Defining What Counts as a Short Height for Men
Height remains a hot topic for guys wondering if their stature meets societal standards for impressing others. By definition, doctors consider adult men falling in the bottom third of the general height range as shorter. So is 5 feet 6 inches truly short for men? How does your vertical measure up against factual data on male height?
Looking at the Numbers for Average Adult Male Height
Medical charts plot the average mature height for men in America and Canada as about 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). That standard has held steady for decades, reflecting reliable nutrition and health care.
Still, a broad spectrum exists above and below that midpoint mark. The current distribution of heights among adult men falls in this range:
- Over 6 ft (183 cm): 15%
- 5' 9" to 6' (175 to 182 cm): 34%
- 5' 7" to 5' 8" (170 to 173 cm): 30%
- 5' 5" to 5' 6" (165 to 168 cm): 12%
- Under 5' 5" (165 cm): 4%
As shown, only 1 in 8 men reach 6 feet or more. Meanwhile, just 1 in 25 measure shorter than 5' 5". So at 5' 6", you occupy the lower end of common heights but not exceptionally so.
Other Clues Hinting You May Be Shorter Than Average
Setting statistical charts aside, a few other signs also indicate a man skews on the short side, like when:
- Your pants need hemming above the heels
- Standard kitchen counters hit beneath your waist
- Chin-up bars at the gym feel out of reach
- You strain to grab items on high shelves
- Knees bang the steering wheel despite adjusting car seats back
If you routinely experience any of those scenarios, your frame likely falls shorter than the societal norm. Of course genetics, body proportions, and posture factor somewhat into perceived height too.
Why Do Some Men Wind Up Shorter?
Many intrinsic and external variables affect who ultimately grows taller versus shorter in life. Isolating clear reasons why one guy ends up 5' 5" and another 6' 1" proves difficult though.
Genetics Chiefly Dictate Your Eventual Height
DNA passed down from parents establishes most of your height possibility and probability. If both your mom and dad stand under 5' 7", odds remain low of exceeding that lineage. Certain ancestral groups (e.g. Asians) also run shorter on average than others (e.g. Scandinavians).
Nutrition and Medical Issues Can Rob Inches
Of course adequate nutrition supplies the essential building blocks to achieve your genetically pre-determined stature. Things like childhood malnutrition, unattended gastric issues, chronic disease, smoking, etc. may throttle growth potential.
A pediatric endocrinologist can diagnose many treatable conditions interfering with growth. But most healthy kids eating well simply end up nearer the middle of their genetic height bracket.
Reach Matters More Than Sheer Height Alone
Arm span and difference between trunk and leg length help classify body types too. Someone 5'10" with a bigger upper body and shorter legs may buy pants needing extra inseam like a 5' 6" peer with longer legs and a compact torso.
Your reach also affects how tall you appear next to items or when sizing up against door frames. Wing span further influences performance at activities like basketball requiring overhead maneuverability.
Upsides to Weigh Against Perceived Drawbacks to Being Short
Although remarks and assumptions about height rank among the most common thoughtless social insults men face, looking shorter rarely elicits discrimination affecting quality of life. Focusing on advantages rather than ruminating over perceived negatives regarding height proves healthier.
Heart Health and Longevity Increase
On the whole, shorter guys historically live slightly longer with fewer cardiac issues than taller peers. The heart functions more efficiently moving blood shorter distances in a smaller frame. Risk also decreases for blood clots in the legs, varicose veins, etc.
Quick Agility Serves You Well
A lower center of gravity inherent with shorter stature grants stability and speed advantages in many sports like gymnastics, wrestling, horse racing, and weight-lifting. Greater mechanical leverage aids strength training too.
Clothing Costs and Fittings Prove Easier
Big and tall specialty sizes get costlier and harder to locate. Standard sizes typically accommodate shorter builds with fewer alterations. Finding well-fitting ready-to-wear suits, pants, coats, gloves, etc. tends cheaper and simpler without going custom.
You Fly Comfortably in Airplane Seats and Cars
Leg room problems plague plenty of taller travelers. But you likely board planes, trains, and automobiles without constant struggling for space to stretch out cramped knees and elbows.
Fewer High Shelving Challenges Exist
Seeing clearly aids navigation walking under door lintels another tall person might bang their head on. Most shelf heights cater to mid-range statures so grabbing items proves less bothersome. Bonk-free living has hidden advantages daily.
Tips to Help Shorter Men Maximize Their Vertical
Rather than fixate on height shortcomings, smarter strategies exist allowing you to stand taller and negate drawbacks.
Align Your Posture
Simply straightening your stance gains inches. Aligning the spine, neck, and hips properly projects more visible height. Tight hip flexors also tilt the pelvis forward, effectively shortening you.
Support Your Feet
The right shoes make a bigger difference than you might assume. Thick soles and small heels lift you higher than flats do. Just avoid going too clunky. Chunky footwear outlines your exact height. Leaner lines stretch the look of legs.
Tailor Your Wardrobe Wise Choices
Monochromatic tops and bottoms give an elongated impression versus stark light/dark color-blocking that chops the body. V-necklines and vertical stripe patterns also streamline the eyes up and down. In photography, pose angled rather than square to hide height.
Get Comfortable Claiming Your Height
When someone asks your height, state it assuredly as a fact not an apology. Dishonestly adding an inch or two often invites noticeable skepticism and jokes later on. Embrace your exact measurable height as another unique personal attribute.
While environment and circumstances decide some characteristics in life, owning what you can control proves most empowering. The numbers show 5' 6" occupies normal ground among fellow men. How you carry yourself means much more than any tape measure.
FAQs
What percentage of men are shorter than 5’6”?
About 12% of men fall in the 5’5” to 5’6” range. So roughly 1 in 8 men are 5’6” or less. Only around 4% measure below 5’5”.
Does ethnicity impact average male height?
Yes, certain ethnic backgrounds tend to run shorter or taller on average. For example, Asian men have an overall average height around 5’7” compared to 5’10” for Caucasian men.
Can a man still grow taller after age 18?
Typically, men stop growing in height by age 16-18. Late growth spurts exist but remain rare past 20 years old. Only legitimate growth hormone deficiencies diagnosed by a doctor may allow further inch gains.
Do women care more about height than men do?
Some studies suggest women subordinate height preferences more than men when evaluating romantic partners. But both genders likely place too much pressure on unrealistic vertical standards beyond individual health and character.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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