While they may not be as household names as women in the industry, male models such as Tyson Beckford, David Gandy, Marcus Schenckenberg, Gabriel Aubry, and Sean O'Pree have made a name for themselves in the modeling world. However, there are many other types of models whose names you may not know who are earning lucrative income by working as commercial, fitness, and parts models.

Male models work with commercial customers, manufacturers, suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, airlines, automobile manufacturers, fitness companies, and more. Your chances of becoming the next big supermodel are slim, but you can fit into any of these categories of male models.

Fashion (Editorial) Model

Male fashion models, or people in the modeling business referred to as "editorial models", are the high fashion models you see in fashion magazines such as Men's Vogue, GQ, Detail, and Numero. These models dress well and work for top fashion designers like Giorgio Armani, Prada, Calvin Klein, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Burberry, and others.

These models try to brand themselves - making sure they become a household name. So there are certain requirements to become an editorial model.

Male editorial models are typically 72 to 75 inches tall, wear 40 to 42 jackets, and have a 32-inch waist. The Asian market will be represented by male models of 70 inches and above.

There are always exceptions to these requirements and agencies like to look at the "full package", so don't give up if you're a little off the required stats.

In fact, management, the top editorial agency in Milan, Italy, represents 67-inch male model Aaron Frau, who has booked several high fashion jobs and worked for Calvin Klein.

To become an editorial model, it's important to get some of your best photos – both in and out of makeup. And you have to find an agency that will represent you.

Commercial Model

Commercial models can be of any age, size, and height. Commercial models do everything that is not normally related to high-fashion such as product advertisements for home appliances, food products, the travel industry, technical equipment, etc. Before starting his acting career, Tatum Channing worked with J.J. Crew Catalog.

Unlike the editorial model, the commercial model does not necessarily focus on becoming a worldwide name. Professional modeling aims to work for many clients through print ads, magazines, billboards, and television commercials.

To start your career in commercial modeling, you'll need some Polaroid or digital photos with little or no makeup, and you'll need an agency to represent you. Although most clients still prefer tall men, the requirements are not as strict as on the editorial side. Most men in commercial modeling are about 70 inches tall.

Runway/Catwalk Model

Male runway/catwalk models have done any type of editorial or commercial work. They are at least 72 to 75 inches tall, wear 40 to 42 jackets and have a 32-inch waist.

Runway models must have precise measurements so that they are able to fit the clothing that the designers will show their clients.

Designers hire models to fit the clothes they create for their collections, they don't make clothes for models - until you've reached supermodel fame.

To be a successful runway model, you need to have a good runway – one that can be tailored to suit the type of client and runway show.

It also requires a lot of tenacity, as models can go to several castings in a day without paying for bookings.

Fitness Model

Male fitness models are models that represent two different body types—those who are very lean, fit, and toned, and those who are very athletic and well built. Many fitness models start out as athletes or trainers and then venture into fitness modeling.

In addition to working for fitness companies, fitness and exercise magazines, supplement manufacturers, and athletic wear companies, fitness models are often business models.

They may seek representation regardless of the type of physical fitness model they represent themselves or with specialized agencies that cater to sports modeling.

Underwear/Swimsuit Models

Men's underwear and swimsuit models, like fitness models, should be very athletic, fit, and toned.

Many male underwears and swimsuit models started out as athletes, fitness trainers, or bodybuilders.

They can also be slightly larger than male editorial models as they are not usually required to fit in a standard size 40 jacket. Another thing to keep in mind is that your face may not be part of a marketing campaign.

The best way to get attention is to submit your photos to different agencies. And because this type of modeling is for men with very specific types and physiques, your competition will be tough - you have to persevere.

Fit Model

Not to be confused with fitness models, fit models are models who work behind the scenes in fashion houses with apparel manufacturers to ensure that clothing stays in shape and fit throughout the manufacturing process.

Apparel manufacturers require a variety of sizes and fitted models to properly fit their clothing before it is shipped to the consumer.

You may not have the height of a print model or runway model, but a career as a fit model may be right for you if you can keep your measurements consistent.

Parts Model

Parts models specialize in modeling specific body parts such as arms, legs, feet, and eyes.

A hand model can book jobs for jewelry, watches, health and beauty products, and anywhere a client needs a perfect hand.

A foot model can book jobs with shoe companies, health and beauty products, and anywhere a customer needs perfect feet in print or film.

Clients look for well-proportioned body parts and ones that can fit the size of sample shoes, gloves, and jewelry.

Promotional Model

Male promotional models are not as common as female promotional models, but this type of male model may be required.

Promotional models often book jobs promoting products or services at trade shows, conventions, and live events.

Promotional models should be very outgoing, friendly, and have a good understanding of the customer's product. They may need to talk about it or answer questions from potential buyers.

Plus-Size Models

Traditionally, plus-size or full-figure models have been women while men are underrepresented in this category.

But as more body types are being recognized and displayed in print, television, and on the runway, men with larger bodies are finding more work in the industry.

These men are generally heavier than the average model, with chests larger than 42 inches. Height requirements may also vary by client and agency.

Mature Model

As baby boomers enter their later years, the market for mature models has grown significantly.

Mature models are usually 30 years old or older and work well into the 80s.

Mature models are actually considered business models and are used for everything that business models are used for.

Child Model

The age limit for child models is generally 12 years and below. Child models can be of any size and height.

Agents representing child models want children with personalities who work well with strangers and feel comfortable on set.

Bookings for child models are usually more commercial in nature such as print jobs in catalogs, flyers, and magazine advertisements. However, there are many top designers with children's clothing chains such as Calvin Klein, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Guess.

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