How to Look Taller

It is said that our height is the biggest determinant of our physical attractiveness.

In fact, research has also shown that in many cultures height is associated with social status, hence taller men being more likely to be promoted than shorter men. And if you're reading this article, the odds are that you are looking for ways to add a couple of inches to your height.

Well, the first thing that you can do is to practice good posture. Start by keeping an upright torso as often as you can. This will make an incredible difference in your height as well as make you look more self-assured to the people you interact with.

But having an ideal posture is not suddenly going to result in your 5'6" stature reading as 6'2" (keep dreaming, bud). However, you can appear a few inches taller -- if not longer -- with the right clothes. Here are six tips for how to look taller.


Wear fitted clothes

By "fitted" we don’t mean a second skin. Many American men tend to prefer wearing loose clothing as it is a lot more comfortable. As a result, these men fail to purchase the right size, often leaning on the larger end of the fit continuum (you know who you are). However, wearing fitted clothing will help to accentuate your body's lines, which will naturally create a slimming effect and an appearance of added height. Consider finding a tailor to alter your clothes if you must, but never wear clothes that are too big; they will make you look even shorter since your lines will not be visible at all.



Choose monochromatic colors

When trying to look taller, color choices are relevant. Wearing clothes consisting of the same shades and hues from one of the colors on the color wheel is a sleek trick to elongate your frame since people will not look at your body as different parts. For instance, wearing pants and shoes of matching colors will make you seem like you have longer legs. As for your belts, you want to blend them in to your outfit. Thus, avoid contrasting colors.



Do wear dark colors

Opting for dark colors such as black, navy and deep gray will not only make you look slimmer, but will also project dominance and power. In today’s society, people subconsciously respond to dominance, power and competency. Combined with a balanced and upright posture, people with such traits always seem to be taller and slightly intimidating, even if they’re physically not. This is a simple psychological dynamic that you can easily work to your advantage.



Pay attention to your hairstyle

Some men prefer a spiky hairstyle not just because it is trendy, but also for the additional inches it adds to their height. A hairstyle that is thin on the sides and tall on top will dramatically increase height even when you’re standing right in front of others. Bonus: It’s also one of the 2010 men’s hairstyles. Check out any issue of a fashion magazine and you will probably see several different hairstyles in photographs that honor this rule. Consider all of them and decide which hairstyle suits you best. Alternatively, you can also work with your hairstylist to find the most flattering style for you.



Wear vertical stripes

When it comes to looking taller, this is a popular trick you often see on celebrities. Patterns such as pinstripe, chalk stripe and herringbone will provide the visual length you are hoping for. So, choose pants and jackets with such patterns and try out the various types of stripes to see which ones are the most beneficial for you. Do not mix them, however, as it will look very distracting and may even cause you to look shorter (yikes).



Choose the right jacket length

A coat or jacket should end where the buttocks meet the legs. A poorly fitted jacket is not only a fashion disaster but it also has a strong negative effect on your height .

For some men, it is also a good idea to complement a jacket of perfect length with shoulder pads. This will make your shoulders appear broader and create the tapered V-shaped upper body, which will ultimately help you to look taller and more athletic.