Sexy Plus Size Models: Celebrating Confidence and Redefining Beauty

Plus size models have transformed how we see beauty, sensuality, and self-confidence. They've shattered outdated industry standards and proven that sexiness comes in every size, shape, and dimension.

This guide explores the body-positive movement, practical confidence-building strategies, and how to embrace your curves in intimate settings. Whether you're looking for style inspiration or ways to feel more empowered in your own skin, you'll find actionable insights that celebrate all bodies.

How Plus Size Models Build Sensual Confidence (Behind the Scenes Tips)

Plus size models often develop confidence by building relationships with their bodies—not by forcing self-love overnight. Their real-life rituals can help anyone cultivate sensual presence, especially during intimacy.

They normalize seeing their own bodies

Models spend hours reviewing photos, mirror-testing poses, and examining angles. This repeated exposure reduces emotional charge around “problem areas.”

Try this:

• Look at your body in soft lighting for 1–2 minutes each day
• Notice shapes, curves, and lines without labeling them as “good” or “bad”
• Treat your reflection with curiosity, not critique

They practice body-neutral touch

Before shoots, many models reconnect with their bodies using lotion, oils, or slow massage to shift focus from appearance to sensation.

You can try:

• Massaging your thighs, stomach, or chest with intention
• Exploring pleasure on your own terms with soothing intimate touch
• Using a clitoral vibrator or wand to build positive sensory association with your curves

They embrace movement that feels good

Models often warm up with stretches, hip circles, or slow dancing. Movement softens tension and makes sensual posing feel natural.

Try before intimacy:

• Sway to music
• Roll your shoulders
• Stretch your hips and lower back
• Breathe deeply into your belly

These mini-practices signal your body: I’m allowed to feel pleasure.

Style Inspiration From Real Plus Size Models

Plus size models experiment with styling in ways that celebrate curves rather than disguise them. These ideas help you explore what makes you feel magnetic.

1. The “Soft Sculpting” Look

Used by Ashley Graham, Tabria Majors, Iskra Lawrence.
Key elements:

• High-waisted briefs
• Supportive but soft bralettes
• Mesh overlays or sheer robes

Why it works:
It highlights natural curves while offering gentle structure that feels elegant, not restrictive.

2. Bold Prints & Saturated Color

Inspired by Paloma Elsesser and Precious Lee.
Try:

• Jewel tones (emerald, ruby, sapphire)
• Leopard or zebra print
• Color-block lingerie

Why it works:
Curves enhance bold design elements—the body becomes part of the artwork.

3. Strategic Cutouts & Strappy Details

Favored by Tess Holliday and Jari Jones.
These pieces emphasize movement and shape rather than concealment.

Great for:

• Framing your waist
• Accentuating cleavage
• Drawing attention to hips

4. Satin, Silk & Liquid Fabrics

Soft drape contrasts beautifully with fuller curves.

Bonus tip:
If you’re introducing intimacy toys, pair silky lingerie with toys in complementary colors to create a sensual visual moment for yourself or a partner.

The Body-Positive Revolution in Modeling

The modeling industry has undergone a dramatic shift over the past decade. Plus size models now grace magazine covers, walk major runways, and represent brands that previously ignored diverse body types.

Groundbreaking moments:

• Ashley Graham became the first plus size model on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover (2016)
• Tess Holliday signed with a major agency at size 22, breaking size barriers
• Paloma Elsesser walked for luxury brands like Fendi and Versace
• Precious Lee appeared in Versace campaigns and high-fashion editorials
• Lizzo combined music stardom with body-positive advocacy, influencing millions

These models didn't just enter the industry—they changed its entire conversation. According to body positivity research, representation in media directly impacts how people perceive their own bodies and self-worth.

What this means for everyday confidence:

The visibility of diverse bodies in mainstream media creates permission for everyone to feel attractive and desirable. When you see models who look like you celebrated in major campaigns, it validates your own beauty.

Why Representation Matters Beyond Fashion

Seeing plus size models in sensual, confident poses does more than sell clothing. It challenges deeply ingrained beliefs about who gets to be considered attractive.

Psychological benefits of representation:

• Reduced body shame when you see bodies like yours portrayed positively
• Increased self-acceptance through normalized diversity
• Permission to express sensuality regardless of size
• Challenge to diet culture that profits from insecurity
• Community connection with others who share similar experiences

Cultural impact:

The shift extends beyond fashion into intimate wellness. Brands like Jissbon recognize that pleasure and confidence aren't determined by dress size—they're accessible to everyone.

