So why do models have to be tall? I mean, Why don’t we see many shorter models? There are a couple of significant reasons for this. The truth is, models are needed in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing that they will all likely share is that they will be somewhat tall. Of course this does not mean that if an individual is not above average height that they cannot model. It is just a rule of thumb that models will be expected to be on the taller side. So what are the reasons for this? Generally speaking, Why do models need to be tall?
From a Visual Perspective. The main reason models are generally needed to be tall is that they appear to fit the clothing better. For example; take a woman who is 5’4″ (163 cm) and then take a woman who is 5’10” (178 cm). The woman who is 5’4″ will not display the clothing as well as the woman who is 5’10”. The idea is that the clothing will hang nicely while on the tall individual, as if on a hanger.
If an individual is too short the clothing will bunch up and wrinkle, not looking as smooth and flowy as most designers desire. This is the same reason manikins are generally tall! (For more information on height requirements, check out: Why Models Have To Be Tall and How Tall Should Models Be?)
From a Physical Perspective. The other stigma is a matter of displayed confidence. Remember your mother telling you to find a tall, dark, and handsome man. No mother ever told her daughter to find a short, pale and ugly man. Being tall naturally puts off a confident and attractive display. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true as there are plenty of confident and attractive individuals in the world who are not tall. But at first glance, being tall is a symbol of confidence and attraction.
The hard truth is, being tall generally looks more appealing at first glance for the individual as well as the clothing. The model may look more confident and attractive if they are tall and the clothing may look better as it displays well on a taller model. But! There are always exceptions.
If you are not tall, do not let this stand in your way. There are numerous fields of modeling that do not require the same height standards. Fitness models, lingerie models, bikini models etc. (read, The Many Types of Modeling) are just a few examples of modeling fields that a shorter than average individual may pursue. Do not let height stand in the way of your passion. Passion trumps all standards.
How Tall Should Models Be?
Height is one of the main assets of a model, and it is among the fundamental requirements for getting into the industry in the first place. The ideal height is always among the most frequent topics asked and discussed by aspiring models, and for good reason. Simply put, height does matter, and you need to pay close attention to that aspect to thrive in this field.
There’s no one universal height set for all models all over the world. Height specifications vary from agency to agency and depending on the gigs, after all. Still, there’s a prescribed height range that’s set for each gender—a rough guideline, if you will. For commercial modeling gigs, that’s 5’7” (170 cm) to 5’11” (180 cm) for women and 5’9” (175 cm) to 6’2” (188 cm) for men. The same range applies to men for fashion modeling and editorial gigs, while the range for women is 5’8” (173 cm) to 5’10” (178 cm).
The reason for picking out tall people—who incidentally have slender bodies to go with their height—is that clothes generally tend to look better on that kind of a physique. That’s particularly effective for catwalk gigs and editorials. As we’ve mentioned many times before, getting the height requirement part right is not the be-all and end-all of modeling. There are other factors that can sway casting directors, judges, and designers to pick your profile out from among the rest of the heap. An inch or two could be overlooked in favor of the most tantalizing set of eyes or an unparalleled smile.
In addition, there are also other types of modeling where height won’t really matter—or at least were it doesn’t matter as much compared to runways and editorials. There are lots of niches you could explore to see where you’ll be a great fit. Modeling only for certain body parts like hands and feet would eliminate the need to be vertically acceptable. Plus-size, petite, and fitness divisions, among others, can also accommodate body types that aren’t what pass for conventional as far as models go. When push comes to shove, it’s all about finding the route that best suits your attributes.
Without a doubt, height is essential for models. In a way, the above-average qualities—including height—are what make models stand out from the typical guy or gal on the street. The height requirements can be a tad prohibitive, but that’s an inescapable aspect of the industry. It’s tough when you don’t make the cut, but it is what it is. Some people have enough of the x-factor to compensate for slightly missing the mark in the height department, and you’re certainly lucky if you’re one of those.
For those starting out, though, already fitting the bill in terms of size is indeed a big plus. As they say, “you can’t teach height.” Being tall enough is only the beginning, however—you have to have that look, need to be able to pull off whatever gig you’re eyeing, and you should still work hard to improve on your craft in order to reach your goals in the modeling industry.
The most common reason I've heard is that tall models make clothing look better and more elegant. Models also tend to have relatively small breasts because of the way the clothes fall, as larger ones would alter the line of the clothing (though I'm not sure why designers couldn't just plan for that). Models are there to sell clothes, so their appearance is centered on making the clothes look good.
Why clothes look better on taller models is a more difficult question. Outside of the fashion world, tallness isn't typically an ideal trait for women. It's common for tall women to struggle with people seeing them as unfeminine or even undateable. So it's not simply because it's an attractive ideal. But if you look at the words we use to describe tall women--words like statuesque and imposing--it starts to make more sense. Those aren't negative words. Tall women are relatively uncommon, and tall people in general have a more commanding presence than shorter people. They draw attention, they stand out in a crowd, and they can be a bit intimidating.
That's the goal here. You find a woman who is tall enough that people notice her and find her somewhat intimidating to approach, and one who is also exceptionally pretty, which also draws attention and makes her more intimidating. Add in the ability to make that presence work in her favor, to get people to look at her and envy her but assume she's untouchable, and you have a model. In short, the height plays into the attitude models are generally expected to have.
I do want to clarify one key point--it's difficult to word that idea in a way that doesn't sound negative towards either short or tall people. Just bear in mind it's meant to be from the viewpoint of the modeling industry, and that "intimidating" is not meant negatively. It's more the "I can't ask her out, she's too pretty" kind of intimidating. The whole thing is also a bit of an exaggerated stereotype (obviously not all tall people can command a room, and plenty of short people can), but the modeling world exists in a very narrow window.
Because thats what the media wants, unfortunately. [https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090103001646AAdK0xe]
Fashion models are hangers. Their purpose is to make the clothes look good. Clothes hang better on tall, slim women than short or curvy women.
In addition, consumers want to look skinny. The garment will seem more likely to make the wearer appear slim if it's presented on a tall model. [http://www.quora.com/Why-are-fashion-models-tall]
In addition, consumers want to look skinny. The garment will seem more likely to make the wearer appear slim if it's presented on a tall model. [http://www.quora.com/Why-are-fashion-models-tall]
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