https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 08:27:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1401656 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 00:14:56 +0000 Anonymous 1401656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A 5'11" long-armed long-waisted latecomer reinforcing idea that some major retailers have tall sizes online who don't carry them in their stores. Greater Gap family is a good example, although I am disappointed that Athleta seems to have cut back substantially this year. I have apparently had better luck than some above with Eddie Bauer (outerwear and sleepwear) and Lands End (now carrying tall dresses which are long-waisted enough although fabric quality varies). Boden gets points for listing garment measurements; I think they are cagey in calling things "long" rather than "tall" since I find the dresses, even if long in length, run short-waisted. J Jill carries talls online and, in the leave- no-retail-stone-unturned mode, Soft Surroundings has some tall.<br /> I agree that Long Tall Sally continues the long history of stores catering exclusively to talls by offering JC Penney quality clothes at non JCP prices.... although I have a lovely fuzzy bathrobe from them.<br /> Tall sizes are most important for whole body items like dresses, full length coats, pajamas and bathrobes.<br /> In department or specialty stores I go at a slow time and ask the sales associate " What has everyone else said is too long?" ... and check men's department for preppy sweaters </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1400333 Fri, 21 Nov 2014 00:36:49 +0000 Kristin L 1400333@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not quite as tall, but I'm short waisted and have long legs. Have you tried Land's End? They allow you to pick the inseam of your pants. I'm getting in the habit now of buying talls and hemming them to the length I need.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1400166 Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:37:22 +0000 Staysfit 1400166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am also among the tall people on this forum at&nbsp;5'9", &nbsp;My pant inseam, is 33. &nbsp;I am on the small side overall because I weigh less than 130 pounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;My shoulders &nbsp;are slightly broader than my hips. &nbsp;My arms are long, my legs are proportionally short for my height, and I have a long rise. &nbsp;My torso looks long, but my waist is proportional. &nbsp;My body shape is rectangular, and I am clearly athletic. &nbsp;&nbsp;When jackets/blazers/coats&nbsp;fit in the shoulders they are&nbsp;often way too&nbsp;huge in the torso, beyond what I think would be a fluid fit. &nbsp;I also have fit issues&nbsp;with pant lengths, sleeve lengths, skirt lengths, length of tops, blazers, coats,&nbsp;and I have had problems with pant legs being too tight for my muscular legs. &nbsp;Wow, that seems like a lot! &nbsp;The fit issues have made me into a shopper because I really have to hunt to find things that work. &nbsp;</p> <p>I have resorted to purchasing&nbsp;high end items because they fit better, this is especially true in tops. &nbsp;I have found that Vince, Equipment and JCrew have longer sleeve lengths than some other brands. &nbsp;I am grateful that Athleta and Gap&nbsp;make small tall sizes. &nbsp;They fit me perfectly each time. &nbsp;North Face also seems to make their coat sleeves long enough. &nbsp;For pants, I have had the best luck with JCrew. &nbsp;I &nbsp;recently purchased some AG jeans that have a 35 inch inseam and am happy that I can actually roll the hem! &nbsp;I have not had luck with Talbots, Eddie Bauer, or LLBean.&nbsp;The arm length of their clothes is too short for me. &nbsp;Their pants may come in talls, but the tall sizes mostly start at 6, which is too large for me.</p> <p>I can relate to ordering multiple items online and then rushing to return them before the bills are due! &nbsp;I typically order the same item in more than one size if I am unsure. &nbsp;I also shop mostly online because the brick and mortar stores around here seem to cater to petites, and larger sizes. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1400161 Thu, 20 Nov 2014 19:11:32 +0000 jenanded 1400161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am another tallish one at 5'9". My torso and arms are long and since I recently discovered tall clothes (never seen in Australia despite us being fairly tall as a nation) I now get what fit means. Like everyone else buying online seems to be the only way. BTW does anyone have suggestions for tall cuts in 'better' workwear brands? I need to get some jackets etc for a new job and need them to have that bit of polish but more importantly to wear impeccably. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1400056 Thu, 20 Nov 2014 14:52:42 +0000 Mnemo 1400056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So glad I found this thread! I am always struggling to find sleeves and maxi skirts that are long enough... So far I just didn't care too much about clothes not fitting properly, but recently I decided to pay more attention, which is also why I joined this forum! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1380933 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 16:00:03 +0000 mspcandoit 1380933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much everyone! All great suggestions. I've been wearing Old Navy and Gap jeans for years, so I'll just stick with those... and I'll check out some of the others for tops with LONG SLEEVES! Knowing others are in the same boat makes me feel sooooo much better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376765 Thu, 16 Oct 2014 03:20:59 +0000 Windchime 1376765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mspcandoit--At 5'11.5", with a 36" inseam, I hear your frustration loud and clear! You've already received lots of excellent suggestions and commiseration. I just recently discovered that BCBG Maxaria often runs very long in pants and maxi skirts. They are quite pricey, but it might be worth it or you might find a sale.