Who doesn't love a vacation abroad? The chance to completely relax, let your hair down and forget about all the stresses of modern-day life.

That being said, traveling as a taller lady can be a challenge to say the least. Even someone of average height can struggle to spend hours in a cramped and confined airplane for hours on end without feeling the strain. However, for those that are blessed with height, it can be a complete nightmare.

From sweet-talking your way to a much-coveted seat in the emergency exit row and paying the price for a premium seat to utilizing lumbar support, keep reading to discover how you can enjoy a vacation abroad as a tall traveler.

Don't worry; it won't cost you the earth!

Secure the exit row

As a tall woman traveling on an airplane, there is one thing that you covet above all else. No, not immediate access to the duty-free cart – although that comes a close second. What you really want is a seat on the emergency exit row. Of course, an aisle seat in this spacious area is preferable, but even a middle seat has its advantages. Certainly, this option is better than the cramped, no leg room offerings on the rest of the plane.

How to secure this perfect seat?

You have three chances. Sweet talk the person at the check-in desk, beg the agent at the gate, or take your chances when boarding and hope for a sympathetic air host or hostess. Remember, the later you leave it, the less chance you have of success.

Choose a vacation brand who cares

You may think that picking the cheapest vacation provider on the market is your best bet for an affordable and hassle-free trip. However, as a tall woman, you may want to enlist the help of a vacation brand that is ready to go the extra mile to ensure that your break is as stress-free and straightforward as possible. Plus, you don't want to have to pay extra for the privilege.

Fortunately, by taking advantage of an Apple Vacations promo code, you can ensure that your next vacation is accessible, affordable, and amazing.

What more could you want for your next dream destination vacation?

Love lumbar support

Is there anything worse than suffering back and neck ache when on a long haul flight?Thankfully, high-quality lumbar support goes a long way to make your journey more bearable, and even, dare you say it, comfortable.
You can choose to purchase an inflatable lumbar support pillow ahead of your journey, or, if you forget, you can utilize a large water bottle and a blanket. Simply, fill your bottle to the halfway mark and then wrap tightly in a blanket. Then place your bottle against your lower back and wait for the magic to happen.

It may feel uncomfortable at first, but rest assured it will work wonders over the hours that you are sat in a highly restrictive airplane seat.

Not so long ago, small dogs became a fashion statement. The little ones you could practically fit into your handbag! However, as a tall woman, a small dog, although cute, could be more challenging to walk unless you have a long leash.

So, if you're looking for a tall breed to add to your family, and want a loving and friendly companion, check out these breeds to see which one might fit your lifestyle.

1. Great Dane

One of the larger dog breeds that most people think about if they want a tall dog is a Great Dane. This type of dog requires someone tall to match their commanding presence. However, they are also known to have a soft nature, but their energy levels are also as big as their stature. This dog's larger size could mean some hefty food and vet bills, so considering this is vital when opting for this dog. They often respond well to training and love being by your side, and using treats for the basics such as these from ceebeedoo.com is an excellent option for useful training techniques.

2. Saint Bernard

This big dog is known to have a big heart and often make great family pets due to their loving nature. This dog loves being close to you and is typically not fond of being left alone for long periods. They have a chilled vibe, and they make a great addition to a big family, as they love attention. Their size means that food bills are higher, and you'll also want to consider where they sleep, as this space will have to accommodate their weight and size.

3. Newfoundland

Another large breed is the Newfoundland. This breed is very loyal, although they are sometimes shy, which means they make take a while to get to know others. Of course, if you also live somewhere cold and snowy, this is the perfect dog, as it's their natural habitat. Newfoundlands can fit perfectly into your family dynamic, but like most pets don't like to be left for too long, as they'll miss you. The breed is also known as the 'gentle giant,' and they love swimming. This dog has webbed feet and a thick and water-resistant coat, and its strength makes them a strong and confident swimmer.

4. Irish Wolfhound

Another tall dog that is an ideal family pet is the Irish Wolfhound. This breed tends to be great with people and other dogs, although they have a high prey instinct, so keeping a handle on the leash is vital if a squirrel decides to taunt them in the park. Unlike other large dog breeds that drool a lot, the Irish Wolfhound drools less, and they are usually pretty quiet dogs for their size.

There are so many tall and larger dogs that tall owners will love. Some other examples include Great Pyrenees and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Most big dogs have equally big hearts and are the perfect addition to your family.

CHAPTER 1: The bitter reality of the normal distribution curve.

I've always thought that the best one wins! In any case, in any setting. So the more qualified you are, attractive, intelligent, kind, honest, rational etc…the more you are likely to have a better life. 

I WAS WRONG! 

The case is that the more common, ordinary and non exceptional you are the more you are likely to have a peaceful, happy and harmonious life!!!

Its as simple as that: Majority wins! So lets say that we have a group of 999 idiots and 1 intelligent person who vote for a matter. What gets decided? I think you already know the answer: The stupidest solution! Statistically proven!

