The Struggles of a Tall Fashion Enthusiast

While tall women can easily access high shelves, they often do so while wearing pants that fall short—literally. Despite the expansive fashion industry, finding well-fitting clothing remains a challenge for taller women.

Department stores frequently feature petite and plus-size sections, but dedicated areas for tall women are rare. "Many brands avoid investing in tall women's clothing due to the perceived lack of a profitable market," explains stylist Kendra Y. Hill, who stands at 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters).

However, the potential market is larger than retailers might assume. Around 10 percent of the 127 million adult women in the U.S. are 5 feet 8 inches (1.74 meters) or taller, compared to the average American woman's height of about 5 feet 4 inches (1.6 meters). This translates to a customer base of at least 12 million women.

The struggle to find fashionable, well-fitting clothing goes beyond mere frustration. "Clothing is a form of self-expression," says fashion psychologist Dawnn Karen. "When you can't express yourself as you desire, it feels like you're being ignored or excluded, almost as if you're an outcast."

Natalie Tincher, a New York City-based stylist, notes that her taller clients often face challenges, especially when shopping for suits. Issues like sleeves and pant legs being too short are common, as are difficulties with woven items like button-up shirts. "There's significant room for improvement in the fashion industry," she says. "It's puzzling why garments aren't made slightly longer, especially since shortening is easier than lengthening."

Tracy Paden, a 5-foot-10-inch senior vice president at Cookerly Public Relations in Atlanta, explains via email that being tall isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. "Tall individuals vary in proportions. For instance, I have a longer torso, which makes finding dresses and tunics particularly challenging unless they're designed for tall people. Ironically, I have better luck with regular-length pants than non-tall dresses."

Laura Tegtmeyer, a tech executive in Silicon Valley, shares via email, "As a tall, slender woman with an athletic build, shopping for clothes is often disheartening and restrictive. Many manufacturers assume tall women are also broad, so longer clothes tend to be overly roomy, requiring costly alterations."

While progress may feel slow, it is occurring. "Finding tall sizes in stores can still be challenging, but most major brands now offer tall sizes online," says Paden. "It's a bit inconvenient not being able to shop spontaneously at the mall, but I'm grateful for the online options that weren't available before."

For affordable online shopping, interviewees suggested brands like Ann Taylor, Loft, JC Penney, Banana Republic, J. Crew, New York and Company, and Lands' End, which offer tall sizes online, if not in stores. Another option is Long Tall Sally, a U.K.-based brand specializing in clothing for tall women, available online or in their U.S. and U.K. stores. Stylist Tincher also recommends premium brands like Boss, Theory, and Vince, which, while not specifically offering tall sizes, often feature longer lengths and inseams in their standard sizes.

If budget allows, custom tailoring is another solution. A tailor can adjust hems on pants or sleeves on jackets. Tincher advises, "If you plan to lengthen trousers, do it right away before wearing them to avoid the hem developing a faded, worn appearance." For tops, she emphasizes, "Ensure the shoulders fit perfectly, as altering them can ruin the garment's structure." For a simpler fix, especially in casual settings, rolling up blazer sleeves or jeans can work well.