Short Girl Appreciation Day

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Family Friendship
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every December 21
Holiday emoji:: 📏

Short Girl Appreciation Day arrives every December 21, celebrating the unique charm and undeniable strength of petite women everywhere. Embrace your height, share your experiences, and uplift the ‘fun-sized’ ladies in your life!

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate
Related

History of Short Girl Appreciation Day

When the cups are on the tallest shelf of the tallest cabinet, it’s not always fun to be short. But how great it is that you’re always at the top of the human pyramid? And when have you ever hit your head on a door frame? Short Girl Appreciation Day was started to celebrate the smaller ladies in our lives, and maybe help them grab that out-of-reach item. However, being a “short girl” has meant different things throughout the years and places!

Tiny doorways in the 1700s proved that while a 5’2” woman today might be considered on the short side, they would have been completely average in a different time! Even average men between the 12th and 16th centuries would be considered short by today’s standards. These days, the average female height is 5’4”. Though buildings, roads, and cities are only getting larger worldwide, short women are keeping up!

Today, women are taller on average than our ancestors even just 100 years ago. Still, women in Indonesia, Bolivia, and the Philippines are on the shorter end of the global average, hovering around just 5 feet! This proves that “short” totally depends on where you are.

Short women make a huge impact. Emilia Clarke (Mother of Dragons!) stands only 5’2”, as does makeup and reality TV mogul Kim Kardashian. Lady Gaga checks in at 5’1”, and superstar Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is only 4’8”. These ladies prove that whether it’s onstage, on the Olympic podium, or anywhere else, being short does not stunt your success.

Short Girl Appreciation Day timeline

2020

Shortest on Earth

The current world record holder for shortest woman alive is Jyoti Amge of India, who at 18 years old is just two feet tall.

2005

Not Short on Appeal

A study of a dating website found that shorter women receive more messages from men than their taller counterparts.

1992

Being short can save your hips

Standing at just 4’6”, Tatiana Gutsu of Romania became the smallest Olympic gold medal gymnast in 1992.

800 - 1000 CE

Middle Ages, Short Stature

Researchers have determined that the average female height during the Middle Ages was no more than 5’2”.

Short Girl Appreciation Day FAQs

When is Short Girl Appreciation Day?

Short Girl Appreciation Day 2026 falls on Monday, December 21, marking a special occasion to celebrate the unique qualities of petite women. It’s a day to embrace and honor those who are vertically challenged.

What is considered 'short' for a woman?

While definitions vary, women 5’3″ (160 cm) and under are generally considered ‘petite’ in the fashion industry. This benchmark helps brands create clothing lines that offer a better fit and proportion for shorter individuals.

What are some advantages of being a short girl?

Advantages of being a short girl include fitting comfortably into smaller spaces, having more legroom on airplanes, and often appearing more youthful. Many also find it easier to find stylish shoes in smaller sizes.

Are there health benefits associated with being shorter?

Research suggests that shorter individuals may have a lower risk of certain cancers and heart disease, and potentially a longer life expectancy. These findings are often linked to cellular processes and metabolism.

Short Girl Appreciation Day Activities

Take to social media!
Post that picture of you with a basketball player and absolutely cherish your height! #shortgirlproblems. Send an article like ours to another short friend - this is SO us!
Check out your favorite short girl artists
Dolly Parton, Anna Kendrick, and Shakira don’t even hit 5’3”. We don’t mind watching Pitch Perfect and listening to Jolene to remind ourselves that big artistic achievement doesn’t take a big frame.
Help out a short girl
If you don’t have trouble reaching the upper cabinets, lend a hand to the lady in your life who does. Also appreciated is walking more slowly, unless you’re trying to make her run with those little legs.

5 Short Girl Fun Facts

Small and Strong
One study found that those who are under 5’2” are less likely to break a hip than those over 5’8”
It’s not a pain to be short
One study found that those under 5’0” have a significantly decreased chance of dealing with back pain.
Heart Health
Though doctors can’t quite pinpoint why, those who are under 5’3” have a 50% less chance of developing coronary heart disease than those who are over 5’8”.
Staying cool
Short people are less likely to get heat stroke or just overheated in general than taller people.
Long live short girls
Many studies have shown that those who are on the short side are more likely to live longer lives than their tall counterparts.

Why We Love Short Girl Appreciation Day

Short girls are beautiful!
Think of all the stunning and powerful celebrities who don’t even hit the 5’3” mark! We’re thinking of Shakira, Anna Kendrick, Dolly Parton, and more… so you’re in good company.
It is empowering
So you aren’t the 6’0” model or volleyball player — who cares? You never hit your head on door frames, every blanket is long enough for you, and you’re always the top of the human pyramid trick. We love a day to remind us that there’s something to be appreciated about a diversity of heights and body sizes.
There are so many perks to being petite!
You always look younger, you always have enough leg room, you can wear any heels that you want… we could go on. Being a short woman is absolutely not getting the short end of the stick.