All my life I have struggled to be the best or at least among the best in what I'm doing. People who have known me over my life course know that. They have seen it, they have sensed it. Of course I had failures, big ones indeed… It's human nature, you can't always be successful but that's not the case. It's the underlying behavioral pattern that matters. Its your cosmic theory, the way you were brought up … It's this adrenaline rush I get when I feel that I have achieved something. It makes you feel alive… At least certain people…

I have never thought, though that I belong somewhere, this feeling of security and comfort… Because I didn't… I have always expected an attack, verbal, practical …something to put me out of rest. Several times I have asked my self: What am I doing to deserve this? Aren't I honest, intelligent, good-looking, hardworking etc enough. What am I missing? The answer is that I am not like all the rest. I am not average.

According to psychological research methods outliers are eliminated from the normal distribution curve. It really doesn't matter whether you are really bad or good as long as you are not average….

CHAPTER 2: Human dynamics…

This article is directed to tall females in their childhood and adolescent years. The truth though is that all the statements made here are not only applied to height but to any other characteristic - physical or not - that distinguishes a person from the rest.

Ever since I could remember myself I was head a taller than all the rest. Subconsciously - what does a child know…. - it gave me a feeling of pride but I was always conscious that I was different that all the other kids. What really made me doubt my self is this psychological war that was directed towards me while growing up. They just couldn't accept the fact that I was different. You do become brainwashed!!!! It is really tragic how your rationality can turn against you. "If everybody says that and I am not then in all probability they are right and I am wrong" is what rationally you would think. 

That is not the case: People would support what is more convenient to them, according to their interests. And if most people are average, statistically speaking you are about to be found in the small range that is isolated. 

Over the years I have read many biographies… Everybody thought that Einstein was crazy…and he was the most intelligent man in the world……. Claudia Schiffer confessed that all her life was slouching because she was the tallest kid in the school….. and that was the primary characteristic that led her to become a supermodel! Mozart was attacked all his life my someone who was…. simply average, Salieri (excuse my incorrect spelling)….. and was led to death.

All these exceptional people had really hard lifes. They were paying the price of being different.

Apply that to your everyday life: Who sells the biggest number or records, wins in reality shows? Certainly not the most gifted. Who is the most popular girl at school? Certainly not the tallest, most beautiful, best student, creative, humorous or generous.

The answer is the one to whom most others can relate or can benefit from.That is truly the answer. All your qualities no matter how exceptional they are, are indifferent to others if they don't see themselves related somehow to them.

The same principle is applied to friendships. How many times were you bitter about the way you were treated when you have been so good to others? Those people simply weren't the same kind of people as you ,so don't expect to get treated accordingly. 

CHAPTER 3: The lost femininity

With men things are even more complicated. If you do think that things have changed much since the 50's the you are wrong.Legally yes,mentally very little. It took me a while to accept it my self. My mum says that God gave to males strength and to females brains. I still can't accept the fact how men think.That's probably the reason I have never been popular with them. I have always tried to upgrade myself in order to be able to claim more from relationships.The more I did the worse I made things for me….. Do you know why? 

• Because I got stressed and I stressed others as well(Stress is contagious!)

• I got better and I was not easily accessible. 

• I was respectful and others thought I was snobbish.

That's it! I do know you have the best intentions, BUT WHO CARES? If you want to get results you should talk to the other person's language. And if the other person's language is not very sophisticated then either you have to downgrade yours or…. simply not expect anything from them, abandon them no matter how painful that is. I know this angers you….. I had my piece of frustration as well… I have recovered from most of my anger over time…. I think I have…. In fact I was furious….. It still gets to me… I encourage you to read Marian's must read article "I won. I am sorry!". 

Many friends of mine who are men say that this is not true, they just don't have the time to deal with women who pretend to be sophisticated. I think this is an excuse. A truly sophisticated woman doesn't have to pretend to be anything. 

I am probably the biggest fan of the male role: In fact I would love to have a man who is a leader,strong and tender towards me. A stronger man? Why not… The point is how many men really adhere to the male role? From my experience and what my friends say, noone … In fact most women I know are the head of the family as they are the ones who really deal with the financial matters and do all the work. Only on the outside men look as if they are the ones who take up responsibility, who go to pay the bill. 

I have heard it from a friend of mine: "Whenever I wanted a man I had to fight for him. They simply wouldn't take the initiative to be straightforward with me". With a very tall woman, things are even worse… Men are so intimidated they would never admit it. I have abandoned my feminine identity years ago, simply because I was led to. I could see in they eyes that I threatened them somehow… Some have even admitted that they would never have approached me if I hadn't talked to them first. I cannot change my physique so at the end of their day it their problem. Don't think that things are different with tall men. In fact things are worse. Tall men are probably most threatened by a very tall woman simply because they are used at looking down at women. Combine that with the sense of masculinity that every man has to boost his ego and there is not chance that they will go after a tall woman. They are doubly threatened. Small women are convenient to them and boost their sense of superiority. I am speaking from experience… you have seen it yourselves: It's always a tall man with a short woman. Many of them have the hang ups that were created to them because of teasing in their younger years… Therefore they don't want to double the effect they are causing by dating someone very tall like themselves.

Joanne McHarg is 6ft 3 with size 10 feet and knows what it's like to experience the ups & downs of height

Here she offers advice to any girls who lack confidence with their height

Most importantly you should think positive. You are gorgeous and you need to know it. A confident looking, happy person will attract others. Nobody wants to know the uncomfortable looking person cowering in the corner.

Always remember that everyone has some insecurity, whether it is their skin, hair, weight, looks, personality - think yourself lucky; your insecurity is actually an asset.