Confidence Lessons from Plus Size Models

Models who've succeeded in an industry that historically excluded them share common confidence strategies. These approaches work whether you're in front of cameras or simply want to feel better in your daily life.

Reframe your self-talk

Notice when you use negative language about your body. Plus size models intentionally replace criticism with neutral or positive observations.

Instead of: "My stomach is too big."

Try: "My body is strong and carries me through life."

Focus on what your body does

Shift attention from appearance to capability. Your body allows you to experience pleasure, move through the world, and connect with others.

Practical exercise:

1. List five things your body enables you to do
2. Thank your body for one capability each morning
3. Notice strength and sensation rather than only appearance

Dress for yourself first

Wear what makes you feel powerful, comfortable, and attractive—regardless of trends or others' opinions.

Key principles:

• Fabric should feel good against your skin
• Clothes should fit your actual body, not the body you wish you had
• Comfort and confidence often align—restrictive clothing rarely makes you feel sensual
• Experiment with styles outside your usual choices

Surround yourself with positive influences

Curate your social media, friend groups, and media consumption to include diverse body representations.

Action steps:

• Follow plus size models, influencers, and body-positive accounts
• Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison or shame
• Seek communities that celebrate diversity
• Challenge negative comments about any body type

According to research on self-esteem, the messages we consistently hear—both internal and external—shape how we perceive ourselves. Intentionally choosing affirming influences creates real psychological shifts.

Style Tips Inspired by Confident Models

Plus size models understand how to highlight features they love while feeling comfortable. These aren't rules—they're options to experiment with.

Intimate apparel choices

What works for many people:

• High-waisted bottoms create smooth lines and offer coverage if desired
• Underwire or structured support provides lift and shaping
• Stretchy, soft fabrics (modal, microfiber, quality cotton) feel comfortable for hours
• Bold colors and patterns draw attention exactly where you want it
• Strappy details add visual interest and frame your body beautifully

Styles to explore:

• Babydoll sets that skim rather than cling
• Teddies with strategic cutouts
• Robes and kimonos as confidence-building layers
• Corsets or bustiers for structured elegance
• Bralette and high-waist panty combinations

The goal isn't hiding your body—it's highlighting what makes you feel powerful. Exploring sex toys for women can complement this journey of self-discovery and pleasure.

Everyday confidence dressing

Principles that translate beyond intimate settings:

1. Proper fit matters most: Clothes sized correctly always look better than squeezing into smaller sizes
2. Define your waist if you enjoy that silhouette (belts, tailored pieces)
3. Play with proportions: Fitted top with flowing bottom, or vice versa
4. Invest in good foundations: Quality undergarments improve how everything else fits
5. Own your style: Trends are optional—wear what genuinely makes you happy

Accessories that enhance confidence

• Statement jewelry draws eyes to your face
• Heels change posture and how you carry yourself (if you enjoy wearing them)
• Textured fabrics add dimension
• Well-fitted shoes (any style) ground your entire look

Intimacy and Body Confidence

Many people worry their body size will impact intimate experiences. Plus size models and body-positive advocates consistently emphasize that sensuality lives in confidence, not measurements.

Addressing common concerns

"Will my partner find me attractive?"

Attraction is far more complex than media suggests. Partners are drawn to confidence, authenticity, connection, and how you make them feel—not a specific dress size. If someone is intimate with you, they're attracted to you exactly as you are.

"I feel self-conscious during intimate moments."

Everyone experiences vulnerability during intimacy, regardless of size. Practical strategies help:

• Choose lighting that makes you feel comfortable (dim lights, candles, natural light)
• Wear something that makes you feel sensual
• Focus on sensation rather than appearance
• Communicate with your partner about positions that feel good physically and emotionally
• Remember your partner is experiencing their own vulnerability

"Certain positions feel physically uncomfortable."

Body size affects positioning for everyone—taller people, shorter people, different proportions all require adjustments. Communication and experimentation matter more than following scripted advice.

Tips for comfortable exploration:

1. Use pillows for support and angle adjustments
2. Try positions where you feel physically stable
3. Communicate openly about what works
4. Prioritize mutual comfort over what you think you "should" do
5. Consider how sex toys for couples might enhance experiences

Building intimate confidence gradually

Progressive steps:

• Solo exploration first: Understand your own body and pleasure without performance pressure
• Mirror work: Spend time looking at your body neutrally, noticing features without judgment
• Sensory focus: During intimacy, concentrate on touch, sound, and feeling rather than appearance
• Open communication: Tell partners what makes you feel confident and what doesn't

Pleasure-focused tools like a clitoral vibrator allow you to explore your body privately, building comfort with sensation and desire at your own pace.

