Flaunting It: How to Be a Glamour Model

Known as glam models, they’re often used for lingerie and swimwear shoots, as well as for men’s magazines (think FHM and Playboy). Nudity and partial nudity is often part of the job, which involves posing to convey sex appeal and personality.

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Catalogue modelling tends to showcase the product, and high fashion modelling emphasises the luxury of couture. Glamour modelling, on the other hand, focuses on the model’s own physical beauty. While you might be modelling lingerie, swimwear, or even cars, it’s your physical appearance and sex appeal that is as much a focus as the products.

There are no height restrictions, and clients have different requirements when it comes to body definition and dimensions.

Confidence is key, and your personality and attitude are a big selling point. The job suits extroverts who are at ease posing provocatively, in rooms full of people. As Russian model Irina Shayk says of posing in the nude: “You have to be really confident with your body.”

Exactly what you do will depend both on what you are comfortable with and what is in your contract. While glamour photography can include nudity, sexual acts and pornographic poses are generally classed as softcore or hardcore porn.

Even so, because of this fine line, glamour models must be age 18 or older.

1. Do your research

Fully understand glamour modelling and work out whether it’s right for you. Check out working models’ socials for behind-the-scenes details. Look for photographers, brands, and publications who work with glamour models to get a feel for their world.

2. Take care of your looks

You’ll book work based on your physical appearance, so taking care of your looks – your body, skin, hair, and nails – is super important. Keep an active lifestyle; eat a healthy, balanced diet; and get enough sleep.

It’s normal in the industry for both men and women to get rid of all their body hair. To avoid any last-minute on-set disagreements, top models tend to remove their body hair ahead of a shoot.

3. Check your confidence levels

How do you feel undressing in front of people? What if a photo of you topless went viral? If the very thought makes you uncomfortable, glamour modelling may not be for you. The work involves showing off your body with pride and being confident in your sex appeal. You’ll need to bring that attitude with you to every casting and every shoot. That feeling can be tough to fake, so work on building and maintaining your self-image and resilience. 

4. Learn how to pose

Practise your angles before you start on a portfolio, and try out poses in front of the mirror so that when the camera’s on you, you know exactly how to work it. Study other glamour models and men’s magazine cover girls to see how the best in the business do it.

5. Create a portfolio

A strong portfolio is essential. It acts as a visual résumé, showcasing your best work to potential clients and agencies.

You’ll need a mix of headshots, full-body shots, and themed photo shoots (which could be lingerie or swimwear).

You don’t need to spend a fortune on your first photo shoot. Many photographers offer time-for-print (TFP) collaborations where both parties exchange work for portfolio use. Make sure you work with someone trustworthy who has a good reputation, and take a friend or family member along if you feel uncertain. 

6. Seek agency representation

Having a modelling agent can help you secure jobs, negotiate contracts, and gain valuable professional guidance. Look for an agency with a good reputation that specialises in glamour modelling – they’ll more likely support and understand your work. 

You could also start with a fashion or commercial agency and emphasise your preference for lingerie and swimwear shoots. There is certainly overlap, and signing with any reputable modelling agency is an opportunity to get ahead. 

7. Self-promote 

In the age of social media, self-promotion has never been easier. Many glamour models (like Holly Peers, Elena Generi, and Danielle Sharp) have that entrepreneurial spirit. Maintaining an online presence requires a bit of planning, since you’ll want to make sure your posts are consistent with your personal brand. You can showcase a mix of work, personal life, and behind-the-scenes clips. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and DMs to keep them coming back to your page.

8. Stay safe

Whether you sign with a modelling agency or strike out on your own, take safety precautions. Modelling can be exploitative, and glamour modelling especially so. Do background checks on potential clients and agencies. Only sign contracts you’re happy with, and do so before the job. And always tell someone you trust where you’re going before a shoot or a casting.

Don’t be afraid to say no if you’re uncomfortable with what’s being asked of you, even if you said you’d do it in the contract. A decent photographer or client will respect your boundaries.

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Pamela Anderson

The Canadian-American icon is one of the most famous glamour models of all time. She appeared on the cover of Playboy more than any other model, posed naked in Stuff and GQ magazines, and has even lended her sex appeal to PETA in campaigns for animal rights.

Emily Ratajkowski

Ratajkowski’s modelling debut was the cover of erotic magazine Treats!, which led to her being cast in Robin Thicke’s controversial “Blurred Lines” music video. She’s since graced the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue twice. She’s also an advocate for women’s safety in the industry, speaking out about sexual expression and empowerment, saying, “We are more than just our bodies, but that doesn’t mean we have to be shamed for them or our sexuality.”

Alissa Violet

One of the top working glamour models, Violet boasts 12 million followers on Instagram, four million on TikTok, and more than three million on YouTube. She lends her sex appeal to brands like White Fox Boutique, Porsche, and Mara Beauty.