In an industry often dominated by restrictive beauty standards, a powerful movement has emerged that celebrates diversity and challenges traditional norms.
A significant shift in fashion has been brought about by overweight swimsuit models, who are redefining beauty standards around the world and breaking barriers.
This article highlights the top 15 overweight swimsuit models who have indelibly impacted the industry.
Among these remarkable women, Ashley Graham has graced major publications, and Robyn Lawley has become an influential advocate for body positivity. Their confidence, talent, and undeniable beauty have shattered stereotypes, encouraging millions to embrace their bodies and celebrate diversity.
Join us as we delve into the world of these extraordinary models, admire their stunning portfolios, and acknowledge their invaluable contributions to refining beauty standards for the better.
Table of Contents
1) Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is a well-known figure in the fashion industry, making waves as a prominent overweight swimsuit model. With her undeniable beauty and confident presence, she has become an influential figure in promoting body positivity and inclusivity.
Ashley’s career took off when she appeared on Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue cover in 2016, becoming the first plus-size model to achieve this feat. Since then, she has graced numerous magazine covers, walked the runway for major fashion brands, and launched her inclusive swimwear line.
Ashley’s Instagram handle is @ashleygraham, where she has amassed a massive following of over 12 million fans.
On her Instagram, she shares glimpses into her personal life, behind-the-scenes moments from her modeling career, and uplifting messages about body acceptance and self-love. Her feed is a testament to her advocacy for inclusivity and her journey as a successful mid-size model.
2) Tess Holliday
Tess Holliday is a renowned American plus-size model who has been a prominent figure in the fashion industry. With her striking beauty, confidence, and size 22 figure, she has challenged conventional beauty standards and opened doors for overweight swimsuit models.
Tess has appeared in numerous campaigns, editorials, and runway shows, breaking barriers and promoting body positivity.
Her Instagram handle, @tessholliday, boasts a strong following of over 2 million people. Tess shares her stunning modeling shots, personal moments, empowering messages, and insights into her journey as a body-positive advocate on her feed.
She uses her platform to inspire others to embrace their bodies, challenge societal norms, and celebrate self-love.
3) Hunter McGrady
Hunter McGrady is a prominent American plus-size model who has significantly contributed to the fashion industry as an advocate for body positivity. Her stunning curves and confidence have challenged traditional beauty standards and inspired countless individuals worldwide.
Hunter has graced the pages of major publications and has worked with renowned brands, breaking barriers for overweight swimsuit models.
On Instagram, Hunter can be found at the handle @huntermcgrady, where she shares her modeling work, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal moments.
With over 700,000 followers, she uses her platform to spread body acceptance, self-love, and the importance of inclusivity in the fashion world. Hunter’s engaging posts and empowering captions make her a beacon of inspiration for individuals of all sizes.
4) Philomena Kwao
Philomena Kwao is a trailblazing British plus-size model who has been instrumental in promoting body diversity in the fashion industry. Her striking beauty and powerful presence have challenged societal norms and shattered stereotypes about body size and beauty standards.
Philomena has graced many renowned publications as an overweight swimsuit model, working with influential brands and inspiring others to embrace themselves.
On Instagram, Philomena can be found at the handle @philomenakwao, where she shares her modeling ventures, advocacy work, and personal experiences. With a growing following of over 250,000, she uses her platform to uplift and empower individuals by promoting body acceptance, self-love, and inclusivity.
5) Precious Lee
Precious Lee is a groundbreaking American plus-size model with significant strides in the fashion industry. Her stunning looks, confidence, and fierce attitude have redefined beauty standards and championed body positivity.
Precious has been promoting inclusivity and diversity in the modeling world, particularly as an overweight swimsuit model.
Her career has soared to new heights, appearing in major campaigns, runway shows, and fashion editorials for renowned brands. She has graced the pages of leading magazines and worked with prominent designers, breaking barriers and paving the way for other plus-size models.
Precious Lee shares her modeling adventures, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and empowering messages on Instagram. Her handle, @preciousleexoxo, boasts a dedicated following of over 220,000. By documenting her journey and using her platform to amplify important conversations about body positivity, Precious continues to inspire and uplift individuals worldwide.
6) Nadia Aboulhosn
Nadia Aboulhosn is a trailblazing Lebanese-American model who has gained recognition for her work as an overweight swimsuit model and body positivity advocate. Her stunning looks, fierce attitude, and unapologetic confidence have shattered traditional beauty standards and inspired millions worldwide.
