Glamorous, confident, and always on trend? If you’re all about the Shein aesthetic, then you might be wondering how to model for them yourself.
While its fast-fashion rival Boohoo falls by the wayside, the online global retailer keeps going from strength to strength. On TikTok, the hashtag #Shein has clocked over 84 billion views.
So, where does Shein get its models? There are two paths: If you have a large social media presence, you can submit an application through its website to become a Shein “partner,” which is different from being a traditional paid model, or you can go the more conventional route by building up a portfolio and signing with an agency.
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Back in 2022, Shein made a firm commitment to diversity and inclusion with its #sheinforall collection and hashtag. As the brand strengthens its commitment to representing all customers in its campaigns, this means no body type is off-limits. From Kyra Jaye to Akuac Thiep to Albina, Shein’s models represent a range of skin colours, nationalities, and sizes.
What you do need, however, is the confidence and attitude that fit with Shein’s desirable, trendsetting image.
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A strong online presence is a must-have if you want to apply through the retailer’s website as a Shein partner.
Social media is a key part of the brand's marketing strategy, largely because its customer base is primarily Gen Z, who rely on Instagram and TikTok (rather than, say, the high street) to discover new brands. Many of its models, like Ming Savannah, have tens of thousands of followers, while others like Albina have fewer than 1,000. As the company has such a huge social media following itself, having an active channel with a large following is a plus, but not an essential.
In the U.S., Shein runs an official “ambassador program” for college students using models as brand representatives, while in Australia and the UK, its core marketing strategy is to send clothes to influencers and micro-influencers (who pose in these clothes and tag them with shoppable affiliate links), therefore reaching its audience more efficiently.
There are two routes if you want to work with Shein: become a Shein partner or a fashion model. What the company wants in each is slightly different.
Shein partner: A partner is an influencer or micro-influencer who poses in clothes provided by the company and tags them with shoppable affiliate links.
You’ll need a strong online presence and a willingness to post regularly. Shein does accept influencers with fewer than 5,000 followers, but puts a greater emphasis on those with tens or hundreds of thousands. These are the categories on Shein’s site for hopeful partners, and candidates will be expected to pick one of the below:
If you already have a decent following, chances are you could start modelling for Shein from home, like blogger @lovedbynicole__, and get paid commission.
Fashion model: You can also work with Shein through the more traditional route of becoming a model, going to castings, networking with casting directors, and trying to sign with an agency that works with the brand.
These models make up their national and international campaigns. They tend to be more commercial-looking and youthful.
If you want to submit a Shein modelling application through their website, apply to be a Shein partner in the UK or Australia.
A Shein Partner is someone who models Shein merch and shares their reviews via social media. You get a whole host of perks, including free products and up to 20% commission.
To apply, you’ll need to have at least one active social media account, such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Snapchat. You’ll also need to specify which areas of Shein you’re most interested in, including which collection (for example Basics or SXY) and category (like Swimwear or Curve).
1. Do your research
Be familiar with the Shein aesthetic and what’s expected of its models.
Immerse yourself in the fashion brand’s social media channels, hashtags, and website. Look up Shein’s creative directors, photographers, and campaigns to see who they use to showcase their outfits and the kinds of shoots they commission.
2. Stay fit and healthy
Shein models often show a lot of skin. While the brand is body-positive, its models are typically preened, so make sure your hair, skin, and nails are in good condition. Makeup obviously achieves some of this, but nothing beats a natural glow. Working out and a nutritious diet will help boost your complexion.
3. Create your portfolio
Your modelling portfolio should be perfectly in sync with the Shein look.
Hire a photographer and prepare a few different Shein-inspired vignettes. These photos, and any behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot, will also make great content for your social media.
Include a clean headshot with minimal makeup and a full-length photo as well. This will be essential to show your range as a model.
4. Grow your social media following
You’ll need to have at least one active social media account, which you can use to review and recommend Shein products to your followers. Fill your feed with photos of you documenting and sharing your Shein-inspired outfit choices. Tag the brand’s official handles, Shein casting directors, photographers, and marketing team to help you get noticed.
Check out the hashtags #SHEINhaul, #SHEINtrendy, #SHEINforAll and #SHEINpartner on your socials to see how current Shein partners show off their products.
5. Find agency representation
Having an agent can help you land jobs with brands you love. That’s because they already have relationships and contacts all across the fashion world.
Approach agencies that have worked with Shein before, or who already represent Shein models. This way you’ll know that they have the right contacts.
You can also check out agencies that supply models for Shein’s rivals, like ASOS or Pretty Little Thing, as gigs with any of these major online fashion retailers is a step in the right direction.
6. Stay persistent but open-minded
There’s no two ways about it, modelling is competitive. And if you only have eyes for one brand, it may take a while to finally get to where you want to be.
If you broaden your criteria by looking at similar fashion brands and stay positive, you’ll get closer to your goal. Keep refining your portfolio, maintaining your physical health, and working on your modelling skills.
Paired with a positive, professional attitude, persistence will increase your chances of success.
7. Build your contacts
If you’re having no luck infiltrating the Shein-iverse, focus on your network.
Like many industries, fashion is often about who you know, and people love a personal recommendation. This could ultimately be your “in,” either to get agency representation or to actually land your dream job of modelling for Shein.
Research key people who could help you – other models, photographers, designers, casting directors, stylists, and make-up artists – as well as the events where you might meet them. Spread your net wide, and you never know what opportunities may arise.
