Audrey's Style Guide For Tall Fellows

[ 4 December 2007 ]

Those that know me or have seen me know that I’m a tall guy. I’m literally all legs (my hipbones are generally around where people’s belly buttons are or even at chest height), a stretched-out torso, wide shoulders, and a long slender neck. Paired with that, I’m also on the lean side which is both a blessing and a curse at the same time — even though I’m not so abnormally tall that I’m having to duck through doorways, my weight and build make an optical illusion that I’m towering above all. Plus, you know — I’m well dressed and pretty animated, so it’s not exactly like I can hide in a crowd.

But being cursed with one of these stupidly tall, “interestingly proportioned” frames, I’m forever having trouble trying to find clothes that actually fit. For too long I bounced around between brands, looks, more brands, flirted with the costly idea of getting EVERYTHING tailor-made, and then eventually realised that it’s impossible. The good news, however, was that in the interim I’d managed to devise all sorts of ways to either make things work, hide certain aspects of my Jack Skellington frame, or identify which trends actually lent themselves to my bony structure.

So for the benefit of those tall, slender readers (or those lucky enough to be dating us), I offer the following advice.

Know your size
Working on the selling floor selling men’s clothes, I had a lot of customers use me as a gauge on how something would fit their son/husband/significant other. The assumption that most people make about tall people is that tall guys will need larger sizes. Everyone would always assume I was wearing a large or extra-large size, purely based on the fact they had to strain their neck to look up at my face — and were surprised to know I never wear anything above a medium. In fact, I like my outfits slender — so a lot of my sizing drops down to a small. In my opinion, there’s nothing worse than seeing a tall guy wearing what is essentially a big sack just because he’s opted to grab an XXL because it’s long enough.

I think a lot of guys have problems understanding how something should fit, and just do this because it’s easy, that’s what everyone they know wears, and they never really get taught any better (or actually want to learn). When a garment is “fitted” (which means during production, all measurements are taken into account and decided) samples are tried on by someone the manufacturer or designer deems is “average” size, and altered accordingly. Unless designing a range that’s specifically slim or long, it’s just going to be built for that regular Joe you see on your train, or walking down the street, or working at the desk alongside yours.

Thankfully, a lot of major brands are making ‘slim fit’ items which usually mean a smaller chest measurement but longer garments. Smaller independent labels usually are built longer and slimmer, and there seems to be a shift at making different shaped garments — it’s as if they’re finally realising that not everybody’s the same size. At last.

Learn to shop
It’s not really that difficult. Or painful. I promise. But there are a few simple ideas you can put in place which I guarantee will have you looking sharper without a lot of effort or know-how.

Firstly, I must stress the importance of trying things on. Seriously, there’s no way in hell that you can walk into a store and know “I’m a 36 in pants and an L in tops”. It’s just not that simple any more. There are so many factors that will impact how something fits: different cuts, different fabrics, different brands, different seasons, different designers. All of these things will impact if a tee is going to be long, short, boxy, casual, more formal… Are you getting the picture? The trick is to use the size you think you are as a guide and then try a few things on. You might walk out with two mediums and a large but at least you know they all look good.

If you’re not quite sure about everything, it’s okay to ask the clerk. It’s what they’re paid for, and goddamn it you SHOULD ask for their help. Otherwise working in a clothing store is just a day of hanging out and doing nothing — trust me, I used to do it for a living. Make those floor staff work! If it doesn’t seem like they’re too sure of things, it’s okay to ask for someone that’s been in the business/industry a while. Especially at this time of year, stores get in a lot of Christmas casuals — kids who are out of school for the summer, or have taken this job just until they get into that university course or snag that office job they’ve spent 4 years at uni studying for. I’m not saying they’re not hard workers, but you’ll be surprised how many people work retail that actually DO care about their product and their level of service. So ask questions. Get properly measured. And if you build rapport and feel you can trust them, ask their opinions and for suggestions. And if you’re not comfortable with dealing with this side of the business, take back up! Another set of eyes and opinions is always a good thing.

Don’t buy something just because you need something. Shopping for the sake of shopping, and buying something that is ordinary that you’re just saying “Oh, it’ll do…” is a recipe for disaster. Allow time to shop so you don’t feel rushed. If you can’t picture yourself wearing it with at least three things you already own, really have a think about it. And remember the golden rule: it’s not really a bargain if it’s something you’ll never wear.

Also make sure you ask clerks about fabrics and care instructions. Cotton and other natural fibres can shrink up to a full size when washed, but there are ways around it. It’s always good to know how to take good care of your clothes.

Low slung jeans are not just for teenage girls
Strange advice to give and admit to, but it’s true. I’ve worn my jeans pretty darn far away from where they’re “supposed” to be on my hips ever since I was able to dress myself. It’s a comfort thing. But it also gives the illusion of having shorter legs. Unfortunately, this means the rest of your outfit has to get built around the way your jeans are — exposed underwear leaves you open to all sorts of mischief and ridicule. But honestly, for every comment I’ve got from an older person or jock-type guy about how low slung my jeans are, they’re always quick to admit how stupid and disproportionate I look if I do hoik them up where they’re “supposed” to be. I know not everybody is built the same so this might not be applicable to you, depending on your body shape. But if, like me, you’re all legs, this might just save your life.

Obviously, baggy jeans make this look completely ridiculous (you’re not fronting some Nu-Metal band, after all), so I wouldn’t recommend this on anything but straight leg, skinny leg or, at a stretch, some bootlegs whose top section are really quite slender. While I am a Levi’s man myself, tall boys should definitely also check out Wrangler jeans — most of their fits cater well for longer legs without blowing out the thighs and seat too much. I especially love their cigarette legs, which I passed off as business pants for a good part of last year.

Work it, baby!
Tall and skinny is in. For a long time, it bothered me that people would come up and tell me I was tall, or ask if I played basketball, or made some other sort of comment. I admit, I still feel a little bit self-conscious and uncomfortable when it happens, but really, it’s people’s way of saying they’re admiring it. To make a sarcastic comment (or even a blatant “YOU’RE TALL!” — which happens more than you’d think) is far easier than paying a stranger a real compliment. It’s how people break the ice. So don’t get standoffish about it. Tell them they’re right, and ask them how their day was. A tall guy somehow commands attention just by walking into a room whether he wants to or not. Towering head and shoulders above a crowd of people means you’re GOING to get noticed. So why not use it to your advantage?

Trust me though – tall guys like us are blessed with a lot of things that a lot of girls find attractive. With the popularity of Henley and deep v-neck tees, fashion is lending itself to guys with our frames — or show off your lack of curves with a nicely tailored suit. And so many girls I know are obsessed with my long slender forearms. I bet you never thought THAT part of you could be a turn on for someone, so tall boys with long skinny arms be aware!

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Tags: how to, inspiration, monsieur