


Have you ever wondered what makes Dutch people stand out? From their towering height to their distinct features, the Netherlands is home to a unique and diverse population.
The Dutch at a Glance:
- Tallest people in the world: Men average 182.5 cm, women 168.7 cm
- Blonde hair is dominant, but brunettes and redheads exist
- Blue eyes are the most common, followed by brown and green
- 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. Dutch Appearance

Dutch people are very tall. On average, men are about 1.81 meters (5 feet 11 inches) tall, and women are about 1.67 meters (5 feet 6 inches) tall.
Their faces have unique features. Dutch women usually have longer and wider faces than women in the UK. They often have wider noses, bigger eye openings, and more space between the outer corners of their eyes. Their noses are shorter, and their nostrils face more forward, giving them a special look.
Dutch men also have distinct features. They have wider eye openings, shorter noses, and more space between the outer corners of their eyes.
Not all Dutch people look the same because of history and genetic diversity. Over time, people have mixed more, but many Dutch people still have these traditional features.
2. Blonde, Brunette, or Redhead?

Blonde hair is the most common hair color among Dutch people, with light blonde shades being particularly common. This is largely due to genetic factors, as Northern European populations, including the Dutch, have a high frequency of genes associated with lighter hair.
Studies show that around 71% of the Dutch population has blonde hair, making it the dominant hair color in the Netherlands. Brown hair is less common, making up about 26% of the population, while red hair is quite rare compared to other parts of Europe, such as Great Britain.
Several factors contribute to this high universality of blonde hair, including genetics, geography, and historical migration. The MC1R gene, which influences lighter hair, is more frequent in Dutch DNA.
The Netherlands’ northern location, where sunlight exposure is lower, may have also played a role in natural selection, favoring lighter hair and skin for better vitamin D absorption. Despite this, Dutch people are genetically diverse, with some having brown hair, darker eyes, and features similar to their German and Scandinavian neighbors.
3. Dutch Height Facts

The Dutch are the tallest people in the world, with an average height of 182.5 cm for men and 168.7 cm for women. However, this wasn’t always the case; historically, they were among the shortest in Europe.
Over the past 160 years, the Dutch have grown significantly due to a combination of factors, including a strong economy, excellent healthcare, and a diet rich in dairy products.
Natural selection may have also played a role, as taller men and average-height women tend to have more children. However, in recent years, Dutch height growth has slowed due to dietary changes, increased immigration, and other social factors.
One of the key reasons behind the Dutch height is their long standing relationship with dairy. The Netherlands’ reclaimed land was better suited for grazing than growing crops, leading to a thriving dairy industry. Milk and cheese became staples of the Dutch diet, providing the calcium needed for strong bone growth.
The Dutch have also been pioneers in engineering, reshaping their land by reclaiming it from the sea. Their ability to control their environment not only allowed them to build a successful nation but may have also contributed to their remarkable physical growth.
4. Eye Colors in the Netherlands

Blue eyes are the most common in the Netherlands, with about 60.9% of the population having them. Brown eyes make up around 21.7%, making blue the dominant color. The Netherlands shares this trait with Scandinavian countries, though genetic diversity leads to variations across regions.
People from the north tend to have lighter eye colors, while those from the south may have a broader mix, including brown and hazel.
Despite these general trends, Dutch people exhibit a wide range of features, and distinguishing them from Germans or Scandinavians can be difficult. Northern Dutch individuals often have fair features and blue or green eyes, whereas southern regions show more diversity in eye color and facial traits.
However, the population is so mixed that these patterns are not strict rules, and variations exist throughout the country.
5. How Dutch People Dress

Dutch fashion is casual, practical, and comfortable, reflecting the country’s cycling culture and relaxed lifestyle. Jeans are an essential , often paired with simple t-shirts, sweaters, or denim jackets. The Dutch prefer functional clothing that allows for easy movement, making loose fitting and weather appropriate outfits essential.
Layering is common, especially in colder months, with jackets and scarves being popular choices. While Dutch fashion leans toward minimalism, quality basics such as wool sweaters and trench coats are valued for their durability.
Although traditional Dutch clothing, like wooden shoes (klompen) and the kraplap, is rarely worn in daily life, it still appears on special occasions. The dress code in the Netherlands is generally informal, with people wearing the same outfit throughout the day, whether at work or social events.
In business settings, dress varies by industry; conservative sectors like banking favor suits, while newer industries welcome a more casual approach. Overall, Dutch style prioritizes comfort, simplicity, and practicality over flashy trends.
6. Dutch Beauty Standards

Natural Beauty Focus: Dutch beauty standards emphasize natural features over heavy makeup or artificial enhancements.
Hair: Blonde, brown, and red hair are common and appreciated in their natural state.
Eyes: Blue and green eyes are admired, but all eye colors are accepted.
Skin: Natural skin tones are appreciated, with diversity being embraced.
Makeup: Minimal makeup is preferred, often used to enhance rather than alter features.
Body Image: A healthy body is valued more than a specific size or shape.
Height: Dutch women are often tall, but there is no strict preference, and all heights are accepted.

Key Takings About What Do Dutch People Look like?
1. Tallest Nation on Earth: The Dutch hold the title for being the tallest people globally, with men averaging 182.5 cm and women 168.7 cm. Their remarkable height is influenced by genetics, a dairy rich diet, and excellent healthcare.
2. Blonde Dominance: With around 71% of the population having blonde hair, the Netherlands is one of the most blonde haired countries. Brown hair follows at 26%, while red hair remains rare.
3. Blue Eyes Lead: Approximately 60.9% of Dutch people have blue eyes, making it the most common eye color, followed by brown and green. Eye color distribution varies slightly between northern and southern regions.
4. Distinct Facial Features: Dutch people typically have broader faces, wider noses, and greater outer eye separation. Men and women share certain distinct facial traits that differentiate them from other Europeans.
5. Practical and Minimalist Fashion: Dutch fashion is all about comfort and practicality, with jeans, sweaters, and layered outfits being common. Minimalist styles take precedence over flashy trends.
6. Natural Beauty is Valued: Dutch beauty standards favor a natural look, with minimal makeup and a focus on healthy, well maintained features. Height is not a rigid preference, but overall well being is appreciated.
Dutch women have longer and wider faces than UK women. Their eyes and noses are wider, their noses are shorter, and their nostrils point more forward.
The Dutch people are mostly White Europeans. They make up the largest part of the Netherlands’ population.