No personal opinions, please.  

I've done a bit of research and there are tons of personal opinions, but I know there is an industry standard regarding who is and who is not a BBW, and that's what I want to find out.

Does anybody know?

I had to check my calendar to make sure it is not April 1.

Typically BBW refers to a body shape that has large breasts and wide hips.  curvy...voluptuous, Zaftig, There are cultural (and even ethnic) definitions as traditionally that describe as Sir Mix-a-lot would say  
"LA face with a Oakland Booty! even white boys got to shout! Baby got back!

I wanna know the difference between being curvy/thick and being BBW. Is it the size? Is it the curves. Some people get BBW confused with curves. I think women are beautiful all shapes and sizes

For most guys I know when we are paying 300+ we aren't really looking for a an extra 20+ pounds (or more).  There is a market for it but I think most guys are looking for something they couldn't get in real life.

Thanks everyone for trying to assist me.

As I said, I've done a little research and I've read the Wikipedia. It doesn't say exactly what size and up can be called a BBW.  

I've done a professional scene with a BBWs.  I know there is an "industry standard" for a BBW.  When producers are looking for a BBW they say, "Industry standards only".   I was trying to find out what that is exactly.  I've read in one article that it's at least size 12, I read someplace else that it's at least size 18, and now Sexygurl says it's size 16 and up.  

The reason I'm asking is because I know someone who might be a BBW.  I don't want to offend her by suggesting she is a BBW if she doesn't consider herself to be one.  On the other hand, if she definitely is a BBW, then she should consider advertising as that.

I do tend to agree with theterminator in a way.  BBW's fall into a more narrow niche.  There are plenty of hobbyists who only want to see BBWs.  But, if someone is not a BBW, but just "voluptuous" or "curvy", then they will appeal to a larger group of hobbyists.  

I'm sure you guys are all thinking at this point that it's none of my business what my friend calls herself, and that's true.  But, she came to ask for help learning the business, so I have considered mentioning the category of BBW to her.  

Thanks again for trying to help me figure it out.

I really don’t like thin girls; between thin and athletic works best for me.

Somehow, I am about 5 -10 lbs overweight. Genetics, I guess. A few extra pounds does not deter me, in fact, the best experiences that I have had were with the ladies that needed to drop maybe 15-20 pounds.  

Different hormonal influences can be involved; it’s not always about eating. Great personality and attitude can quickly fill that gap for me.  
 

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There IS a standard for BBWs.  I don't know if it's as complicated as pounds per height, or simply size ____ and bigger.

Someone said size 12 and up, but I don't think that's correct.  That's the smallest size at a clothes store for bigger women, but if we were to visit a website for BBWs, I don't think any of them are as small as a size 12.

Sexxygurl says size 16 and up.  I read another article somewhere that said size 18 and up.  But I couldn't tell if that was a fact or someone's opinion, once again.

Yes, people DO get BBW confused with curves.  Obviously we do!  I don't know if anybody knows for sure!  Unless sexxygurl knows what she's talking about.

If you are talking about fashion, or modeling, or the porn industry, perhaps there are industry standards. If you are talking about this "hobby" as the industry, good luck trying to figure out "industry standards." We still can't even agree on what GFE or PSE means, as well as many other terms thrown around in this hobby.

I think you might be right, perfectstorm.  I think I've stumbled on another question like, "what is a PSE"?

If I knew enough to know if fashion, porn, and the hobby had different BBW standards I would probably have the answer to my question.

When I first posted my question I wanted to find out if anybody KNEW, as in factually, what defined a BBW per "industry standards".  I could have been more specific.  

Where I saw "seeking a BBW by industry standards only" was on an ad posted by porn producers.  I had supposed that the "adult industry" (porn and hobby) might be different from the fashion industry.  I only thought that might be true because BBWs on porn are NOT size 12.  They are very big.  

Since porn producers might know what the "industry standards" are, maybe I'll see if I can find one who can answer my question.  If I do I'll come back and post it.

What some call curvy or voluptuous, thick or full-figured, others call a BBW and just about everyone has a different idea about what those terms mean.  On a certain board there are separate clubs for ladies that are BBWs, Rubenesque and Thick.  

None of this means much for hobbyists though, guys who like more curvaceous women usually know what they want (except the ones who are surprised when she's bigger in person than in the pictures).  There may be certain "standards" for plus size modeling for Layne Bryant and maybe for porn, but somehow I doubt it.  I have a feeling some of the people running BBW sites are chubby chasers with a second hobby.  

Your friend shouldn't have anything to worry about because she is about the same size as some BBWs that have been in porn, and every bit as talented!

You're right.

She can do what she wants to.  She can use what photos she wants to and advertise how ever she wants to.  It's really not my place at all to wonder about this.

It really doesn't matter.

She will figure things out on her own like we all do

BBW is generally a marketing term like goddess sized.  The technical size requirement would be over 30% BMI or over a size 12 in a dress.  

I will caveat this by saying some fashion industry folks refer to plus size as size 8+ and ladies with over 25% BMI.  In the adult industry, the term can even be used to describe the 600 lbs ladies.

For casting calls, if the gig sounds interesting your friend should just go for it.  If for no other reason then the experience.  Some of the postings are written by interns with a basic layout to follow and the only person who knows what is being sought is the director or producer.

I look forward to hearing what you find out.