15 Plus Size Models to Follow for a More Body-Positive Instagram Feed

As more and more women own their natural beauty, the fashion world has embraced diversity in the shape of plus-sized models. Here are ten plus-size influencers & models to follow.

The days of underweight models dominating the runways are over. A new wave of curve-friendly fashion and plus-size models are sending the message to women everywhere: beauty is inclusive and body-positive.

For women who weren't the size of industry models, finding style icons they could emulate used to be complicated. Still, nowadays, the runways and social media are full of gorgeous, stylish plus-size models and influencers that are inspiring women everywhere.

Plus-size beauties are everywhere in haute-couture fashion shows from Paris to Milan to New York, on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues, and even that last bastion of the ultra-thin, lingerie, has finally fallen as plus-size model Devyn Garcia walks the runway as Victoria's Secret Angel.

Paloma Elsesser took the world by storm when she appeared in all her plus-size glory on the Glossier billboards.

The body-positivity movement is growing and booming with activists such as singer LIzzo, actress Gabourey Sidibe, model Ashley Graham and social media influencers like blogger Lauren Nicole, changing how women see themselves. Beauty is big and empowering, and it's all thanks to women like these 15 ladies.

1. Jada Sezer

Jada is an inspiration to anyone with a GG bra size. The model and body acceptance activist landed the 2019 December cover of Women's Health and completed the 2018 London marathon in her underwear. Jada said about turning down the opportunity to star in "Love Island."

"Then, this year more than ever, I was like, I feel like it would be great to see somebody with my body type on that show – just lounging around by the pool in a bikini, just enjoying life. The producers were lovely and it was an interesting opportunity, but then it made me really think – how would I feel coming out as a produced version of me, and not being truthful?"

2. Stephanie Yeboah

Stephanie Yeboah is a freelance writer, public speaker, and fat acceptance advocate. The multi-award nominated plus-size fashion blogger started her writing journey in 2009. Her plus-size blog, Nerd About Town, has been around for over ten years.

She regularly addresses topics like body positivity, race, intersectionality in feminism, and dating from the perspective of a plus-size woman of color. She has also written pieces for Stylist Magazine, Elle Magazine, GQ, The Evening Standard, and Who What Wear.

3. Ashley Graham

Ashley Graham has turned the modeling world on its head. She was the first plus-size model to feature on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition. She was also on Forbes' 2017 list of the World's Highest Paid Models. Ashley Graham said:

“Don’t fall into the trap of sacrificing your self-esteem for affection and acceptance. No matter what your size, you are a sexy goddess. Remember that.”

4. Marquita Pring

Marquita is a 6-foot-tall upstate New York native who was one of the models in the 2020 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Pring also walked the runway during New York Fashion Week for Christian Siriano and Tommy Hilfiger in September. Pring said in an interview:

“To me the term ‘plus size’ is completely outdated and just unnecessary. I immediately think, ‘Plus what? There’s an average, normal size that we should all be and anything more than that needs to be called something different?’ You’re your size — and that’s it.”

5. Tash Ncube

Tash is one of MUSE Model's Curve division models. She has walked multiple runways over the years. However, she does not only rely on her looks to be successful. She is also studying to be a lawyer.

6. Olivia Campbell

Olivia is in no way the typical model type. She is best known for her online profile as @CurvyCampbell and has more than 172k followers.

Olivia uses her platform to promote a message of self-love and body positivity. She was nominated in the Disruptor/ Changemaker category at the Cosmopolitan Influencer Awards 2018.

7. Brielle Anyea Cunningham

Brielle earned herself a spot on this list when she became a 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Search Finalist. She is an International Model and Influencer.

She uses her platform to spread her message of body positivity and diversity in fashion. Brielle has also worked with brands including ASOS, Nelly, Kohl's, Nike, & many more.

8. Bella Golden

Discovered after she commented on Iskra Lawrence's Instagram account, Bella Golden was scouted by a plus-size modeling agency. At the time, she worked as a character performer at Disneyland. She left the job to pursue a career in modeling and is now signed with the international agency Wilhelmina. Bella revealed:

"I was very lucky that the first agency I was with actually discovered me through Instagram."

9. Leslie Sidora

Leslie Sidora is a French and Mauritian model who was raised in Paris. She made her first appearance in Forbes after her body-positive campaign with PrettyLittleThing.

Since then, she has appeared in multiple campaigns, including SAVAGExFenty, GOOD AMERICAN, Forever 21, H&M, L'oreal, River Island, OYSHO, and ASOS. Leslie is known for embracing her voluptuous curves. She regularly tells her followers to follow a healthy lifestyle.

10. Lauren Nicole

Lauren Nicole is a size 18/20 plus-size blogger who suffers from body dysmorphia. However, she was scouted on Instagram and decided to take a chance and model swimwear. She explained the experience to Cosmopolitan, saying:

"I started posting more personal style images on my blog in 2016 and then an independent plus-size brand, 113, found my Instagram and said they would love to work with me. At that point, I just thought it was on a blogger level, but they asked if I would like to become a brand ambassador and within that came modeling."

11. Sonny Turner

Sonny Turner is an influencer, and a body-positivity activist turned model. She started by discussing the difficulties facing women with lush figures and large breasts in finding clothing like bikinis. Turner said:

“I am not satisfied to just be a face… I want to help and inspire my generation”

Turner inspires and empowers plus-size women as she fronts ad campaigns and walks runways for Adidas, Marc Jacobs, H&M, Tommy Hilfiger, and BE.

12. Candice Huffine

Huffine is a successful model who works both in the US and Europe and is a regular in Victoria's Secret advertising campaigns and Gloria Vanderbilt, Christian Siriano, and Veronica Beard fashion shows.

13. Jordyn Woods

Once Kylie Jenner's best friend, she modeled for Khloé Kardashian's brand Good American. The plus-size beauty saw her career falter after being linked in a scandal to Kardashian's boyfriend, Tristan Thompson.

Woods has admitted to struggling with her body image but spoke about her journey to self-love. She has worked with PrettyLittleThing as a stylist and model and was the cover for Cosmopolitan UK in 2019.

14. Tara Lynn

Model Tara Lynn's lush figure and lovely face have won her a series of covers in V Magazine, Elle France, Vanity Fair, and Harper's Bazaar, as well as the cover for the prestigious 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

She has participated in ad campaigns and photo shoots for H&M and Mango and has over 500,000 followers on Instagram. Her success has become an inspiration for millions of women around the world.

15. Paloma Elsesser

Paloma Elsesser took the world by storm when she appeared in all her plus-size glory on the Glossier billboards. It wasn't long before she was the face of Rihanna's Fenty Beauty.

Apart from gracing the covers of numerous fashion magazines, Esesser has modeled for Fendi, Chloé, and Marc Jacobs. Elsesser's bold, unconventional beauty has made her one of the most successful models working in 2023 -- whatever their size.