OK so it is harder to get clothes and shoes to fit (we are trying to help you there!), but people do treat you differently. A tall woman is automatically treated with respect. People assume you are confident, intelligent and capable of doing things for yourself. A short woman is often patronised and treated as someone younger and less intelligent than they are. As you get older and start a career you will find this an asset - especially when you start earning more money than your shorter female colleagues!

When it comes to boyfriends, tall girls like us sometimes have difficulties. You may think that boys your own age don't like you - but it's not true. They are in awe of you and don't quite know how to approach you - YET! Usually younger men find it hard to know how to chat up a tall girl. Because of their lack of confidence in their own decisions they usually go for the obvious option, the stereotypical girls that their mates would not find challenging. Young men have a strange mentality - they all wear the same branded clothes because they need to belong, they all look for the same brand of girl. Whereas a girl would wear what is fashionable, fits and what suits her- the clothes could be any brand, and so could the man!

Girls simply develop confidence in their decisions from an earlier age. Girls know what they like and why they like it. They tend to like a boy for his personality more than his looks. A boy usually goes for a what is perceived by his peers as an acceptable look for a girl: whether this be related to height, hair length, looks or dress. The good news is that as they get older, and boys grow up to be men they find out what they really like.

Remember that you don't have to dress a certain way to attract a boyfriend. And if you go over the top you are in danger of looking like a cross-dresser! When you go out with your friends to a pub or a club, you will find that a lot of women go out of their way to be noticed - they wear the shortest skirts, the most make up, the biggest hair. You have to simply walk into a room to be noticed. And they are looking at you in admiration - not for any other reason.

OK, so you will never be the cute little girl, but the cute little girl will never get to be the elegant, sophisticated women that you will be.
Think of these successful (and gorgeous) tall women:

Michelle Obama 5ft10 ¾ | Jodie Kidd 6ft | Blake Lively 5ft10 | Penny Lancaster 6ft1 | L’wren Scott 6ft4 | Maria Sharapova 6ft2 | Tyra Banks 5ft11 | Giselle Bundchen 5ft11 | Katie Holmes 5ft9 | Cameron Diaz 5ft9 | Liv Tyler 5ft10 | Zoe Ball 6ft | Liz Hurley 5ft9 | Nicole Kidman 5ft10 | Uma Thurman 6ft | Julia Roberts 5ft9 | Claudia Schiffer 5ft11 | Charlize Theron 5ft9 | Minnie Driver 5ft10 | Elle Macpherson 6ft | Sophie Dahl 5ft11...

Tall is beautiful. Always remember that you are!

If you want to chat to other tall girls like you visit our Facebook group, we will also update you on any special offers and new style launches

Joanne McHarg
Director of Tall Girls
6ft3

Style Advice

There is a reason why many models are blessed with Amazonian proportions - tall girls make clothes look great! So if you're going to do your height proud remember a few golden tall rules:

Don't slouch - it will make even the most gorgeous clothes look bad.

• Clothes that show off your waist give you a better figure. Baggy clothes or clothes with straight lines make you look longer. If you are going to wear a baggy top - team it with skinnies; and if you like a wide leg style wear it with a fitted top - never wear baggy top and bottom!
• With bright colours try not to wear the same colour top and bottom. This accentuates your size and draws attention to it! Keep bright colours to one section only - try our coloured tops with neutral colour trousers like black, denim or stone.
• Don't go over the top! Don't try to make yourself feel more feminine by wearing excessive make up, a shorter skirt etc. You can end up looking like a drag queen! To look more feminine, be subtle and elegant
• Walk with confidence. If you feel good you will look good. Even the worst clothes look great on a model. It's all in your posture and attitude.
• Try to wear clothes that fit. Clothes that are made for the average height girl have darts, waist and hip lines in the wrong position - garments will look baggy on your waist (hiding your figure), tight on your hips and your bust will look squashed. You will feel uncomfortable - and look it too.
• Tall girls look great in wide belts - this also helps to make the body look in proportion.
• Long legs look great in skinny jeans; tall girls are the privileged people who can carry off this look. If you want to slim your legs wear them with heels; but if you’re blessed with skinny pins flats will give you a more relaxed look.

Hello! My name is Erika, I am 6'7" tall and live in the USA. I want to tell you a story about some of my struggles I had growing up:

I really started growing in the 3rd grade, at that time I was 5'8"; and being a third grader everyone didn't know what to think of me. All the kids made fun of me, and they were so mean. 3 years later and I grew to 6'1", I was just starting middle school, (or junior high) whatever you call it. Some of the boys thought it was cool, and the girls were jealous. I didn't realize at the time, I was a big threat to them. I was trying to make friends with anything I had in common, I played sports and was in the orchestra. Those kids saw me, not my height, and eventually others started seeing the inner me too. I guess you could say it was my grandmother, who preached for me to sit up straight, always telling me there was a string in the middle of my chest pulling me upward towards the ceiling. I didn't understand at the time, but later realized she wanted me to have good posture. She was 6'1" and passed away a couple of years ago aged 98. Almost a century old she had many stories to tell me when I was growing up. I would say those helped my confidence level improve. I wasn't concerned with the "popular or in-crowd" kids fall into; I was popular because I was a jock who could keep a beat, =) .

