Types of Modeling

    What Is a Petite Model?

    A petite model is a model shorter than the fashion-runway standard — typically under 5'7″ (170 cm) — who works mainly in commercial, catalogue, beauty, lingerie and parts modeling, where height is flexible. Petite models are judged on proportion, look and versatility rather than runway height.

    What petite models do

    • Commercial and catalogue: the biggest source of petite work — relatable faces for brands and e-commerce.
    • Beauty, hair and hands: close-up work where height doesn't matter at all.
    • Fitness, lingerie, petite fashion lines: segments that cast on proportion and look, not runway height.

    Height and requirements

    "Petite" generally means under about 5'7" (170 cm). Runway and high-fashion editorial usually stay out of reach, but a strong, well-proportioned look opens real commercial demand. Professionalism, good digitals and clear measurements matter more than the number on the tape.

    See exact bands in our height requirements guide.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What height is considered a petite model?

    Petite models are generally under about 5'7″ (170 cm) — below the fashion-runway standard — and work mainly in commercial, catalogue, beauty and parts modeling where height is flexible.

    Can petite models be successful?

    Yes. Runway is largely closed, but commercial, catalogue, beauty, fitness and lingerie markets cast on look and proportion, not runway height, and make up most paid modeling work.

    What kind of modeling can short models do?

    Commercial, catalogue and e-commerce, beauty and hair, hands/parts, fitness and lingerie, plus petite-specific fashion lines — all segments where height requirements are flexible.

    Related terms