Models have long and illustrious careers, but at some point they decide to step back from the limelight and retire. There is no set retirement age for models, but most choose to retire sometime in their 30s or 40s once newer talent enters the industry. The decision on when to retire depends on many factors unique to each model.
The modeling industry favors youth
The modeling world has always placed a premium on youth and a fresh face. Most models start their careers in their mid-teens to early 20s when their looks are at their peak. As models get older, it becomes harder for them to find work as advertisers and fashion designers prefer to hire younger models. The emphasis on youthful appearance puts pressure on models to retire earlier than professions that do not depend on looks.
Supermodels may have more staying power than the average model, but even the biggest names eventually fade, get replaced by the next wave of it-girls, and have a hard time booking the same volume of work. By the time models reach their 30s, they have to contend with up-and-coming models who are not only younger but also cheaper for clients. It becomes an economic decision for many to retire and pursue other interests.
Burnout from the modeling lifestyle
The life of a model is non-stop travel, irregular hours, living out of suitcases, and intense pressure to look physically perfect. The job requires models to be almost constantly on the go instead of settling in one place. All this takes a toll both physically and mentally after years in the industry. Many models choose to retire just because they are burnt out and want a more stable lifestyle.
Eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and mental health issues are also common in the modeling world due to the tremendous pressures placed on appearance and weight. The constant travel, chaos of shoots running late, and being treated like a clothes hanger also causes mental exhaustion. Even the most successful models eventually tire of the modeling life and opt for the quiet life out of the public eye.
Starting a family
Having children and raising a family is simply not conducive to the hectic schedule of a working model. Models retire earlier than other professions so they can settle down and have children. Pregnancy also changes the body in ways that make it difficult for models to snap back to their pre-baby shape that clients expect. Most female models retire in their early 30s when their biological clock for having kids starts ticking. Traveling and doing photoshoots shortly after giving birth is impossible for new mothers. Models often retire as they are starting families so they can focus on parenthood rather than maintain their career.
Pursuing other career interests
Many models view their modeling career as a stepping stone to other endeavors they want to pursue. The fame and exposure modeling provides helps open doors in other creative industries. Quite a few models retire early because they want to transition into acting, fashion design, TV hosting, or other interests while their fame can help ease the transition. Designing fashion lines, in particular, is a popular choice for retired models.
Models who have achieved a high level of success also retire from full-time modeling so they can be selective about taking only occasional modeling jobs. Semi-retirement provides more time to be hands-on with other business ventures and the flexibility to model only on their own terms for specific brands they want to work with.
Changes in the fashion industry
The fashion world is always evolving in terms of style, trends, and what is considered beautiful. Standards of beauty have expanded in recent years to be more inclusive of different ages, body types, skin tones, and levels of conventional attractiveness. Advertisers are under more pressure to show diversity in their models. The evolution of the fashion industry has opened up more opportunities for older models to find work. Models are retiring later as changing attitudes provide more options to work later into their 30s and 40s.
tabel how old models should retire based on different factors
| Type of Modelling | Recommended Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| Runway Modelling | Mid 20s to early 30s |
| Editorial / High Fashion Print Modelling | Late 20s to mid 30s |
| Commercial Print / Catalogue Modelling | Late 30s to early 40s |
| Plus-Size Modelling | Late 30s to mid 40s |
| Mature / Senior Modelling | 50s to 60s |
The recommended retirement age varies based on the specific demands of each genre of modeling. Runway modeling has the shortest shelf life as designers look for the youngest, tall, skinny models. Commercial modeling is more flexible for models as they age.
How finances affect retirement timing
A model’s financial security plays a big role in determining when she can afford to retire. Despite their glamorous image, not all models achieve the same level of financial success. While some command daily rates of $10,000 or more at their peak, others may earn just a few hundred dollars per gig throughout their career. Models have to weigh their savings and post-retirement lifestyle goals when deciding their retirement timeline.
The average model retirement age is higher today compared to past generations because clients hire older models more often. Models remain in-demand for longer, allowing them to work longer for financial reasons. Advancements in skincare, cosmetic procedures, exercise regimens also help models maintain their looks. Models who have been wise investors or saved their money can afford an earlier retirement.
Earnings decline over time
Income uncertainty is a reality in modeling. Booking frequency and rates models can charge clients tend to decrease over time as newer faces enter the industry. Older models may have highly profitable peak years in their 20s followed by declining earnings in their 30s. The earning potential drying up is why most cannot coast too long on their laurels before hanging up their heels.
Nest egg goals
Models have the same financial considerations as everyone else when planning for retirement. Many models aim to retire early so they can enjoy life outside of work. But to retire early, they need to accumulate enough savings to last several decades. Models who have not saved or invested substantially may need to work past 40 to grow their retirement funds to adequate levels.
Desired lifestyle
Lavish spending habits are common in the modeling world. Living the high life today can leave insufficient savings for tomorrow. Models who wish to maintain affluent lifestyles in retirement need to work longer to increase their nest egg. A more modest post-modeling lifestyle requires less savings, enabling earlier retirement.
