What do Dutch people look like? Have you ever wondered what makes them stand out? From their towering height to their distinct features, the Netherlands is home to a unique and varied population.
The Dutch at a Glance:
- Tallest people in the world
- Blonde hair is dominant
- Blue eyes are the most common
- Practical and minimalist fashion sense
- Natural beauty is preferred over heavy makeup
Curious to learn more? Let’s explore these six key aspects of Dutch appearance!
1. Typical Dutch Facial Features
Dutch people are known for their tall stature and unique facial features. Dutch faces typically have wide eyes, longer face shapes, and a distinct nose shape, especially in women.
The Dutch nose shape in females is often wider and shorter, with nostrils that face forward. Dutch people also often have a more prominent chin. These typical Dutch facial features come from a mix of Germanic and Viking origins.
What do Dutch people look like? They usually have fair skin and, thanks to their Northern European roots, a high percentage of blond hair. Many Dutch people also share physical traits with their neighbors in Germany and Scandinavia.
Even though there is genetic variety in the population, Dutch people look generally similar, with shared characteristics that reflect their Dutch ancestry.
2. Dutch Hair Features
Blonde hair is the most common among Dutch people, especially light blonde shades. In fact, 71% of the Dutch population has blonde hair, making it a dominant trait. This is due to the high frequency of the MC1R gene, which influences hair color. Dutch people’s hair tends to be lighter, and this is associated with Northern European populations.
However, brown hair and dark hair are also present in Dutch society, making up about 26% of the population. Red hair, on the other hand, is quite rare. The Dutch people’s features vary across regions, with those near the German border sometimes having darker features, similar to German and Scandinavian traits.
Historically, Northern Netherlands regions have been associated with lighter hair and blue eyes due to the low sunlight exposure, which helped adapt the population for better Vitamin D absorption.
3. Dutch Height Facts
The Dutch are the tallest people in the world, with an average Dutch person standing at 182.5 cm for men and 168.7 cm for women. This wasn’t always the case. Historically, they were among the shortest people in Western Europe.
- The Dutch grew significantly taller over the last 160 years.
- Key factors: strong economy, excellent healthcare, and a dairy-rich diet.
- Natural selection may have contributed, with taller men having more children.
- The Netherlands’ reclaimed land favored grazing, leading to a strong dairy industry.
Why the increase in height?
Over time, the combination of dairy consumption and natural selection played a significant role in physical growth. In Northern Netherlands, where people are closer to the German border, taller men and women have been more common.
Today, many Dutch people still benefit from these historical advantages; however, in recent years, the pace of growth has slowed due to dietary changes and immigration.
4. Eye Colors in the Netherlands
Blue eyes are the most common among the Dutch population, with approximately 60.9% of the population possessing them. Brown eyes come next, making up around 21.7%, with green and hazel eyes appearing more in southern regions.
- Blue eyes dominate in Northern Netherlands.
- Brown and hazel eyes are more common in the South.
- Dutch people share similar traits with other Northern Europeans, especially from Scandinavia and the British Isles.
A Varied Population:
The Dutch face is often recognized for its blue eyes, a feature shared with other Germanic people. However, Dutch faces vary across the country.
In North Holland, you’re more likely to see fair skin and blue eyes, while in the southern parts, there’s a broader mix of eye colors and facial traits.
Most Dutch people have unique characteristics, influenced by centuries of history and migration. The Dutch culture embraces this variation, making it hard to pinpoint a single Dutch look.
5. How Dutch People Dress
Dutch society values comfort and practicality in fashion. People like to dress casually, with jeans being an essential part of the wardrobe.
They often pair them with simple t-shirts, sweaters, or denim jackets. The average Dutch person prefers loose-fitting clothes suitable for cycling and the cold weather.
- Practicality is key, with jackets and scarves being common in colder months.
- Dutch fashion reflects minimalism, prioritizing quality basics like wool sweaters and trench coats.
- Traditional Dutch clothing, such as wooden shoes (klompen) and the kraplap, is worn on special occasions but rarely in everyday life.
Dutch fashion is also influenced by Dutch culture. In business settings, dress codes vary, with more formal attire prevalent in the banking and corporate sectors, while newer industries often adopt a more casual approach. Overall, Dutch style values comfort over flashy trends.
6. Dutch Beauty Standards
In Dutch society, natural beauty is more appreciated than heavy makeup or artificial enhancements.
- Hair: Blonde, brown, and red hair are common and celebrated for their natural look.
- Eyes: Blue and green eyes are highly admired, but all eye colors are accepted.
- Skin: Natural skin tones are embraced, reflecting the varied population.
- Makeup: A minimal makeup look is preferred, used to enhance natural features.
- Body image: A healthy body is valued more than a specific size or shape. Dutch women are often tall, but all body types are celebrated.
Dutch beauty standards emphasize individuality and comfort. Despite some main differences in appearance across regions, the general population values natural beauty, with a focus on healthy living and self-expression.
What Do Dutch People Look like? A Recap
The Dutch people are known for their distinct appearance and cultural traits. As one of the tallest nations globally, with average height measurements of 182.5 cm for men, its physical features are shaped by genetics, diet, and healthcare.
The Netherlands, a small country in Northern Europe, has a population marked by a blend of eye colour variations, with blue eyes being the most dominant. Over time, Dutch society has developed a unique identity, shaped by historical influences, including the Middle Ages and religious freedom.
While the Dutch share traits with other groups in Europe, such as Germans and Frisians, their society remains distinct. Stereotypes about the Dutch often miss the cultural and physical diversity present, with regions like North Holland and Eastern Europe showing a broad mix of features.
Many Dutch people enjoy a high degree of comfort and practicality, which is also reflected in their style and lifestyle.