Male Model Height Requirements - The Photo Studio (2024)

FAQs

What is the height requirement for a male model? ›

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.

Generally, male fashion/editorial models are 6' to 6'5”, wear a size 40–42 top, and have a 32-inch waist. Shoe size may vary, but it is usually between size 9 and 12. Runway model: Runway models advertise a clothing designer or brand by walking in fashion shows.

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.

While there is a petite model category in many agencies, high-fashion demands that male models meet a specific measurement. Generally, male models in high fashion must be between 5'11” and 6'3″. Anyone above or below that may struggle to find work as a runway model.

Runway model's need to be around 5'11” and 6'3″. Anyone below this height will struggle to find work in high fashion. While commercial and other forms of modelling are slightly more relaxed, they still tend to favour male models who are over 5'11”.

For men, this is typically between 5'11” and 6'2″. However, there have been some exceptions made for men who are shorter than this. For example, Tom Ford has used models as short as 5'7″ in his shows. In addition to meeting the height requirements, you must also have a slender build and good proportions.

For male models, a lot of emphasis is placed on physical changeability, as makeup is not as commonly used with men. This is why a man's facial features are often critical: having high cheekbones and distinctive facial features is key. Your physique should be athletic, but slim, and the minimum height is often 1.80 m.

Becoming a male model can be difficult, as it has many different requirements, competition, and difficulty entering the industry.

Commercial Model

Their job is to fit into retail clothing or to be able to endorse a product or service successfully. Accordingly, to the industry's standard sample size, commercial models are hired if they are between 5'6" to 5'11" in the case of females and males are required to be between 5'9" to 6'2".

Please be aware that shorter models are highly unlikely to get into runway work, but this shouldn't stop you from trying. Male model height requirements are difficult to work around, but it is not unheard of for a shorter model to do well.

Is 6 feet tall enough for a male model? ›

The industry standard for male runway models in high fashion is around 6 feet tall but it varies from agency to agency, and the needs of the clothing brand.

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. On occasion, modeling agencies may make exceptions for models who are just outside the typical industry standard.

The salaries of Male Models in the US range from $10,094 to $254,999 , with a median salary of $45,701 .

In most other predominately-female jobs, men are favored over women in both pay and promotions. But in fashion modeling women are paid a 25-75% premium over men's wages (Mears 2011).

Male & Female Modeling Standards

When it comes to male models, they are typically expected to weigh between 120 and 170 pounds, which is also lower than the healthy weight for men. A man who reaches six feet tall, which is the average height for male models, should weigh somewhere between 160-196.

Runway Models

The height requirements are 5.9 and above for female models and between 5'11" to 6'2" for male models. The fashion industry is very strict and has high, and sometimes unreasonable standards. Since the requirements are not very flexible, it is a hard industry to get into.

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.

Yes, typically speaking it is. Some model agencies are more picky than others and won't sign on a 5′10 guy or a 6′3 guy but generally speaking both of those heights are accepted. About 5′11 to 6′2 (180 to 190 cm) is the “golden range” for male models.

The average Male Model salary in the United States is $204,380 per year or $98 per hour. Male Model salaries range between $70,000 and $595,000 per year.