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!
Audrey xoxo
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Audrey, no really i effing love you. My mister is a 34/38, and hard to shop for. He always feels discouraged when he can’t find pants, but I think your advice will make him happy. I e-mailed Gala on this very subject so if she asked you to write this then I effing love her too. seriously. i think you and the hubby would get along well. thankyouthankyouthankyou.
i love you audrey. and now, so does my boy toy.
Shiela – tell him to wear what HE thinks works and never be discouraged!
Alicia – glad I could win him over. haha.
Thank you Audrey – this is such a helpful article, since I do often find myself clothes-shopping on behalf of a tall fellow. Forearms all the way, baby! Tall is impressive, no matter what (just like short = cute). One tall skinny guy whose style I love (more than is perhaps reasonable) is Bret from Flight of the Conchords; he knows how to work it . . .
Oh Audrey I heart you even more that I already did.
You just gave me great ideas to help my best friend’s girlfriend buy him some clothes. He’s really tall and VERY skinny and he wears humungus shirts and jackets with really skinny jeans that make him look kinda like a lollipop.
Thank you!!
Kisses.
This is amazing! I was just out shopping with my tall, lanky friend who couldn’t for the life of him find the right size pants. I’m sure it will still be a chore for him to go shopping (he hates it), but maybe this will make it easier and less painful for him. Thanks! ^^
thank you bunches audrey! One of my best guy friends is 5’10” and simply TOWERS over my little 5’4” frame. He slouches next to me so he wouldn’t stand out as much, which sucks because he is so adorable. And shopping with him is so DIFFICULT. Now I can drag him to the mall and help him get clothes that FIT him. HOORAY!
P.S. I totally agree with the forearm comment :D
I am so sending this article to my 6’6” brother. Maybe it’ll help him find shopping less loathsome.
(laughs) That’s cute. The “Hey! You’re TALL!” as if you wouldn’t know that.
I know I’ve been trying to convince my guy that just cause he’s super tall doesn’t mean he has to wear an xxxl. Actually, I think I might do some tailoring for him. (Learned it from ThreadBanger)
If only all guys had your shopping sensibilities. (mmm low riders on men, yum)
Good article! Though not
everytall person is skinny as well. (I come from a family of tall people).Any chance we could get a guide for Tall Girls in here some time soon, Gala?
I am so ANGRY!! Whats going on Gala?!? (I like to believe I worship you enough that we can be on a first name basis) ((mine is pronounced Na-DESH-da for the record)) (((Brackets complete me)))
I opened my December issue of Cosmo and what did I find?!? Lots of articles and perfume samples (It was quite pleasant.)
But what didn’t I find?!? YOUR MONTHLY ARTICLE!! Whats going on?? I’m so Gala deprived :(
YES i agree with nadezhda. i got so excited as i flipped to e-flirt. i was so disappointed. i want to work for cosmo one day so i love that magazine, but the fact that you wrote for it made it EVEN BETTER.
if its for personal reasons then im sorry & i hope everything is going okay.
love you long time!
just outstanding. my best friend is 6 foot 3, thin as and an absolute nightmare to shop with. I sent him this article and he’s condescended to come shopping on the weekend. YAY! Finally!
thankyouthankyouthankyou.
iawtc!! I flip through the pages and I am like, WHERE THE GALA AT? =(
Audrey, you are a sugar dusted strawberry. Boyfriend is 6’1” & extremely skinny so these tips will be really helpful for him, and me when I’m present shopping for him!! xx
Yeah, like emilyyy, I would also like a shopping guide for tall girls. :P I am 6ft 2 and get those ‘you are tall’ and ‘do you play basketball?’ all the time. But I have finally come to terms with my height and no longer feel bothered about them. You made a valid point, Audrey, tall people will NOT go unnoticed, which in itself can be both a curse and a blessing. There sure are days when one would rather blend in with the walls… But I have made a game out of dressing up and while everyone else goes for jeans and sweaters (it’s nice and snowy winter in Scandinavia, where I am from), I layer and wear skirts. Long legs always do the trick when you’re a woman! :P Besides, finding jeans that are long enough for my inseam (at least 36!, 38 if I want to wear it with heels) is practically impossible. So, a shopping guide and how to make it work for the tall girls would be a great next article, perhaps? ;)
so arrr. this Saturday were getting wed?
Nadezhda (et al) — I wish I knew! Believe me, I wrote the column & have been paid for it, but it hasn’t been published. So I don’t know what’s going on. I am waiting to hear… The last editor head-hunted me & there is a new gal in charge now… so… beats me!
Oh, & I wrote a short piece for tall girls a while ago: http://galadarling.com/advice/tall-with-a-long-torso
Is like 165cm’s tall? Because half the time I feel like a giant.
bette! — I don’t know, depends on where you are. Maybe it would be in some parts of the world. I’m 169cm & I always feel short, so, 165cm isn’t very tall to me ;D
Nadine – Bret is way cool, I agree!
Julie – the lollipop look is such a trap for tall skinny boys to fall into! just keep in mind he might like it – so just nudge him, don’t dictate! keep positive about the change.
Meg/Sophie – keep reassuring them. i know guys in general can feel a little hesitant about caring about appearances – when you’re finding it even more difficult to find good sizes, it’s even worse! give them help and support and suggestions. and drag them into stores with you! haha.
ariel – i’m indebted to you now for showing me threadbanger. that site is awesome! thankyou.
emilyyy – too true, not all tall people are skinny! maybe i just got stretched out as a young lad? haha.
clare – perfect news, glad i helped you turn him around! if he’s a melbourne boy, send him my way. we’ll get him dressed up nice! haha.
iris – nobody’s ever called me a sugar dusted strawberry. haha. thankyou.
Heyyy – I’m a tall fellow – I’m taller than my man person – why’s there’s never ‘sanything about tall girls? I’m sure Audrey could do one of these for ze ladies as well, non? Request! <3
The best thing my boyfriend has done is buy low rise boot cut Andy Warhol Levis! They look amazing and show off his bootay haha! I’m showing him this article. He’d enjoy it. :D Oh how I love tall men. They really do demand your attention when they are in the right outfit. :]
Audrey – it’s so so great being tall!!! I love it!!!
Thank you so much for this article! My verynew boyfriend is 6’7’‘ and a size 31/36 and it’s pretty diff. Gonna definitely go shopping with him soon with all this in mind :)
Audrey, I definitely think you deserve your own brightly-colored comments. :)
Valerie — I’m working on that ;D !!
But tell me…who will help the shorties? huh, huh????! You think the tallies are roughing it? Try being a shorty…you always feel as though you’re a kid, people treat you like you’re a little kid, clothes swim on you (don’t even think about buying pants!) and you’re always overlooked.
I’m 5“2 :(
On the other hand, we have the option of dressing as an elf for halloween.
gemma – i’d make a LOUSY elf. haha.
I actually think it’d be pretty funny/amazing to see a tall guy dressed as an elf for Halloween…!
If you were to post one of these things for tall women you would be my hero.
Gold, I say! GOLD!
Even though I have no man in my life, especially a tall guy, I still appreciated this article. Audrey, you really know your stuff and write with confidence!
And, can you both conglomerate together and write something for tall women? Being 16, and 182 cm can be challenging, especially when you just want to flaunt in a mini-dress, and people yell at you for “showing too much leg”.
;-;
To all asking about an article for tall girls, look above. Galas posted a link to a helpful article.
Audrey x
i wish I WAS TALL!