With the increasing size of the world’s population comes larger women who wear larger size clothing. Retailers are well aware of this trend and many brands are capitalizing on this ever-growing demographic.

Over 50% of women are larger than a size 14. This is an emerging market for both retailers and modeling agencies providing them with talent to showcase their clothing lines.

The days of models being size zero eating their grilled chicken salad with hair and makeup may be on the wane as the new era of plus size models emerges.

Aspiring models have often struggled with the specific requirements set forth by the modeling industry. They often make the mistake of thinking that being more than a size 8 or 10 would be the death of their modeling career, but plus size models between size 10 and 20 are in demand.

There is now a growing trend of plus size modeling agencies claiming their share of the plus size model pie.

Here is a list of the top 5 plus size modeling agencies:

1) MSA Models – I like the energy and professionalism that I feel this agency offers. They are also located in the epicenter of modeling which is none other than New York, NY.

2) Dorothy Combs Models – Located in my favorite winter getaway in Miami, Florida, you’ll find Dorothy’s agency, which specializes in plus size models. They represent women size 10-16 and are always looking for new talent. They are credited with winning the 2012 Plus Model Agency of the Year award.

3) 12+ UK Model Agency – This high profile modeling agency in Europe specializes in curvy models. Their website clearly reveals the support they have for those looking to break into the plus size modeling industry.

4) BGM Models – Founded in 1995 in Australia, BGM Models is looking for women who are size 12 and up to represent. With models like Samantha Morris, Laura Wells and Natasha Fowler, you’re sure to see one of their models on the covers and advertisements of many of Australia’s top magazines and companies.

5) JAG Models – This new agency has gotten quite a bit of press attention lately and is one to watch. Located in New York City, this agency was founded by two former Ford Model employees who are sure to keep their momentum going.

It’s refreshing to see an industry notorious for catering to sizes double zero to 2 finally recognizing the demand for plus-size models that better represent the average woman.

Women who have aspired to become models but feared rejection because of their weight now have hope.

In the next 1-2 years, the list of agencies representing plus size models will continue to grow and the industry will continue to embrace and accept the curvy women represented by plus size agencies.