The Average Height
5'7" is considered the average adult male height in the United States. It's right around the 50th percentile for American men's heights based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This means 5'7" is neither short nor tall - it's the mid-range norm. About 50% of men are shorter than 5'7" and 50% are taller. So if you're wondering "am I tall for 5'7?," the answer is no - 5'7" is squarely average.
Global Heights
While 5'7" is average for American men, global heights vary. For instance, the average adult male height in the Netherlands is over 5'11" whereas the average height in Indonesia is under 5'4".
So on a worldwide scale, 5'7" lands in the shorter side of average. Countries like Bosnia, Denmark, Norway and Germany all average over 5'10". But 5'7" is taller than men in India, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Facts About Being 5'7"
Here are some interesting facts about being a 5'7" male:
1. You're Taller Than Most Women
At 5'7", you're taller than the average woman's height of 5'4" in America. This gives you an advantage for dating and meets a lot of women's preference for a boyfriend or husband taller than them.
2. Clothes and Cars Accommodate Your Height
At the average male height, you fit fine in most cars, beds, showers, etc. Special accommodations aren't needed like they are for extremely tall or short people. Most "one size fits most" clothing will fit you well.
3. You're Not Too Tall to Bulk Up
Your medium height makes it easier to build an impressive physique than very tall men. Less height means shorter muscle bellies that can look bigger than the longer muscles on a 6'4" guy.
4. Most Celebrities are Around Your Height
Many leading men in entertainment from Tom Cruise to Robert Downey Jr. to Zac Efron are right around 5'7" to 5'9". So you're in good company with plenty of Hollywood stars close to your stature.
Advantages of Being 5'7"
While every height has pros and cons, here are some of the advantages that come with being 5'7":
1. You Can Easily Put on Muscle
As mentioned earlier, your average height makes it easier to fill out your frame with muscle compared to tall guys. You don't need huge mass to look muscular at 5'7".
2. You Fit Comfortably in Most Seats
Airplanes, cars, theaters - their seats and legroom are designed with the average height in mind. Very tall people often have to scrunch into uncomfortable positions.
3. You Have Good Leverages for Strength
Your medium stature provides decent biomechanical leverages for most strength training exercises like squats, deadlifts and overhead presses. Your strengths won't be as good as someone shorter, but not as poor as someone extremely tall either.
4. You're Less Prone to Health Issues
Research shows very tall and very short men tend to have more health problems than those of average height. 5'7" hits the sweet spot that minimizes risk of most height-related conditions.
5. You Can Find Clothes That Fit Well
Shopping for clothes is straightforward when you're an average height. Pants won't be too short or long, shirts will fit properly in the sleeves and torso, etc. No need to shop in specialized big and tall or short sizes.
Potential Drawbacks of 5'7"
No height is perfect. Here are a couple potential negatives that can come with being 5'7":
1. Always Looking Up to Some Men
While you're taller than many people, you'll also frequently encounter men who are taller than you. Be prepared to tilt your head up in conversations sometimes.
2. Not Standout Height in Crowds
You won't tower over crowds like the very tall. While nice for fitting in, it can make you harder to pick out in groups if you want to stand out.
3. Can't Always Reach Top Shelves
Your stature is decent but not tall enough to easily reach things on high shelves and surfaces. Be ready to use a footstool or step ladder now and then.
4. Not Intimidating Height
Some shorter men feel being 5'7" puts them at a physical presence disadvantage with very tall men. But a strong physique and attitude can offset height.
Style Tips for 5'7" Men
Here are some fashion and style tips to help 5'7" men maximize aesthetics:
1. Optimize Posture and Proportions
Good posture optimizes your full 5'7" height. Broad shoulders and chest with narrow waist and hips creates ideal masculine proportions.
2. Lift Weights to Fill Out Frame
Adding muscle via strength training builds an impressive physique at 5'7". You'll look stocky rather than scrawny at this height.
3. Get Clothes Tailored for Best Fit
Having clothes like suits, shirts and pants tailored provides an ideal fit for your 5'7" frame compared to off-the-rack.
4. Wear Vertical Stripes and Monochrome
Vertical pinstripes and monochrome outfits visually elongate so can add the illusion of extra height.
5. Get Medium or Tall Sizes
Opt for medium or tall t-shirt, hoodie and jacket sizes - the extra torso and sleeve length balances your shorter legs.
6. Avoid Short Hair and Mustaches
Short hair and mustaches broaden the face, making it appear wider. Let hair and facial hair grow longer to add angularity.
Enhancing Your 5'7" Height
Here are a few ways to enhance the look of your 5'7" stature:
Improve Your Posture
Standing and sitting tall with good posture pulls every inch out of your spine's full potential. Poor posture saps your height.
Wear Lifts or Height Insoles
Elevator shoes/insoles adding 1-3 inches inside footwear boost your stature for occasions where height matters.
Get a Hairstyle With Height
A tall pompadour, spiky style, fohawk or quiff adds extra inches to your 5'7" frame.
Wear a Small Heel
Shoes with a 1-2 inch heel subtly increase your height for a small leg length boost.
While a bit shorter than average, 5'7" is a solid height that most men should feel content with. Use these tips to make the most of it!