Model Casting Bag Checklist

Start with the casting instructions

Before packing anything, read the casting notice carefully.

Some castings ask for specific clothing, shoes, makeup, hair styling, photos or documents. Others may ask you to arrive very natural, with minimal makeup and simple fitted clothing.

If instructions are provided, follow them first. This checklist is a general guide, not a replacement for the specific requirements of the casting or agency.

1. Your comp card

Your comp card is one of the most useful things to bring to an in-person casting. It gives the casting team a quick way to remember your look, measurements and contact details after you leave.

Bring a few clean printed copies if the casting asks for physical cards, or if you are attending an open call where people may be seeing many models in one day.

A good comp card should include:

• your name
• clear photos
• current measurements
• agency or independent status
• contact details
• portfolio or social link, if relevant

If you do not have one yet, you can create a free digital comp card with The Looksheet and decide later whether you need printed copies.

2. A digital copy of your card

Even if you bring printed copies, keep a digital version on your phone.

Save it somewhere easy to find, such as:

• your phone files
• your camera roll
• a cloud folder
• your email drafts
• a portfolio folder on your phone

Do not rely on having perfect internet connection at the location. Download the file before you arrive.

3. A simple portfolio folder or document wallet

If you are bringing printed comp cards, test shots or documents, keep them clean and flat.

A portfolio folder, display book or simple document wallet can stop your cards from getting bent, marked or lost in your bag.

This does not need to be expensive. The goal is simply to look organised when someone asks to see your card or photos.

4. A simple casting outfit

Most castings are not the time for your most styled outfit. Unless the brief says otherwise, simple fitted clothing usually works best because it lets people see your shape and proportions clearly.

Common options include:

• fitted tank top or plain T-shirt
• fitted jeans, leggings or simple trousers
• simple heels, if appropriate
• clean flat shoes for travelling or waiting
• minimal jewellery

Avoid large logos, heavy patterns, oversized layers or anything that distracts from your face and body lines.

5. Shoes you can actually walk in

If heels are expected, bring a pair you can walk in confidently. Do not choose shoes that look good but make you uncomfortable or unstable.

It can also help to bring comfortable flats for travelling, waiting or walking between castings. If you change shoes at the venue, a small shoe bag keeps the rest of your bag clean.

Separates heels or street shoes from clothes and printed materials when you change at the venue. View on Amazon(paid link)

6. Basic hair essentials

Bring a few small items that help you adjust your hair quickly if asked.

Hair brush or comb

Useful for quickly tidying your hair before you walk in, especially if you have travelled, been outside in wind, or changed clothes at the venue.

Useful items include:

• hair ties
• bobby pins
• small hair clips
• hair brush or comb
• travel-size hairspray, if you normally use it
• hair band or claw clip

Keep it simple. The goal is not to restyle your whole look, but to be able to pull hair back, tidy flyaways or show your face clearly if needed.

Small backups to pull hair back, secure flyaways or show your face clearly if asked. View on Amazon(paid link)

7. Simple makeup and touch-up items

For many castings, natural makeup or minimal makeup is preferred. Always check the brief first.

A small makeup pouch can be useful for touch-ups, especially if you have travelled a long way.

Keeps concealer, lip balm and touch-up items together without packing your full kit. View on Amazon(paid link)

Useful items to keep in your pouch might include:

• concealer
• lip balm
• blotting papers
• powder
• mascara
• deodorant wipes or travel deodorant
• travel razor or facial razor
• tweezers
• nail file
• makeup remover wipes or cotton pads

Avoid arriving with heavy makeup unless the casting specifically asks for a more styled look. Casting teams often want to see your natural features.

8. A compact mirror

A small mirror is useful for checking your face, hair and outfit before you walk in. It is especially helpful if the venue is busy or the bathroom mirror is crowded. This is a small item, but it can make you feel much more prepared.

A quick face and hair check before you walk in, especially in a busy venue. View on Amazon(paid link)

9. Measuring tape

Some castings or agencies may ask for current measurements. Even if you already know them, it can help to have a soft measuring tape in your bag.

