Answering a Reader Question #210

Mrs. DMZP Wrote:


Hi Dania,

I wonder about fashion height requirements. I thought 5'7 was the minimum? I am 5'7 and I was told that I am too short for runway by some and that I barely make it by others. Can you give me a definite answer? 

Hi, Mrs. DMZP! Okay, so to officially answer your question once and for all, 5'8" is the minimum posted on agency websites that represent fashion, runway and editorial models. There are only two exceptions to this:

1) If a model is young, typically between the ages 14-16. Some fashion agencies allow models in this age range to be 5'7" (or sometimes even 5'6" in some markets) because they know there is still time for them to grow taller.

2) If a model has an amazing look that the agency knows will market well and result in getting a lot of work. This is definitely a case-by-case basis.

While 5'7" is one inch shy of the minimum requirement for fashion modeling, it is the ideal height for commercial/print. If you still want to get into modeling and have a sure shot, you'll definitely want to consider agencies with a commercial/print division.