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Benjamin Franklin was known for both his intellectual prowess and his appearance (most notably his spectacles and fur cap).
Franklin’s height and weight were also quite distinctive of the era.
The exact measurement of Benjamin Franklin's height is a subject of much conjecture, with most experts placing him at approximately 5'9" or 1.75 meters.
It is worth noting that during the late 1700s, the average American male stood at around 5'6", while European men were marginally taller at 5'7". This would place Franklin somewhat above his contemporaries in terms of height.
Benjamin Franklin maintained a health-conscious lifestyle in his youth. He loved to swim and adhered to a moderate diet that included a period of strict vegetarianism.
As he aged and traveled, particularly in Europe, Franklin's dietary habits shifted. It led to significant weight gain. The guy liked to party and most likely had one too many beers.
His later years saw him reach a weight of 220 pounds (100 kilograms). Again, likely due to a combination of indulging in fine cuisine and developing a pallet for alcohol during his international experiences.
He was notorious for falling ill with gout during this period.
Benjamin Franklin has been described as a stout man with broad shoulders. Known to have round puffy face and a massive balding head.
He had long, curly light brown hair that he liked to tie in a bun. He also managed a clean-shaven appearance.
He was also known for his square hands, twinkly gray eyes, and a pointed upper lip.
He had a memorable appearance to most people. It’s probably why he makes such a good portrait for the $100 bill.
Benjamin Franklin was paradoxically also a fashion trendsetter of his time.
During his diplomatic mission in France, he strategically adopted a fur cap from the American wilderness to captivate Parisian society.
He refused to wear the high fashion glam of Paris of the time. See the series “Franklin” on Apple TV for a good overview of that period.
His fur cap became a symbol of Franklin's American identity and the New World's allure. The French imagined untamed frontiers.
Franklin's wardrobe choices helped to enhance his diplomatic efforts.
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