Petite models are typically under 5’9″, which is shorter than the usual height expected in fashion. But short models have always found ways to stand out and succeed among different types of models, from runway to commercial work.
From Twiggy in the 1960s (5’6″) to Kate Moss in the 1990s (5’7″), these models broke the rules and changed what the industry thought was possible.
Petite Models
Take a look at 19 successful petite models who proved you don’t have to be tall to own the runway, land magazine covers, or lead major ad campaigns. If you look at model pictures, you’ll see that talent and presence matter just as much as height.
Kate Moss
Standing at 5’7″, a young Kate Moss helped popularize the 1990s “heroin chic” look. She walked the runway for Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger, and Chanel.
The famous supermodel has fronted nearly every major fashion label and appeared on the cover of British Vogue 40 times, along with Vogue Paris, Vogue US, and Harper’s Bazaar US. In 2016, the iconic petite model launched the Kate Moss Agency.
Aliana King
Standing at 5’4″, petite model Aliana King has gained recognition for her striking features and natural curls. Hailing from Bermuda, she’s appeared in campaigns for brands like Fenty Beauty and walked in New York Fashion Week.
Cara Delevingne
British model Cara Delevingne, who stands at 5’8″, has built a massive Instagram following and walked for top designers like Saint Laurent, Burberry, and Fendi. She’s appeared on global magazine covers and uses her platform to champion LGBTQIA+ rights.
Despite her success, Cara has acknowledged being considered “too short” for the runway. In an interview with Into the Gloss, she said, “I’m tiny for runway! I’m 5’8″ or 5’7″…”
Halima Aden
Standing at 5’5″, petite model Halima Aden made history as one of the first hijabi models in fashion. From a Kenyan refugee camp to global runways, her breakthrough came when she wore a hijab and burkini in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.
She has walked for Max Mara and Tommy Hilfiger and appeared on the covers of British Vogue and Allure, pushing beauty standards and promoting inclusivity.
Anja Konstantinova
Standing at 5’4″, petite model Anja Konstantinova is known for her edgy style, platinum blonde hair, and bold runway presence. Originally from Russia and raised in Australia, she has worked with brands like Urban Outfitters, Wildfox, and Diesel.
Charlotte Free
Standing at 5’5″, American petite model Charlotte Free is known for her signature pink hair and bold presence on Instagram. Despite her height, she has walked in major shows like Chanel under Karl Lagerfeld.
Charlotte opened Chanel’s Cruise 2015 show and starred in the brand’s eyewear campaigns as well as ads for Maybelline. She’s also a regular on the runway for Moschino, frequently cast by designer Jeremy Scott.
Georgia May Jagger
Standing at 5’7″, short model Georgia May Jagger is known for her trademark gap teeth and distinct look. While the daughter of Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, she built her own reputation in the fashion world.
She has walked for Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, and appeared on covers of British Vogue, L’Officiel Paris, and Vogue Australia.
Sara Sampaio
Standing at 5’8″, Portuguese model Sara Sampaio rose to fame as the shortest Victoria’s Secret Angel. She confirmed in an interview that she’s about the same height as Kate Moss, challenging runway height norms.
Sampaio has appeared in the Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Issue and remains one of Portugal’s most successful models.
Hailey Bieber
Standing at 5’7″, model Hailey Bieber gained fame through Instagram and quickly made her mark on the runway, walking for Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, and Dolce & Gabbana. Her cover appearances include Vogue Italia, Vogue US, and ELLE US.
With a standout portfolio, the blonde supermodel, who is married to Justin Bieber, proves height is no barrier to success. In 2025, she sold her skincare brand Rhode for a reported $1 billion.
Devon Aoki
Standing at 5’5″, petite model Devon Aoki is one of the shortest to walk high-fashion runways. Despite her height, she modeled for top brands like Chanel, Moschino, and Versace. She also appeared in films such as 2 Fast 2 Furious, Sin City, and War.
Known for her distinctive features, reflecting her Japanese, English, and German heritage, Aoki became a standout figure in 2000s fashion.
Eva Marcille
Standing at 5’6″, short model Eva Marcille rose to fame after winning Cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model. Her photogenic presence and strong personality helped her break runway height norms.
After ANTM, she walked for designers like Marc Bouwer and starred in campaigns for CoverGirl and DKNY. Beyond modeling, Eva has made appearances in scripted and reality television.
Laetitia Casta
Laetitia Casta stands at 5’7″ and has walked for major fashion houses including Victoria’s Secret, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Roberto Cavalli.
Casta later found success as an actress in her native France while continuing her modeling career. She has posed for top brands like Etam, Jacquemus, and Dior, proving that the petite model remains a lasting force in fashion.
