Victoria's Secret Model Weights: An Industry Overview
For years, Victoria's Secret was synonymous with a very specific, idealized body type. The brand's "Angels" and runway models were celebrated for their tall, slender, and conventionally attractive physiques. However, determining a single average weight for this group is complex due to several factors, including fluctuating industry standards, individual height differences, and a shift towards greater body diversity in recent years. Historical data and recent changes reveal a significant evolution in what is considered the benchmark for a Victoria's Secret model.
The Historical Benchmark
Prior to the mid-2010s, Victoria's Secret models typically adhered to very strict and narrow measurement standards. Reports from this era often cited average weights in the 112 to 125-pound range, with heights between 5'8" and 6'0". For many women, maintaining this weight would place them in the underweight category, as defined by medical standards based on Body Mass Index (BMI). For example, a 5'10" model weighing 120 pounds would have a BMI of approximately 17.2, below the 18.5 threshold for a healthy weight. This adherence to a very thin ideal led to significant controversy and contributed to concerns about unhealthy body image standards.
The Move Toward Inclusivity
In recent years, the fashion and lingerie industries have faced increasing public pressure to embrace a wider range of body types. Victoria's Secret, in particular, came under fire for its lack of body diversity, culminating in the cancellation of its traditional fashion show format in 2019. Following this, the company began to pivot its marketing and brand image, introducing new initiatives and models that reflect a more inclusive beauty standard. This has resulted in a broader spectrum of body measurements among its roster of models, although concrete average weight figures are less publicized than in the past.
Individual Model Weights and Health
While average weights offer a general insight, individual model figures provide a clearer picture of the industry's historical and evolving standards. Famous model Winnie Harlow, for instance, mentioned her weight during her 2018 appearance in the Victoria's Secret fashion show was 118 pounds, highlighting the very slender requirements of the time. Models like Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio have also been reported with weights in the 115-120 pound range, consistent with the historical benchmark. However, these numbers must be viewed with the context that models are professionals with rigorous fitness and diet routines, and their weights do not represent a healthy or attainable standard for the average person.
The Role of Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a commonly used screening tool to categorize an individual's weight relative to their height. While it has limitations, especially for athletes with high muscle mass, it provides a benchmark for general health. A study comparing the body composition of fashion models found that their average BMI was significantly lower than non-models, often falling below the underweight threshold. For example, the study reported a model group with a mean BMI of 18.1, whereas the control group had a mean of 22.1. This stark difference emphasizes the severe and often medically concerning thinness demanded by the industry historically.
Comparing Historical vs. Modern VS Model Metrics
To understand the shift, a comparison of historical versus modern Victoria's Secret model metrics is insightful. The following table illustrates the general trends observed over the years, though it's important to note that modern data is more diverse and less rigid.
| Metric | Historical (Pre-2019) | Modern (Post-2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5'8" to 6'0" | 5'7" to 6'0"+ |
| Dress Size | 0-4 (Often 0-2) | 2-14+ (Including plus sizes) |
| Weight | ~115-125 lbs | Broader range, less emphasis on a specific number |
| Body Type | Very slender, narrow hips | More diverse, including different body shapes |
| BMI | Often in underweight category (<18.5) | Wider range, including healthy and larger BMI |
The Impact of Shifting Standards
This evolution is not merely cosmetic. It reflects a broader cultural conversation about unrealistic beauty standards and their negative impact on mental and physical health. The push for greater body inclusivity by Victoria's Secret, and the wider fashion industry, responds to consumer demand for authenticity and representation. The focus has shifted from adhering to a single, hyper-thin ideal to celebrating a broader definition of beauty. This change is beneficial for models, promoting healthier practices, and for consumers, fostering a more positive body image.
Conclusion
While a single definitive figure for the average weight of a Victoria's Secret model is misleading due to height variations and industry shifts, historical estimates clustered around 115-125 pounds, a range that often fell into the underweight category for their height. However, the modern industry is moving towards more inclusive standards, making any single average figure obsolete. The brand's move away from the hyper-thin ideal towards a celebration of body diversity represents a positive step, acknowledging the need for more realistic and healthy body representations in the media. This change reflects a more responsible and representative approach to beauty, moving beyond the strict and often unhealthy confines of the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the general height requirements for a Victoria's Secret model?
The minimum height for a Victoria's Secret model is typically cited as 5 feet, 8 inches, with most models being between 5'9" and 6'0".
Did Victoria's Secret models become thinner over time?
Yes, a study tracking models from 1995 to 2018 found a significant decrease in average bust, waist, and hip measurements, and a drop in average dress size, indicating models became thinner over this period.
What did a Victoria's Secret Angel typically weigh in the past?
Historically, an average Victoria's Secret Angel, typically standing 5'9" or taller, weighed approximately 115-125 pounds, though this could fluctuate based on individual body composition and height.
How does a model's weight compare to a healthy BMI?
Historically, many runway and lingerie models, including those for Victoria's Secret, maintained a weight that placed them in the underweight category based on the standard Body Mass Index (BMI) scale.
Has Victoria's Secret changed its modeling standards recently?
Yes, since the late 2010s, Victoria's Secret has made a public effort to pivot towards more inclusive standards, featuring a broader range of body types, sizes, and ethnicities in its campaigns.
Why is the average weight of a model controversial?
The average weight of models is controversial because it often falls below a medically healthy BMI, promoting an unattainable and potentially harmful body standard that can negatively impact mental health and body image among consumers.
Can you be a plus-size model for Victoria's Secret now?
In a significant shift, Victoria's Secret has introduced plus-size models in its more recent collections and marketing, including its first 'Plus-size Angel' collection in 2024, signaling a move towards greater inclusivity.
