Being tall is a plus in the fashion industry, although many short models hit it big, too. Being tall isn’t, however, the only prerequisite, as becoming one of the industry’s most successful runway models of all time means hard work and is no small feat, for sure.
But why are tall models so demanded? And who are the tallest models in the fashion industry? Why were (or still are) they so successful? Let’s have a closer look at the world’s tallest models of all time, to better understand about one of our society’s most exclusive and demanding industries.
Tallest Models in Fashion of All Time: Contents
Model Measurement Requirements
Depending on the kind of model one aims to become (it could be a runway or lingerie model, for instance), the measurement requirements may vary. However, being tall is definitely an advantage in the industry, especially if one dreams of a glamorous career strutting down from one catwalk to another.
That is because the taller the model, the better the clothes fit visually, especially in terms of perspective. According to the prestigious AMA, i.e. the British Association of Model Agents, the minimum height for a female model is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m), although many consider a model to be tall when standing at around 5’9” (1.75 m) to 5’11” (1.80 m).
Depending on the build (as you will see, the tallest models of all time are all different in terms of figure, as we women, in general, all differ in silhouettes), the other standard measurement includes 32”– 34” for the bust, 23”– 25” for the waist, and 33”– 35” for the hips.
Success, even in the industry, goes, however, beyond numbers, meaning that in order to become an iconic model, one needs something more concrete than just height. If you need a good dose of inspiration, just dive into the lives of the industry’s tallest models of all time, as their encouraging career paths won’t disappoint you!
52 Tallest Models of All Time
Some of the tallest models in the fashion industry are:
1. Amazon Eve (6’8’’/ 2.03 m; 59 kg/ 130 lbs)
Amazon Eve is not only one the world’s tallest models ever, but also a talented fitness trainer and, most recently, actress (those who love watching American Horror Story surely saw her in various recurring roles). When not modeling or actin, Amazon Eve spends her time inspiring and encouraging us to be our true selves and to never doubt our self-worth, as she often advocates against bullying and in favor of transgender people.
2. Karlie Kloss (6’2’’/ 1.88 m; 59 kg/ 130 lbs)
Always on the go, model Karlie Kloss never stops, indeed. A coder, a geek, a lover of all things healthy, Karlie Kloss is also one of the industry’s tallest models.
3. Tiiu Kuik (6’2’’/ 1.88 m; 61 kg/ 134 lbs)
Discovered at the age of 13, Estonian Tiiu Kuik probably never thought of how impactful her career would become. Now one of the industry’s most successful and tallest models, she has walked for more than 50 fashion shows so far.
4. Michelle Buswell (6’1’’/ 1.85 m; 56 kg/ 123 lbs)
American beauty Michelle Buswell initially dreamed of a career in the medical field, and she even studied nursing at college for two years. Little did she know she was destined to become one of the most successful tall models of all time.
5. Jade Parfitt (6’1’’/ 1.85 m; 56 kg/ 123 lbs)
Vogue presenter Jade Parfitt began her career as a model after entering a competition on the UK TV show ‘This Morning’, the participation of which was highly encouraged and supported by her mother, who thought Parfitt had a talent for modeling. This talent, along with Parfitt’s astounding height, helped the British model shine brightly in the industry, for sure!
6. Ana Hickmann (6’1’’/ 1.85 m; 61 kg/ 134 lbs)
Model and now TV host, too, Hickmann is not only one of the world’s tallest models, but also one of the models with the longest legs. She was once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as “The model with the longest legs”, measuring 46.5.
7. Adriana Sklenaříková (6’1’’/ 1.85 m; 56 kg/ 123 lbs)
Like Ana Hickmann, Adriana Sklenaříková is a former Guinness record holder for the longest legs among female models, too. Tall and resourceful, she now spends a lot of time being a host for various French TV shows.
8. Hana Soukupova (6’1’’/ 1.85 m; 59 kg/ 130 lbs)
Aside from being one of the tallest models in fashion history, Hana Soukupova is probably one of the busiest. She has been featured on more than 100 magazine covers and has, so far, walked more than 500 shows. She also spends her time taking care of her two children and, when possible, being active supporting young contemporary artists, as well as charitable foundations.
9. Jerry Hall (6’0’’/ 1.83 m; 61 kg/ 134 lbs)
Texan-born Jerry Hall may now be a retired model, but she is still one of the most remarkable high-end tall models of all time. Born in 1956, by 1977 she had been on 40 magazine covers already, with her signature 6-feet-tall figure being one of the most demanded in both ad campaigns and fashion shows.
