Wondering what are the best items to have in your model bag while traveling from job to job? Below are 15 important items for you to have in your model bag that most plus size models carry on them at all times!!
After modeling for over 12+ years, if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s having one go-to bag reserved as your “model bag” is SUPER important! (and something you’ll probably hear me refer to on the blog here and there)
Whether it’s a casting, audition, on set, or at a meeting with your agency there’s some essential items you end up usually needing. And if you don’t need them, it’s always good to be overly prepared!
In fact, it’s one of the top comments I get back from clients – they LOVED how prepared I was!! So if you want to start your plus size modeling career off with a bang, get your model bag ready!
This post is all about the best items to have in your model bag.
15 Things to Have in Your Model Bag for Aspiring Plus Size Models
1. Hair Ties
Hair ties are super important especially if you are doing fit modeling or during auditions. Clients want you hair out of the way so they can focus on the fit of the garment.
I love these satin hair ties from Kitsch! If you’re anything like me and have really thick hair, these scrunchies are perfect because they don’t break like traditional hair ties.
PLUS the satin is better for your hair! The satin provides less hair breakage, reduces hair loss, and less stress on the hair. HIGHLY recommend!!
2. Hair Brush
Hair brushes are great to have on hand to present well and be well groomed. You can also take your hair ties and wrap them on the handle so you can save more room in your bag!
I like this brush because it’s travel size so it doesn’t take up too much room AND it works well with different hair types.
3. Black Heels
Plus size models must be able to walk in heels. And every single plus size model should own a pair of black 4 inch pumps.
If you can’t walk in 4 inch pumps, just try in kitten heels and work your way up! TIP: shoes with a thicker heel or platform are easier to walk in, but never wear a wedge!!!!
Your black heels should be SIMPLE. No designs, sparkles, crystals, no straps that are hard to get in and out of. Just a classic, 4 inch black pump like the one above.
4. Thong
Thongs are important to have in your bag. I suggest black/white/nude. And if you had to pick only one, go with nude flesh tone!!!!
My favorite thongs are from True & Co.. They are SO seamless, they come in different colors, and they’re stretchy so you can wear it as a thong or a brief. Their sizing goes up to a 3X however I have size 60 inch hips (4X/5X) and the 3X still fits well!!
5. Nude/Black/White Strapless Bra
For plus size models, having great fitting bra is crucial!! Most brands or companies will ask that you bring a nude/white/or black bra. I HIGHLY recommend getting a bra that can be converted from strappy to strapless or you could end up with a million bras.
When it comes to selection, if you can’t get one of each of color, again I would suggest going with a nude bra!
My personal favorite bras are from Glamorise bras so I was super happy to find out they also sell their bras on Amazon too!
They have all the colors you need, I loveeee the support in their bras and they have wide variety and assortment of sizes from 30B to 58K so you can find a bra no matter what!!
6. Portable Charger
A portable charger is especially needed if you live in a big city like New York and rely on your phone for transportation. 
7. Comp Cards
Comp cards are important in the modeling industry when you go on auditions and go-see’s. You don’t need to be signed to an agency to have a comp card. You can make them yourself and order online!
This is an example of one of my old comp cards. Comp cards have your name, contact info, and measurements.
8. Water
It is SO important to stay hydrated especially when you are set. You do not want to pass out in the middle of a photoshoot.
Usually water is provided however sometimes bottles run out or if it’s a short set time in between models, they may not provide beverages. Keep water on you always! Just throw a bottle in for safe measure.
9. Snack
Having snacks you can just keep in your bag are great and most packaged snacks don’t expire for at least a year.
Keeping your body nourished will give you the best energy on set or at auditions. So whether you’re spending a long day in your car going from audition to audition or you’re at the end of a long photoshoot.. you’re covered!
Below is one of my favorite snacks from iwon organics that I keep in my bag personally. They have variety packs, different delicious flavors, they’re organic, and packed with protein compared to normal snacks.
I personally have low blood sugar, so having snacks on me is important so I don’t faint. I also have quite a few model friends who bring their own snacks for allergy or dietary restrictions. Unfortunately, not every set will cater to your needs so being prepared can really help.
10. Deodorant
Deodorant is always great to have on hand so you don’t sweat through the clothes or get your own personal odors on the garments. Below is my favorite deodorant for modeling from Raw Sugar Living. You can get on Amazon or at Target!
It’s crucial that your deodorants doesn’t transfer onto clothes at fittings or auditions or show up and distract in pictures which sometimes does not occur to new and aspiring models understandably.
I HIGHLY suggest reading my blog post ‘5 Best Deodorant for Models’ for the best deodorants. THE DEODORANT YOU PICK IS SUPER IMPORTANT.
11. Shapewear
Shapewear in the plus size industry is pretty standard these days. It’s no longer just to look flattering. With so many different textiles and fabrics, having shapewear in your bag is important and sometimes requested by companies for fitting purposes.
Below are a few of my favorite shapewear companies! They all have great quality pieces that come in a variety of colors and cut outs.
Honeylove
Cami Bodysuit Size https://honeylove.sjv.io/jWZVvM
Queen Brief Size https://honeylove.sjv.io/5bYK6b
LiftWear Cami Size https://honeylove.sjv.io/kjZVe0
SuperPower Brief Size https://honeylove.sjv.io/Ao2B9K
Watch my full HoneyLove try-on haul HERE.
Spanx
Buy Spanx HERE
WhatWaist
Buy WhatWaist HERE
(Use code: HAYLEYHERMS10 for $$$ off your order)
12. Phone Charger
Having a charged phone is important in general for safety, but here’s why it’s extra import for plus size models…
- incase you need to get in touch with your agent for a question or emergency
- you’re running late and need to notify someone on set and/or your agent
- directions from place to place
- keeping track of time incase you work OT
I suggest buying a 2 or 3 pack of chargers at once and just having one specifically for your model bag that you never take out. I like these chargers because they’re 6ft long so you can charger in hard places.
13. Lotion
Depending on your skin type, having a mini lotion is always great! Obviously when modeling, you have to keep up your appearance so you want to keep your skin hydrated so the lights are beaming off your skin!!I like these travel size lotions from Hempz. They’re natural, I like the variety, and they’re great for sensitive skin.
14. Book
One time I had a 10 hour set day. I only worked for two of those hours and I forgot to bring a phone charger. I was SO bored and after that moment I swore to always keep a book in my model bag lol.
Above are a few books I personally love that are a good size to fit in your bag and are easy to read.
15. Black/White Tank Top
It’s surprising how often having a tank top on hand comes in handy. I recommend having black and/or white tank top because they go with most outfit choices.
Buy tank top HERE
Above is my favorite black tank top to wear to auditions from Torrid. I love this tank top above because of the quality of fabric and it comes in different colors!
This post was all about the most important items to keep in your model bag.
Other Posts You May Like:
7 Things Plus Size Modeling Agencies are Looking For in a Plus Size Model
5 Easy Ways to Book Plus Size Modeling Jobs with No Experience
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