The rise of plus size models is slowly but surely making society start to challenge the old stereotypes surrounding body shapes. The days when being thin, tall, and skinny were the only standards of beauty are behind us. Nowadays, people are embracing a more inclusive perspective, especially when it comes to appearances. There’s a growing understanding that celebrating one’s own body is essential.
Let’s dive into the world of plus-size models who are truly leading the charge and inspiring everyone to embrace their bodies like never before. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get to know these amazing models. Here we go!
1. Ashley Graham
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Meet the supermodel who made history as the first plus-size model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, and she did it with such elegance that she went on to snag three more covers right after!
This incredible American model has worked with major names like Vogue, British Vogue, and Cosmopolitan, and she’s on a mission to change the way we view women’s bodies. As a passionate body image activist, she’s leading the charge for positive body movements and truly making an impact. She’s even been recognized in Vogue’s ‘30 Under 30’ list and was named one of the ‘25 Most Intriguing People’ in 2016. Ashley Graham took her influence a step further by penning a book called ‘What Confidence, Beauty, And Power Really Look Like.’ She’s an inspiration in every sense of the word!
2. Jessica Leahy
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Jessica Leahy is an Australian supermodel who burst onto the scene at New York Fashion Week. Surprisingly, she never imagined she would find her place in the modeling world. However, she’s one of those remarkable women who embraces her big, beautiful body with confidence.
Jessica is a passionate advocate for open discussions about body positivity and empowerment. She encourages women to be unapologetically themselves and to feel completely at ease in their own skin.
3. Precious Victoria Lee
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Precious Victoria Lee’s journey is as remarkable as her name suggests. With a unique name, a stunning voluptuous figure, and an ethnicity that doesn’t fit the typical mold, Precious Lee is all about embracing her curves and shattering stereotypes.
She followed in Ashley Graham’s footsteps to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated when they began to celebrate plus-size models. A few years back, she made the bold decision to chop her hair short, despite her agents urging her not to. She’s made waves, and for all the right reasons.
4. Chloe Marshall
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Chloe, an English supermodel, snagged the Miss Surrey title back in 2008 and made history as the first plus-size model to reach the Miss England finals. This achievement not only boosted her career but also brought much-needed visibility to the plus-size community.
It opened doors for her in the modeling world and fueled her passion for promoting the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, challenging the traditional standards of the fashion industry. Eventually, Chloe made her way to New York, where she took on various modeling gigs and worked on campaigns for well-known brands like Project Runway, Macy’s, and Torrid, which focuses on plus-sized fashion.
5. Danika Brysha
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From battling a lousy relationship with food to losing weight and gaining it all back, Danika Brysha is a full-figured model who has evolved by facing her problems upfront and working with them. Danika went on to start her brand called ‘Model Meals’, which deals with delivering healthy food.
She promotes the idea of being healthy but loving who you are. Her modeling career took off when she least expected it and she soon started signing assignments for Forever 21, Kohl’s, etc. There was no looking back after that! She is ranked one of the highest-paid models right after Gigi Hadid, Miranda Kerr, etc.
6. Lexi Placourakis
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Lexi, a dedicated mother to her 3-year-old, is on a mission to challenge the norms of beauty. After grappling with her own battles around weight, food, and the quest for a healthy lifestyle, Lexi Placourakis has blossomed into a successful supermodel and entrepreneur, inspiring countless others along the way.
With a mother who was once Miss Hawaii USA and went on to model in Japan, Lexi’s journey is quite different from her mom’s. She embraces a unique body type and a mindset that isn’t always easy to maintain, but it’s precisely this authenticity that has propelled her into the world of plus-size modeling.
7. Tabria Majors
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Tabria Majors, a woman of color and a plus-size model, passionately champions body diversity, firmly believing that big and curvy women can be just as sexy as their straight-size counterparts. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, she took a leap of faith, leaving her steady 9 to 5 job after being approached by a modeling agency.
To make ends meet in LA, she worked as a maid, a challenging experience that only made her more resilient. Now, with her face gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated and hosting her podcast, ‘The Thick,’ she’s on a mission to inspire women by breaking down barriers one step at a time.
8. Paloma Elsesser
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Paloma Elsesser has a fascinating family background that sheds light on her rise in the industry. With all her siblings involved in showbiz, it’s no surprise that she found her way into the spotlight, being discovered on Instagram.
Her captivating posts helped her climb the ranks in the fashion world, landing gigs with high-end brands and even making it to the cover of Vogue. In 2019, she took her talents to the big screen, making her acting debut in the film Uncut Gems.
9. Candice Huffine
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Candice Huffine has been a trailblazer in the plus-size modeling scene for over a decade, advocating for size diversity and leading the charge. Beyond her supermodel status, she motivates others to run marathons, proving that you don’t have to be skinny to be fit.
She made history as the first plus-size model to grace the cover of Elle magazine, a bold move that challenged the norms of her time. Now, she’s also launching her own lingerie line, celebrating the beauty of women of all sizes.
10. Denise Bidot
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Denise Bidot is not just a celebrated model; she’s a true champion of body positivity who boldly challenges traditional beauty norms by celebrating diversity in size, shape, and cultural heritage. With roots in both Puerto Rico and Kuwait, her multicultural background adds depth to her role as an inspiring figure. But her impact goes beyond the runway—she’s actively pushing for societal change through partnerships with major fashion brands.
Her career is a shining example of success in the fashion world, driven by a deep commitment to fostering positive change and representation for everyone, regardless of their background or body type. Bidot’s influence reaches far beyond modeling, making her a powerful advocate for inclusivity and encouraging people to embrace their individuality in the entertainment industry.
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The fashion world has come a long way, moving beyond a single, narrow definition of beauty. The emergence of these ten groundbreaking plus-size models is a testament to that shift. From regulars on the runway to passionate advocates for body positivity, these incredible women are changing the narrative around beauty, confidence, and self-acceptance.
They’ve not only broken down barriers and challenged stereotypes but have also inspired countless individuals to love their bodies, no matter the shape or size. As the industry keeps evolving, these models are not just part of the change—they are the change. Their impact goes well beyond fashion, encouraging a new generation to stand tall, claim their space, and recognize their own value.