10. Oluchi Onweagba (6’0’’/ 1.83 m; 58 kg/ 128 lbs)
Nigerian model Oluchi Onweagba is not only imposingly tall, but also jaw-droppingly toned, which is why it’s no surprise Sports Illustrated chose her for a variety of covers. In addition, she has been featured on the covers of Vogue, Elle, i-D, and has walked the runway shows for such names as Gucci, Chanel, Givenchy, and Fendi among others.
11. Elle Macpherson (6’0’’/ 1.83 m; 61 kg/ 134 lbs)
Nicknamed “The Body” due to a famed Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover in the early Eighties, Elle Macpherson set the rules for many aspiring supermodels, both regarding attitude and figure. Tall, slender and healthy-looking, Macpherson is a living legend!
12. Julia Stegner (6’0’’/ 1.83 m; 59 kg/ 130 lbs)
Sportive Julia Stegner might be one of the industry’s most introverted models of all time, but we love her for that, too. Born in Germany, when not modeling for the world’s most exclusive brands, she spends her time cycling and staying outdoors.
13. Ana Beatriz Barros (5’11’’ ¼ / 1.81 m; 59 kg/ 130 lbs)
Brazilian bombshell Ana Beatriz Barros is not only one of the most successful tall models in the fashion industry, but also one of the best bikini models of all time, having been featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue multiple times. Due to her angelic, beautiful face, she has also been the brand ambassador of Chanel cosmetics, promoting their high-end makeup products.
14. Pauline Hoarau (5’11’’ ¼ / 1.81 m; 54 kg/ 119 lbs)
You definitely know French model Pauline Hoarau by sight, as she has walked more than 200 fashion shows so far, including for the industry’s biggest names. Pauline has also covered international fashion publications, and has starred in the ad campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Armani Exchange, Topshop, and other brands.
15. Gisele Bündchen (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 57 kg/ 126 lbs)
Regarded by many as the best supermodel of the late ‘00s, Bündchen is a tall Brazilian icon who, among all, was credited with ending the “heroin chic” modeling era in the late Nineties. She’s not an average tall model, but one of the most powerful ones in the industry, who also actively supports many charities.
16. Daria Werbowy (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 56 kg/ 123 lbs)
Standing at 5’11’’, Daria Werbowy is one of the most successful tall models, who started her career at the age of 14, when she won a national modeling contest. She has walked dozens of iconic fashion shows, and is also the brand ambassador of Lancôme. Whenever she’s not busy fronting fashion campaigns she spends her time sailing.
17. Lais Ribeiro (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 54 kg/ 119 lbs)
When it comes to the tallest models with the most toned physiques, we can always travel to Brazil to discover the most gorgeous bombshells among them. Lais is one of those Brazilian Victoria’s Secret Angels, who was also the most booked runway model as of 2011.
18. Kate Grigorieva (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 55 kg/ 121 lbs)
Just like Brazilians, Russian models have the most beautiful faces and the most flawless bodies ever, and it’s no surprise to see Kate making to this list. Kate is not only a Victoria’s Secret Angel, but also one of the most in-demand runway models, so far having walked for Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and many others.
19. Barbara Fialho (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 55 kg/ 121 lbs)
Back to Brazil, we have Barbara Fialho as one of the tallest models standing at 5’11’’. She’s also one of the most musical models, as Barbara has been playing the guitar since 9, and has also studied music at Juilliard.
20. Josephine Skriver (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 54 kg/ 119 lbs)
Whenever it comes to the best lists, we can hardly ignore Josephine. The Victoria’s Secret Angel with the cutest face ever has walked 300 fashion shows so far, and is one of the most beautiful tall models in the industry. She also actively supports the LGBT rights.
21. Vanessa Moody (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 56 kg/ 123 lbs)
American Moody debuted as a runway model in 2014 walking for Balenciaga, and has ever since been a favorite for the brand. She is also present at almost each Alexander Wang show, and has worked with Dior, Lacoste, Chanel Beauty, Zara, and Valentino too among others.
22. Maria Borges (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 55 kg/ 121 lbs)
Angolan fashion model is not just one of the most successful tall models in fashion history with a perfectly toned physique and enviable leggy legs, but she also made history by being the first-ever black model to wear her natural Afro hair at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She doesn’t stop to appear in fashion editorials for the world’s most famous publications and to walk the fashion shows for the leading fashion designers and houses.
23. Amanda Murphy (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 56 kg/ 123 lbs)
Long legs and a beautiful wide smile are Amanda’s best features that have made her one of the most inspiring tall models in the industry. Ever since debuting back in 2009, she has worked with Prada, Trussardi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Celine, and others, both walking their shows and starring in their ad campaigns.
