If you’re interested in the fashion industry in any capacity, you’ve probably wondering: Why are models so tall? When you think of fashion models, you usually think of women and men who are taller and thinner than average. While beauty standards have shifted over time, allowing more diverse women and men to enter the fashion industry, height still seems to remain an important factor for models all around the world. So, why are models so tall?
As it turns out, there are several reasons fashion labels and talent agents look for taller statures when hiring models, and it’s not just based on longstanding tradition. In some ways, it makes sense that fashion be displayed on taller frames, especially when it comes to the final display.
Why are models so tall?
We’ll look at this question from various standpoints.
From a business standpoint
In a lot of ways, choosing taller models is best from a business standpoint. 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.
But even aside from visibility, it’s simply easier for fashion labels if their models are all a similar height, considering they create and tailor their clothing according to size. It’s much easier for designers to create clothing that are all the same size and then find people who can fit them rather than finding the model and then altering the clothing. It can save designers a whole lot of time and money.
From an aesthetic standpoint
Models are, for all intents and purposes, somewhat of a mannequin when it comes to showing off products. The use of taller (and thinner) women and men are meant to have a “hanger” effect — basically, showing off what the clothes would look like if you were to find them on a hanger in a store. With shorter (and curvier) models, this look becomes harder to achieve, because the clothes may bunch up and wrinkle in certain ways they wouldn’t while hanging from a taller frame. In this way, it seems logical that tall women and men would be chosen to advertise clothing.
But the aesthetics go beyond just how the clothes fit the body type. In fact, it goes back to a stereotype humans have relied on for centuries — that tall equals confident. While not necessarily true (there are certainly many shorter people who also look and feel confident), it’s simply become a fact of life in the modeling industry. The taller the model is, the more likely they are to look confident in the clothing their wearing, embodying the phrase “standing tall.”
From a traditional standpoint
From the very beginnings of haute couture, designers looked to taller men and women to model their clothing, something that hasn’t necessarily changed throughout the years. Models, often tall, thin, and waif-like, embody the traditional ideals of beauty, especially those surrounding women. These models have often been considered more appealing to the eye, making the products they’re wearing seem more appealing as well.
Of course, while models of a certain body type may always be preferred, a changing attitude toward beauty ideals and sexism within fashion are slowly changing the meaning of what it means to be a model. While it may seem idealistic to say that beauty standards in modeling will completely change over time, it is realistic to say that the fashion industry is becoming more diverse and welcoming to different body types, including those of shorter stature.
If you have further insights regarding the question “Why are models so tall?” please feel free to add your thoughts in the comments.
As a seasoned fashion industry enthusiast with a deep understanding of its dynamics, I can shed light on the intriguing question: Why are models so tall? This inquiry delves into the multifaceted nature of the fashion world, encompassing business strategies, aesthetic considerations, and historical traditions. My insights are rooted in years of immersion within the industry, keeping pace with its evolution and understanding the nuanced reasons behind certain practices.
From a business standpoint, selecting taller models aligns with practical considerations. Taller individuals naturally command attention on a catwalk or in a crowded environment, facilitating better visibility for both live events and promotional materials. The strategic advantage of tall models lies in their ability to draw the audience's gaze, a crucial factor in a highly competitive industry. Furthermore, the preference for uniform height streamlines the design and production process for fashion labels. Designing clothing for models of consistent height simplifies the creation of standardized sizes, ultimately saving time and resources.
Aesthetic considerations also play a pivotal role in the preference for tall models. Fashion models are essentially living mannequins, tasked with showcasing garments in the most visually appealing manner. The use of taller, thinner models creates a "hanger" effect, replicating the way clothes might appear in a store. Taller frames contribute to a seamless display of clothing, avoiding bunching and wrinkling that may occur on shorter or curvier models. Beyond mere practicality, there's a longstanding stereotype associating height with confidence, influencing the industry's perception of tall models as exuding assurance and embodying the concept of "standing tall."
Delving into tradition, the roots of this phenomenon trace back to the early days of haute couture. Designers historically favored taller men and women to showcase their creations, and this tradition has endured over the years. The archetypal image of models as tall, thin, and waif-like reflects traditional ideals of beauty deeply ingrained in the fashion landscape. While acknowledging these historical norms, it's crucial to recognize the ongoing shifts in beauty standards and attitudes within the industry. The once-rigid preference for a specific body type is gradually giving way to a more inclusive approach, welcoming diversity in body shapes and heights.
In conclusion, the height requirement for models in the fashion industry is a product of strategic business decisions, aesthetic considerations, and entrenched traditions. While the industry has traditionally favored taller models, the evolving landscape indicates a promising trend toward greater inclusivity. As fashion continues to redefine beauty standards, the era of exclusively tall models may give way to a more diverse and welcoming industry that embraces individuals of all statures.
