If you’ve ever considered pursuing a modeling career, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is: What age is best for modeling? The modeling industry is often associated with youth, and it’s common to hear about models starting their careers in their teenage years. However, the truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, and the best age to start modeling can vary depending on the type of modeling you’re interested in, your personal goals, and the current trends in the fashion and entertainment industries.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different ages that are ideal for starting a modeling career and help you understand how to find your place in the industry, no matter when you begin.
1. Teenage Years: The Traditional Starting Point
For many, the ideal age for modeling is in the teenage years. Models starting at 16-18 years old often get a jumpstart in the industry, especially in high-fashion and runway modeling. Why? The fashion world has traditionally sought young models with youthful energy and fresh faces, and this age range is considered the sweet spot for runway shows and editorial shoots.
-
Runway Modeling: Top fashion shows like New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week often require models who are 16 or older, but many designers prefer models in their late teens and early 20s.
-
Editorial and Print Work: Fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle often cast young models for editorial spreads, where youth and vibrancy are often emphasized.
That said, starting young isn’t the only path to success, and many models have found great careers starting later, especially in commercial or lifestyle modeling.
2. In Your 20s: A Prime Age for Versatility and Success
If you’re in your 20s, you’re still in the prime age range for modeling. Many successful models launch their careers in their early twenties, either after finishing school or after gaining some real-life experience.
-
Commercial and E-commerce Modeling: Commercial work, which includes product ads and e-commerce shoots, doesn’t have as rigid age requirements as runway modeling. In fact, many models in their 20s are highly sought after for this type of work due to their versatility. Brands want models who can appeal to a wide audience, and a model in their twenties may be able to represent everything from high-end fashion to everyday products.
-
Beauty and Lifestyle Campaigns: In your 20s, you can also be in high demand for beauty, skincare, and lifestyle brand campaigns. These campaigns often focus on a relatable, aspirational look that speaks to a broad range of consumers.
Many models who start their careers in their early twenties go on to build successful careers that span multiple decades, transitioning between different types of modeling and even acting.
3. Late 20s to Early 30s: A Growing Market for Mature Models
In recent years, there has been a shift in the modeling industry, with more and more brands embracing diversity in age, size, and backgrounds. Models in their late 20s and early 30s are finding increased opportunities, especially in commercial modeling.
-
Mature Beauty and Lifestyle: If you’re in your late 20s or early 30s, you may find great success in mature beauty campaigns, lifestyle ads, or fitness modeling. Brands today are looking for authenticity and relatability, which often comes from models who represent a broader age range.
-
Celebrity and Influencer Models: Models in their late 20s and early 30s can also transition into becoming influencers or celebrities, where age is less of a barrier. Many influencers have built careers through their social media presence, representing brands while maintaining a relatable image for their audience.
4. In Your 30s and Beyond: A Growing Niche for Models of All Ages
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not uncommon for models to experience a second wave of success in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. Brands are now seeking more diversity and authenticity, and models of all ages are becoming a more common sight in mainstream advertising.
-
Mature Models in High Fashion: While this is more niche, there has been an increasing demand for mature models on the runway. The rise of older models like Carmen Dell’Orefice, who started modeling at 15 and continued into her 80s, has inspired many to embrace their age and continue their careers.
-
Print and Commercial Work: Many models in their 30s continue to land editorial, commercial, and product campaigns. Beauty brands, for example, are looking to showcase models of all ages to reflect the wide demographic of their customers.
Age diversity is now seen as a strength in the industry, and older models often bring a sense of experience, wisdom, and sophistication to campaigns.
5. The Best Age for Modeling: It’s All About the Type of Modeling
While there are traditional age ranges associated with specific types of modeling, there is no definitive “best” age to begin a career. The ideal age to start modeling largely depends on the type of modeling you wish to pursue:
-
Runway and Editorial Modeling: If you’re looking to walk the runway or feature in high-fashion editorials, starting at a younger age (16-22) can be beneficial. However, it’s not impossible to succeed as an older model, especially in areas like plus-size modeling or mature modeling.
-
Commercial Modeling: The great thing about commercial modeling is that it’s a highly inclusive field. Models of all ages can find work in advertisements for products that cater to a wide range of customers.
-
Fitness and Lifestyle Modeling: If you have a passion for fitness or a healthy lifestyle, starting in your 20s or 30s can open doors to many lucrative campaigns and opportunities in the health and wellness industry.
6. What If You’re Starting Later?
Don’t worry if you’re starting your modeling career a little later than most. Today, many agencies and brands are looking for models who don’t fit the traditional mold. Age is just a number, and what truly matters is your look, confidence, personality, and work ethic.
Models who start in their late 20s, 30s, or even 40s can find success in areas like commercial modeling, lifestyle campaigns, and fitness modeling. Additionally, the rise of influencer culture and digital modeling has made it easier than ever for people of all ages to break into the industry.
At Thelyvora, we believe in representing talent of all ages, and our platform connects aspiring models to global opportunities in the film, fashion, and entertainment industries, regardless of when you start.
Conclusion
So, what age is best for modeling? The short answer is: it depends. While the industry has historically favored younger models for high-fashion runway shows, today’s modeling world is much more inclusive. Whether you’re starting your career at 16, 25, 35, or beyond, there are opportunities for every age and type of model.
The most important factors are your dedication, confidence, and ability to connect with the industry. If you’re passionate about modeling, it’s never too late to start.
Join Thelyvora today to connect with global talent and opportunities in the modeling world. For any support, feel free to contact us at info@thelyvora.com