You’ve probably heard of these two modelling categories, and in today’s Models Direct reading, we will be focusing on editorial vs commercial modelling. Let’s go! Editorial modelling When it comes to editorial modelling, it’s all about advertising high-end fashion houses’ clothing and accessories – think Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. The editorial shoots are spectacular and […]
Published 10th August 2026
You’ve probably heard of these two modelling categories, and in today’s Models Direct reading, we will be focusing on editorial vs commercial modelling. Let’s go!
Editorial modelling
When it comes to editorial modelling, it’s all about advertising high-end fashion houses’ clothing and accessories – think Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. The editorial shoots are spectacular and glamorous. They’re aimed at a target audience through the language of photography, using striking imagery to captivate the viewer. If you’ve opened a high-end magazine, you’ll know what we mean!
When it comes to being an editorial model, the following needs to be considered:
Strict height and body requirements:
Height: 5’ 8” to 5’ 11”
Bust: 32” to 35”
Hips: 33” to 35”
Waist: 22” to 26”
It’s very competitive in nature – the fashion houses have a specific look they want and will not make leeway/adjustments/modifications to their criteria
It’s a niche market for luxury brands, so pay models an attractive amount
Its critical nature can create a high-pressure environment
It opens further opportunities
Competition is fierce, so it might be challenging to have steady work coming in
Maintaining strict body requirements may have a toll on mental and physical health and well-being
It can potentially have very long and demanding shoots
Commercial modelling
Commercial modelling, on the other hand, takes a more relaxed approach. It’s all about approachable and relatable marketing of everyday brands and businesses.
The modelling category is the backbone of the modelling industry and exudes longevity for people who are in the business. Commercial modelling offers a plethora of ongoing opportunities, so when it comes to commercial modelling, the following are considered:
No strict restrictions such as age, gender, body shape, ethnicity, religious beliefs, cultures, or backgrounds.
Less pressure on models to conform. They can enjoy their authentic self and will feel less pressure to look a certain way.
Wide opportunities are available across a variety of mainstream media such as billboards, TV adverts, leaflets, and digital media.
Steady flow of work due to consistent demand for commercial models.
Models are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that they can stay strong and be the best version of themselves.
Shoots are less intense and are more free-flowing due to everyday brands and businesses hiring the models.
Both types of models can interchange and work on editorial projects whilst enjoying the wider opportunities that the commercial world offers.
Our Models Direct talent have been enjoying working with us over the past 35 years, particularly in commercial modelling, since we impress everyone, and we would like to make modelling an accessible profession for all.
If you’d like to learn more about our team and who else our models have worked with, head over to this page.