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Behind the Scenes with a Fit Model
By admins | April 13, 2010
Today we have a fantastic insider interview to share with our readers. One local fit model has provided us the behind the scenes scoop on working as a fit model. For those not in the manufacturing/design side of fashion, you may be surprised to learn that apparel sizing is NOT (contrary to the media’s representation) based on 6′ tall size 0 models, those are “runway” models not “fit” models. Our model (who preferred to remain anonymous) is very experienced and has worked for many years in NYC with several reputable brands. If you’d like another perspective on fit modeling, please check out our heartbreaking post on children fit models, as told by one technical designer, here. And a special thanks to our model for sharing your story with us!
1. First, can you explain a bit about what a fit model is?
The way I describe a fit model to most people who ask is, basically I am a live mannequin that tries on clothes prior to the production of the garment. This helps the company’s design team see the structure, the fit and the flow of the material on an actual body posing as a customer to get an idea of how they would like the final product to look. (This is key for us designers, unlike a body/tailor form ,the fit model can tell us if something itches or rides up, we get actual feedback which is priceless!)
2. For the many people who believe the fashion industry bases clothing sizing and fit off of the size zero runway models, what do you have to say? And what are your measurements?
It’s so funny when I hear about most opinions about what a model should look like, or how most models need to be a “size zero”. In this industry it is much different. An ideal fit model usually fits for a size 6-8. Before I signed with my agency, I was actually told to gain at least 5 pounds. Being 5 ft 9 in, weighing about 130, I never thought I would hear an agency say gain weight but they did. I usually fit for a size 7 juniors my frame tends to be a bit smaller. My measurements are 34 bust, 26.5 waist, 38 hip. (Many fit models average around a size 8 for women, as this is the average size for most clothing brands that carry size 0-16. Additionally, there are mens, childrens, teen, plus size, and even maternity fit models.)
3. How did you get into fit modeling?
I actually was bartending, and a close friend of mine, also a fit model, saw me and told me I would be great and I should give it a try, so I took a few numbers from her and gave it a shot. To my surprise it was a success.
4. Give us an idea of what your average day is like.
An average day for me is balancing fitting for a couple of companies for an hour or two, and then running over to go-sees in between. Or it’s a full day of presentations, which is modeling samples for the company to show the buyers the garment. The buyers may add or change certain things to the original garment and create one that is more branded for their line. Such as maybe their customer is more of a younger girl, they may remove some rips in the jean and make it more youthful, change the color, modify the length and so on. (Throughout the design process many changes will be made to the garment. A fit model will often get called back several times to fit the same garment as we make adjustments to it, this will continue until we are happy that we have achieved the perfect fit for our customer.)
5. You work mostly with the technical design department in companies, how do you feel you are treated and do you feel there are ways to make the relationship more productive and successful?
I feel with all my relationships in my career that my opinion is highly respected and very valued. My clients listen to what I have to say about the garment and use it to their best advantage to try and reach what the customer is looking for through my thoughts, and feedback. (Finding the right fit model is always a challenge. Maybe your customer is smaller and shorter than average, or maybe she is curvier, perhaps she is a tad younger and smaller in the chest and narrower in the hips and shoulders – whatever your need once you find the right model, listen, listen, and listen. This is why you chose them, so not only do you need to visually examine every detail, but listen. The model’s feedback can be crucial.)
6. What is the best thing about being a model?
Best thing about being a model,( besides the pay check) is seeing the new trends and styles that come out and then a few months later seeing what you fit for in a store. I love knowing that jeans or a shirt will fit me without trying them on because basically they were fit for my body. That’s pretty cool.
Here is more related scoop;
Topics: interview, models | 15 Comments » 
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April 14th, 2010 at 1:56 am
Cool interview! Even as a fit model, she has some pretty damn good measurements.
April 14th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Fantastic article! I think most people don’t realize HOW clothes are fitted…and that if you want your clothes to truly fit you, you might want to consider tailoring!
April 15th, 2010 at 3:34 am
Honesty, this is my first time to hear anything about Fit Models. So it is a surprise to me.But it is actually very nice to know that they actually use fit models because this make me feel that designers really creations are really for normal people like me. Thank you so much for sharing this because I wouldn’t know anything about Fit Models, if it wasn’t for this post!
April 15th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
That’s so funny, I was told yesterday to call an agency to do fit modeling. Great and timely article.
April 15th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
Great interview! I briefly considered fit modeling years ago.
April 15th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
I, too, was told I was too small for fit modelling! Maybe regular models should be bigger too if that is who is buying the clothes.
April 16th, 2010 at 12:13 am
I’m impressed with how much detail is involved with making a garment. I started fitting for a designer 6 months ago and it’s been great steady work. However, I feel that apart from just making comments about a garment and it’s fit, I find that I need to know a lot of technical jargon. I’ve been a print model/commercial actress for over 10 years, and I would have to say that fit modeling is very interesting part of the business.
April 16th, 2010 at 1:42 am
Dang! If I were taller, I’d probably be doing this.
April 17th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Wow this is a fantastic interview! Very informative, thank you!
April 18th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
What an interesting interview! Thanks for this perspective from a very different yet necessary sort of model.
April 19th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Nice interview, I never really thought about the lengthly process behind creating each and every garment.
April 20th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
really great interview!
May 19th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Great,Fabulous interview! I want to fit model.
With no experience,what is the best way to get
started?
Thank You,
Lynn
May 21st, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Hi,
I want to get into fit modeling!Where would I get
started?
Lynn
August 16th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
i am working out and tying to get toned up so that i can apply for fit modeling. i am 5′9″ what are the ideal measurements? thank you