Many people do not know the difference among models. But believe it or not, there is! There are two types and the most known are Fashion models who walk the runway shows. Then, there are commercial models who are not as known but still play a big role in commercializing. Most of the time, fashion photographers and designers prefer taller models as the clothing attire is a better fit for them. It is easier to hire taller models who do fit into this "sample size" than to redo clothes for shorter models.
Why do fashion designers and photographers want these perfect models you may ask? Taller models are easier to spot in a big crowd and they attract more attention. Commercial print agencies on the other hand, have a variety of heights, and so are easier to accept shorter models. But agencies in medium and smaller market cities generally are “hybrid” agencies which will book a lot of commercial fashion work, and that sets the baseline for their needs.
Height requirements in fashion are driven by two main factors which include: sample size and preference. The requirements for being a major market fashion model are not definite because they are just preferences. A study done in 2002, showed that among top editorial fashion agencies in Los Angeles and New York
- 81% of their “editorial fashion” models were 5’9” and above
- 5% were between 5’8” and 5’9”
- 4% were below 5’8” tall
By comparison, almost 20% of all young women are within an inch of 5’6”. So when you couple the strong desire of the fashion industry for tall women with the fact that a short girl has 5-6 times the number of competitors, the chances look very small indeed. When a model below 5’8” or above 6'0" tall is successful it is almost always because someone, typically a photographer, agent or editor, took a special interest in a girl and helped “made” her career. It doesn't happen all the time but by having a special person with influence in the industry to push you to the front of the line must feel very honoring, something not every young aspiring woman feels.