24. Catherine McNeil (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 57 kg/ 126 lbs)
Declared one of the top 30 models of the ‘00s by Vogue, Catherine McNeil is also one of the most inspiring. She was discovered at the age of 14, and has walked high-profile runway shows, including Dior, Balenciaga, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton. Catherine also appeared in the Pirelli Calendar 2010. She is a big fan of tattoos, and has 108 on her body, the majority being on her back.
25. Grace Mahary (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 53 kg/ 117 lbs)
Canadian tall model Grace Mahary has walked 200 runway shows so far, and also appeared at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2014. In addition, the leggy model has starred in a number of fashion editorials for CR Fashion Book, Vogue, Elle, Glamour and other magazines, and when she’s not involved in anything connected with fashion, she actively supports charity.
26. Blanca Padilla (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 54 kg/ 119 lbs)
One of the tallest models, Spanish Blanca Padilla is a Dolce & Gabbana muse, and was also the brand ambassador for the fashion house. She was discovered on the subway in Madrid, and since then has walked dozens of shows for the likes of Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Versace and Victoria’s Secret.
27. Rianne Ten Haken (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 50 kg/ 110 lbs)
Ten Haken began her astounding career in the industry after winning the 2001 Elite Model Look competition, and has never stopped clocking up successes ever since. She is one of the tallest supermodels of all time, standing at 5’11’’.
28. Erin Heatherton (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 55 kg/ 121 lbs)
Best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret, Heatherton was discovered by famous modeling scout Arri Taylor while on vacation. Tall and toned, she appears in countless editorials, and runway shows season after season.
29. Claudia Schiffer (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 60 kg/ 132 lbs)
Talented and radiant, Claudia Schiffer is the face of one of the industry’s most glamorous eras. Like Adriana Lima, she might appear as rather petite at first glance, so many might be surprised to find out she is actually a pretty tall supermodel standing at 5’11’’.
30. Toni Garrn (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 57 kg/ 126 lbs)
A Calvin Klein habitué, Garrn is also one of Victoria’s Secret’s tallest models, as well as one of the industry’s most workaholic names. She is another tall model’s BFF – Karlie Kloss’.
31. Karolína Kurková (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 59 kg/ 130 lbs)
Praised by legend Mario Testino for her proportions and energetic attitude, Kurková is busy working as a model, as an actress, and as a philanthropist, not to mention the fact that she is raising two beautiful children along with spouse Archie Drury.
32. Alek Wek (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 56 kg/ 123 lbs)
South Sudanese-British model Alek Wek was discovered at an outdoor market in 1995, only four years after she had fled to the U.K. to escape the civil war in Sudan. She was the first African model to appear on the cover of Elle in 1997, and has ever since been one of the world’s tallest and most in-demand high-fashion models.
33. Rachel Hunter (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 67 kg/ 148 lbs)
Often seen on the various covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, New Zealand-born Rachel Hunter began her career at the age of 17. Now a TV host, Hunter is often praised for her charitable work.
34. Shalom Harlow (5’11’’/ 1.80 m; 50 kg/ 110 lbs)
After gaining prominence in the mid Nineties due to her impressive catwalking skills, Canadian Shalom Harlow has appeared in countless high-end fashion campaigns, such as for Gucci, Valentino, and Marc Jacobs. Discovered at a The Cure concert in Toronto, one of the tallest models in the fashion industry still has a punk-rock heart!
35. Doutzen Kroes (5’10’’ ½/ 1.79 m; 54 kg/ 119 lbs)
Super-tall model Doutzen Kroes is one of the industry’s most inspiring figures of all time, always on the front row when it comes to promoting a healthy lifestyle and philanthropic organizations or events.
36. Joan Smalls (5’10’’ ½/ 1.79 m; 51 kg/ 112 lbs)
Puerto Rican ultra-tall model Joan Small is currently ranked by Models.com as one of the New Supers in the industry and is often on Forbes’ “World’s Highest-Paid Models” list. She has been breaking the industry ever since she became the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder cosmetics in 2011.
37. Kendall Jenner (5’10’’ ½/ 1.79 m; 59 kg/ 130 lbs)
Who would have thought, while watching the first episodes of Keeping up with the Kardashians that little Kendall Jenner would grow up into becoming one of the world’s tallest models of all time? Now one of the most acclaimed models of Victoria’s Secret, Kendall Jenner is a prominent face of the new generations of supermodels.