Numerous achievements, including collaborations with major fashion brands, appearances in high-profile campaigns, and features in leading magazines, have marked Nadia’s career.
She has used her platform to promote body diversity and encourage self-love, empowering individuals of all sizes to embrace their unique beauty.
Nadia shares her fashion-forward outfits, behind-the-scenes moments, and empowering messages on Instagram. Her handle, @nadiaaboulhosn, has amassed a dedicated following of over 1.2 million. Through her authentic storytelling and transparent discussions about body image, Nadia continues to inspire and uplift her audience.
7) Marquita Pring
Marquita Pring is a trailblazing plus-size model significantly impacting the fashion industry. Her stunning beauty, confidence, and fierce presence have challenged traditional beauty standards and paved the way for more inclusivity and diversity.
Marquita has worked with renowned fashion brands throughout her career, graced the covers of esteemed magazines, and walked the runways of major fashion shows. Her influence extends beyond the fashion industry as she advocates for body positivity and self-acceptance.
On Instagram, Marquita shares her modeling work, fashion-forward outfits, and empowering messages. Her handle, @marquitapring, has a substantial following, with over 135,000 followers.
She inspires and uplifts individuals of all sizes through her platform, encouraging them to embrace their bodies and celebrate their unique beauty.
8) Tabria Majors
Tabria Majors is a prominent figure in the world of plus-size modeling. Her career journey has been marked by breaking barriers and redefining beauty standards. With her stunning looks, confidence, and body positivity, Tabria has challenged the industry’s norms and inspired countless individuals.
As an outspoken advocate for body inclusivity, Tabria has worked with renowned brands and appeared in numerous campaigns and editorials. Her impact extends beyond the runway, as she actively uses her platform to promote self-acceptance and body positivity.
Tabria shares her modeling work, fitness journey, and empowering messages on Instagram. Her handle, @tabriamajors, has garnered a significant following, with over 1.6 million followers.
Through her captivating photos and honest captions, she continues to inspire individuals to love themselves and embrace their bodies.
9) Denise Bidot
Denise Bidot is a trailblazing model who has significantly impacted the industry as an overweight swimsuit model. Her confidence, natural beauty, and body positivity have shattered traditional beauty standards and inspired women worldwide.
Throughout her career, Denise has worked with renowned brands, graced the pages of major fashion magazines, and walked the runways of top fashion shows. Her influence extends beyond the modeling world, as she actively advocates for body diversity and self-love.
On Instagram, Denise shares her modeling work, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and empowering messages with her followers. Her handle, @denisebidot, has a strong following, with over 800k followers. Her posts encourage individuals to embrace their unique beauty and celebrate diversity in the fashion industry.
10) Iskra Lawrence
Iskra Lawrence is a prominent fashion industry figure known for her role as an overweight swimsuit model and body positivity advocate. With her stunning curves and empowering message, she has challenged beauty standards and inspired millions of people worldwide.
Throughout her career, Iskra has worked with major brands, graced the covers of numerous magazines, and walked the runways of top fashion shows. She has become a voice for body acceptance and self-love, spreading her message through social media and public speaking engagements.
On Instagram, Iskra shares candid photos, motivational messages, and insightful videos celebrating body diversity and promoting a healthy body image. Her handle, @iskra, has a massive following of over 5 million people inspired by her authenticity and positive outlook.
11) Robyn Lawley
Robyn Lawley is a trailblazing figure in the fashion industry, recognized as one of the leading overweight swimsuit models. Her stunning beauty, confidence, and natural curves have challenged traditional beauty standards and significantly impacted the industry.
Throughout her career, Robyn has graced the covers of prestigious magazines, walked the runways for top designers, and collaborated with renowned brands. She has used her platform to advocate for body positivity, diversity, and inclusivity in fashion.
On Instagram, Robyn shares empowering messages, behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work and her personal life. Her handle, @robynlawley, has a large following of over 230k people inspired by her fearless attitude and commitment to promoting body acceptance.
12) Fluvia Lacerda
Fluvia Lacerda is a Brazilian model known for her groundbreaking work as an overweight swimsuit model. With her stunning beauty, confidence, and curvy figure, she has challenged the traditional beauty standards in the fashion industry. Fluvia has been featured in numerous high-profile campaigns and editorials, breaking down barriers and paving the way for greater inclusivity.
