If you have been thinking about becoming a professional model for a long time but do not know the height requirement for models, then this article will set the record straight. As for the standards, it is 5 feet 9 in for women, and 5 feet 11 in for men. However, this is very general and does not always correspond to different types of modeling. Read this detailed guide to find out what is acceptable for different areas, as well as how to become a pro-level model with a shorter height.
How tall do you have to be to model depends on the type of modeling. Play around with types and try different ones to find what you like and do best. It is important to make sure that the genre you choose suits you, including in terms of height requirements.
Women height requirements: 5 feet 9 in, and above
Men height requirements: 5 feet 11 in - 6 feet 11 in
The task of runway models is to demonstrate new outfits, walking along the catwalks of fashion weeks and other events. That is why designers choose taller models for catwalk shows. They put a lot of time and effort into their outfits, so they want their creativity to be as visible as possible.
More specifically, the taller the model, the more viewers sitting at the back will be able to see the outfit. As a rule, designers hire models when creating their shows, and since the height requirements are strict here, it is difficult to get here. At the same time, thinness is also an important criterion here.
Women height requirements: 5 feet 6 in, and above
Men height requirements: 5 feet 8 in, and above
Editorial and fashion modeling are not so strict about the height for a model. Here you will have a better chance if you are not tall since it is important here how well you pose and how many model poses you know. As for haute couture, tall height remains a priority. This is true for luxury brands – Gucci, Burberry, Valentino, etc.
At the same time, most other brands are more flexible. This is because they strive to showcase their products on models of different builds, heights, and shapes so that buyers can make sure that this or that outfit will look the right way on them.
Women height requirements: Any
Men height requirements: Any
The purpose of commercial models is to demonstrate different types of goods. Such advertising can be found in catalogs, commercials, and campaigns. Accordingly, there are no strict rules regarding the height of models, but on the contrary, diversity is welcome. Consequently, this category attracts the largest number of those who want to become pro models, since it does not limit them to strict requirements.
Commercial modeling is one of the most powerful tools to help increase sales. This is because it shows people while using or wearing the product you are promoting. The more the model is conditionally similar to a potential buyer, the more trust it will arouse in him. For most, a runway model with a height of 5 feet 11 inches is something far compared to a girl with a shorter height.
Women height requirements: 5 feet 2 in - 5 feet 6 in
Men height requirements: 5 feet 5 in - 5 feet 8 in
If your height does not satisfy the modeling height requirements of previous genres, then try your hand at petite modeling. Petite models demonstrate clothes of smaller sizes, embellishing petite girls and women. By becoming such a model, you can look forward to a busy shooting job, as there are not too high criteria for physique and figure. You probably know the famous representatives of this trend – Emily Ratajkowski, Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, and Lily-Rose Depp.
Women height requirements: Any
Men height requirements: Any
Requirements for child models are even softer. You will not find too harsh rules here, unlike the requirements for adult models. The most important thing is that the child should be sincere, cheerful, joyful, and like to interact with people. Perhaps the strictest rule, which is still not always applied, is the age of up to 13 years.
Child models are sought after for a variety of projects, including editorial sessions and advertising campaigns. Most of the world’s movie stars began their professional journey with child modeling, for example, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Natalie Portman, Jodie Foster, Anderson Cooper, and many others.
Women height requirements: 5 feet 5 in - 5 feet 9 in
Men height requirements: 5 feet 8 in, and above
Modern fashion trends have become more and more welcoming to women with full figures thanks to the influence of the body positivity movement and world celebrities. This has become a breakthrough in the modeling and fashion world, and it is impossible not to notice, as the demand for such models is relentlessly growing.
Now, to become a famous and successful model, you no longer need to lose weight to 6 sizes and be over 5 feet tall. Modern plus-size models take part in fashion shows, collaborate with global brands, pose for the covers of glossy magazines, and so on. This genre does not apply strict height requirement for models, only the figure is important.
Women height requirements: 5 feet 7 in - 6 feet
Men height requirements: 5 feet 8 in, and above
Modeling of this type is very sector-specific since the models are engaged in the demonstration of underwear, swimwear, nightgowns, pajamas, and so on. They are allowed to be a little more lush and voluptuous than the catwalk models. On the other hand, this genre, on the contrary, is more open, as its models take part in catwalk shows, decorate the covers of glossy magazines with their photos, and demonstrate underwear in catalogs of various brands.
It all depends on what the model does best, on her type, and how versatile she is. As for the requirements, they must adhere to proper nutrition to have a certain physique and size all the time. In terms of height, you may be slightly shorter than the listed feet if your figure fits perfectly into the required measurements.
Do you still think that you will not be able to become famous because you are short? You’ll be surprised to learn that some of the most famous and beloved models in pop culture are petite. Below, I collected only several successful representatives with a small height for a model.
Height: 5 feet 3 in
As a 15-year-old petite model, Lily-Rose Depp was honored to be the face of Chanel No. 5 by Karl Lagerfeld himself. This isn’t the only major event in her modeling career – she’s walked in several Chanel runway shows and also starred in its seasonal advertising campaigns. As for the covers of glossy fashion magazines, she has already become their favorite – Vogue Paris, ELLE France, and Vanity Fair France – this is only a third of her entire career path.
