Dress Your Body Type: Tall

Why? Because the air is fine up here, and thanks for asking.

Although added inches generally confer advantages in the wardrobe department, men with tall body types nevertheless face certain challenges in dressing their best. Here we review how clothes should fit and which colors and patterns tall men should include in their wardrobes to really make the most of their appearance. And so that you know exactly what to buy on your next shopping trip, we’re also supplying you with a checklist of wardrobe must-haves for tall guys.

Although added inches generally confer advantages in the wardrobe department, men with tall body types nevertheless face certain challenges in dressing their best. Here we review how clothes should fit and which colors and patterns tall men should include in their wardrobes to really make the most of their appearance. And so that you know exactly what to buy on your next shopping trip, we’re also supplying you with a checklist of wardrobe must-haves for tall guys.
A tall body type defined
In the West, men whose height is 6'3" or taller are considered to be tall, whereas in other parts of the world, anything beyond 5'11" is perceived as tall. This body type might also be large (as in "big and tall") or it might be very lean.
Pros and cons of dressing a tall body
For men who have a lean build or an average amount of muscle mass, being tall is a huge pro as clothing hangs better on taller individuals, which means you can wear just about anything and look great. Additionally, most societies tend to view extra inches as an advantage for males and women often find tall men extremely attractive, so if you know how to dress yourself stylishly, your professional and interpersonal success will skyrocket. In fact, the only real downside to being tall is that if you’re on the extreme end of the spectrum, it can be difficult to find clothes that are long enough for your body.
DRESS YOUR BODY TYPE: THE GUIDE
Fit
Two general rules apply to fit when dressing a tall body. First, avoid clothing that is oversize as it will hang off your body strangely. Also, skip anything that is extremely fitted as it will make you appear awkward if you have a large build or like a beanpole if you’re slender.

When specifically considering the top half of the body, there are a few supplementary guidelines men with tall bodies can follow to enhance their appearance. Dress shirts must absolutely be long enough to tuck into your pants, even if you’re not in the habit of wearing your shirts that way. It can be tricky to find longer shirts, but failure to do so will mean you risk looking like a big kid.

Cropped jackets will have a similar effect on you as they will make your body appear disproportionate by emphasizing the length of your legs. Instead, opt for jackets and blazers that end just below the hip as this length adds neither height nor width to your frame. You should also know that blazers with two buttons are a better choice for you as three-button blazers will further elongate your body. For tall dudes with an average-to-lean build, double-breasted jackets are extremely flattering. As well, coats that fall just below the knee, particularly belted models, will really command respect on a tall frame.

Straight-leg trousers and jeans rather than tapered or boot-cut bottoms look best on tall bodies, though when you’re tall bottoms should always be tried on prior to purchasing in order to ensure that their inseam is long enough to cover the top part of your shoe (try labels like Rock and Republic to find 36” inseams). Go with mid-rise jeans if you’re heavier and low-rise jeans if you’re slim, but steer clear of high-waisted jeans (tall hipsters, take note).

A final point with regard to fit concerns tailoring: When you’re tall, having your formal wear adjusted to suit your height is nonnegotiable.