Why Clothes Change How Tall You Look
People judge height partly from the outline of your clothes. Every strong horizontal break, such as a contrasting belt, a tucked shirt in a different colour or a deep cuff, cuts your body into shorter pieces. Long, uninterrupted lines and a slim silhouette do the opposite. Here are 12 tricks.
1. Go Monochrome or Low Contrast
One colour, or close shades, from shoulders to shoes creates one long line. Navy on navy, grey on charcoal, black on black.
Read more: How to Dress for Your Body Type: The Simple Rules
2. Get the Fit Right
Too-big clothes swallow a short frame. Shoulders at the shoulder edge, sleeves at the wrist bone, trousers slim through the leg.
3. Shorten the Trouser Break
Trousers that pool at the ankle shorten the leg. Aim for a slight break or no break, just touching the shoe.
Read more: How Should a Suit Fit? A Simple Checklist
4. Choose a Higher Rise
Mid- to high-rise trousers make the legs look longer, because the leg line starts higher. Short men's jeans and trousers in a 'short' leg length avoid excess fabric.
5. Wear Shorter Jackets
A jacket that ends just covering the seat shows more leg. Long overcoats can work if they're slim and the same tone as the rest of the outfit.
6. Match Shoes to Trousers
Shoes close in colour to your trousers extend the leg line. High contrast at the ankle stops it.
7. Use Vertical Details
V-necks, a placket, pinstripes, a long open jacket and a vertical zip all draw the eye up and down.
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8. Skip the Cuffs
Turn-ups (cuffs) on trousers add a horizontal line at the ankle. Leave them for taller men.
9. Keep Prints Small
Big, bold patterns overwhelm a short frame. Small, fine patterns keep the proportions right.
10. Add a Little Height on Top
A haircut with some height, like a quiff or textured crop pushed up, adds a visible centimetre or two. Keep the sides short.
11. Tuck In With a Matching Belt
Tucking in raises the visual waistline, and a belt close to your trouser colour avoids cutting you in half.
12. Stand Tall
Good posture is the free extra few centimetres. Shoulders back, head up.
Try Outfits on Your Height
In Ollie Stylist you can set the free model to your exact height and build and dress it in real clothes, so you can see how proportions look on a frame like yours before buying. See also how to dress for your body type.