Why do tall women get asked why they wear heels?

Tall women are often questioned for wearing heels due to unconscious bias and societal assumptions that they shouldn't 'need' extra height. This kind of unsolicited commentary can reinforce outdated stereotypes and undermine confidence.

What is unconscious bias in fashion?

Unconscious bias in fashion refers to the automatic assumptions people make based on appearance—such as assuming tall women shouldn't wear heels. These beliefs are formed outside conscious awareness and can negatively affect how others perceive or comment on style choices.

Who is Penni Lamprey?

Penni Lamprey is the 6'1" founder and designer of Miss G & Me, Australia's only tall women’s clothing label. With a background in health and wellbeing, she designs clothes that prioritise fit, style, and self-esteem for tall women.

What makes Miss G & Me tall ladies pants different to other labels?

Miss G & Me is the only Australian-made fashion label designed specifically for tall women. Each piece is sustainably made using deadstock fabrics, tested by tall women across Australia, and crafted to support both confidence and comfort.

Where can I read more about the tall women fashion journey?

You can follow the 'Diary of a Tall Woman Wanting (Beautiful) Pants That Fit' blog on the Miss G & Me website. It explores tall fashion, representation, and the emotional connection between tall ladies pants and wellbeing.

Tall women in a world of unconscious bias and high heels

Penni Lamprey
Aug 17, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Scene: A Business Event. A Panel of Women. A moment of realisation for tall women in a world of unconscious bias

Not long ago, I attended an Accelerating Women in Business event here in Tasmania. It was a joy to hear four accomplished women share their business journeys; what they’re creating, building, and exporting from this island to the world is nothing short of inspiring.

As I sat front row, fully immersed, I found myself mentally sketching a new wrap dress inspired by the host's outfit, specifically the soft side split that gave such movement mid-step.

My creative mind rarely switches off.

Then I noticed something else.

All four women were wearing exceptional shoes, sleek, confident, unapologetic heeled. Three inches. Four inches. Power in motion.

And then, that voice piped up. Mine.

"I bet no one asks them why they’re wearing heels."

A sigh. A truth. One tall women will immediately recognise. The question we’ve heard a thousand times, phrased a hundred different ways, but always laced with the same implication:

“Why would you wear heels?”“You know you don’t need to, right?”“Aren’t you tall enough already?”

Uninvited. Unoriginal. Unrelenting.

Tall women in a world of unconscious bias, in a nutshell.

The Footwear Police Are Not Required

That night, I was wearing the Miss G & Me Alva Slim Leg Pants with my favourite runners - comfy, clean, made for movement. I took to our IG stories with a thought:

Screen shot of the event being spoken about

“Four very established women speaking tonight, but I do wonder if any have ever been asked why they’re wearing heels.” #iykyk

And yes, the Miss G & Me community knew exactly what I meant. Responses rolled in -resonant, funny, fiery.

One of the panellists even replied directly:

“Coz I love how they make me feel!!!!”

Nailed it. That’s the whole point. That’s always the point.

Unconscious Bias, Out Loud

Let’s pause here. What we’re dealing with is more than shoe choice. It’s a type of unconscious bias.

Unconscious biases are social attitudes, deep-seated, automatic beliefs we’ve absorbed without realising. Often passed on from parents, teachers, and early role models, they get baked into the way we perceive others.

For tall women, one of the most persistent?

“You shouldn’t wear heels.”“You don’t need to stand out any more.”

It’s this idea that we’ve reached some kind of arbitrary “limit” on our visibility. That by wearing heels - or any garment that draws the eye, we’re somehow overstepping.

No one asks a petite woman in stilettos to justify her footwear. But tall women? We’re routinely asked to explain.

So, to those who comment: We see your bias. It’s no longer unconscious. And it’s time to stop.

We Will Wear What We Want

The women on that stage didn’t need to explain their heels - and neither do I, nor you.

We choose what to wear because of how it makes us feel: Grounded. Playful. Powerful. Elegant. Or simply, like ourselves.

And that’s the heart of everything we do at Miss G & Me.

Built for Tall Women. Designed for Wellbeing.

Miss G & Me remains the only Australian-made clothing label for tall women. Our designs are informed by real lives, real legs, real posture, real feedback, and always through the lens of wellbeing.

We design with intention:

Garments are fit-tested by tall women across Australia
Fabrics are sourced from quality deadstock for sustainability
Pieces are made to last, not just through trends but through life

This is about more than clothes. It’s about identity, autonomy, and dignity. It’s about being well in your skin (elle va bien dans sa peau), and never apologising for the space you take up.

Miss G and Me is the only Australian-made tall women’s clothing label, which reflects a passion for beautiful and sustainable fashion that fits tall women and lasts beyond a few washes. This article was written by the founder + designer, 6'1 Penni Lamprey who has a passionate focus on 'well' and 'being' and how clothes that fit positively contribute to an individual's self-esteem - the heart of the label's values.

elle va bein dans sa peau