I was in the sixth grade, and school had just started and if learning your way around a new school wasn't enough drama I had extra drama due to my height. Try to visualize this...

I am in the restroom and the stalls are not full size: they are a little shorter because most kids are shorter, anyways, I was able to see over the door of the stall, my whole head was visible, and in walked a teacher. She saw me and instantly assumed I was standing on the toilet. With a yelling voice she pointed at me and said "you there get off that toilet, I see you" to my surprise, I asked "are you talking to me?" and questioning why she was telling me that. She said, "Yes, You, I see you above the stall!", I said, "Excuse me?!? Do you see those feet down there? Those are mine, and since those are mine, how could I be standing on the toilet?!?" I walked out of the stall and showed her I was standing on floor; not on the toilet at all, I was in fact just that tall. Her mouth hit the floor, well not literally, but almost, she was very apologetic all of a sudden, apologizing and said something like, "I am so sorry, I didn't know, I just assumed you were fooling around, please take these hall passes in return" I had enough hall passes for an entire year. I guess she was afraid I would tell my guidance counselor or some one higher up and she would be fired. She was very nice to me from that moment on. It was a real confidence booster. And we became friends until she retired a year later. I'll never forget that story and tell it quite often. It is a good example of how people perceive someone without really "knowing them". I am sure you have heard the saying, "Never judge a book by it's cover?"

As I was getting better in sports and others looked at me to help them WIN a game, it carried over when we were off the court too. Then their friends would become my friends too. You could say I didn't have that many "girl" friends growning up, they were threatened by me, because their boyfriends were all friends of mine, because I would play with them more than the girls and That is because I had a daredevil for a father, and that is another story.

So here is where I am ready to tell you, stand up tall, be proud of your height, beautiful = tall. People may not see it now, but they will admire you before long. It's what's in your heart that matters and if anyone says anything different, then they are NOT your friend and NOT worthy of your friendship. Your friends, (true friends) will see you - the real you, not your physical appearance.

There are some struggles you might encounter, but believe me the pros are much greater than the cons, and you will feel better about yourself and others will see it too. I cannot give you a date or time this will all happen, but for me, the change happened very quickly. I have found out that when I am in a crowded room people seem to move out of my way, (which is cool) and if they don't I bump into them and say, "oh, I am sorry, I didn't see you down there" You will notice some people are rude and we can get into that later. For now, I want you to think about what I have said here, and let me know what you think, talk to me, cause I have heard it all; and trust me I have been there.

The picture above shows Joerg and myself, and on a final note I want to say. I love my height and I wouldn't give up it up for anything in the world, anything. The past couple of years have been great I have been wearing heels, I figure what's a couple more inches right? Hehee.

I wish you all the best!
Erika

P.S.: No, I didn't have a chance to meet Sandy Allen who was a whole foot taller than me, I did however meet her best friend, who's 5'2" funny huh? Anyway, Rita is her name, she told me Sandy liked to joke about her height which seemed to break the ice, the awkward moments you have when people first see you, she did it with humor, Rita made her some shirts to wear that were funny, they said, "I like short people, I had 3 for lunch."

P.P.S.: The second picture is Rita and myself at Sandy Allen's viewing.

8 Things My Very Tall Daughter Can Expect

by Ali Solomon
Posted:03/18/2015 10:26 am EDTUpdated:03/18/2015 10:59 am EDT

You can't escape your genes, my dear girl. I was 5'9" by the time I was in fourth grade. Your father tops out at around 6'3". That means you will be very, very tall. Not quite "America's Next Top Model" tall, or WNBA tall. More like "stuck in the back of every class photo" tall, or "can you reach the soup on that top shelf for me, dear?" tall. This will not be the social coup you think; like your parents, you may endure your share of taunts and nastiness, with the promise of someday you'll appreciate being tall to carry you through.

As you continue your upward trajectory, here are a few things you can expect:

1. You will experience a series of minor disappointments.

You will outgrow your tricycle after only riding it once.

You won't be able to go on kiddie rides at the amusement park.

Your gymnastics career will be short-lived.

That purple jacket you loved now ends a full three inches above your wrist.

No one will want to give you piggyback rides.

And I've looked for weeks, but those Dora the Explorer light-up sneakers you covet don't come in your size. Sorry, hon.

Sorry for it all.

2. Everyone will know you're tall.

You're not fooling anyone. You can hunch your shoulders, duck behind people or pull your knees to your chest when you sit. It changes nothing. You just become the "tall girl with the bad posture."

Unlike short girls who can wear heels, there's nothing you can do to adjust your height. I remember it well, and it's hard to embrace something you're still growing into. But if you hulk around like a velociraptor, everyone will think you have spine issues.

3. People will think you have skills you don't possess.

I remember loving the fact that I was picked first for sports teams. To be fair, I had no athletic ability whatsoever (I was the type of kid who would drop a ball and then immediately trip over it). But for that brief moment before anyone actually saw me play, my height convinced people otherwise.

If people who see your your elongated limbs assume you run fast, are graceful or have coordination, don't correct them. By the time they learn the truth, you'll already be the team captain.

Read the full article

Notes on modelling (from a successful runway model who is 6'3")

Tall women are often told they should model. Fashion models (print and runway) are often taller than the average man, so most people assume the taller you are, the better chance you have. I'm a fairly successful print and runway model and have been around the industry for about six years. I get asked about how to get into it all the time, so here are a few notes.

