Key points:
- Plus, size models are changing beauty standards by showing that confidence, talent, and style come in all shapes and sizes.
- They inspire people worldwide to love their bodies and embrace who they are, no matter what size they wear.
- The fashion industry is slowly becoming more inclusive, thanks to these bold women who aren’t afraid to take up space and be seen.
Introduction
The fashion world used to be a one-size game. Thin bodies were the norm, and anything outside of that box was ignored. But now? Things are changing big time. A new wave of beauty has taken over, and plus-size models are leading the charge.
These women are more than pretty faces. They’re honest, bold, and breaking down walls. They’re showing us that beauty comes in every shape, every size, and every shade. No more hiding. No more fitting into boxes. They’re making space and owning it.
Here are 12 plus-size models who are changing the game and rewriting the rules.
Why These Plus Size Models Matter
These women are more than just models—they’re role models. They help people feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are. By showing up as their true selves, they’re changing fashion and minds.
1. Ashley Graham (@ashleygraham)
Let’s be honest, Ashley Graham is the face of the plus-size movement. The world finally took notice when she landed the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover. She was the first size-16 model to get that kind of spotlight and handled it like a queen.
Ashley is all about real bodies. She posts unfiltered photos, talks about stretch marks, and reminds everyone that self-love is not just a trend; it’s a must. From walking high-fashion runways to launching her lingerie line, she’s proving that sexy and curvy go hand in hand.
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2. Paloma Elsesser (@palomija)
Paloma is calm, confident, and completely herself. Born in London and raised in LA, she brings a unique mix of style and soul to every shoot. She’s worked with big names like Fendi, Lanvin, and Vogue.
But what makes Paloma special? She stands for something. She talks about race, body image, and how fashion needs to improve. And she’s not afraid to call people out. She’s not just modeling; she’s moving.
3. Tess Holliday (@tessholliday)
Tess Holliday doesn’t play by the rules, and thank goodness for that. She’s bold, tattooed, size 22, and fabulous. When she started the #effyourbeautystandards movement, it wasn’t just a hashtag but a wake-up call.
Tess has been everywhere, from magazine covers to fashion campaigns, and never tones herself down. She’s open about her life, mental health, and body. She proves you can be loud, proud, and unapologetically you.
4. Precious Lee (@preciousleexoxo)
When Precious Lee walked the Versace runway, people couldn’t stop talking. She became the first Black plus-size model to rock it gracefully and powerfully.
Precious is all about big energy. She owns her curves, her voice, and her story. She pushes for more inclusion in fashion, not just with body size but also with race and culture. Every time she steps out, she sends a clear message: she belongs, and so do we.
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5. Denise Bidot (@denisebidot)
Denise made headlines when she became one of the first plus-size models to walk in New York Fashion Week for straight-size brands. That was a big deal. She didn’t just show up; she owned the runway.
Her motto? “There’s no wrong way to be a woman.” And she lives it. Denise posts makeup-free selfies, talks about motherhood, and keeps it 100% real. She’s not trying to be perfect. She’s just being herself, and that’s precisely why people love her.
6. Barbie Ferreira (@barbieferreira)
Barbie isn’t just a model; she’s a vibe. Most people know her from Euphoria, but she’s been challenging beauty norms way before that. She started modeling for brands like Aerie, which shows unedited photos of real bodies.
Barbie is all about self-expression. She’s quirky, fearless, and doesn’t believe in shrinking herself for anyone. She’s got attitude, style, and a message: you don’t have to change to be beautiful. You have to be you.
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7. Jari Jones (@iamjarijones)
Jari Jones is powerful, beautiful, and full of heart. She’s Black, transgender, queer, and plus size, and she owns every part of it. Her Calvin Klein ad during Pride month stopped people in their tracks. It wasn’t just a photo; it was a statement.
Jari fights for visibility in every way. She talks about identity, acceptance, and how fashion needs to open its doors wider. She’s not asking for space. She’s taking it, and she’s bringing others with her.
8. Hunter McGrady (@huntermcgrady)
Hunter McGrady was the curviest model to appear in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. That moment wasn’t just historic; it was inspiring. She’s all about realness, and it shows.
Hunter talks a lot about loving your body through every stage of pregnancy, postpartum, and everything in between. She wants girls to grow up seeing bodies like theirs in the spotlight. And with her voice, they finally are.
9. Candice Huffine (@candicehuffine)
Candice was one of the first plus-size models to break into high fashion. She walked for designers at fashion week long before it was “cool” to be curvy. She’s been featured in Vogue, Glamour, and many major ads.
What sets her apart is her passion. Candice is also an athlete. She started a fitness line for women of all sizes because she believes that being active isn’t about weight; it’s about feeling strong. She’s the kind of role model we all need.
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10. Philomena Kwao (@philomenakwao)
Philomena Kwao is a beauty with brains. She’s a British-Ghanaian model who’s been a face for brands like Lane Bryant and Torrid. But she also has a degree in economics and public health. Yeah, she’s the complete package.
Philomena uses her voice to discuss diversity, healthcare, and how beauty standards hurt women. She’s proof that you can be stylish and innovative and that you don’t have to choose one over the other.
11. Chloe Marshall (@chloemarshall01)
Chloe was the first plus-size woman to reach the finals of Miss England in 2008, and people didn’t know what to make of it. But Chloe didn’t care. She knew she belonged.
Since then, she’s built a strong modeling career with brands that support real beauty. Chloe keeps things simple. She’s kind and confident and shows that curves and crowns go perfectly together.
12. Sabina Karlsson (@thesabinakarlsson)
Sabina used to be a straight-size model. But constantly trying to stay thin took a toll. One day, she stopped fighting her body and embraced her natural size. That decision changed everything.
Now, she’s a plus-size star, walking for brands like Christian Siriano and appearing in Allure and Elle. Her big red curls, bright smile, and confident energy make her unforgettable. Sabina’s journey shows that peace comes when you love who you are just as you are.
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Conclusion
The fashion industry is still learning and growing. But thanks to these amazing plus-size models, progress is happening. They’ve turned the spotlight toward real people with real bodies and shown us that beauty doesn’t come in one size but in many.
These 12 women are more than just models. They are leaders, fighters, and beautiful examples of what happens when you stop shrinking and start shining.
