It is normal to have insecurities with how you look. A very tall person would wish he was average height and vice versa. A short person would also wish he had some inches to his height. There is no reason to fret, we have the right hacks to make you comfortable in your own skin and look your best no matter your height. Let’s dive in:
Tips to look taller
The idea is to draw the eye upwards, forming an unbroken vertical line and thus creating the illusion of height. By minimising distractions between top and toe – with, say, slit pockets rather than patch or flap ones – you’ll give the impression of more distance between the two.
For fit, the armhole of your jacket should be high enough that there is a gap between your torso and arms when they are by your side, which is slimming and therefore elongating.
The rise of your trousers – the gap between the waistband and the top of your inseam – shouldn’t approach drop-crotch territory or your legs will just look stumpy. Note that ‘Low-rise’ is not the same as ‘short-rise’: the former will scrape your hips, making your lower half, and therefore you, look disproportionately small; the latter will likely hit around your actual waist and be way more flattering.
Go monochrome if you want to look taller. Wearing the same colour on both halves can make you look taller. Try a tonal casual outfit (shades of grey work especially well) or a dark suit. Ban big prints and logos in favour of clean lines and minimalism.
Vertical stripes are one of the oldest tricks to look taller: they are literal lines that direct the eye up and down. As a smaller man, you will probably have smaller features, and so should your clothes. Finer details like slimmer (but not too slim) lapels, ties and collars will send the eye upwards, whereas a huge footballer-on-trial tie knot will just dwarf your head, and you by extension. Do away with belts in the meantime because they will instantly saw you in half. Instead, take a hint from tailoring snobs and wear your trousers higher on your actual, ‘natural’ waist, not your hips. By doing so, you’ll emphasise your leg length and remove the need for a belt altogether.
Tips to look shorter
Break it up with patch or flap pockets, an extra ticket pocket, trouser turn-ups, distressed denim – these are all details that will bring you back down (closer) to earth. Get used to wearing separates, Hightower. That also means that, if your legs are particularly stilt-like in proportion to your torso, you can wear dark colours on your top half to balance yourself out. A large tote bag will likely look better on your shoulder than a small backpack. Try outfits with horrizontal patterns. The pattern should be, like you, on a larger scale. Tight checks, narrow stripes and subtle tonal motifs will only draw attention to your stature.