The modeling industry has long faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards that idolize thin body types. However, in recent years, there has been a major push for more diversity and inclusion of different body types in fashion and media. Plus size models, who typically wear US dress sizes 14 and up, are becoming increasingly visible and helping to transform outdated beauty ideals. But who exactly is the largest plus size model working today? Let’s take a look at some of the top contenders.
Tess Holliday
One of the most famous plus size models today is Tess Holliday. Born Ryann Hoven in Mississippi in 1985, she later changed her name to Tess Munster before settling on Tess Holliday. At just 5 feet 5 inches tall, Holliday’s weight has fluctuated between 300-380 lbs in recent years, putting her in US sizes 22-24.
Holliday began modeling in 2011 when she responded to an open call for plus size models. Initially she faced rejection for being too short and too large, even for plus size agencies. But Holliday persevered and eventually landed a contract with the prestigious firm MiLk Model Management. She has appeared on the covers of magazines like People and Self and walked the runway for brands like Chromat and Christian Siriano.
In 2015, Holliday made history when she became one of the largest plus size models ever to be signed to a major modeling agency. That year, she landed a contract with UK-based Milk Model Management while wearing a size 22. A year later, she became the first woman of her size and height to be featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Holliday has become an outspoken advocate for body positivity and acceptance. In 2017, she launched the hashtag campaign #EffYourBeautyStandards urging women to reject oppressive beauty ideals. She also founded the lifestyle website Everybody is Beautiful to empower people of all shapes and sizes.
With her monumental achievements in the fashion industry and her unapologetic celebration of her body, Tess Holliday has undeniably broken major ground for plus size models.
Denise Bidot
Another highly successful plus size model is Denise Bidot, born in Miami, Florida in 1986. Bidot began modeling straight sizes as a teenager before transitioning to plus size modeling in her 20s. She has walked numerous high fashion runways at sizes ranging from 14 to 18.
In 2014, Bidot made headlines as the first plus size model to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week. That year she walked for Chromat, featuring swimsuits in a groundbreaking show celebrating plus size diversity. She went on to walk for brands like Prabal Gurung and Christian Siriano and appeared in campaigns for Target, Forever 21 and Old Navy.
Bidot reached another milestone in 2016 when she became the first plus size model to walk the runway for two straight size brands, Vivienne Westwood and Chromat. The next year, she graced the cover of Vogue Mexico. And in 2021, Bidot modeled in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty lingerie fashion show streamed on Amazon Prime.
Alongside her fashion modeling, Bidot has built a strong social media presence to advocate for body positivity. In 2014, she launched the viral hashtag campaign #WeAreSizeSexy urging women to love their bodies at any size. She also appeared in NUDE, a photography book celebrating plus size women.
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Bidot tends to be larger than the average plus size model with measurements of 42-36-46 inches. While her exact weight is unknown, it is estimated she wears around a size 18. With her groundbreaking runway work and activism, Bidot has massively expanded representations of beauty in fashion.
Candice Huffine
Candice Huffine is another highly influential plus size model who measures larger than a traditional size 14. Born in 1982 in Washington D.C., Huffine was scouted at a young age but struggled to find success as she was considered too big. She finally had a breakthrough in her mid-20s relocating to New York City.
In 2010, Huffine appeared in an editorial spread for V Magazine shot by fashion photographer Steven Meisel. This helped launch her career as she went on to model for major brands like Macy’s and Lane Bryant. Huffine reached new heights in 2017 when she appeared on the cover of the coveted Pirelli Calendar shot by Peter Lindbergh.
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, Huffine tends to wear between a size 16-18. Her measurements are listed as 43-37-48 inches placing her on the upper end of plus size models. She has walked the runway for Prabal Gurung, Christian Siriano, and Chromat. And she has appeared in campaigns for Dia&Co, Lane Bryant and Torrid.
Beyond modeling, Huffine co-founded the wellness site Day/Won focusing on mental health and self-care. She also speaks out frequently against the fashion industry’s past exclusion of larger models. With her imposing height and measurements, Huffine expands definitions of beauty as one of the top full-figured models.
Rosie Mercado
Rosie Mercado has the distinction of likely being the largest plus size model working today. Born in Los Angeles, California in 1980, Mercado wears a size 22-24 and stands 5 feet 5 inches tall. While her exact weight is not public, it is estimated to be around 350-370 lbs.
Mercado began modeling in her late 20s and has appeared in editorials for Vogue Italia, Cosmopolitan for Latinas and NuYou Magazine. She walked the runway for Chromat’s diverse Spring 2016 show. And she has also modeled for brands like Domino Dollhouse andPopfit Clothing.
Beyond modeling, Mercado is a celebrity trainer and lifestyle coach. She gained fame as a participant on the Spanish language weight loss show La Granja VIP. Mercado also hosts the podcast Love, Light, and Lane Bryant focused on empowerment and body positivity.
With her striking curves, Mercado is proud to represent Latina plus size women in an industry that has severely lacked diversity. She summed up her groundbreaking approach stating: “I’m here to break barriers and make plus-size sexy.” By pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion standards, Mercado paves the way for more inclusion.
Comparison
Measurements
| Model | Height | Bust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tess Holliday | 5’5″ | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Denise Bidot | 5’9″ | 42″ | 36″ | 46″ |
| Candice Huffine | 5’11” | 43″ | 37″ | 48″ |
| Rosie Mercado | 5’5″ | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
Modeling Achievements
| Model | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|
| Tess Holliday |
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| Denise Bidot |
|
| Candice Huffine |
|
| Rosie Mercado |
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Conclusion
Based on the comparison, the plus size model who wears the largest size today appears to be Rosie Mercado. While her exact weight and measurements are not public, it is estimated she wears a size 22-24 and weighs around 350-370 lbs. This likely makes Mercado one of the biggest plus size models actively working in fashion and media.
Mercado’s striking curves allow her to represent Latina women and push industry boundaries. However, other models profiled like Tess Holliday, Denise Bidot and Candice Huffine have also achieved monumental accomplishments. They have graced major magazine covers, walked high fashion runways, and starred in groundbreaking campaigns as sizes 16-24.
The increasing prominence of these models demonstrates positive change in an industry that once shunned larger bodies. Their representation is helping transform rigid size standards and show that true beauty comes in many shapes and sizes. While no definitive largest model exists, these women prove that plus size figures can captivate audiences and rock fashion runways. Their success will hopefully pave the way for even more size diversity and inclusivity going forward.