At the risk of sounding vain and shallow, I want to share a story about a humbling fashion moment I experienced during a religious trip, when I went to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah a few years ago.
A few days into the trip, I was captivated by the jubbah attire worn by many Arab men. For those unfamiliar, the jubbah, also known as a dishdasha, kandora, or thobe, is a traditional garment worn by men in the Arab world – a long, loose-fitting robe with long sleeves and a high collar, typically white.
Eager to try this traditional attire, I visited a store in Medina to buy my first jubba. After browsing through dozens of options, I chose the finest quality one, whiter than anything I had ever seen.
Excitedly, I wore it the same evening, imagining how fabulous I must look, perhaps even being mistaken for an Arab sheikh. However, my excitement turned to sheer horror when a friend took a photo of me.
In the picture, I appeared to have a two-foot gap between my head and the ground, with no visible silhouette. It seemed like my head was magically floating a few feet above the ground. The white marble wall in the background did not help either.
Shocked, I asked, wow – am I really that short? I know very well that at 5′ 7″, I am no basketball player.
ULTIMATELY, FASHION IS ABOUT FEELING COMFORTABL E IN YOUR OWN SKIN AND EXPRESSING YOURSELF. IF YOU’RE PERFECTLY CONTENT WITH YOUR HEIGHT, EMBRACE IT!
I am average in height – or maybe a tad bit shorter than average. But seeing myself in that picture was a blow to my self-esteem. Have I been this ‘delulu’ all my life to not ever notice this shortcoming?
Since then, I have been extremely conscious of my height. So much so that I have had to ask the choreographer of my fashion shows to ensure no models are ever near me on stage when I come out to take a bow. Crazy, right?
You might be wondering why this is such a big deal. Well, it is because numerous studies have shown that in the business world, taller men make more money, are more respected, and tend to have higher positions of authority.
I UNDERSTAND THAT OVERSIZED, BAGGY CLOTHES ARE CURRENTLY FASHIONABLE, AND I TOO ENJOY WEARING AN OVERSIZED T-SHIRT FOR A CASUAL OUTING.
There are always exceptions, but it seems that shorter men tend to be at more of a disadvantage than taller men. With that in mind, I want to arm you with a few strategies that will help you gain a few inches (at least visually):
Wear shorter tops or jackets
Avoid tops or jackets that cover your butt and hips. The goal is to create the illusion of a longer lower body. Pairing high-waisted pants with shorter jackets can work wonders for shorter men.
Have pants altered with a slight break
You’ve seen guys with pants pooling at their ankles – don’t be that guy. Have a tailor adjust the length of your trousers so they have a slight break at the hem. Just don’t make them so short that your ankles are on display. It’s not 2017 anymore.
Choose the right colour combinations
Go for monochromatic (different shades of the same colour) or analogous (closely related) colour schemes. If you are wearing a dark shirt, pair it with dark pants. Similarly, light pants should be paired with a light shirt. Matching colours on the top and bottom helps elongate your frame.
Wear vertical stripes
Vertical stripes, such as pinstripes, draw the eye up and down, creating the illusion of height. Horizontal stripes have the opposite effect, making you appear wider and shorter, which is not ideal if you are already short and carrying some extra weight. Stick to vertical stripes to enhance your height.
Wear slimmer-fitting clothes
I understand that oversized, baggy clothes are currently fashionable, and I too enjoy wearing an oversized t-shirt for a casual outing. However, unless you pair it with the right trousers, it can make you look shorter. A slimmer silhouette helps to elongate the body. For more significant occasions where you want to make a statement, choose slimmer-fitting clothes.
Invest in shoes with higher heels
Men’s shoes with elevated heels and platforms are currently in style. Many brands offer boots with heels ranging from three to four inches. While they may require some adjustment, it can be enjoyable to have a change of perspective and stand taller than others. The downside? They may not be the most comfortable to walk in. However, that’s the trade-off for fashion and a boost in self-assurance.
Ultimately, fashion is about feeling comfortable in your own skin and expressing yourself. If you’re perfectly content with your height, embrace it! For the rest of us, these tips are minor adjustments that can enhance our confidence and presence. After all, there’s nothing more attractive than a confident man (regardless of his height) who knows his worth, right?