Height is the question every aspiring model asks first — and the one that stops too many people from applying. The truth is that height matters a lot for a narrow slice of the industry and very little for the rest. Below are the general conventions; treat them as the market's rough norms, not rules that models.au sets.
Where height matters most
High-fashion runway and high editorial are the strictest. As a rough industry guide, women are often around 175cm and up and men around 185cm and up for this work. It is competitive and specific, and it is also the most visible — which is why people assume it represents all modelling. It does not.
Where height barely matters
Most paid modelling sits outside high fashion, and most of it has no strict height rule:
- Commercial & lifestyle — advertising, catalogues, brand campaigns: relatability beats height.
- E-commerce — the enormous volume of online retail shoots.
- Fitness — built around condition and athleticism.
- Plus & petite — dedicated, growing markets.
- Mature & "real people" — every age and look.
- Parts — hands, feet and hair work.
Key takeaways
- Strict height conventions mainly apply to runway and high editorial.
- Commercial, e-commerce, fitness, plus, petite and mature work is the majority — and far more flexible.
- These are industry norms, not models.au requirements.
- Apply with honest stats; let a scout place you.
Don't measure yourself out
The worst outcome is talking yourself out of applying over a few centimetres. Agencies assess the whole picture — proportion, look, presence and the briefs they are casting — not a single number. Submit your real height and measurements (honesty helps everyone at the casting stage) and let a scout tell you where you fit. You can read how we assess submissions in the FAQ, or just apply and find out.
The other measurements that matter
Height is only the headline. Depending on the division, agencies and clients also look at bust or chest, waist and hips, plus dress, shoe and sometimes collar size — and for fitness and swimwear, overall condition. None of this is about a single "ideal" number; it is about matching you to the right work. The most useful thing you can do is give honest, current measurements so an agency can place you accurately rather than set you up for a casting that does not fit.
How you will be measured
If an agency wants to meet you, they will usually take your real measurements in person rather than rely on the form — so there is no benefit to rounding the truth on your application. Wear or bring fitted clothing so they can see your frame, and bring simple heels if you are applying for fashion. It is quick, routine and nothing to be nervous about; it simply lets them represent you to clients with accurate numbers.
FAQ
How tall do you have to be to be a model in Australia?
Can you be a model if you are short?
What modelling division am I suited to?
Stop guessing. Apply with honest stats and let a scout decide →