Fashion models' measurements are crucial. They're also controversial.
With precious few exceptions to the industry rule, female models stand (before heels) between 5'8" and 5'11"; male models, 5'11" or taller. (Similar height guidelines are listed in the helpful/dream-crushing "become a model" section on many top agencies' websites. You can be 5'7"-ish only if you're 14 years old and still growing — or if you're Kate Moss.)
With similarly precious few exceptions (and thus discounting the plus-size sector) to the industry rule, female models weigh in between 90 lbs. and 120 lbs; male models, 120 lbs. to 160 lbs. That's according to leading resource models.com, at least — weight requirements are not so easy to find listed publicly. But is such rigidity for the best? We asked well-dressed fashion fans at Lincoln Center how they felt models should measure up — their thoughts on the ideal weight and/or height for a model working the runways, campaigns, and editorial shoots.
1. Our survey says: Some showgoers remain idealistic.
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3. This sort of argument is easy to make when you're working as a model, like this surveyee.
4. But most folks seemed to know their stuff.
5. And agree with the industry's current status quo.
6. Answering in good ol' American pounds.
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8. And those crazy European kilograms.
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10. Ironically enough, a 6'0" model might be too tall.
11. Some skewed toward the more "reasonable" end of the height/weight scale.
12. And many more pushed the boundaries, weight-wise, a little. Because what's 5 or so pounds between friends?
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16. A generous set of statistics.
17. A not wholly serious set of statistics.
18. And one would-be model putting her own measurements out there.
19. In fact, here's some more positivity to finish up on.
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