How Plus Size Models Prepare for Shoots

Understanding professional preparation demystifies the polished images you see and reveals that confidence is partly mindset, partly practical preparation.

Before the camera

Physical preparation:

• Hydration days before (improves skin appearance)
• Quality sleep (reduces puffiness, increases energy)
• Comfortable undergarments that don't leave marks
• Skincare routine appropriate to their skin type
• Movement or stretching to feel comfortable in their body

Mental preparation:

• Visualization of successful, confident poses
• Positive affirmations or personal rituals
• Music that boosts their mood
• Focusing on the message they want to convey
• Remembering why representation matters

On set:

• Communicating boundaries with photographers
• Taking breaks when needed
• Adjusting clothing, lighting, or angles for comfort
• Focusing on how poses feel rather than only how they look
• Collaborating rather than simply following directions

What you can adopt

You don't need professional shoots to use these strategies:

• Prepare your environment: Clean space, good lighting, comfortable temperature
• Set the mood: Music, aromatherapy, whatever makes you feel confident
• Take your time: No rush to feel instantly comfortable
• Experiment privately: Try poses, outfits, or expressions without judgment
• Document your journey: Photos for yourself can track confidence growth

Challenging Harmful Narratives

Despite progress, plus size individuals still face stigma and unsolicited commentary. Models who work publicly develop strategies for handling negativity.

Common harmful messages and responses

"You'd be prettier if you lost weight."

This assumes your value depends on others' preferences. Your attractiveness isn't a democratic decision where everyone votes. You exist for your own life, not to be decorative for others.

"Celebrating plus size bodies promotes unhealthy lifestyles."

Health is complex, personal, and not visible from appearance. Many factors impact health beyond weight. Additionally, self-acceptance actually improves health outcomes—shame and stress create negative health impacts. According to research on weight stigma, discrimination causes measurable harm independent of weight itself.

"Real women have curves" or "Only dogs want bones."

Body positivity means celebrating all bodies—including thin bodies, plus size bodies, and everything between. Tearing down one body type to elevate another perpetuates the same harm.

Setting boundaries

Effective responses to unwanted commentary:

• "I'm not interested in discussing my body."
• "My health is between me and my doctor."
• "That's not a conversation I'm having today."
• Simply walking away or ending the interaction

You never owe anyone justification for your body or choices about it.

Finding Your Personal Style Icons

Plus size models offer diverse aesthetics—not all will resonate with you, and that's exactly the point. Find representatives whose style, energy, or message aligns with your authentic self.

Models to explore for inspiration

Ashley Graham – Mainstream success, confident curves, versatile style

Tess Holliday – Bold fashion, tattoos, unapologetic presence

Precious Lee – High fashion, elegant aesthetic, runway success

Paloma Elsesser – Editorial excellence, natural beauty, artistic collaborations

Jari Jones – Trans visibility, activism, boundary-pushing style

Tabria Majors – Sports Illustrated presence, athletic confidence

Denise Bidot – Curvy activism, diverse representation, beauty industry challenge

Hunter McGrady – Body acceptance advocacy, accessible style

Beyond models

Influencers, actresses, musicians, and everyday people sharing their journeys offer equally valuable inspiration:

• Body-positive influencers on Instagram and TikTok
• YouTube creators discussing confidence and style
• Community groups focused on size acceptance
• Friends and family who embody confidence you admire

Remember that comparing yourself to anyone—even positive role models—can become harmful. Use inspiration to expand possibilities, not create new standards to fail to meet.

Practical Self-Love Exercises

Confidence builds through consistent small actions, not sudden epiphanies.

Daily practices

Morning body gratitude:

Before checking your phone, place hands on different body parts and thank them:

• "Thank you, legs, for carrying me."
• "Thank you, arms, for hugging people I love."
• "Thank you, stomach, for digesting my food."

Mirror work without judgment:

Stand before a mirror for two minutes. Simply observe without labeling features as good or bad. Notice shapes, colors, textures neutrally.

Pleasure prioritization:

Dedicate time to activities your body enjoys—stretching, dancing, intimate exploration with a rabbit vibrator, luxurious baths, or anything that creates positive body sensations.

