Fashion, Fit, and Style Tips for Taller Men

Big and Tall? Not a Problem – Just Know Your Clothing Options!

Feb 25, 2009 Nicholas Morine

Taller gentlemen often get used to the idea of buying shirts in sizes much larger than their frame would call for due to sleeve size. There are other ways!

Taller gentlemen can certainly have a difficult time acquiring well-fitted clothing that matches their personal sense of style and comfort, but it's definitely not impossible. The first step towards perfecting a sharper and more suitable wardrobe is understanding your own body shape, and the necessities and styles that best suit that particular shape – cutting corners due to convenience or simple inability to judge your own needs will leave you with a slovenly, unprofessional appearance.

Know Your Options

Taller men have several distinct considerations in comparison to men of short or average height – most commonly with regards to dress or polo shirts. Dress shirts are often far too short in the sleeves for taller men when the neck size may be accurate – regardless of a slim or a stocky build. For tall, slim men this problem can be exarcerbated by a boxy, unflattering cut in most shirts that finally fit the sleeve.

Most menswear outlets now feature a basic tall size, which is normally called a 34”/35” or 35”/36” sleeve – as opposed to the standard sleeve length of 32”/33” or 33”/34”. Certain styles may also be fitted, so be sure to ask for those particular cuts if you are of a slimmer or more athletic build. With regards to polo shirts, it is best to avoid standard casualwear stores such as American Eagle and Bluenotes in favour of quality menswear stores or in more difficult cases, a big & tall outlet.

Big & Tall menswear stores exist in great number, such as George Richard's menswear in Canada and many more in most metropolitan areas. Sales associates in these outlets are typically trained on a specific basis and are commonly more knowledgeable about the specific needs of big and tall men with regards to fashion trends and fabric alteration / tailoring.

Finally, also offered to any gentleman who would like the ultimate in luxury and comfort when it comes to menswear would be the options of bespoke or made-to-measure tailoring. Both of these methods are quite expensive, however, they will also provide you with a garment of immense quality and impact – truly a personalized piece of art that conforms to your own dimensions and sense of style.

Know Your Style

Tall men do especially well in lightly textured or patterned blazers or suit jackets – herringbone, houndstooth, and tonal stripes leap immediately to mind as standout candidates for formalwear or smart casual options. While conventionally, taller men are told to avoid pinstripes or chalkstripes due to it making them look even taller this is a very common practice in the modern business and fashion world.

Tall men also reap the benefits of being the only gents who can pull off the italian-cut, long nosed shoe. It is a very bold statement to make generally and very few who wear it can make it their own. On short men they resemble clown shoes, on average men they seem out of place or somewhat ostentatious. In fact, for very tall men, they may be the most fashionable and appropriate choice.

With regards to dress pants or slacks, taller men should choose flat-front over the pleated variety whenever their body shape allows. For stockier men or for athletic men with larger thighs, pleats will be more appropriate, but typically the flat fronted pant will be more complimentary to the figure of a taller gentleman by maintaining a visual homogeneity.

No matter what your shape or size, considering your options and purchasing the best quality item of the best fit is always the preferred solution. Clothes that are ill-fit and ill-considered make for a very disjointed final image and will not promote your interest nor your reputation for being professional and stylish. Think before you leap, and always be honest with both yourself and your wardrobe consultant!

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The copyright of the article Fashion, Fit, and Style Tips for Taller Men in Men’s Fashion is owned by Nicholas Morine. Permission to republish Fashion, Fit, and Style Tips for Taller Men in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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