A male model has a variety of qualities that make them good candidates to be featured in fashion shows and advertisements, but what exactly makes someone tall enough to be considered one? Is there an ideal height that’s necessary? It may not be as obvious as you think!
Here are some insights into the perfect size for male models and why it may not be the height you think.
How did this myth start?
The myth started when a well-known modeling agency put out an ad looking for male models between 5’9 and 6’1 tall. The statement was made that, based on their research, anything above or below those numbers decreased their chances of being successful as a model. Get more information about fashion modeling from base models management.
Since then, that has been repeated repeatedly in modeling circles and passed on as fact. Unfortunately, there is no statistical basis behind it; all you have to do is walk into any fashion show to seem taller or shorter than male models walking perfectly down the runway.
Whether due to genetics or just personal preference, height doesn’t seem to matter much when it comes to working as a male model.
A brief history of modeling standards
Fashion was an early adopter of using models in its advertising and marketing campaigns. As advertisers became more sophisticated, they realized that glamorized images of women could move merchandise better than just about anything else—especially when those images were spread through modern new media channels like print and radio.
Fashion was (and still is) pretty much all about appearances, so standards shifted to focus on height more than anything else; a woman who’s 5 feet 10 inches tall has lost half her marketability at 4 feet 10 inches. But men have it even worse: Until recently, nearly every standard-setting model agency had strict requirements that their male models be over 6 feet tall.
The average man, then and now.
The ideal male model’s height is 5’10. The average American man’s height has decreased from 5’9 in 1960 to 5’8 today. While Americans have grown in other ways (weight, waist size), it’s curious that our average height has dropped.
The United States is not alone: In most countries worldwide, men have lost about an inch of height during that same period. However, there are some outliers—countries where men have grown taller on average.
How tall should you be as a model?
The short answer is that as long as you are tall enough to work, it doesn’t matter if you are too tall or too short. For models shorter than 5’10, your face and body will not change much with your height.
However, being 5’9′′ or under puts you at an immediate disadvantage; agencies generally won’t even consider male models that are that short.
To be considered attractive to women, studies have shown that men need to be taller than 5’9, although there’s a bit of leeway here due to personal preferences.
Models are not all tall, but…
If you’re short, don’t feel bad; only two-thirds of male models are over 6 feet tall. The ideal height for a male model depends on what field he is in. For example, advertising campaigns often feature taller men—male models should be at least 5 feet 10 inches and wear shoe sizes ranging from 8 to 12.
Designers prefer shorter models because they look better on runways, so if you want to work as an editorial model or show up in magazines such as Esquire or Men’s Health, your best bet is to be between 5 feet 9 inches 6 feet tall.
If modeling briefs are more your style (no pun intended), your range may extend as low as 5 feet 7 inches and a waist size of 27 inches.
What is a good height for a male model?
If you aspire to become a model, it is important to know what kind of height is good. A common misconception is that models are all tall and lean. However, shorter male models have been successful in today’s industry.
It can depend on the type of modeling you wish to pursue. Whether it be runway or advertisement, there are still some factors for you to consider when determining your ideal height for modeling.
For instance, if you want to model as an underwear model or swimwear model, then a taller stature might help. This will add more confidence and appeal to such brands as Calvin Klein or Speedo.
Can I be a model at 5’7 male?
The height of a model does not necessarily define their success, but it certainly helps. A male model needs to be tall enough to be taller than most people, but not so tall that they are towering over everyone in an average crowd.
At 5’7, you are close to being too short to be an average model. Most male models have an average height of between 5’9 and 6’0. This means you are closer to being too short than being just right.
Even if you had large muscles or were very slim, at 5’7, it is unlikely that your proportions. Would make up for your lack of stature enough that someone would choose you over a taller candidate with more symmetrical proportions.
Can 5 10 guys be models?
Do you think that 5’10 is too short to be a male model? We think it’s not. In his interview, David Gandy claims he was refused by Ford Models several times before they eventually signed him.
He is so successful now that many agencies are actively looking for male models between 5’10 and 6’2. You don’t have to be over 6′, but at least 5’10 will help your chances of getting signed. Check out some more tips on modeling if you want to become one yourself, so here you will learn more about menswear trends from the year 2022.
Conclusion
There isn’t an ideal height. Models can be tall or short, but what they do with their size matters. The myth continues to persist because people continue to believe in it. When choosing models, talent agencies and fashion designers choose what works best for them and their market niche, whether someone is tall or short. To many people, tall may appear better, more attractive, or even more successful; but we shouldn’t get so hung up on numbers that we lose sight of substance.