Her career took off when she became the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Playboy Brazil in 2017, capturing global attention.
Since then, she has graced the pages of Vogue Italia, Glamour, and Elle, among other renowned publications. Fluvia has also worked with prominent brands like H&M, Lane Bryant, and Macy’s.
Fluvia Lacerda’s Instagram handle is @fluvialacerda, where she shares her journey as a model, body positivity advocate, and proud mother. Her Instagram feed celebrates her beauty, fashion, and empowering messages that inspire others to embrace their bodies and love themselves unconditionally.
13) Barbie Ferreira
Barbie Ferreira is a Brazilian-American model and actress who has significantly impacted the fashion industry as an overweight swimsuit model. Known for her unapologetic attitude and body-positive advocacy, Barbie has become a powerful voice for diversity and inclusivity.
Her career took off when she starred in a groundbreaking campaign for the lingerie brand Aerie, which featured unretouched photos of her in a bikini. This campaign garnered widespread attention and praise, catapulting Barbie into the spotlight.
She has since appeared in numerous fashion editorials and runway shows, challenging the industry’s narrow beauty standards.
Barbie Ferreira’s Instagram handle is @barbieferreira, where she shares her modeling work, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and empowering messages. Her Instagram feed is a platform for body positivity, self-love, and inclusivity. Barbie uses her influence to inspire others to embrace their bodies and redefine beauty standards.
14) Liris Crosse
Liris Crosse is an American model and actress who has made a significant impact as an overweight swimsuit model. With her stunning beauty, confidence, and fierce attitude, Liris has shattered beauty standards in the fashion industry.
Throughout her career, Liris has graced the covers of numerous magazines and walked the runways of prestigious fashion shows. She has collaborated with renowned brands, showcasing their swimwear collections gracefully and poised. Liris is known for her ability to exude confidence and embrace her curves, inspiring others to do the same.
Liris Crosse’s Instagram handle is @lirisc, where she shares her modeling work, fashion inspiration, and empowering messages. Her Instagram feed is a celebration of body positivity and self-love. Liris uses her platform to uplift and empower individuals of all sizes, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the industry.
15) Jennie Runk
Jennie Runk is an American model who has made significant strides in the fashion industry as an overweight swimsuit model. With her striking features and confident presence, Jennie has challenged beauty norms and paved the way for greater diversity and inclusivity.
Throughout her career, Jennie has graced prominent fashion magazines’ pages and worked with renowned brands, showcasing their swimwear collections. Her powerful and captivating images have helped redefine beauty standards and promote body positivity.
Jennie Runk’s Instagram handle is @jennierunk, where she shares glimpses of her modeling work, behind-the-scenes moments, and messages of self-acceptance. Her Instagram feed is a source of inspiration for individuals looking to embrace their bodies and celebrate their unique beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do overweight swimsuit models promote body positivity?
Overweight swimsuit models promote body positivity by challenging traditional beauty standards, embracing their bodies, and advocating for inclusivity and self-acceptance.
Can overweight swimsuit models be successful in the fashion industry?
Yes, overweight swimsuit models can be successful in the fashion industry. They have broken barriers and gained recognition for their talent, beauty, and ability to inspire others.
Are there plus-size swimwear options available for all body types?
Yes, a variety of plus-size swimwear options are available for all body types. Many brands now offer inclusive sizing and designs that cater to different body shapes and styles.
How can I become an overweight swimsuit model?
To become an overweight swimsuit model, aspiring individuals can start by building their portfolio, networking with industry professionals, and seeking opportunities through modeling agencies that promote body diversity.
What impact do overweight swimsuit models have on the fashion industry?
Overweight swimsuit models have significantly impacted the fashion industry by challenging beauty standards, and promoting body positivity. They are also encouraging greater inclusivity in the representation of diverse bodies.
Wrapping Up!
The rise of overweight swimsuit models has sparked a transformative movement in the fashion industry. These extraordinary women have shattered beauty standards, challenged societal norms, and paved the way for greater inclusivity.
From Ashley Graham to Robyn Lawley, each model on this list has been profoundly impacted by embracing their bodies and inspiring others to do the same. Their unwavering confidence, beauty, and advocacy for body positivity have reshaped the perception of beauty in the swimsuit modeling industry.
As we celebrate the top 15 overweight swimsuit models, let us continue to champion body diversity and redefine beauty on our terms. Together, we can create a world where everybody is celebrated and valued.