Height: 5 feet 5 in
Perhaps one of the most famous petite models is Devon Aoki. She started her career path back in 1997, at a time when it was almost impossible to imagine a small model at cult shows. At the age of 16, she became a famous top model, and already in 1998, she became the face of the Versace brand, replacing Naomi Campbell herself.
During her successful career, she managed to pose for the most famous brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel, and grace the covers of fashion publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. However, her career was not limited to modeling only, she managed to star in such cult films as Sin City and Fast and the Furious 2. Strict modeling height requirements have not become an obstacle to her stunning success in the fashion and film industries.
Height: 5 feet 7 in
What Kate Moss didn’t hear enough about before becoming a superstar – too short and even strange for a model. Despite this, she was able to achieve success, raising the bar high for all the following miniature models.
The most famous photographers https://fixthephoto.com/famous-photographers.html (World’s Famous Photographers) lined up to shoot with her, and the most iconic brands like Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel were always happy to invite her to their fashion shows as a star model. Moss was honored to become the face of perhaps all the famous fashion brands. What is Vogue worth, on the cover of which Kate flaunted more than 40 times?
Height: 5 feet 1 in
Being close to the Kardashian family and thanks to the help of Kanye West, Amina Blue was able to start her career in the fashion world. Even though she was far from the height requirements for modeling, this did not become an obstacle to her overwhelming success. Appearing on the West show, she shone with her amazing figure and attractive features. All this helped her to break the stereotypes about the model’s height.
Height: 5 feet 2 in
Starting cooperation with Wilhelmina Models, Zoe Elyse’s popularity jumped up to 75,000 Instagram followers. In her interviews, she repeatedly emphasized that she had to go through many difficulties to become a successful petite model. However, her powerful sense of purpose and her family’s faith in her did not allow her to give up.
At the moment, she has already managed to light up on Teen Vogue and Refinery29 to Dolls Kill. Despite the resounding success, she does not stand still and continues to develop and improve, trying to prove to all shorties by her example that the modeling business is not about parameters, but about talent and skills.
Creating a portfolio is the first step in preparing for a modeling job. This is the first thing that future clients and agencies will see, based on which they will decide whether to invite you for a subsequent acquaintance. Must-haves for a modeling portfolio are basic photos taken in natural light. In addition, take photos in different outfits and poses to showcase your skills, talents, and the genre you want to work in.
Think carefully about the genre of modeling you want. If you see yourself as a plus-size bikini model, take appropriate pictures, such as plus size boudoir photography. To style your portfolio properly and make it look like a pro, I advise you to turn to portfolio website builders. I think the best ones are Wix, Pixpa, or Squarespace as they can give you attractive results in seconds.
For beginner models, it also makes sense to cooperate with modeling agencies. They will help you find suitable castings and prepare you for them. Find an agency that’s right for you. To date, this is not difficult, since this phenomenon is common. Some of them work only with short models, while others work with tall ones. For miniature models, I recommend BTWN Agency, Latitude Talent Studios, Premier Model Management, and Red Model Management.
Since a short height for a model does not make it easier to launch a career in the fashion industry, you need to try to be the best in your business. To learn modeling fundamentals, try contacting modeling schools and courses. In addition to how to walk the catwalk correctly and interact with the photographer, you will be taught the basics of creating your own image and what to expect from a modeling career in general.
If you want to dive deeper into modeling, hire a personal teacher who will tell you which male poses and female poses are right for your type and physique.
It is no secret that social networks are one of the most powerful tools for developing your business, finding partners and like-minded people, as well as for work. Models are needed for advertising, but more and more customers are turning to models that already have a large number of active subscribers to promote their products or services even more effectively. This is not yet a mandatory requirement among all clients to find modeling work, but it will be a big advantage.
At the same time, advanced modeling agencies are still beginning to require models to have an active presence on social networks. There are only two main factors that will help you have a successful Instagram – consistency and interaction with the audience. This social network is also great for finding Instagram photographers to partner with or organize a TFP shoot with.
The high stature provides sufficient visibility on the catwalks. This is exactly what designers want for their work to be clearly visible. That is why long legs, a thin waist, and small breasts have become the ideal figure in the modeling world.
Even though that the modeling business is transforming and looking for more and more new personalities, famous designers still collaborate with models that represent the industry standard. This also applies to haute couture and runway shows, where the classic high stature stays on-trend.
Yes, you can be part of catalog, body-part, glamor, or commercial modeling along with the classic tall (5ft 8in) models. The suitable petite model height is 5'2" to 5'6". At the same time, the proportions of body parts should correspond to your height and be slightly smaller than that of an average woman.
The average height of these models is 5 feet 10 inches. The shortest Angel ever was Laetitia Casta at just 5'7″. In addition to Victoria’s Secret shows, she was the star of Louis Vuitton, Roberto Cavalli, and other famous designers.
Small height is not a barrier to participation in any modeling campaign. You can partner with commercial clothing brands that advertise for mid-sized clients, or with cosmetics brands where height is not an issue at all. You can also try your hand at fitness or swimwear modeling, and more.