</p> <p>I'm also delighted to see that skirt and dress lengths are finally starting to come down! Previously, I basically bought no skirts or dresses for several years; they were just too short. </p> <p>Re models...yes, I read descriptions that say a model is 5'11", for example. So why are the same pants long enough on her but look like capris (or as my sister used to say, "floods") on me???</p> <p>I'm learning that with persistence, we tall gals can find good fits. But it sure can be frustrating at times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376611 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 22:59:00 +0000 shemarie 1376611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel your pain, msp, and second all of the above resources.&nbsp; GAP, BR, JCrew, AT, and even AE sometimes.&nbsp; My height, weight, and body type are the same as yours exactly, right down to the short-waist and athletic build, but adding broad shoulders and long arms.&nbsp; It's very true that&nbsp;unfortunately online resources are the best/often only option.&nbsp; I window-shop at the retail outlets to try waist/inseam sizes, etc., and can usually&nbsp;find tops or sweaters in brick-and-mortar stores, but must rely almost exclusively to online shopping for pants, dresses, skirts, etc.&nbsp;&nbsp;Taffy's and Sveta's advice about measurements were spot-on.&nbsp; One of my biggest frustrations is with variety...with most of the online resources, it's very easy to find denim, white denim, and black pants, but in any of the fun prints (looking at you, cute plaid skinnies!), different colors, or interesting styles, talls are simply still usually lacking.&nbsp; Or sold out immediately.&nbsp; And don't even get me started on trying to find jackets or coats to fit broad shoulders, long arms that aren't huge in the body.&nbsp; Thank goodness fluid fits, sleeve-scrunching and pant-let-rolling&nbsp;are in! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376604 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 22:36:46 +0000 Elly 1376604@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5'9" with a 34" inseam in bare feet, need a 35" or 36" with most shoes, and have a 6'1" wingspan. A lot of premium denim runs long, and many many retailers offer talls online these days-- GAP, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Old Navy, LOFT, White House Black Market, and the list goes on!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376528 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 20:28:28 +0000 Taffy 1376528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I function mostly as a lurker, but had to reply on a tall girl thread! I'm 6'1 size 12, size 11 shoe with very long limbs. You really just need to get comfortable with ordering online. Most of the big retailers allow free returns in store. I'm often between sizes, so I just order a whole bunch of items in each size on a credit card and return what I don't want before payment is due. My husband laughs at me but this is how I shop.. It's very hard for me to find things in stores. Get to know all your measurements. Not just inseam length, but front and back rise on pants, skirt and dress lengths that are preferable (mine must go to my knees. Which makes it even trickier), sleeve length, and body length. This will decrease your amount of fails.<br /> I tend to get my pants &amp; tops from gap and BR, and most of my skirts and dresses are from Boden.(watch for their sales. They are great).<br /> Also. I get my shoes from zappos. Free 1 day shipping and returns.</p> <p>I did try some products from Long Elegant Legs years ago and they all shrunk, so I've been leary of the other retailers that are just for talls. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376508 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:20:09 +0000 Sveta 1376508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah yes, tall girl woes! I know them only too well!<br />I SOOO hear you. I understand taht petite girls have their own fit issues and have harder time than regular height gals but I think tall girls have it worse, Almost every brand carries petite sizes - limited selection but stilll. Tall sizes are much more scarce. If I have any complaints about Nordstrom that would be the fact that it has Petite and Plus departments but no Tall!</p> <p>I am a bit over 5'10" (178 cm to be exact). My legs are not super long for my height but still&nbsp;longer than the regular size. I usually need 33.5&nbsp; for skinnies with the scrunch and 35" for bootcuts for 2" heel.<br />I also have longer torso and longer arms (long everything really) so tops and toppers are usually too short as well. Actually I think my body is pretty balanced but because of my height everything is long!</p> <p>Gap and Banana Republic my "go to" for tall sizes. I especially love Gap as they make almost&nbsp;everything in tall and petite sizes now - gotta love retailer who admits that women come in all sizes! Banana Republic is not as good as their selection of tall sizes is more limited - and almost not represented in Canada where I live.&nbsp;If you are in US you are in better luck!<br />Express, JCrew, Ann Taylor are other brands which have some selections in tall sizes.<br />There is also Long Tall Sally which is very good for tall girls size wise. Alas, I find their clothing quality lacking; however I got 3 pairs of pants from them which I like. Their pants inseam go up to 38" so check them out!