There are many types of modeling. Print, runway, commercial (of many types), glamour,fitness, fine art, body part,event modeling, spokesmodeling etc. I have only done regular fashion and some commercial work and will stick to talking about that only. There are many ways to break up fashion, but it is usually runway, editorial. catalog, print, show room,. lingerie and plus size. I mostly do runway, editorial and print.

The important thing to remember in fashion is that you are selling clothing to women. With the exception of plus sized models what sells is very thin, somewhat tall, good skin and certain features. Size is very important as it would be difficult to bring many sizes of clothing - fitting it to slightly different sized models is hard enough. It is very rare to see models shorter than 5'9 or taller than 6'0 cm. 5'10 or 5'11 is considered "perfect" and most successful models are that height. Out of over 1000 models I'm told there are maybe 20 who are taller than 6'0. (I'm 6'3, but more on that later)

The other measurements are also very important - maybe even more important as it is more difficult to get a size fit than a length fit. Generally 33-24-34 is considered ideal. A smaller is better than larger. Most places have very firm rules about hips more than 36" and a waist more than 25.5" is going to be trouble. If you don't have these measurements it is extremely difficult to get work in regular fashion. For what its worth I'm 33-24-35. I have no idea what the rules are for plus sized modeling, but that area is getting much less important. If you don't have these measurements, but still want to model,. I would strongly recommend another type of modeling. It isn't right or wrong - it is just what the designers are willing to hire. An agency may lie about your height, but never your other measurements - just an indication of what is important!

You don't have to be classically beautiful - I'm certainly not. They do like interesting looks. A clear complexion is very important.

If you have the right "look", the right size, the right height and are maybe 18-22, I would go to a fashion city (NYC in the US, London, Paris or Milan in Europe) and go to open calls at every agency you can find. You can also send two clean photos. A full length body shot without fancy clothing so they can see your shape and a portrait. No makeup and nothing done to your hair. They are looking at bone structure and want to see the blank slate. Different agencies have different tastes and they change with time. Some may be very interested and others won't give you the time of day,

Don't worry about paying a photographer for fancy photos - money down the drain. It might be useful if you are doing commercial work though and you can sometimes get good images for nothing with a trade for print arrangement with a (good) local photographer. You should be very very careful if you go that route., do your homework and take a friend. And if you do it, don't settle for anyone who is offering less than a studio shoot.

I won't go into the homework - the tricks of the trade and things like that because it is different for everyone. I want to stress that you should be naturally thin for this. If you have to diet or smoke to hit size - DON'T DO IT!!! Your health is much more important. I'm a non-smoking, non-drinking vegetarian. I do a lot of serious exercise a day - a fast hour plus run every morning and I use a single speed bicycle to get around. My legs are in very good shape.

I wouldn't sign an exclusive with anyone unless they are offering you an excellent contract with guaranteed work. This is very rare and you need the help of a lawyer if you are lucky enough to be in this position. You need to have a lawyer look over contracts anyway. A necessary expense of the game.

Technically I'm too tall for most modeling. For the first four years (Toronto, NYC and then Europe), most of my income came from waitressing. I got into commercial modeling where a tall model might be needed and spend a lot of time trying to figure out who might need a tall girl like me and then trying to sell myself. I am listed with a couple of agencies for regular fashion and another for commercial work and also promote myself with my own one person agency (I'm the president, model, janitor, book keeper, chief of marketing, etc...).

The reason why I get away with runway is that my walk is good, the rest of my measurements are ok and I have good hair and a fairly symmetrical face. I have lied about my height. I have told agencies that I am 6'1 and they adjust. I have been listed from 5'11.5 to 6'1.5, but no one has listed my real height. I did quite a bit of work with and for fashion students (an excellent way for out of ordinary models to get started I think) and many reviewers call my walk "fierce". About a year ago a designer liked my look and I started do catwalk work for them. A good walk goes a long way and I've been doing fashion weeks for about four seasons now. I haven't thought about waitressing since.

When you are recognized you start doing print and editorial work too. The pay at the low end might sound good per hour, but there aren't many hours. Runway is usually starts at 50 to 75 euros per hour. Print can be more. Editorial is often less as the exposure is considered valuable. If you are sought after it is easy to do more than 60 hours in the fashion week season. I did nearly 120 hours for S/S08 (spread over about three weeks). Once you get established your rates go up. My rates vary by job, but are well above the numbers I mention. The agencies take is usually 15 to 25 percent.

I may have sounded a bit negative. If you have your heart set on fashion, you need to realize the requirements are very very narrow and it is difficult to be a success if you are outside of them. The shorter women on this board are in the right height range though. If you are a bit taller, like me, you have to be crazy but I eventually did get luck and maybe you will. But my walk and ability to pose are both much better than average and that is why I get work.

Commercial modeling is very different. You still need to be able to pose and sometimes acting ability (which I don't have) can be important. The ability to do video is becoming very important and there a sense that modeling is changing. The trick is to be in a market where you are wanted (read - really big city where there is a lot of ad work) and have an agency that believes in you and promotes you. I have not had much luck with good commercial agencies, which is why I made my own. My feeling is that tall women are nature's billboards and should be great for commercial work. It is just getting the message out there. I work very hard at that.