Health impacts on retirement age
A model’s health and physical appearance are their most important assets. Lingering injuries, chronic health issues, and natural aging taking its toll require models to retire if their body can no longer meet the demands of the job at an optimal level. Models need to be in top physical condition to withstand long hours, extensive travel, and the pressure of continuously looking flawless in front of the camera.
Eating disorders
Pressures to be very thin cause alarmingly high rates of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia in the modeling world. The health complications that arise over time make it difficult for models to maintain the weight and appearance standards expected of them. Models often retire earlier due to the cumulative toll of long-term eating disorders.
Effects of cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery procedures like face-lifts, nose jobs, lip injections, breast implants, tummy tucks, and liposuction are extremely common among models attempting to conform to beauty ideals. While initially such procedures may make models more marketable, the effects do not always last. Multiple cosmetic surgeries take a toll that eventually ages rather than rejuvenates models. Scarring, poor outcomes, and unnatural results ultimately shorten careers.
Injuries
Models are prone to overuse injuries and impact injuries like ankle sprains from constantly wearing heels. Knee injuries, back problems, and foot problems are frequent career-ending ailments. Since models have to be in flawless physical condition, severe injuries often signal retirement. A model lifespan depends heavily on avoiding injuries or recovering quickly from them.
Model retirement by genre
Each category in the modeling industry has unique characteristics that influence career length and common retirement ages.
Fashion models
Models walking the runway at Fashion Week and appearing in high fashion magazines typically retire in their mid to late 20s. Their career is short since designers want the youngest faces. The exceptions are supermodels who retain their star power for many years.
Commercial / Catalog models
These models promote everyday products and appear in catalogs and ad campaigns for retail brands. They generally retire in their late 30s to early 40s as their look ages. Some transition to solely e-commerce modeling.
Swimsuit / lingerie models
Bikini and lingerie brands prefer models in their 20s who can flawlessly show off the apparel designed for young bodies. Models retire from this genre by their early 30s but may continue other types of modeling.
Fitness models
Models promoting activewear and sports nutrition brands rely on being exceptionally fit, toned, and muscular. The dedication to intense diet and training regimens fades over time, causing a retirement around late 30s.
Plus-size models
The average retirement age is higher for plus-size models, in the 40s, as they can more easily maintain their natural body type with age. Plus-size modeling offers longer careers.
Mature models
A small niche of models find success targeting the 50+ demographic. Their career lasts into their 60s but peters out as they come to be seen as too old.
Why some models work longer
While late 30s to early 40s is the average retirement age for most models, some leverage their personal brand to enjoy lengthy careers:
- Iconic supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Christie Brinkley remain in-demand well past 40 due to their superstar status.
- Models who transition into other entertainment fields like acting maintain visibility and modeling jobs.
- Models focused on commercial modeling have more longevity than high-fashion models.
- Models with a niche celebrity status remain marketable to brands targeting mature consumers.
- Some plus-size models and mature models find work into their 50s and 60s in their specialty.
- Instagram and social media create new opportunities for veteran models.
Models with strong personal brands and multimedia success can defy the conventional wisdom and enjoy long careers.
Why some models retire early
On the flip side, many models retire earlier than the typical late 30s/early 40s timeline. Reasons for early retirement include:
- Burnout and mental exhaustion from the hectic modeling lifestyle.
- Eating disorders making it impossible to maintain low body weight.
- Slowing metabolism after the mid-20s making it hard to stay thin.
- Injuries from demanding physical requirements of modeling.
- Desire to settle down and start a family.
- Pregnancy and postpartum physical changes.
- Substance abuse issues derailing careers.
- Harassment and mistreatment leading models to seek different career.
- Pressure from competition with younger models.
- Limited financial success in modeling leading to career change.
The glitzy perception of modeling does not always match the harsh realities that cause models to leave the industry prematurely.
Second careers after modeling
Models have leveraged their fame and exposure to successfully transition into various other occupations after retiring. Some popular second careers include:
- Television host or reality TV star
- Actress
- Entrepreneur starting own fashion, beauty or lifestyle company
- Fashion designer
- Photographer
- Personal trainer or fitness instructor
- Blogger, YouTuber, or social media influencer
- Celebrity brand ambassador
- Philanthropist or activist
Other retired models leave the spotlight entirely and pursue careers in real estate, interior design, wellness, education, counseling, business, or wherever their personal interests take them.
Conclusion
There is no set age when models must retire. Most retire sometime in their late 30s to 40s as age makes it harder to compete with fresh talent. Icons like Naomi Campbell prove models can achieve decades of success. The average model career lasts just 5-10 years, however. Difficulty booking jobs, financial security, starting a family, and health considerations cause models to eventually hang up their stilettos. But the drive and determination models develop serves them well in transitioning to new endeavors beyond the camera lens.