sugar, white flour, and sometimes even fruit in the weeks leading up to shoots.

But let’s talk about the health side. The pressure can be downright brutal. In 2018, Australian model Robyn Lawley called for a Victoria’s Secret boycott, taking aim at the “dangerous body ideals” the show promoted. Meanwhile, others within the industry notice a definite change. The brand has started to include more diversity, at least in terms of size and body shape. Grace Elizabeth, for instance, debuted as an Angel with a slightly curvier shape than classic VS models, showing a hint that the definition of beauty is broadening, even if progress seems slow.

Outside of physical standards, casting directors also look for personality and confidence. Walking the VS Fashion Show isn’t just about strutting in heels. It’s about energy, approachability, and that sometimes indefinable “spark” that makes a model stand out under the bright lights. Tyra Banks famously brought attitude and charisma, while Gisele Bündchen blended bombshell beauty with an infectious swagger. The star quality is just as critical as raw body data.

Curious how a typical casting works? It can be intense. Hundreds of models descend on NYC or London with portfolios in hand. Each woman steps up, stands before a panel (sometimes topless with only lingerie bottoms or in bikinis) while judges measure, assess bone structure, check walk, and evaluate how the model’s body moves on camera. A casting video might feature poses, turns, and even a bit of back-and-forth to judge personality. If you fit, you’re in. If not, there’s little time for explanation.

One key point: Victoria’s Secret models consistently describe the need for robust fitness routines. Forget just “being thin.” The job requires muscle tone, flexibility, and stamina. Lais Ribeiro and Romee Strijd often share their tough workouts on social media; you’ll see them boxing, lifting weights, or sweating through Pilates in ways that would humble the average gym-goer. The Victoria’s Secret “look” isn’t built overnight or with luck – it’s shaped by months, even years, of dedication.

The Future of Victoria’s Secret Standards and What Aspiring Models Should Know

You might have noticed a shift in runway trends, and Victoria’s Secret is no exception. After years of criticism for unrealistic beauty ideals, the brand finally ditched its classic show in 2019 and began a slow rethink. Recent campaigns spotlight models with more varied backgrounds, heights, and body types – although the main image is still slim, tall, and toned. Their 2023 World Tour reintroduced the “Angels,” but with a broader message: self-expression and individuality.

So what does all this mean if you’re aspiring to hit the runway or just curious about the truth behind the glam? For starters, it’s no longer just about shrinking into a sample-size pair of wings. Confidence, authenticity, and health have (finally) entered the conversation. The days of a rigid, silent “weight limit” wielding power over models are fading – but old habits and expectations definitely linger.

If you’re looking to break in, here are some practical tips taken straight from models who have been there:

• Don’t chase a number on a scale. Instead, aim for a healthy body composition that supports strength and stamina.
• Work with professionals—find a trainer or coach who understands the demands of modeling. Avoid any crash diet or “water loading” fads; those almost always backfire.
• Focus on posture and walk. You could have the right measurements, but if you can’t carry yourself on the runway, you’ll struggle to stand out.
• Be ready for rejection. Even some iconic Angels got turned down on their first try.
• Document a journey. Models with a personal brand, decent social media presence, and a story often spark more interest than those who check only the “height and weight” boxes.

Last but not least, know the limits—and how to protect yourself. The industry doesn’t always prioritize health or mental wellbeing. More open conversations are changing that, but aspiring models should lean on strong friendships, mentors, or even therapy to stay grounded. No photo shoot or fashion show is worth risking your health. Watch for brands that embrace more body types—and hold out for opportunities where you can shine for who you are, not just what the scale says.

The bottom line? Victoria’s Secret models don’t face a single posted weight limit, but the iconic look has always demanded a specific mixture of tall, slim, and fit. The pressure is real, and the journey’s tough, but the landscape is evolving, and more voices are pushing for change. If you’ve ever wondered if you could be part of that world, remember: It’s part numbers, part attitude, and a whole lot of hard work—no magic limit required.