Useful if an agency asks you to confirm stats on the day, keep measurements current and realistic. View on Amazon(paid link)

Your stats should be current and realistic. Do not guess them, and do not copy old measurements if they have changed.

Useful measurements to know may include:

• height
• bust or chest
• waist
• hips
• shoe size
• dress or clothing size

10. Portable phone charger

Your phone may be needed for directions, emails, digital comp cards, portfolio links, messages and checking the casting details.

A small portable charger is useful if you have a long day, multiple castings or a long journey. Charge it the night before and keep the cable with it.

For directions, casting emails, digital comp cards and messages between appointments. View on Amazon(paid link)

11. Water and a small snack

Castings can involve waiting. Bring water and, if appropriate, a small snack that is easy to carry. Choose something simple and not messy. You want to stay comfortable without bringing anything that could spill on your clothes or materials.

Stay hydrated during long waits without a bulky bottle taking up your bag. View on Amazon(paid link)

12. Notebook and pen

A notebook is useful for writing down names, times, follow-up details, directions, or anything you are told during the casting. You can use your phone too, but a small notebook can feel more organised and avoids the awkwardness of scrolling around your phone in front of people.

Write down names, times and follow-up notes without scrolling on your phone.

13. Identification or documents, if requested

Some castings, jobs or agency meetings may ask for ID, work eligibility details or specific documents. Only bring what is requested and keep it secure.

Do not hand over sensitive documents unless you are sure the opportunity is legitimate.

If something feels unclear, ask for clarification before attending.

Optional extras

None of these are essential. Bring them only if they genuinely help you, your casting brief and the items above should come first.

Headphones

Useful if you have a long wait or travel between castings. Keep the volume low and stay alert so you do not miss your name, instructions or updates.

Light fragrance

A clean, fresh presentation matters. For day-to-day freshness, deodorant in your touch-up pouch is usually enough (see section 7).

If you use perfume at all, keep it very light and apply it before you arrive, not inside the room. Avoid strong fragrance at castings, small rooms, crowded waits and sensitivities mean heavy perfume can be distracting or unwelcome.

Lint roller or clothing brush

Plain clothes show lint, hair and dust more than you expect, especially black clothing. A small lint roller is handy if you are wearing black jeans, leggings, fitted tops, knitwear or anything that picks up fluff easily.

It is not glamorous, but it is one of the most practical optional items to keep in your bag.

Swimwear or bikini

Only bring swimwear if the casting brief, agency or photographer specifically asks for it, or if it is relevant to the type of modelling you are attending for. Choose something simple, clean and well-fitting rather than overly styled or distracting.

Do not change into or wear anything you are uncomfortable with. If the request feels unclear, inappropriate or unrelated to the casting, ask for clarification before attending.

What not to bring

A casting bag should be helpful, not overwhelming.

You usually do not need:

• your whole makeup collection
• multiple heavy outfit options
• large bags of shoes
• unrelated accessories
• strong perfume or heavy fragrance in small rooms
• messy loose papers
• old comp cards with outdated measurements
• photos that no longer look like you

Keep the focus on being prepared, clean and easy to work with.

Quick casting bag checklist

Before you leave, check that you have:

• printed comp cards, if needed
• digital comp card saved on your phone
• A5 document folder or protective wallet
• simple fitted outfit
• appropriate shoes
• hair ties or clips
• hair brush or comb
• small makeup pouch with touch-up items and deodorant
• compact mirror
• measuring tape
• portable charger
• water
• small snack
• notebook and pen
• ID or documents, if requested
• optional: lint roller or clothing brush
• optional: headphones, for travel or waiting
• optional: very light fragrance, only if you already use it
• optional: swimwear or bikini, only if the brief asks for it

If you do not have a comp card yet

If the casting or agency asks for a comp card and you do not have one, create a clean digital version first. You can use The Looksheet to upload your photos, add your measurements and create a simple model comp card for free. Once you are happy with the result, you can download it, send it digitally, or print copies for future castings.