The rewards are great. I have lots of travel, sometimes too much, and quite a few adventures. I have done things that I wouldn't have considered possible when I was a teenager. There are easier ways to make a living, but the travel and adventure is what I'm after. And when sometime asks me if I've thought about modeling, I tell them "yup" and walk on...

But don't get too hung up on it - modeling is very competitive and hard work. If it is between going to college and modeling, go to college. For me it was pretty much between modeling and waitressing, so the choice is a bit easier.

You do have to be careful. I don't list my name because I've had stalkers in the past. If you absolutely need to talk, you can get in touch with the moderator and he will make a decision. I can't make connections for you blindly - I have to know someone very well and be familiar with their work to do that as my reputation in on the line.

One of the most important assets of a runway model needs is a great walk. These are very stylized and very hard to do in heels. The trick is to learn to walk on the balls of your feet and practice practice practice.. But when I had to do it, I found it came naturally and I have my brother Jon to thank.

Jon is my older brother - two years older in fact. When I was 11 and started to grow I started getting close to his height. Girls do this as our growth comes earlier and I found I could *really* annoy him my going on my toes whenever we were next to each other. This became a real game and I managed to get very good at it. I quickly passed his height and still did it because kids love to annoy their siblings. At first mom used to yell at me, but when I passed him she gave up.

He never really grew that much. My family isn't that tall. At 6'3, I'm the only one over 5'9. Jon is around 5'8 and I still go on my toes when I'm around him as part of the old joke.

I did my first runway work at age 15 in a department store. Mostly it was for teens and they only had one section with heels. I had never tried them, but decided "why not" and found I could easily deal with them and was the only girl there with a walk. These days my walk is described by some fashion writers as "fierce" and I have my brother to thank for it.

If you are wondering, I don't like heels. It isn't being shy about my height - I wouldn't mind being taller, but not with heels. I know how to use them, but they make my feet hurt so I only use them in fashion. Most of the time I'm in my running shoes. My closet has eight pair of shoes. One pair of flip flops, three pair of running shoes, two pair of very comfortable business flats, a pair of boots with almost no heel, and a pair of very unstable stilettos that I use for practice. I can run in them if I have to and even run up stairs, but heels are too painful for me to use when I'm not working.

So that's about it...

Joerg says: Thank you to the mystery model I won't be naming!

I had been hired to work at a big auto event a few years ago. My hair was very white at the time and some people say my ears are elfish when my hair is pulled behind them, so they wanted me to be some kind of earth-protecting warrior elf ushering in a new experimental car that burns hydrogen (BMW). In marketing myself I sometimes present weird things, but this was over the top and something I wouldn't have come up with on my own.

I was supposed to walk across a fog covered stage and through a gateway to the car. They wanted to use me for my height. Their car has a very tall body and they needed it to look a bit smaller. So the elf, me - at my 190cm, had to strap on some *frightening* boots that added about 20cm to my height. I'm extremely thin in the first place and must have looked just wrong and silly at 210cm.

All of this came together at the last minute. I was nervously trying to walk in these boots that were both unstable and too small for my feet. It was extremely un-elvish (or at least what I thought an elf should be).

The lights went down, the music came up - the lady who was steadying me gave me a little push and said something in German I didn't understand. I gave my fiercest look to the crowd and marched as best I could to the gate with huge warrior spear in my right hand.

The lights were really bright and I was looking at the tape marks on the floor to see where I was going. Fog was pouring onto the floor making navigation interesting at best.

The gate was basically a doorframe with fancy trimming on it. A doorframe that was made for a 200 or, at best, a 205 cm door. 210 cm is more than 205 and it really hurt when my head hit the frame. I heard a gasp go up from the crowd and made a mental note that his was probably my last job with BMW.

Regaining what little dignity i had, I ducked under the gateway and marched over towards the car.

When I banged my head I also twisted my left foot a bit and my right boot had worked loose. After about three steps it came off and I fell to the floor. Trying to find my balance I instinctively threw the spear. It may not have been an Olympic class throw, but it did manage to hit the car

The announcer said something in German and the crowd laughed and then applauded as I got up.

Not many of us get a chance to throw a spear at the product they are promoting. I managed to dent the car and was worried about damages, but they paid. I haven't worked there since though.

The other was holding some animals for a baby animal press conference at the local zoo. I love animals and volunteered for this. I had a little brown bear cub. As I got up with him, nature called and he managed to pee and poop all over my "Kobenhavn Zoo" t-shirt and my super expensive tailored jeans (which came free as a perk from an earlier job). The little guy held quite a bit of liquid! Again the audience applauded. Bear pee is *really* strong. It was a one hour bike ride home.

Fact One:

There are loads of tall (or extremely tall) women and teenagers like 6'11" Marvadene or 6'5" Emma out there who know what you are going through. Some girls may even be able to lend you an open ear or support of sorts. You decide what is going to happen here, alright? Fill out the form below and tell me what you're missing here (and, no, it's not all about meeting boys!) ;-)

Fact Two:

In a lot of cases all tall young women lack is confidence. If you have enough confidence you'll find how exciting being tall can be. I came across a very useful website today after discussing the confidence / shyness factor with some young UK friends of mine. Thanks to Sacha and Jo for reminding me of the confidence factor!

