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Fit model
View on WikipediaA fit model (sometimes fitting model) is a person who is used by a fashion designer or clothing manufacturer to check the fit, drape and visual appearance of a design on a 'real' human being, effectively acting as a live mannequin.[1] A person is selected to work as a fitting model primarily on criteria matching the desired measurement specifications of the designer or manufacturer.[2] These specifications generally consist of height, bust-waist-hip circumference, arm and leg length, shoulder width, and a myriad other measurements as indicated by the garment type. This is the case whether the garments are for women or men of any size; the grading of construction patterns is often tested on a variety of fitting models to be sure that increases in size are translated accurately and evenly across the range.
Beyond merely wearing the garment for inspection, a fit model can become an integral role in the design process; commenting on garments and materials with regard to fit, movement and feel on flesh, and objective feedback on the 'fit' and design of the garment in the stead of the consumer.[3] Ultimately, a fitting model aids in confirming that the sizing, design and cut of the garment to be produced meets the designer's specifications and intentions.
For female fit models there are five basic types of fit: junior, missy, contemporary, plus-size, and petite.[4] The measurements and proportions vary based on size as well as age. Depending on the brand and demographic of their customer sometimes the brand has more than one fit, which may also vary according to region.[1] Many major brands make clothes in juniors and missy sizes. For example: a female (Australian) size 10 is:
- Height: 170 cm (67 inch)
- Waist: 72 cm (27 inch)
- Hip: 98 cm (39 inch)
- Bust: 89 cm (35 inch)
- Female models in America are usually a size 4 and:
- Height: 5'4 - 5'9
- Waist: 26 inch
- Hips 37 inch
- Bust: 34 inch
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Fasanella, Kathleen (2010-08-17). "What is a fit model?". Fashion-Incubator:Lessons from the Sustainable Factory Floor. Retrieved 2016-04-20.
- ^ Vogt, Peter (2007). Career Opportunities in the Fashion Industry. Infobase Publishing. pp. 44–. ISBN 9780816068418. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
- ^ "Fit Model". Retrieved 2016-04-20.
- ^ Flanagan, Jenna (2011-02-18). "Fashion Fit Models: Rarely Seen But Essential to the Runway". WNYC. Archived from the original on 2015-05-31. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
Fit model
View on GrokipediaDefinition and Role
Definition
A fit model, also known as a fitting model, is an individual employed by fashion designers, clothing manufacturers, or brands to wear prototype garments and assess their fit, drape, movement, and overall visual appearance on a human body during the design and prototyping stages.[5][6][1] Unlike dress forms or mannequins, which serve as static, non-human representations for initial draping or display, fit models provide essential real-time insights into garment behavior on living tissue, including how fabrics respond to natural body contours and motion.[7][8][9] In the fashion industry, fit models are primarily engaged in apparel development across ready-to-wear, couture, and mass production contexts, prioritizing the garment's functionality and wearability to inform adjustments before final production.[5][1][6]Responsibilities in the Design Process
Fit models play a crucial role in the garment design process by serving as the human interface for evaluating prototypes and samples. Their primary duties include wearing unfinished or prototype garments to enable designers and technical teams to assess fit, drape, and functionality in real time. This involves standing still, posing, or performing movements such as walking, sitting, or raising arms as directed, allowing for on-the-spot adjustments like pinning, chalking, or cutting fabric to refine patterns and construction.[10] Additionally, fit models simulate everyday wear scenarios to test aspects like comfort and durability, identifying issues such as restricted movement or fabric strain that could affect wearability.[1] By embodying the target customer size, they ensure that garments align with intended specifications before further development.[2] Fit models are integrated into multiple stages of the garment development pipeline, from initial pattern testing to pre-production samples. Early involvement occurs during prototype fittings, where they help validate basic patterns derived from sketches or digital designs, providing feedback that informs iterative refinements. As development progresses to development or salesman samples, their input ensures the garment meets size standards and performs consistently across movements, preventing costly errors in mass production. This phased engagement—often involving 2-3 sessions per garment—contributes to quality control by catching fit discrepancies early, reducing the need for post-production alterations and minimizing returns due to sizing issues.[10][11] In collaboration with designers, pattern makers, and merchandisers, fit models articulate subjective experiences to guide design iterations. They communicate sensations like tightness, itchiness, or excessive ease, often suggesting practical solutions such as adding seam allowances or adjusting hemlines for better balance. This feedback bridges technical precision with user-centered insights, positioning fit models as key informants who simulate the end-user perspective and facilitate informed decision-making. For instance, they may note specific tensions in stitching or fabric roll that require targeted adjustments, enhancing overall garment quality.[10] Fit models typically maintain precise body measurements to represent standard sizes, ensuring their contributions remain reliable throughout the process.[3]Physical and Professional Requirements
Body Measurements and Standards
Fit models are selected based on precise body measurements that align with industry-standard sizing to ensure garments fit the intended target demographic during the design and production process. For women, typical standards include a height range of 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 9 inches, corresponding to US sizes 0 through 6, with bust measurements of 33 to 35 inches, waist of 25 to 27 inches, and hips of 35 to 37 inches.[4][12] For men, the standards generally encompass heights from 6 feet 0 inches to 6 feet 2 inches, aligning with US sizes 40 to 42 or a standard size 32 to 34 waist, featuring chest measurements of 39 to 41 inches and waist of 32 to 34 inches.[4][12] These proportions represent an "average" or median body type for mass production, allowing designers to test patterns and make adjustments for scalability across sizes.[13]| Gender | Height Range | Typical Size | Bust/Chest | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women | 5'4"–5'9" | US 0–6 | 33–35" | 25–27" | 35–37" |
| Men | 6'0"–6'2" | US 40–42 | 39–41" | 32–34" | 38–40" |
