How it works
The runway and most fashion work are almost closed to shorter people, but modeling is much broader. Advertising, cosmetics, haircare, parts work, social content and brands with petite lines look for exactly these models.
A petite model needs a strong face, good skin and a smile, the ability to work on camera and a clear idea of which clients they suit. Large agencies sometimes have a petite or commercial board.
The main advice is to be realistic about the market: build a portfolio for commercial and beauty work rather than chase the runway.
In practice
A girl of 163 cm cannot do runway, but the agency signs her to its commercial board. Her portfolio is made of headshots, beauty frames and lifestyle pictures. Over the year she works in cosmetics, haircare and phone advertising, and as a hand model.
What to watch for
- Build your portfolio for commercial and beauty work.
- Choose agencies with a commercial board.
- Never lie about height: the client will see it on day one.
Related terms
Frequently asked
01Can a short person be a model?
Yes, in commercial advertising, beauty, parts and petite brand work.
02What height counts as petite?
Usually under about 168 cm for women, though the line varies by market.