Ever flip through a fashion magazine and wonder, “Wait, which body shape is actually seen as the most attractive right now?” Especially with plus size models storming the runways and taking over social feeds, the answer might surprise you. The old rulebook—thin is in, curves are out—is out the window. Today, you’ll see pear, hourglass, apple, rectangle, and every curve in between being featured by top brands.

Don’t get stuck thinking there’s just one golden body type everyone’s chasing. In fact, agencies are specifically searching for unique looks and different proportions because real people want to see themselves reflected. Stores and designers get it: what sells is the feeling that, “Hey, that model looks like me.”

This all means the question isn’t just “Which body shape is the most attractive?” but, “Which body shape feels most confident and comfortable in their skin?” Spoiler alert: confidence sells better than any number on the scale. If you’re wondering how this shift happened or what it actually looks like behind the scenes, let’s break it down so you can not only keep up but also join in on the celebration.

• The Shift in Beauty Standards
• Body Shapes in Plus Size Modeling
• How Models and Brands Embrace Different Shapes
• Tips to Celebrate Your Own Body

The Shift in Beauty Standards

If you rewind to the '90s, runway models were mostly super thin and super tall—that was the look that brands and magazines wanted. But as social media grew and people got louder online, the world started to notice: real bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Suddenly, those old beauty standards didn’t make much sense anymore.

Today, plus size models are everywhere—in ads, on TV, and all over Instagram. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a major shift. In fact, in 2023, top agencies like IMG and Wilhelmina signed more curve models than ever before. The fashion industry’s even released numbers to back this up. Here’s a quick comparison of model representation over recent years:

This change didn’t just happen on its own. Body positivity movements, like #EffYourBeautyStandards and #CelebrateMySize, built online communities where people could share stories and push brands to show more size diversity. Big brands like Savage X Fenty and ASOS listened—and their sales shot up as people finally saw models that looked like them.

So now when someone asks, “Which body shape is in?” there’s no single answer. The new normal is variety. Whether you’re apple-shaped, rectangular, or rocking an hourglass, there’s a spot for you. The fashion world is finally getting real about what’s attractive—and plus size models are right at the center of it all.

Body Shapes in Plus Size Modeling

When it comes to plus size models, there isn’t just one shape that brands are after. You might imagine the classic hourglass silhouette gets all the gigs, but agencies actually represent a whole lineup of body types. Think pear, apple, rectangle, inverted triangle, and the list goes on. The bottom line? The industry is starting to look way more like real life—not cookie-cutter shapes.

Let’s walk through some of the most common body types you’ll see in plus size modeling:

• Hourglass: Curvy bust and hips, with a noticeable waist. This look has been popular for decades, partly because clothes hang well on these proportions.
• Pear: Hips are wider than shoulders, often with a defined waist. A lot of denim brands love this shape because their jeans fit naturally.
• Apple: Rounded midsection and usually slimmer legs. Swimwear and lingerie lines feature apple-shaped models all the time to show their styles on diverse bodies.
• Rectangle: Waist, hip, and shoulders are about the same size. This shape is great for brands looking for an athletic vibe.
• Inverted Triangle: Broader shoulders, narrower hips. Activewear and sports campaigns put this body type front and center.

If you check out campaigns from brands like Savage X Fenty, Lane Bryant, or Torrid, you’ll notice their models aren’t all hourglass. In fact, a 2023 survey of top plus size brands found that roughly 47% of their featured models had a pear or apple shape, not an hourglass.

Body shape is just one part of the package. Agencies want models who know how to own their look. As top agent Anna Shilling said,

"Our clients are searching for models who feel good on camera, regardless of their measurements or their waist to hip ratio. A positive attitude stands out more than numbers ever will."

So, if you’re thinking about modeling or just curious, remember: there’s no single body shape that rules the runway anymore. Brands want people with personality, and customers want to see themselves reflected. The most attractive shape? It’s the one you show off with genuine confidence.

How Models and Brands Embrace Different Shapes

It used to be that plus size models had to squeeze into a narrow, curvy-but-not-too-curvy mold just to book a photoshoot. Now, brands are calling for all kinds of shapes—pear, apple, inverted triangle, rectangle, and the classic hourglass. Agencies like IMG and Wilhelmina have whole divisions for plus size talent, and they aren’t sticking to a single look. You’ll find models with full bellies, thicker thighs, broad shoulders, petite frames, and tall, athletic builds all sharing the stage.

Take Ashley Graham, for example. She hit mainstream fame not because she fit some exact measurements, but because she’s got presence and unapologetic confidence. Then there’s Paloma Elsesser, who made waves by walking for top designers and fronting international campaigns with a body that’s sometimes a completely different size than the other plus size icons. The industry wants authenticity—real curves, real people, real stories.

Brands are finally catching on. Target, Savage X Fenty, and Aerie are all in the spotlight for broadening their campaigns to include plus size models with all different builds, not just ones that fit the old "hourglass only" belief. Their ads often go viral, not because the clothes alone are great, but because shoppers see themselves in the models. In one recent campaign, Savage X Fenty had models ranging from size 12 to 22, showing what lingerie actually looks like on different bodies.

Some major facts make the industry shift clear:

If you’re aiming to break into the industry, here’s what’s helping models and brands get it right:

• Confidence trumps fitting a certain size. You don’t have to be a copy of someone else—the goal is to stand out.
• Brands embrace a mix of proportions for a reason: shoppers want real-life inspiration, not just an unreachable ideal.
• Social media gives models direct access to fans and brands, letting unique looks get noticed faster than ever.
• Agencies now use measurements and clear photos, not just a weight or dress size, when scouting plus size talent.

The most important thing? If you’re thinking of modeling, brands are searching for all kinds of plus size models. Don’t hide what makes you different—that’s your superpower. Stores and casting agents now look at personality and presence just as much as measurements. If you follow a few models on Instagram, you’ll notice a wide range of shapes, sizes, and vibes—and that’s exactly what’s keeping the industry fresh.

Tips to Celebrate Your Own Body

Sometimes it’s tough to tune out negativity, especially when there’s so much talk about “ideal” looks. The truth? Body confidence isn’t about passing a test or meeting some universal standard. Even the most successful plus size models didn’t wake up loving every inch of themselves — it’s a process, and you can absolutely start yours now.

• Wear what gives you confidence. You know that one outfit that just makes you feel good? Don’t save it for a special day. Studies even show that wearing clothes you like can boost your mood and how self-assured you look to others.
• Unfollow unrealistic feeds. Social media can trick you into thinking everyone’s perfect. Instead, follow accounts that show real, unfiltered bodies. It’s a quick way to remind yourself that you’re not alone and that beauty comes in all shapes.
• Take care of your body because you care about it, not because you hate it. Moving more, getting enough sleep, and eating well are ways to respect yourself. It’s not punishment—it’s self-care. Many plus size models focus on health instead of numbers on a scale, which makes sense for both industry work and real life.
• Focus on what your body can do. Maybe you can rock a pair of heels, nail a yoga pose, or just make your friends laugh. Your body is way more than measurements.
• Say something positive out loud—seriously. If it feels strange at first, that’s normal. Affirming your favorite feature or something your body allows you to experience trains your brain to notice good stuff, not just flaws.

If you want to take things up a notch, grab a journal and jot down small wins: compliments you get, an outfit that worked, a day you felt great moving around. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and maybe even start believing the nice things you write down.

Plenty of agency scouts and casting directors now ask about personal confidence and mindset almost as often as measurements. Self-acceptance stands out in casting rooms and on Instagram. That “it factor”? It’s usually just self-belief and being comfortable in your own skin.