Weekly commitments

• Wear one outfit that challenges your comfort zone
• Consume media featuring diverse body representation
• Compliment someone else genuinely (spreads positive energy)
• Journal about one body insecurity and challenge it with evidence
• Move your body in ways that feel good, not punishing

Monthly reflections

• Review progress without judging setbacks
• Update your social media follows based on current mental health
• Try one new confidence-building activity
• Celebrate specific moments you felt authentic and powerful

Frequently Asked Questions

Do plus size models follow strict diets or extreme routines?

Most plus size models don’t diet to shrink—they focus on energy, stamina, hydration, and skin health rather than weight loss. Their work centers confidence, posing skill, and professional attitude—not conforming to thinness. Many advocate for intuitive eating and rejecting restrictive diet culture.

How can I feel confident wearing lingerie at my size?

Start with pieces that feel comfortable and supportive. Choose soft fabrics, stretchy waistbands, high-waisted silhouettes, and bras that provide lift. Wear lingerie privately first while exploring your own pleasure or touch to build intimate confidence without social pressure.

How do plus size people maintain stamina or comfort in intimate positions?

Comfort depends more on communication and positioning than size. Pillows, angled support, side-lying positions, and slow buildup help tremendously. Many plus size people enjoy experimenting with sex toys for couples to enhance pleasure when certain motions feel physically tiring.

Is it normal to feel sexy one day and insecure the next?

Yes—body image fluctuates for everyone. Confidence isn’t constant; it’s cultivated through daily habits, supportive environments, and compassionate self-talk. Plus size models openly share that they have “off days” too.

How do I avoid comparison when looking at models?

Use models as inspiration—not measurement. Look for elements you admire: bold styling, confidence, posture, or makeup—not their exact proportions. Comparison decreases confidence; inspiration expands possibility.

Are plus size models actually confident or do they struggle with insecurity like everyone else?

Plus size models experience insecurity just like anyone in a society that profits from body shame. The difference is they've developed strategies to move forward despite those feelings. Confidence isn't the absence of insecurity—it's acting authentically even when doubt appears. Many models speak openly about ongoing body image work, therapy, and days they struggle.

What size range counts as "plus size" in modeling?

The industry typically defines plus size as US size 12 and above, though some agencies start at size 8. This labeling itself is problematic since these are average sizes many people wear. The fashion industry's definition doesn't reflect actual population demographics or what constitutes "large" in everyday life.

How can I feel sexy at my size when intimate apparel brands don't carry my measurements?

This frustration is valid and the responsibility lies with brands, not you. Seek companies specifically focused on extended sizing—they exist and prioritize both fit and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, feeling sexy doesn't require special clothing. Confidence, self-touch, and sensation matter more than specific garments. Explore pleasure through your own touch or with tools designed for sensation rather than appearance.

Do plus size people need to use different positions or techniques during intimacy?

Every body—regardless of size—benefits from communication, experimentation, and adjustments during intimacy. Plus size bodies aren't uniquely limited; they simply may find different positions most comfortable, just as very tall people, people with joint issues, or any individual discovers their preferences. Focus on mutual pleasure and comfort rather than following prescriptive advice.

How do I respond when someone says I'm "promoting obesity" by accepting my body?

You're not obligated to respond, but if you choose to: "My relationship with my body is personal. Acceptance doesn't mean abandoning health—it means treating myself with dignity regardless of size." Research shows shame worsens health outcomes while acceptance often improves them. You don't owe strangers explanations about your health, which they cannot assess from appearance.

Can body confidence really be learned or is it just something certain people naturally have?

Confidence is a skill developed through practice, not an inherent personality trait. People who appear naturally confident have often done significant internal work, experienced supportive environments, or developed coping strategies you don't see. Start with small actions—speaking kindly to yourself, challenging one negative thought, wearing something slightly outside your comfort zone. Confidence builds incrementally through repeated choices.

Moving Forward with Self-Acceptance

Plus size models have opened doors, but your personal confidence journey belongs entirely to you. Their visibility proves sexiness, beauty, and desirability exist across all body types—but you don't need external validation to claim your own power.

Start where you are. Challenge one negative thought this week. Wear something that makes you feel attractive. Explore your body's capacity for pleasure and sensation. Surround yourself with positive influences.

Each small choice builds the foundation for authentic confidence that no one can take from you. Ready to explore pleasure on your own terms? Discover more at Jissbon where every body is celebrated.