The 2000s felt like a paradox for women’s fashion: the mainstream still elevated a very narrow “straight-size” idea of beauty, while the internet and grassroots movements quietly began building new pathways for fuller-figured representation. If you were trying to break in as a plus-size model back then, you faced limited castings, fewer agencies that would sign you, frequent stereotyping, and runway and editorial spaces that rarely made room for curves. Over the last 20–30 years, though, some important walls have come down — and new routes for discovery, booking, and advocacy exist that simply didn’t in 2000.
Below I’ll cover:
- What the biggest barriers were in the 2000s
- The major changes and milestones in the last 30 years
- Practical places to find casting calls, auditions, and agencies today (with links and resources you can use right now)
What the 2000s looked like for plus-size hopefuls
- Industry expectations were narrow. Designers, magazines and many casting directors were centered on a small size range — runway and editorial work overwhelmingly favored very thin models. That meant fewer bookings and fewer role models in mainstream fashion.
- Limited agency representation. Only a handful of agencies were actively developing plus-size divisions; many agencies either ignored curve talent or offered only token representation, which made building a sustainable career difficult.
- Stereotyping and typecasting. When plus-size models were hired, they were often pigeonholed into specific categories (e.g., only catalog or “plus” campaigns) rather than considered for the full spectrum of fashion work.
These barriers meant many plus-size models had to create their own visibility — building followings online, creating portfolios outside of agency systems, and pressing brands directly for inclusion.
What’s changed in the last ~30 years — wins and regressions
Wins
- Visible superstar figures and role models. Breakout plus-size figures (Ashley Graham, Iskra Lawrence, Tess Holliday and others) helped demonstrate market demand and showed brands that inclusive casting sells and builds loyalty. Their success opened doors for editorial, runway and brand partnerships.
- Dedicated plus-size agencies and divisions. New boutiques and agency divisions focused on curvy talent have appeared, offering targeted development and bookings. Some fashion brands/talent businesses launched in response to demand specifically for plus-size talent.
- Open casting initiatives and broader scouting. Major platforms and publications have run open-casting programs to discover diverse talent, creating routes to editorial and agency connections that didn’t depend on traditional scouting.
- Retail and e-commerce demand. As big retailers and direct-to-consumer brands expanded plus-size lines, they needed models who actually fit those clothes — creating consistent demand for catalog and advertising bookings. Casting calls for brand campaigns and store lookbooks became more common.
Regressions / ongoing gaps
- Runway and high-fashion inclusion is inconsistent. Recent analyses show representation can still be tiny on major runways, and progress sometimes slips back with certain seasons or brands returning to straight-size casting. In short: visibility has improved, but inclusion is not yet guaranteed across the board.
Practical resources — where to find casting calls & auditions now
Below are active, widely used places plus-size models can check for castings, plus tools that help you be ready to submit.
Casting platforms and job boards
- Backstage — listings for plus-size modeling jobs, editorial, commercial and open casting calls. Great for both local and national opportunities.
- PlusSizeCasting / PlusSizeCasting.com (and related casting portals) — specialized casting listings for plus-size models and actors; a hub of size-specific opportunities. (Some local portals or aggregated casting apps use this feed.)
- Brand casting pages (example: Torrid’s model searches & casting calls) — many plus-size retailers run their own open calls and model searches; check brand websites and social channels for announcements. Torrid has hosted model searches/casting calls in recent years.
Tip: Create profiles on general casting sites (Backstage, Casting Networks, Casting Calls America) and subscribe to email alerts/feeds for “plus-size,” “curve,” “plus model” keywords.
Where to find agencies that represent plus-size models
Many traditional agencies now have plus-size divisions; boutique agencies focus exclusively on curve talent. Below are reputable places to start researching and submitting (each entry has a range of national and boutique options — check submission pages and requirements):
Agency directories & starting points
- Backstage’s guide to plus-size modeling agencies — a helpful overview and starting point for agencies actively representing plus-size talent. Use it to research submission requirements and regional options.
- LATITUDE / curated lists of plus-size agencies — independent roundups that list recognized plus-size agencies and boutique options. These can point you to agencies across New York, Los Angeles, London and other markets.
- Local/boutique agencies (examples) — Part & Parcel Talent (started to represent plus-size talent connected to the brand world), CM Models and Models Direct are examples of agencies and platforms that either focus on or have divisions for plus-size models. Always check current rosters and submission details.
How to check an agency before you submit
- Look for an official agency site with submission guidelines (no upfront fees to be signed).
- Check rosters and recent bookings — are their models actually working with brands you recognize?
- Read reviews, ask for references from models who have worked with them, and verify contract terms before signing.
Practical tips to improve your odds (portfolio + submissions)
- Build a clean, honest portfolio — simple headshots and full-body polaroids (natural light, minimal makeup) plus a small set of professional images showing range. Agencies will often ask for both.
- Consistency matters. Maintain consistent sizing and measurements; clients appreciate reliability for sample sizing and fit.
- Leverage social media strategically. Many plus-size models have been discovered via strong Instagram or TikTok presences that show personality, style and the ability to engage an audience.
- Network with plus-size communities. Facebook groups, model networks, and local meetups for plus-size creatives can surface casting leads and collaborative portfolio shoots.
- Apply broadly but carefully. Submit to brand model searches, boutique agencies, and national casting platforms — but always vet offers and never pay a fee to be represented.
A realistic outlook
There has been real, measurable progress: more agencies and brands are hiring curve models, open-casting initiatives exist, and star models have changed public perception and buying behavior. That said, inclusion is uneven — runway representation and high-fashion houses still often fall short — and the industry can regress by season or designer. The good news is you don’t have to wait for gatekeepers: between direct brand castings, specialty agencies, and digital discovery channels, there are now more routes to work than in the 2000s.
Quick resource list (links you can click)
- Backstage — plus-size modeling jobs & how-to:
- Backstage article: Top plus-size modeling agencies (directory & guide):
- PlusSizeCasting / casting portal (plus-size specific castings):
- Torrid model search / brand casting examples:
- Agency examples & roundups (LATITUDE / curated lists):
- Industry context & history pieces (Business Insider overview of the industry’s earlier hypocrisy and evolution):
- Vogue Open Casting and industry initiatives (examples of editorial-driven discovery):
Final note — a quick, practical starting plan
- Make 3 strong natural polaroids (headshot, profile, full body).
- Create a short online portfolio (even a simple Instagram or link page).
- Sign up for Backstage and set alerts for “plus-size” casting calls.
- Research 3 agencies from the Backstage agency guide and submit as they request (follow each agency’s submission rules).
- Join one or two plus-size networking groups online to learn about local openings.
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