Why Do Models Have To Be Tall?

[Heather Duval]

Why do models have to be tall? Well, there are several reasons why this may always seem to be the case. Of course, it’s not always true, and shorter models – petite models, in industry terms – do exist. However, when asking ourselves why do models have to be tall, we’re responding to a pretty blatant tradition that exists across the fashion world, whether it’s catwalks, catalogues or high fashion shoots. For women, the industry standard tends to be 5’8 and above, and for men, models are usually between 5’11 and 6’2.

So Why DO Models Have To Be Tall?

When answering why do models have to be tall, it’s important to face a few realities from the perspectives of top designers. Some clothes simply fit better on taller women; almost as though those women are hangers. Of course, it’s reactionary. The designers favour taller women, and so they design with them in mind. The cut of the clothing is supposed to fit women of taller stature because that’s what they prefer and therefore how the garments are made, and so it makes sense that the clothing be made to appear as tailored to one body type as possible.

On clothes that are designed for women with longer bodies, it’s better to use tall models for a number of reasons. Firstly, such items of clothing simply sit better on these women. They don’t crease or bunch up, and they flow as naturally as the creatives who designed them intended.

There’s also the undeniable fact that height has always been synonymous with stature. A taller stature commands attention, and so this is ideal for designers who want their work to be noticed. Conversely, you could argue to those asking who do models have to be tall that it’s actually the opposite – due to the uniform nature of catwalks with people of a set aesthetic, it allows people to focus more on the fashion itself, which the designers would like!
Are Times Changing?

In the past, being taller was often a symbol of wealth, beauty and success. However, as the case may be in 2016, people of all appearances are finding success, which may change the industry from within. We now have a broader idea of what makes someone good looking.

[Heather Duval]

For now, however, models are supposed to make the clothes look as good as possible, and a lot of designers simply believe that the best looking men and women are taller because they’re more poised and slim, and so their clothes look better. Obviously though, attitudes are changing, and more and more ‘types’ of model are being used. They can of course start making their clothes for people of all heights, which would eradicate some issues!

So, in 20 years, we may not query why do models have to be tall… it might simply revert to why they have to be beautiful. Unfortunately, that one’s never going to change (although our ideas of what defines beauty might).

[Heather Duval]

To me, skinny and tall girls looks better in a fashion dress for exemple
My preference is for tall guys and i do admire tall girls

[Linebacker]

5`8 is still insufficient for female models if you ask me.

Most girls in Victoria Secret are 5`10 something.

[Heather Duval]

5`8 is still insufficient for female models if you ask me.

Most girls in Victoria Secret are 5`10 something.

1.61 is the average size for many girls in some european countries, 1.65+ in germany
thats why many models aka the most successful, Gisele Bundchen is german descent

[Heather Duval]

Yamnaya were the tallest guys, so the more Yamnaya admixture you have = the taller you are