BY HEIGHT
How short men should dress to look taller
Short men look taller in slim and regular fits, solid colours, monochrome or tonal outfits, and vertical stripes, all of which create one long, unbroken line. Keep trousers tapered and hemmed with little or no break. Avoid oversized, baggy and longline pieces, wide-leg trousers, and strong colour contrast between top and bottom.
Create one long line
The eye reads a continuous colour as height. Navy top with navy or charcoal trousers, or a white tee with light grey trousers, makes you look taller than a sharp contrast at the waist.
Fit tips that add height
- Shirts should end around mid-zip, not lower.
- Tapered trousers with a clean hem, with no pooling at the ankle.
- Slim lapels and short jackets that end at the hip.
- Vertical stripes rather than horizontal ones.
What to skip
Oversized tees, drop-shoulder hoodies, longline shirts and wide-leg trousers all shorten your frame.
PICKED BY OUR STYLIST
Pieces that follow this guide.
Frequently asked questions
What colour makes you look taller?
Wearing one colour, or similar shades, from top to bottom (monochrome) makes you look taller. Darker colours also tend to elongate.
Can short men wear oversized clothes?
It is risky. Oversized fits shorten your proportions. If you want a relaxed look, keep one piece relaxed and the other fitted.
Are slim fit jeans good for short men?
Yes. Slim or slim-tapered jeans with a short hem are among the best choices for short men.