Curviest Model in the World: Who Rocks the Title?

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or thumbed through a fashion mag, you’ve probably noticed a major shift—curvy models are everywhere, and they are absolutely owning it. Gone are the days when runway queens all looked the same. Now, shape, size, and confidence rule the scene.

But when people ask, “Who’s the curviest model in the world?” things get spicy. Not just because it’s a loaded question, but also because the answer’s a mix of statistics and attitude. Some names pop up again and again, and there’s legit debate about who truly takes the crown.

Ever wonder if you can rock that same confidence or find clothes that fit like a dream? There’s more to being curvy than just body shape—it’s about standing out, embracing what you’ve got, and knocking down barriers in style. Stick around for insider tips, inspiring stories, and a look at what makes the hottest curvy models tick.

• Key Points About the Curviest Model
• Direct Answer: Who Is the Curviest Model?
• What Does 'Curviest' Mean in Modeling?
• Benefits of Curvy Models in the Industry
• How to Celebrate Your Own Curves

Key Points About the Curviest Model

Let’s get straight to the facts. Talking about the curviest model, we’re usually talking about someone who has made a mark for both her body measurements and her influence in the industry. These women break the old rules and push body positivity into the spotlight. Here’s what you need to know:

• The most commonly mentioned name when discussing the curviest model is Hunter McGrady. She’s known for her size 16/18 frame and was the curviest woman to appear in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue as of 2017.
• Tess Holliday is another headline-grabber. She’s a size 22 (UK 26) and actually created the viral #effyourbeautystandards movement. Her verified measurements place her among the largest professional models working today.
• There’s no single measurement that qualifies someone as "curviest"—it’s more about body proportion and how the industry sees them. Being labeled curvy often means a hip-to-waist ratio that really stands out.
• Brands and agencies are paying attention. In 2023, plus-size and curvy models made up 24% of fashion campaigns in the US—up from just 8% a decade ago.
• Curvy models are getting major brand deals, magazine covers, and even walking top runways for designers like Christian Siriano and Savage X Fenty.

So when we talk about the curviest model, it’s not just about numbers. It’s the mix of confidence, breaking barriers, and inspiring a whole new generation to love their bodies, no matter what the tag says.

Direct Answer: Who Is the Curviest Model?

Hands down, the name that pops up most in conversations about the curviest model in the world is Ashley Graham. She’s the face that kicked down barriers and made sure curves aren’t just accepted—they’re celebrated. With over 20 million followers on Instagram and cover shoots for Vogue, Sports Illustrated, and Harper’s Bazaar, Ashley brings curvy bodies into the mainstream.

But let’s get even more specific. Ashley Graham’s measurements are often cited as 42-30-46 inches (bust-waist-hips), which is bigger than what used to be called “plus-size.” Still, she’s not the only one making waves. Models like Tess Holliday have taken it even further, openly labeling herself as a size 22 (and sometimes more), with measurements sometimes reported as 52-49-59. Tess is a top name on all the “curviest” lists, and was the first model of her size to land a contract with a major agency, MILK Model Management.

Here’s a side-by-side look at a few of the most famous curvy models and their reported measurements. This helps you see just how much variety there is in the category:

You can see why there’s debate. “Curviest” isn’t about a single number—it’s who breaks the most ground, stands out in the most memorable way, or just owns her curves with the most attitude. Right now, Tess Holliday might be the boldest example, with a size that the fashion world used to ignore and a social presence that can’t be missed. But if you’re looking at overall impact, Ashley Graham is the one who made the biggest crack in the glass ceiling.

When it comes down to it, being the curviest model isn’t even just about size—it’s about who brings those curves to the world stage and makes the fashion industry take notice. These women did exactly that.

What Does 'Curviest' Mean in Modeling?

Ask ten people what "curviest" means, and you’ll probably get ten totally different answers. In the modeling world though, it’s about more than just being plus-size or carrying a few extra pounds. We’re talking about models who go way beyond the standard sample size—think fuller hips, a prominent bust, and a shape that turns heads on runways and social media alike.

Agencies and brands usually call these models “curve models,” and there’s actually no strict definition. In the U.S., 'plus-size' often means anything above a size 12, but some models considered "curvy" are size 8 or 10, especially outside the States. The industry’s most famous curvy icons, like Ashley Graham and Tess Holliday, have very different body shapes but both break the old mold.

