For a tall man, the length of the body, the sleeves and the inseam matter most. A polo or shirt should fall well over the waistband, even when you raise your arms. Sleeves should reach your wrist bone and trousers should rest on your shoe without riding up when you sit. Do not automatically choose a size bigger; that also makes the garment wider. Below you will find what to look for in each garment and which cuts suit tall men best.
Why a size bigger usually does not work
A common mistake is to buy a size bigger for extra length. You do get longer sleeves, but also broader shoulders, a roomier body and more fabric around your waist. The fit can then become too loose. It is better to look at the ratio between length and width for each garment. Sometimes your own size fits perfectly because the model falls a little longer, and sometimes you prefer a different cut.
Measure yourself first
If you know your measurements, you can choose much more precisely online. Lay a polo or shirt that fits well flat and measure:
- Back length: from the collar seam to the hem.
- Sleeve length: from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff.
- Width: from armpit to armpit.
Do the same with trousers: measure the inseam from crotch to hem. Compare those numbers with the size chart on the product page, instead of relying only on S, M or L.
Polos: body length
A polo that is too short ends above your belt as soon as you move your arms. In the fitting room, raise your arms above your head. The hem should then still fall over the waistband or just reach it. Knitted polos have an advantage here: knitwear gives a little and falls slightly more softly after wearing. A lyocell polo with quarter zip in charcoal has a supple drape and a collar you can wear open or closed, which is nicely balanced with a long neck.
With a longer neck, a higher collar or a half-open quarter zip can work well. A very low, wide neckline actually makes a long neck look longer.
Merino and knitwear for winter
An open merino wool polo in black is a good choice for tall men because merino wool drapes softly and does not stand away stiffly. With knitwear, do pay attention to the ribbing at the bottom: it should sit on your hip, not above it, otherwise your upper body looks short compared to your legs.
Shirts: sleeves and cuffs
With a shirt, two things are crucial: the sleeve length and the body length. The cuff should end at the wrist bone, even when you stretch your arms forward. Sleeves that are too short show immediately when you wear a blazer or cardigan: the cuff should peek out a centimetre below it. If you wear your shirt tucked in, the body must be long enough not to pull out of your trousers when you sit.
A cotton shirt with an Italian collar in white suits a tall build well. The wide, open collar creates a horizontal line at your shoulders, which balances a long, narrow silhouette nicely.
Trousers: inseam and waist
For many tall men, trousers are the biggest problem. Trousers that are too short ride up when you sit and show your socks when you walk. Pay attention to:
- The break: the leg should rest lightly on your shoe. A small break is often nicer for tall men than no break at all, because it prevents the trousers from looking too short.
- The seated height: sit down and check whether your ankle shows. A little is normal; a lot means the inseam is too short.
- The waist: trousers with a higher waist often fit better on a long upper body, because they balance your proportions and keep your shirt tucked in better.
Thanks to the pleats, pleated trousers with a brushed inside in coffee brown have a little more room in the thigh, which is pleasant on long legs. Slim-fit herringbone trousers in taupe grey give a sleeker line. With both, look at the inseam in the size chart and have the hem adjusted if necessary.
Proportions: which cuts suit tall men?
| What works | Why |
|---|---|
| Horizontal details, such as a wide collar or a stripe | Break up the length and add width |
| Contrast between top and bottom | Divides the body into two clear parts |
| Layers, such as a cardigan over a shirt | Add volume to a narrow upper body |
| Trousers with pleats | Add some volume to long, narrow legs |
A wool cardigan with a tailored cut in beige over a shirt is therefore a smart layer: it gives your upper body a little more structure and widens the silhouette in a natural way.
Shoes and socks
With a larger build, shoes also stand out more quickly. A slim, slightly elongated shoe, such as a loafer or a sleek lace-up, looks more elegant than a chunky sneaker with a thick sole. Choose socks that are long enough to cover your shin when you sit: a stretch of bare skin between sock and trousers stands out even more on long legs.
What a tailor can do for you
Shortening trousers is easy, but lengthening is only possible if there is enough hem allowance. Look on the inside of the leg to see how much fabric has been folded over. Lengthening shirt sleeves is rarely possible. So choose the right length first and adjust the width afterwards if necessary.
Take a look at our polos for men, the shirts and the trousers. If you are unsure about your size, read on our page about returns how exchanging works.
Shop the look
Edmund: lyocell polo with quarter zip, dark melange charcoal
Trenton: open merino wool polo, black
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Frederick: pleated trousers, coffee brown
Ulysses: herringbone trousers, taupe grey
Maximilian: wool cardigan, beige
Frequently asked questions
Should I take a size bigger as a tall man?
Usually not. A size bigger also makes the shoulders and the body wider. Choose your own size and check the body length, the sleeves and the inseam against the size chart.
How long should a polo be on a tall man?
The hem should fall over the waistband, even when you raise your arms. If it falls above it, the polo is too short for your build.
What if my trousers are just too short?
Check whether there is hem allowance on the inside. A tailor can then lengthen the leg. If there is none, choose a different size. Returns are possible from €5 and you get your money back within 14 days.
