The easiest way to distinguish between editorial and commercial models is the height of the model. Editorial fashion models are tall (usually 5’9″ minimum) and uniquely attractive, on trend. These models are "fashion" models so not just pretty faces but beautiful and different looking, too. Most editorial models are scouted young at age 16 or 17 years old they are the fresh new faces. The earnings for this category are not high, but the prestige is high. Editorial models are thin- an example is Miranda Kerr, Aussie super model.
See below her updated measurements.
Miranda Kerr:
Height-175 cm, Weight-54 kg,
Body Statistics 34–24–34, Bra Size -32B.

You may wait tables or something else part time to pay the rent when you start, but you still model as much as possible. Furthermore, keep in mind that when you start you’ll have some jobs and work with certain photographers for little or no pay—simply because these assignments or connections might build your name later on and give you exposure. I can think of no other career where the “prestige” jobs pay so little. Most in this field would be stunned to learn how little a model is paid for the cover of Vogue or Elle, or for the purely editorial layouts inside those magazines. So why do it? Because that all helps to builds a name. Then, when an advertiser calls the agency, they are not asking for a “type” (brunette, athletic, Asian, bald, etc.), they are asking for Gisele, Adriana, or Kate.
There may be a thousand beautiful blondes, but there is only one Karolina because of all of her magazine layouts and covers (not ads, but editorial layouts: the ad work comes later, after your name is established). Once your name and image are established, you go to the bank big time doing fashion ad work (commercial modelling). Why? Because the ad agency or designer wants Karolina, not a thin, busty blonde (lots of blondes, only one Karolina, and you pay to shoot Karolina). Every editorial model spends some time in the trenches: go here, go there, shoot with this guy, cut your hair, lose some weight, go to the agency, etc. Had a bad night? Tough. Went on six go-sees yesterday with no bookings? Too bad, here are four more. Live the life. Models do not “try” editorial fashion modelling; fashion tries you. It is hard, but it’s supposed to be hard. It’s great because it’s hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it.