# Why are female fashion models generally tall and thin? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 16, 2004, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384 "2004-05-16T05:16:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Call\_me\_Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Call\_me\_Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Call_me_Frank)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/1 "2004-05-16T05:16:00Z")
Well, anyone? Title asks it all… Thanks for your replies… ---
**Author:** ![Call\_me\_Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Call\_me\_Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Call_me_Frank)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/2 "2004-05-16T05:17:46Z")
> [@Call me Frank](#): > > Well, anyone? Title asks it all… > > Thanks for your replies… I should clarify, I suppose. By thin, I don’t mean “not overweight”. I mean _very_ thin, to the point of being too thin, imo. ---
**Author:** ![DeadlyAccurate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@DeadlyAccurate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadlyAccurate)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/3 "2004-05-16T05:25:27Z")
Fashion designers tend to think (and may be right) that clothes hang better off of tall, thin women. Also, the camera tends to add a few pounds and subtract a few inches, so a tall, thin woman looks more like a shorter, more average-weighted woman once the film/photos are done. I do believe the trend, in acting at least, is actually heading toward women of a more average size. Look at Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation and Amber Benson (Tara) in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/4 "2004-05-16T05:29:11Z")
Speaking from a photographer’s perspective, height is desirable in a model as long limbs produce very bold and stiking lines. As for the weight issue, once again, photographically, very thin models tend to come out well, as the flattening of the dimensions makes them look a little bit fuller than they actually are. I must agree with you; most models I see are far skinnier than what is aesthetically pleasing to me. But on film, they look great. That’s just one perspective. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/5 "2004-05-16T05:39:43Z")
Have you ever seen a fat clothes hanger? No really. A very good model will disapper into the background and let the clothing do all the talking - watch one of the big shows sometime - when the girls are on stage you’re stunned by their appearance. When they leave, all you remember is what they were wearing. The lean model’s body helps achieve this - the clothing drapes and flows over everything and doesn’t really draw much attention to the woman. Generally, runway models are thinner than print models, with the exception of underwear models who tend to have boobs. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/6 "2004-05-16T14:14:35Z")
FWIW (I used to manage open calls for one of the national agencies) there’s a lot more flexibility in print (a misnomer, because “print” work covers most non-runway, non-live modelling) than there is in fashion (where the \>5’8", \<125 lbs. rule is fairly well-established). **DeadlyAccurate** pretty much nailed it- designers found that tall and painfully skinny displayed clothing to better effect than any other build. Remember, a model’s purpose is to make the clothes look good, not herself, so the fact that a more curvaceous (tall _or_ short) woman might be more attractive isn’t important. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/7 "2004-05-16T14:53:57Z")
I guess we can consider _haute couture_ to be Art, or at least Entertainment, so this thread can stay in Cafe Society. “I’ve always enjoyed looking at women in women’s clothes.” – Charles Bukowski. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/8 "2004-05-16T15:49:26Z")
Of course, there’s also the theory that most designers are gay, and that tall, thin fashion models most closely resemble their sexual ideal – teen males. ---
**Author:** ![cichlidiot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f9b8f/32.png) [@cichlidiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cichlidiot)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/9 "2004-05-16T16:10:43Z")
> [@Really Not All That Bright](#): > > \ (where the \>5’8", \<125 lbs. rule is fairly well-established).\ This is the first time I’ve seen hard numbers like that. How long ago was this (if you don’t mind)? Was a model taken at her word, or was she actually measured and weighed by the agency before hiring? Also, was there a later weigh in after a given interval of time had passed? ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/10 "2004-05-16T16:56:50Z")
There is enormous pressure on models to keep their weight down, by any means necessary. Drugs, eating disorders, cigarette addiction, and just plain starving are rampant. I doubt if they are put onto scales like jockeys (for whom all the above problems also apply) because there is no need. If a model gains even a few pounds it will be immediately obvious. They’re seen nude all the time backstage and any bulges bigger than Cindy Crawford’s mole will distort the clothing. 125 lb actually seems high for a runway model. Even the ones who have the figure to double as swimsuit models weigh less than that. Remember that Elle Macpherson had to put on 20 pounds for the film Sirens so that she only appeared to be skinny rather than emaciated. There are a few models shorter than 5’8" (Kate Moss is, I believe) but most modeling agencies just won’t bother with anyone shorter because then the clothes have to be specially adapted for a shorter body. [Fashion Model Size Requirements](http://www.modelingadvice.com/FashionSize.html) > [@](#): > > For high fashion modeling there are size and “look” requirements. Model size seems to be the burning question for many. In checking around I have found no two sources agree on size for fashion models (some agencies have height, weight and size charts they strictly go by and others just a general look) and I am constantly finding exception. Different fashion designer and modeling agencies have varying standard that can change a few inches here and there depending on the “look” for that season (one year they are draping cloths over scare crow thin models, the next they are form fitting over voluptuous models). In general, mainstream female high fashion models are tall, thin, young and beautiful. How tall? Mainstream range - 5’9" to 5’11" with outer fringe being 5’8" to 6" with the extremely rare exception down to 5’5" and as tall as 6’1". Thin - puts weight at 108 to 130lbs in proportional to height. This puts dress size 6-8 with the desired figure around 34B-24-34. This can range some but waist no larger the 25" and maximum hips 35 ½." Beginning models start modeling in the age range of 13-19 and if you have not made it by twenty it is over. > > [In checking around it looks like for Fall 2003 they are back to tall and very thin - 5’ 9 to 5’10", size 2 to 4 but I think they would love size 0. If you are USA average of 5’6" size 10/12 forget about any hope of being a high fashion model this season.] Size 0! ---
