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Wardrobe Essentials for Tall Frames

Tall dressing is a length problem that standard sizing does not solve. Knowing which measurements fail first saves a lot of wasted shopping.

Wardrobe Essentials1 min readPublished Priya Nair

In short

  • Sleeve and inseam fail before anything else. Chest and waist are usually fine.
  • Tall ranges are worth seeking out. Unlike petite ranges, tall ranges usually extend length without changing the cut, so they genuinely solve the problem.
  • Coats are the hardest category. A coat that is short in the body looks wrong in a way trousers do not.

Tall dressing is a length problem that standard sizing does not solve. Knowing which measurements fail first saves a lot of wasted shopping.

Sleeve and inseam fail before anything else

Chest and waist are usually fine. It is length that runs out, and it runs out at the wrist and ankle first.

Tall ranges are worth seeking out

Unlike petite ranges, tall ranges usually extend length without changing the cut, so they genuinely solve the problem.

Coats are the hardest category

A coat that is short in the body looks wrong in a way trousers do not. This is the item worth paying most to get right.

Where to focus

Where to focus

  • Trousers with a 34"+ inseam, or made to measure
  • Shirts from a tall range, for sleeve length
  • Coats long enough in the body and sleeve
  • Higher-rise trousers, which sit correctly on a long torso
  • Layers long enough to cover at the hip
  • A tailor who can add length from seam allowance

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find tall sizes?

Most large retailers now run tall lines online even when stores do not stock them. Made-to-measure is worth it for coats and trousers.

How do I know if something is long enough?

Sleeves should reach the wrist bone with arms down; trousers should reach the top of the shoe. Both are the first things to fail.

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