When people search for the curviest model, they’re often after that classic hourglass look—one where the waist is much smaller than the hips and bust. Some models like Hunter McGrady and Barbara Brickner made careers out of showing that bodies with real curves deserve just as much spotlight as any other.

But here’s something important: 'Curviest' isn’t always about measurements on paper. Social media celebrates models with all sorts of curves, so you’ll see a mix—some are super voluptuous, others have a softer or athletic shape. What matters is how they own their look and push for better representation in fashion, ads, and even mainstream TV.

If you ever feel lost in all the labels (curve, plus-size, full-figured), remember the modeling game is changing. More brands now hunt for models with a unique presence, not just a specific size. Real bodies that reflect real people are finally getting the attention they deserve.

Benefits of Curvy Models in the Industry

Let’s be real, curvy models aren’t just bringing fresh energy to fashion—they’re changing how we look at beauty and confidence. When brands feature body-diverse models, it’s not just a trend; it’s good for business and plays a huge role in how everyone feels about themselves.

Starting with numbers: after major fashion brands like Savage X Fenty and ASOS started booking more plus-size and curviest model talent, they saw a direct jump in customer engagement. Fashion Spot’s 2023 Diversity Report actually showed that 21% of models featured in ads were plus-size—that’s the highest since the reports began.

Seeing curvy models in big campaigns has some awesome side effects. First, it normalizes all body shapes. Young people who might’ve felt left out suddenly see themselves, and studies show it boosts self-esteem, especially for teens. Companies like Nike and Aerie noticed that including plus-size mannequins and models drove higher sales—people want to buy clothes they can picture themselves actually wearing.

• Curvy and plus-size models shake up old-school beauty standards—bye-bye, one-size-fits-all thinking.
• They create job opportunities for more types of models, not just those who fit runway norms.
• These models have huge followings on Instagram and TikTok, acting as role models and mental health advocates. Example: Ashley Graham’s TED Talk on body positivity went viral, and she now works with several youth empowerment programs.
• Brands using curvy models tend to attract loyal fans who appreciate authenticity and honest representation.

So, the next time you spot a big, bold campaign with a curve queen front and center, remember: it’s not just about selling clothes. It’s about real people seeing themselves and feeling good about it. That’s a win for everyone.

How to Celebrate Your Own Curves

Feeling good in your own skin isn’t about copying what anyone else does. It’s about finding what makes you feel confident and happy. Curvy models, especially some of the most talked-about names, like Ashley Graham and Tess Holliday, have been loud and proud about loving their bodies just the way they are. They show the world that self-acceptance isn’t up for debate—it’s something anyone can own, no matter their size or shape.

If you want to own your curves, start with stuff that you have full control over. One of the easiest steps? Wear clothes that actually fit and feel good. Too many people squeeze into outfits that don’t do them any favors, just because they’re labeled a certain size. Your best bet: ditch the numbers and pick what makes you move comfortably and look better. Try brands that cater to different shapes—Savage X Fenty, Good American, or Eloquii are known for putting real curves front and center and get real rave reviews from people just like you.

Next, follow social media feeds that show genuine variety. Seeing ultra-edited, filtered bodies every day messes with your head. But curvy icons and everyday creators have totally changed the vibe online, making body positivity real instead of just buzzwords. Did you know a 2023 survey from the Fashion Spot showed that mainstream campaigns now use over 43% more plus-size models compared to five years ago? Your feed isn’t just window shopping—it’s about normalizing all shapes, including your own.

Want to lift your mood and your self-image? Stop thinking you have to hide “problem” spots. Models with the curviest model title openly flaunt their thighs, bellies, and hips on the red carpet and in shoots. You can steal a bit of that confidence in everyday life. Take selfies! Stand tall. Go for bold prints or fitted jeans if that’s your thing. When you treat your body with respect, others pick up on that vibe too.

• Pick fashion that highlights your favorite features (don’t worry about so-called flaws).
• Curate your social media—follow accounts like @ashleygraham or @theashleygraham for real, unfiltered inspiration.
• Compliment yourself in the mirror. It sounds cheesy, but it works.
• Try a new activity, like dance or yoga, that makes you feel strong and connected to your body.

Celebrating your curves isn’t just about clothes—it’s how you talk to yourself and choose what to focus on. Start by making one small change. Body positivity builds over time, and every little step gets you closer to the kind of confidence the world’s hottest models show off so well.