**Author:** ![Priam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/77aa72/32.png) [@Priam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Priam)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/11 "2004-05-16T17:14:28Z")
> [@Evil Captor](#): > > Of course, there’s also the theory that most designers are gay, and that tall, thin fashion models most closely resemble their sexual ideal – teen males. Of course I personally consider that a load of hooey (this not being the Pit). Most of the people in my “hot hot oh my God” category tend to be in their early to mid twenties, and I actually know more gay men who favor the crowd older than that. The spectrum of attraction is just as diverse as any other group. Plus the gay designers aren’t going to go by what they consider an attractive female but by what type of attractive female has been shown to sell more of their clothes. They, just like the straight female designers, are out to sell clothes not sleep with their models. ---
**Author:** ![TeaElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@TeaElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaElle)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/12 "2004-05-16T17:32:35Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > Generally, runway models are thinner than print models, with the exception of underwear models who tend to have boobs. Clarification/Amplification: With the exception of underwear models who tend to have **fake** boobs. It’s a very rare woman with a body fat percentage that low who could naturally sustain breasts that large. I’ve been told that girls applying to be models who are generally skinny but have some actual curves have been counseled to get breast implants because so long as they have well-defined hips, their only real chance is to go the underwear model route, which requires cleavage. If they’re flat-chested but also have no significant curves with regard to waist and hips, they can still make it in high fashion. Blah. Gimme [Kate Dillon](http://www.judgmentofparis.com/images/KD13.jpg) or [Mia Tyler](http://www.judgmentofparis.com/forum/mia06a.jpg) any day. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Death](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecccb3/32.png) [@Evil\_Death](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Death)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/13 "2004-05-16T17:37:26Z")
> [@DeadlyAccurate](#): > > I do believe the trend, in acting at least, is actually heading toward women of a more average size. Look at Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation and Amber Benson (Tara) in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. You were saying about the camera adding a few pounds. I’ve met Amber Benson, and she’s quite slim. ---
**Author:** ![Lynne\_kilii](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d26b3c/32.png) [@Lynne\_kilii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynne_kilii)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/14 "2004-05-16T17:42:42Z")
ooh. Now I’m in lust with Mia Tyler and it’s all your fault, **TeaElle**! ---
**Author:** ![DeadlyAccurate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@DeadlyAccurate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadlyAccurate)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/15 "2004-05-16T18:00:57Z")
> [@Evil Death](#): > > You were saying about the camera adding a few pounds. I’ve met Amber Benson, and she’s quite slim. I actually figured she was, but the camera does add a few pounds to make her look more normal-sized, especially compared to Alyson Hannigan, who is positively lanky even on the camera. ---
**Author:** ![cichlidiot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f9b8f/32.png) [@cichlidiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cichlidiot)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/16 "2004-05-16T18:35:03Z")
Thank you for the skinny \, **Exapno Mapcase**. I did some searching and on the sites I found, it looks like the runway models range from 5’9 to 5’11 and about 114 lbs. The mainly swimsuit models ran the same up to 126 lbs. I’m sure it can vary more than that with some agencies, but I’ll admit I’m surprised. I didn’t really believe all of the stories about starvation, etc. I thought it happened of course, but I figured there were a lot of models at that weight naturally. I’m still clinging to my belief that some of those models don’t starve themselves. The reason being I’m 5’10 and weighed 111.5 lbs until I was 25. I’ve gained weight since then, but have never starved myself (I eat when I’m hungry and have always pigged out on occasion). I never could have been a model, no boobs and not pretty enough, but it was nice to have the measurements put in perspective. I’ll also add, while I’m sure people may find my body type gross, I never did have a doctor ask more than, “Have you always been this thin?” during a checkup. ---
**Author:** ![Eutychus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Eutychus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eutychus)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/17 "2004-05-16T18:46:43Z")
It makes them easier to store. ---
**Author:** ![if6was9](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e47c2d/32.png) [@if6was9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/if6was9)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/18 "2004-05-16T18:50:25Z")
Cuz that’s what ALL women look like, the desirable ones, anyway… :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2004, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/19 "2004-05-16T20:48:50Z")
> [@TeaElle](#): > > Blah. Gimme [Kate Dillon](http://www.judgmentofparis.com/images/KD13.jpg) or [Mia Tyler](http://www.judgmentofparis.com/forum/mia06a.jpg) any day. Looking at them makes me feel good about myself. They have my body type and look awesome, makes me feel like I can too (and I do… when I put more effort into what ever’s clean grab and put on lol) ---
**Author:** ![litost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c4cdca/32.png) [@litost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/litost)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2004, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384/20 "2004-05-17T00:29:10Z")
I’ve read that before the 60s, models were “normal” even a bit well-endowed. Marilyn Monroe, for example. Apparently, the skinny model became a fixture afterwards. Oh wait, I heard that from Bill Maher. I don’t know how true it is. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-female-fashion-models-generally-tall-and-thin/245384.md?page=2)