Sofia Richie
Standing at 5’6″, petite model Sofia Richie has made her mark in fashion beyond her famous lineage as the daughter of Lionel Richie. She has walked the runway for Chanel and led campaigns for Michael Kors and David Yurman.
Richie also played a key role in popularizing the term quiet luxury, with her widely covered wedding setting a new tone in contemporary style.
Josie Maran
Standing at 5’7½”, model Josie Maran built a successful career despite not meeting traditional runway height standards. She modeled for Victoria’s Secret catalogs, later becoming the face of Guess Jeans and Maybelline.
She also appeared in the Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Issue for three consecutive years (2000–2002). In 2007, she launched Josie Maran Cosmetics, a natural beauty brand with the motto Luxury With A Conscience.
Lily-Rose Depp
5’3″ petite model Lily-Rose Depp is the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis. As one of the youngest and shortest models on this list, Lily-Rose Depp made her runway debut for Chanel.
She also fronts plenty of campaigns for the famed fashion house, including beauty and ready-to-wear collections. Recently, she has gotten into acting, appearing in projects such as The Idol, Voyagers, and The King.
Emily Ratajkowski
Standing at 5’7″, model Emily Ratajkowski gained initial fame from the Blurred Lines music video, but she quickly established herself as a force in fashion. She has starred in campaigns for Michael Kors, Miu Miu, and Versace.
Ratajkowski has graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar US, ELLE UK, and other major publications. In 2017, she expanded her reach by launching her own swim and lingerie brand, Inamorata.
Lila Moss
Lila Moss might be known initially as the daughter of fashion legend Kate Moss, but she’s swiftly making her own mark in the modeling world.
From debuting as the face of Marc Jacobs Beauty to walking for brands like Miu Miu, Lila showcases that talent often runs in the family.
Iris Law
Iris Law is a petite model who stands at 5’5″. She might have initially stepped into the limelight due to her famous parents (actors Jude Law and actress Sadie Frost), but she’s rapidly established herself in the fashion world.
Working with renowned brands like Burberry and Miu Miu, Iris blends classic English elegance with a modern edge. Her short, bleached blonde hair makes her stand out.
Camille Rowe
Camille Rowe, standing at 5’7″, blends French elegance with American cool. Initially scouted while studying in Paris, she soon found herself modeling for brands like Dior, Chloé, and Louis Vuitton.
How tall do you have to be to be a model?
For women, the typical height range for petite modeling falls between 5’1″ and 5’7″, while men are often considered within the range of 5’4″ to 5’9″.
Most importantly, there are many areas of the modeling industry where height is not a strict requirement, offering opportunities for models outside the traditional standards.
Top agencies like IMG Models and Elite have gotten rid of their requirements for height in recent years.
Laetitia <3
They inspire me! I’m a fan of Cara and I want to be a model. It’s my dream. Thank you for sharing xx.
Although most of the information here is correct and this article is wonderful, Cara is actually much taller than that. She’s either at least 176 cm or 177 cm, depending on the source. That’s taller than 5’9″, nearly 5’10”.
Actually, the information is correct. We cited Cara saying she was “short” for a runway model and Marc Jacobs (according to a few news stories several years ago) called her a “dwarf”. Agencies are known for embellishing on models’ heights.
I’m 5’9 and weight 125 pounds everyone says I’m so tall I can’t imagine wearing heels I would look like a skeleton
Cara is 5’6 , Twiggy 5’4″. Adding extra height is silly, the trend is shorter because 6’0″ tall models look like linebackers in some clothes. Only a few can look like women over 5’10”.
Twiggy’s hight is actually 5’6
So this not really helpful because…. Being short is 5″0-5″5. So this is still not an inspiration….
I’m a dwarf then 🙁 5’2″
i’m really inspired…love u cara you rock.im only 5’6 but i hope to be a supermodel someday
Devon Aoki is my favorite. I love her a lot <3
Can’t imagine a world where 5’7 is short. I must be pint-sized in the modeling world, since I’m 5’1. None of these women are actually that short, most of them are about the average height for men. Can’t relate :/
Modelling has always been my dream and since am seeing people who’re 5’7 as short…I’m a 5’1,where do I put myself?
Too short for high fashion, it’s just the standard, it’s simply not how designers want to showcase their garments.
I thought I was too short to be a model at 5’8″ and didn’t persue it yet I was often asked to pose for fashion editorials in the UK and walked NY fashion week twice. I love the idea of models needing to be very tall and super shinny is well an old idea
It’s actually sad that people in the modeling world are considered “short” at 5’7. That’s a full 4 inches taller than the national average. We really need more representation in these areas. If these women are short, I am positively tiny at 5’0. There are plenty of short women with great bodies and pretty faces.
I feel so short for 5’5.3″ I wish I were 4 inches taller *sighs