38. Lara Stone (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 60 kg/ 132 lbs)
Discovered when she was 12 while on holiday with her family, Dutch-English Lara Stone has one of the industry’s most impressive looks, among which her astounding height is one of the most remarkable characteristics.
39. Adriana Lima (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 60 kg/ 132 lbs)
Although looking rather petite at first glance, due to her minute structure, model Adriana Lima is actually tall. She might not be one of the tallest models of all time, but her 5 feet 10 inches are imposing.
40. Niki Taylor (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 59 kg/ 130 lbs)
Now retired supermodel Niki Taylor was one of the tallest models of the Nineties, as well as an example for anyone who experienced traumatic events in their lives (she was severely injured in a car accident back in 2001).
41. Natasha Poly (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 55 kg/ 121 lbs)
Russian Natalya Sergeyevna Polevshchikova has been appearing in prominent high-fashion advertisement campaigns and shows ever since 2004, quickly becoming one of the world’s tallest and most in-demand models of all time.
42. Karen Mulder (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 55 kg/ 121 lbs)
One of the ultimate supermodels of the Nineties, Karen Mulder alternates modeling with singing, often spending time as an advocate, educating people about mental health.
43. Behati Prinsloo (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 53 kg/ 117 lbs)
The first Victoria’s Secret PINK contract model, Behati Prinsloo is a Namibian model as well as a social media personality, with tons of followers looking forward to her next adventure or fashion advice. Tall and toned, she inspires many to live a healthy lifestyle, too!
44. Irina Shayk (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 55 kg/ 121 lbs)
Russian Irina Shayk’s beauty astounds, but so does her perfect physique, even though she has recently given birth to her first child. Standing at 5’10’’, she might not be one of the tallest models in fashion, but she is tall enough to be the favorite model of Versace, Givenchy, Moschino, and Roberto Cavalli.
45. Monika Jagaciak (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 55 kg/ 121 lbs)
Nicknamed Jac by IMG Models, Monika is a Polish model, who began her career in 2007. From Donna Karan and Fendi to Calvin Klein and Versace, she hasn’t stopped walking the catwalks and starring in the ad campaigns for the biggest names in the industry ever since.
46. Martha Hunt (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 55 kg/ 121 lbs)
A Victoria’s Secret Angel since 2015, American Martha Hunt is not only Taylor Swift’s BFF, but also a successful tall model, known for her work with Louis Vuitton, Prada, Stella McCartney and Versace among others.
47. Kate Upton (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 64 kg/ 141 lbs)
Model of the moment Kate Upton was named Rookie of the Year shortly after she made her first appearance in the industry in 2011. Since then, she has never stopped hitting it big. Now also an actress, Kate Upton used to be a pretty successful equestrian, too!
48. Tyra Banks (5’10’’/ 1.78 m; 64 kg/ 141 lbs)
Words cannot describe Tyra Banks’ importance in the fashion industry, especially regarding her role as a mentor and talent scout ever since she began filming the first season of ANTM. Known for her tall figure and mesmerizing green eyes, Banks began her career as a model at the age of 15, and was the first African American woman to be featured on the covers of GQ.
49. Heidi Klum (5’9’’ ½ /1.77 m; 62 kg/ 137 lbs)
Supermodel Heidi Klum needs no introduction, as she is by far one of the most successful models of all time, indeed. Aside from being an iconic supermodel, Klum is now busy working as a television personality, businesswoman, fashion designer, singer, author, and actress, and we bet we will hear from her a lot in the decades to come, too.
50. Candice Swanepoel (5’9’’ ½/ 1.77 m; 54 kg/ 119 lbs)
Best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret, Swanepoel is one of South Africa’s tallest models, as well as one of Forbes’ top-earing supermodels of all time. Scouted while at a flea market, she has appeared in countless glamorous editorials ever since then.
51. Romee Strijd (5’9’’ ½ /1.77 m; 54 kg/ 119 lbs)
Dutch model and Victoria’s Secret Angel Romee received the Model of the Year award in 2015, and with good reason. She actively works with the likes of Celine, Louis Vuitton, Giambattista Valli, and Isabel Marant, and we expect a lot from her in the years to come.
52. Isabeli Fontana (5’9’’ ½/ 1.77 m; 54 kg/ 119 lbs)
Is it me or is Brazil blessed with the world’s tallest models? Brazilian beauty Isabeli Fontana stands out from the crowd easily thanks to her extra-long legs, and is destined to spend a lot of time in the Hall of Fame of the most renowned supermodels of all time.
Photos via Instagram