</p> <p>And sometimes you just can get lucky with regular stuff. My BR tux blazer was regular size but it is a perfect length for me. Trouve gillet I got at NAS this summer is perfect for tall gals and so are Chelsea 28 culottes (I had to hem 2" in them). Some Maggy London dresses at Nordstrom&nbsp;were a good length for me. BCBG and Tahari brands seem good for tall gals but I did not have luck with Theory so far. Don't leave any retail stone unturned as Angie likes to say!</p> <p>Right now Gap, BR, JCrew and Express are filling my trouser needs. What I am currently looking for is a classic blazer which is long enough - that was a challenge to find so far!</p> <p>Good luck and please let us know if you find other tall girl friendly brands! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376485 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 18:32:12 +0000 retailgirl 1376485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura...I'll check Boden out. I get their catalogs but usually just glance at them. Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376469 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 18:05:29 +0000 Jenny H 1376469@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just chiming in to say you have my sympathy. At just a bit over 5 foot six inches, I am NOT tall. But due to my short torso and long legs, many regular length pants/jeans don't work for me. It can be frustrating when you find something that is only available in regular length.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376467 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 17:53:37 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1376467@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Retailgirl, Boden is really good for longer skirts - they've got a tall size on almost all of their skirts, and on me they are pleasantly below the knee (for knee length styles). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376455 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 17:05:57 +0000 retailgirl 1376455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm 5'9" with an average torso. I need a 33" or 34" inseam, which I can usually find. Talbots does long lengths, and some regular lengths can be let down. I usually have to have jacket or coat sleeves let down,knitwear isn't a problem. But I haven't worn a skirt since longer skirts were last in style, because the skirts in stores are just too short for me. Especially since I'm not crazy about my legs and I'm not going without hose, but I'm not sure about sheer hose. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376418 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 16:11:38 +0000 Angie 1376418@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have plenty of tall clients - 5ft 10 to 6 ft 2. And finding length is not impossible. Do you order Talls online? J.Crew, Gap, BR and Express do BRILLIANT Tall bottoms.&nbsp;</p> <p>Tops are easier and you probably won't need a Tall. Higher end pieces tend to have more length in the arms and torso.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376390 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 15:36:10 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1376390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There are several of us here who are taller. I'm 5'9" with a long torso so I can sometimes get away with regular lengths of jeans/pants for wearing with flats.</p> <p>Brands that tend to run long in store are Kut from the Kloth, Classiques Entier (Nordstrom). Old Navy also carries long length jeans in store, as does Target.</p> <p>Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, Loft, Banana Republic, Gap, all have talls available online as does Boden (although their talls are not super tall IME). Tall tops and jackets are more of a rare breed than pants, but AT carries them as does Old Navy online, surprisingly.</p> <p>You are a lot slimmer than I so you might have good luck with higher end designer brands who cut for an athletic figure - Theory, maybe. Take a look at some of Sveta's outfits for more inspiration and sources. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376383 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 15:32:54 +0000 Suz 1376383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am on the shorter end of the scale so I don't have personal experience of what you are talking about -- but there are lots of tall women here who can sympathize and offer concrete help!&nbsp;</p> <p>I am sure they will pop in to commiserate. I know it must be frustrating.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am simply used to altering all pants to fit -- that is how it is in my world. But when you are tall, it can be difficult since there is no seam to let down a lot of the time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376381 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 15:30:31 +0000 catgirl 1376381@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella and Sveta both come to mind - check their outfit posts.&nbsp; I'm down here at the other end (5'2") but I know they have amazing style and have found some incredible items for their beautiful height. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-about-the-tall-girls#post-1376364 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 15:18:55 +0000 mspcandoit 1376364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi! Is there anybody else out there who is very tall with long legs and arms, and who has trouble finding shirts and trousers that are long enough? I am 5'10" tall, 140lbs, tall and lanky with an athletic, rectangular build but a bit short-waisted. </p> <p>Shirt sleeves and trousers other than jeans are always, ALWAYS too short. So are skirts designed to hit at the knee.&nbsp;I see lots of posts and blogs about dressing the tiny, petite body type. But what about us bigger ladies who want to look nice and feminine too? If we're supposed to be "built like models" why are there no clothes that fit properly?? </p>