You could also tell me if you find anything on this website that you find unsuitable for you or other girls your age (or even younger) - I promise  to look into it and even take down the features / links concerned.

What you can / should / shouldn't do

Perhaps you want to tell your own story. Feel free to get in touch with me and tell us how you're feeling, what you feel you're lacking (in regard to support from parents, teachers, friends etc.) and what you think is great about you. Or what is it that you don't like about yourself? I bet you'll find later that being a kid / teen was half as bad as you then thought. :-)

Of course there are bad things that could happen to a tall girl. Read what my friend Tiffany had to go through instead of a enjoying a great Prom Night. This is a very sad story but Tiffany has come out of it stronger than ever before. She has found herself a cute boyfriend now and - as far as I know - the two are now happily married!

If you still don't like being tall or even hate it - don't despair. I know that it's not easy being a teenager (I've been there myself a long time ago). Talk to people you trust. Don't give in to stupid comments from class"mates" or even teachers. Being a teacher doesn't always qualify a person for being a good human being (I've found that out too - years ago).

Get rid of "friends" who have a negative attitude towards you because they aren't your friends. Make sure you feel good and do whatever it takes to assure that you feel good. You still rule!

I am a statuesque, 6'4'', multi-faceted, fun loving, life living woman. When people ask what my likes are, it would actually be easier to tell them my dislikes. There are very few things in life that completely offend me, I have learned that to take offense to others' perceptions, is to limit your own ability to see things differently. I allow myself to absorb whatever is thrown at me, disect it, and essentially let it go. Yes, I may rant for a moment, and some things do stick with me, but overall, life is entirely too short to be burdened by another persons lack of intelligence.

About Amanda

I am a statuesque, 6'4'', multi-faceted, fun loving, life living woman. When people ask what my likes are, it would actually be easier to tell them my dislikes. There are very few things in life that completely offend me, I have learned that to take offense to others' perceptions, is to limit your own ability to see things differently. I allow myself to absorb whatever is thrown at me, disect it, and essentially let it go. Yes, I may rant for a moment, and some things do stick with me, but overall, life is entirely too short to be burdened by another persons lack of intelligence.

Joerg says:

I can attest to that. Amanda is a wonderful, confident, outspoken, strong, intelligent and beautiful lady (inside and out). I'm honoured to call her a friend.

Here are Amanda' contributions

• How do they do it?
• For the love of shoes

How do skinny people do it???

How do they maintain the physique that creates an are of perfection around them? They strut around in their size 6 jeans, thigh gap allowing for air circulation between their taught legs. Their shirts hug their torsos, their perky bosoms front and center for all the guys to gawk at. They complain about the 2 ounces they gained when they ate the whole order of a triple cheeseburger with large fries and a diet coke. HOW DO THEY DO IT???

I have come full circle in my struggles with weight loss. Having been overweight my whole life, I decided to have lap band a few years ago. Everything was going great, I managed to lose 176 lbs...and I gained albatross arm flaps (I think I can fly now), super squishy inner thighs, a double muffin top, and somewhere I lost my ass...it's flat and goes numb when I sit or lay on it too long!!! The time I spent in Australia was going great until the moment I contracted stomach flu. The Porcelain Throne Homage paid was enough to cause my band to prolapse, and given the medical care available, I was unable to have fluid pulled off my band...thus the Australia journey ended. I was sent home where I underwent corrective surgery for my band, in hopes of saving it...alas...it had to be removed.

The prolapse caused scar tissue to build up, and with the revision done...well, my lap band didn't quite work the same as before. The scar tissue built up some more, my band slipped, I went for about a week without anything to eat, coughing and throwing up, and well...it had to come out. I was devastated...still am to some degree. But I will be OK. The following week I had surgery on a ganglion cyst, which had decided to play with the nerves of my foot. So, I was put on these wonderful medications...Steroids, Celebrex, Nerurontin...all of which cause weight gain. And gain weight is what I did.

So here I sit about a month later trying to figure out how to prevent my jeans from getting any tighter. Yea, I put on a pair to come back to work after the surgeries, and well...let's just say a pair of needle nose pliers, some Crisco, and extremely shallow breathing were in order. If you have ever been laced into a corset (properly) you know that one does not SIT in a chair, but rather gracefully and delicately lights upon a perch like a swallow on a blade of grass. The same holds true for tight fittin jeans! Yea, well, my arse was sitting in a chair, stretching the fibers of my jeans, testing the supple forte of their fibrous makeup. The seams were screaming in resistance, my legs fell numb from the pressure of being forced into a bent position under my desk (I won't describe the horrors of getting into my Mustang). My midsection hanging over the taut waistband, like the top of a delectable muffin! I feared for the lives of those around me, waiting anxiously for a single breath to fire my button at some poor soul's forehead, like a lead round fired from a musket!!! Alas, all my colleagues are alive, and my jeans hold true.

I began the dieting regiment that had worked before...NO SUGAR!! My body screamed in rebellion, my heart trying desperately to form a coup against my head...demanding the delicious, tantalizing flavor of chocolate, cookies, cake, Tirimasu, Cheesecake, Banana Pudding, Chocolate, CHOCOLATE...mmmm...chocolate....*DING* sorry I digress. But I have managed to keep these evil thoughts from materializing themselves into reality. I have knocked out the gooey yummies I so enjoy, and have instead forced myself to enjoy the lower carb foods which usually lack taste. Somehow, I believe cardboard and glass would be more tasty, less healthy, but more tasty.

