Petite models are often more of a height with the standard woman on the street, and because of this, they can often get jobs as fitness models. They hire on with a design house of some sort, and they are used to create clothing for the house itself. The clothes are made to their measurements, and in some cases, they go on to model the clothes for sales/print photos as well. They may also be asked to pose for showroom events, modeling clothes from different garment suppliers.
Petite models can also find a great deal of work in places where standing is not necessary. For example, many of them spend time as face models for cosmetic lines, where height is not taken into account but even features and a regular complexion are. Play to your strengths as a petite model. Just because the fashion runways are not accepting of your height does not mean that smaller venues are not. For example, if you are a petite model with strong ties to an alternative subculture, consider finding work with independent companies. You may also find interesting jobs modeling with companies that you actually purchase from. If you have found a clothing like that really suits you, you never know when they might need a model who is also an enthusiastic customer.
It is important to recognize that petite models are in the vast majority when it comes modeling. A 2002 study reported that more than 80 percent of editorial fashion models were above the standard height of 5’9, while only 4 percent were below 5’8. Compare this to the fact that almost 80% of women in the United States are under 5’6. Designers are slowly recognizing that clothing should be designed to meet the needs of women who actually exist, but it can feel a great deal like slow going. Do not try to hide your height. Modeling is a very visually based field, and fibbing about your height on your resume is going to go poorly. Be precise to the inch, because when you show up to the shoot, you can be sure that everyone else will be.
At the moment, it is important to remember that very few major modeling companies take on petite models. This is unfair, but it is true that height is still considered one of the primary requirements for models today. With that in mind, petite models are often targeted by photo mills and other agencies which look to recruit people and then to require excessive fees. Be very wary of anyone who asks you to pay fees in order to work for them.
Petite modeling is growing industry, but that industry is growing slowly. Look for jobs that play to your strengths, and remember that there are opportunities out there even if it does not feel like there are many at first!