Can I be a runway model at 5′6″? Very unlikely, except maybe in some local runway show in a third-tier podunk town. The industry standard minimum height for the big agencies in major markets is 5′10″ for fashion and 5′8″ for commercial work.
The High Fashion World
Girls aged 14-15 are expected to be between 5'7″ – 6'0″. Those aged between 16-22 need to be around 5'9″ – 6'0″. Height is favoured by the high fashion modelling world; the above are typical measurements expected of teens wishing to make it in this type of modelling.
High fashion modelling has strict guidelines; male models should generally be between 5'11″ and 6'3” in height, their waist should measure 29-32 inches and their chest 39-40 inches. These figures will vary slightly depending on the agency, but scouts will always be on the lookout for toned, slim physiques.
Height: 174-180cm. Breast: 80-94 cm. Waist: 55-65 cm. Hips: 85-93 cm.
Runway models should be at least 5'8” as a female and 6'0” as a male. For editorial modeling, having the right look is more important than height or slender frame alone. For convention/promotional models, it's more about having an engaging personality and the ability to act as a product spokesperson.
Known for: Devon Aoki is perhaps one of the shortest runway models to hit the catwalk. But that did not stop her from walking in coveted shows like Chanel, Moschino, or Versace. In addition to modeling, Devon also appeared in films like '2 Fast 2 Furious', 'Sin City' and 'War'.
So Why Do Models Have to Be Tall? Height has always been synonymous with stature. A taller stature offers a commanding presence at runway shows, and so this is ideal for designers who want their work to be noticed.
You don't need to be tall to become a model. While most models are typically 5'9" to 6", you can still be signed with an agency even if you fall under this height range. Tall models may dominate the high fashion world, but there are plenty of other opportunities out there.
The U.S. is one of the best countries for landing modeling work of all sorts. If you are considering a career in modeling, you should first determine what kind of modeling you're interested in. There are several different types of models.
The taller the person, the easier they are to see on a catwalk or even while walking through a crowd. They're better at drawing attention from a distance, successfully attracting the audience to themselves and their products. Shorter people, it's believed, are simply more likely to be overlooked.
International supermodel, Gigi Hadid began her career as a toddler when she appeared in a campaign for Baby Guess at just two years old.
Fashion models usually grace the covers of international fashion magazines like Elle, Glamour, and Vogue, and are employed by major fashion houses. The standard height requirement for a female fashion model is 5 feet and 9 inches to 6 feet. For men, the required height is 5 feet and 11 inches to 6 feet and 3 inches.
Marissa was the first 4'11” model to walk on major runways due to a fiery, standout passion that has also put her on 11 seasons of Fashion Week to date, soon to be 12.
Shorter men and women don't have to put their modeling dreams on the shelf. While the typical fashion modeling dimensions for women tend to fall between 5'9” and 6 feet, and 5'11” to 6'2” for male fashion models, there are still lots of jobs for shorter models to book.
Mostly used by models, who are by definition tall and slender, the crossed legs is the standing sister of seated crossed legs. The pose can make a dress of any length look demure – even the shortest of minis – and by a trick of the eye, makes the legs look half the width.
Being turned down for jobs due to a lack of height is a real concern for men in the modelling industry. For high fashion, a male model should ideally measure at a minimum of 5'11. Commercial print is less strict and tends to hire men with a more inclusive height of 5'8.
When showing off their newest fashions, designers obviously want their outfits to look as beautiful as possible. In order for that to happen, the clothes need to drape and flow, which happens naturally when they are placed on a tall, skinny frame. That is why most mannequins come in such a small size.
Laetitia Casta was the shortest Victoria's Secret model to date with a height of just 5' 7".
High-fashion agencies will very rarely look twice at a model that doesn't fit their strict height and body shape requirements. This is because high fashion designers and brands believe that being over 5'7 for a girl and 5'11 for a boy is the best possible height to show off their clothes.
Victoria's Secret has high fashion height requirements: must be between 5 feet 6 inches (1.70 m) and 6 feet (1.85 m). Who measure less than 5 feet 8 inches (1.70 m) is generally not considered.