This endeavor has been ongoing for about two weeks, and, although I have partaken in the wonderful goodness of carbs over the weekend (it's a re-set people, calm down) my week has been filled with healthy foods, and a several prayers that they would actually taste like chocolate, but healthy nonetheless. The plan seems to be working, my jeans seem to be a little less like torturous enslavement devices, and more like an accessory to my desire to stay the course. Either that, or the plan to wash them and hang dry them has worked, forcing them to stay a little looser...that, and it avoids the malicious Dryer Pixies that sew my clothing tighter as it rotates in the heated confines of the contraption (not to mention the trolls that shorten everything too).

So back to my original question, how do skinny people stay so flippin skinny, yet eat anything they want? Drugs, it has to be drugs...or tape worms, or some other device that prevents them from gaining weight. It's just disgusting!

C4RW - Clothes for Real Women

6'0" Vivienne's Blog

Originally a Human Resources professional, Vivienne has always had a passion for fashion and fabric and is now the owner of Bespoke Personal Styling Concierge Service and an Executive Operations Director for TVLHC a creative global fashion platform that successfully delivered two shows at London Fashion Week. As an experienced fitting model for a top international lingerie label and a global retailer, Vivienne spent 4 years working part-time in the lingerie and women's department of a famous international department store.

Vivienne comes with over 20 years' experience of designing, making her own clothes and styling women. As a stylist who trained at the London College of Fashion, she has a unique perspective on the understanding of fabric and how clothes should fit to create the style that's right for your body.

Vivienne is not just your average woman. Standing at 6ft, a 'height goddess', she often says 5ft 12 to confuse people, and it is not unusual to see her wearing 4-inch heels, with such a presence that, once you have met her, it will be hard to forget her.

Like most women, she has struggled with self-confidence and image and has a unique understanding of the difficulties and dilemmas many women have about clothing. Having been though all the issues about understanding her proportions and finding clothes that fit, she has learned to love her uniqueness by maximising what she has. Passionate about empowering and inspiring women to change how they dress and feel about themselves. Change can be scary, but it's through change that great things happen.

A native of London, England, and a world traveller, 'have passport, will travel' is her motto. She loves shoes, cake and meeting new people.

You can find out more about Vivienne's Personal Styling Concierge Service by emailing her directly at viv[@]clothes4realwomen.com or via the contact form. She is also on Twitter as the GoddessofGlamour.

Visit the blog

Confidence is Queen by Jen Sugermeyer

Jen Sugermeyer is a tall woman (6'1"), who struggled with confidence.

Jen wrote Confidence is Queen to show the way to solve any problem. Confidence is the key to face and tackle everything; your challenges, your fears, your hesitations, and it opens the door to the life you want!  If you’re starting a business, looking for love, ready to ask for that raise, looking for self-love, ready to find happiness, then confidence is your answer!

As cash is to king, confidence is to queen.  But you need to have cash to be king.  You already have confidence within you; we all do. With confidence, you can do, be, get everything you want in life, including cash.  The queen is the most powerful player in the game of chess, she can make all the moves. Learn how to start calling the shots in your life. Confidence is a mindset, and mindset is a choice.

Visit Jen's website

After running tallwomen.org by myself for all these years I'm glad we have finally upgraded to a more than just potent Content Management System. I didn't mind providing most of the content myself but once in a while I wished I could hand some of the "responsibility" over to one or more of my tall lady friends.

Now the time has come to share the responsibilities. The first two contributors are two good friends of mine. 6'4" Amanda from Texas and 6'6" Cala from New England.

If you would like to join Amanda you need to register first. And, you need to get in touch with me, of course. Use the contact form in the "Home" menu or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Don't be intimidated! Turn some heads

It's a bold woman who wears 4-inch heels when she already towers over a room in bare feet. We talked with a handful of guys to get their take on fearless Amazon women in high heels.

As a 6'3" woman myself, I often wonder what men think when I wear high heels. As it turns out, most men love the look! So grab your stilettos and hit the town, tall women everywhere, because you're about to turn a few heads.

Read the full article

Here you find secondary sections like the "Tallest Known Living Women" section, the "Famous Tall Ladies" section and other items that may or may not be of interest to you. I know that we have a lot of male visitors I am not catering to specifically but that doesn't mean this website can't be an enjoyable experience for them as well. I guess you will agree.

In this section you will find original content... in contrast to the "Links" section which mainly consists of links to other website and publications.

Anja van der Spuy lets us in on struggles only tall women understand.

I can’t remember a day in my life that I haven’t thought about, or voiced one of my tall girl problems. So I thought it was about time that I shared them with you.

Tall girls, this is for you.

Oh my gosh, you’re so tall! Did you play netball at school?

Really? Really now? Out of all the possible things I could’ve done with my height in high school, you choose to ask me about netball?

No, I didn’t play netball. But I did use my long legs to kick people like you.

Where are all the tall guys?

When ordinary-sized women want to complain to me about not finding partners, I want to whip up a big cup of shut the hell up. I need to find a man who fits my dreams, but also fits into photo frames with me. SO YOU JUST SIT DOWN, OKAY?

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