Suits for Tall Girls: Finding Perfect Business Attire
Discover where to find stylish, well-fitting business suits designed specifically for tall women.
Suits for Tall Girls: Where to Find the Best Business Attire If You're Tall
Finding stylish, well-fitting business attire can be a significant challenge for tall women. Many mainstream retailers fail to recognize that women over 5'8″ require different proportions in their clothing, particularly when it comes to professional suiting. The struggle is real: standard sizes often feature blazers that are too short in the sleeves, pants with inadequate inseams, and overall proportions that don't accommodate a taller frame. If you're a tall girl navigating the corporate world, you're not alone in this frustration. This comprehensive guide explores the best strategies, retailers, and styling approaches to help you build a professional wardrobe that fits your body perfectly.
Understanding the Challenge for Tall Women
The fundamental problem tall women face when shopping for suits is that most mainstream fashion brands design their clothing based on average height parameters. Standard blazer lengths often hit at the waist on tall women, creating an unflattering silhouette that undermines professional confidence. Pants designed for average heights frequently come up several inches short, requiring significant alterations or making it impossible to achieve the polished look necessary for business settings.
Beyond just the obvious length issues, tall women often need extended rise measurements on trousers to accommodate longer torsos, yet many brands that do offer tall inseams fail to account for varied torso lengths. Some tall women have proportionally shorter torsos with longer legs, while others have elongated torsos—making a one-size-fits-all approach to “tall” sizing inadequate. Understanding your own proportions becomes crucial when shopping for suits that will truly fit your frame.
Top Retailers for Tall Women’s Suits
Fortunately, a growing number of retailers recognize the importance of serving tall customers with properly proportioned clothing. Here are some of the best options available:
Specialty Tall Fashion Brands
Several retailers have built their entire business model around serving tall customers. American Tall specializes exclusively in tall women’s fashion, offering blazers and trousers designed with longer proportions from the ground up. Long Tall Sally has established itself as a trusted name for decades, consistently delivering suits and workwear in extended sizes. Alloy Apparel focuses on creating modern, professional clothing specifically for taller frames, understanding that fit is paramount for tall women’s confidence.
Amalli Talli represents a newer entrant to the tall fashion space, bringing contemporary styling to tall women’s professional wardrobes. I Love Tall caters particularly well to slender and very tall women, according to reader recommendations, offering options that don’t assume all tall women have the same proportions.
Department Store and Mid-Range Options
Major retailers have increasingly recognized the tall market and developed dedicated tall sections within their offerings. J.Crew offers tall sizes in suits, shirts, coats, and occasionally dresses, though some customers note that the shoulders can be challenging and may require upsizing and alterations. Banana Republic is frequently recommended by tall women for quality suits, with many praising the fit and construction. Ann Taylor provides tall options that work well for many body types, making it a reliable choice for professional suiting.
Express carries long-length options that cater to tall frames, while Madewell stands out by offering two separate sections: one for tall and another for even taller women. New York & Company and Gap both have dedicated tall sections starting at 5’9″ and 5’9″ respectively, making them accessible options for many tall women. Old Navy, beginning at 5’10”, has expanded its tall offerings to include business casual and professional pieces.
Premium and Designer Options
For those willing to invest more, premium brands like Reiss offer long-length suits with exceptional quality and design. Tiger of Sweden brings Scandinavian tailoring to tall women’s professional wardrobes, known for precise fits and modern aesthetics. Acne Studios represents high-end fashion that caters to taller frames with their contemporary approach to professional clothing.
Customization and Specialty Services
eShakti has revolutionized shopping for tall women by offering completely custom sizes anywhere from 4’6″ to 6’11”, as well as customizable off-the-rack sizes adjusted to your specific measurements. This level of personalization ensures that you get suits tailored to your exact proportions. Etsy shops also present opportunities for customized suiting, with retailers like HeartMyCloset offering celebrity-inspired suits and VigilanteLabs specializing in vintage-inspired pieces, both willing to work with custom measurements.
Understanding Tall Sizing Variations
Not all tall sizing is created equal. Some retailers focus primarily on extending inseams, which works well for women with proportionally long legs and average torso lengths. Others extend both the rise and inseam, which better serves women with longer torsos. Some specialty brands like Ulla Popken (offering sizes 12L-32L) provide extensive size ranges that accommodate various body proportions within the tall category.
When shopping, look for retailers that specifically address your body proportions. If you have a shorter torso with longer legs, you may need to buy standard rise pants and have them hemmed rather than purchasing tall-specific pants with extended rises. Conversely, if you have a longer torso, you’ll need brands that understand this variation and offer appropriately proportioned pieces.
Strategic Shopping Tips for Tall Women
Know Your Measurements
Before shopping for suits, understand your specific measurements. Know your inseam length, torso length, shoulder width, sleeve length, and jacket length preferences. This information becomes invaluable whether shopping in-person or online, helping you identify brands and styles most likely to fit your frame correctly.
Consider Inseam Options
Many retailers offer pants with “tall” inseams of 34 inches, which can be viable if you find a skilled tailor. If the pants are cuffed, you may have enough fabric to extend the inseam to your preferred length. However, this requires expert tailoring and isn’t always feasible, so checking actual available inseams should be a priority when selecting retailers.
Factor in Tailoring Costs
Even when shopping from dedicated tall retailers, you may need tailoring adjustments. Brands like Banana Republic offering free alterations can significantly impact your overall costs. Budget for potential tailoring needs, particularly for shoulder adjustments or hemming, which tall women often require.
Leverage Free Alterations
Some major retailers provide complimentary alterations with purchases. Take advantage of these services to customize your suit to your exact specifications, particularly for length adjustments and side seaming modifications that taller frames often require.
Professional Styling for Tall Women’s Suits
Beyond simply finding suits that fit your frame, styling them appropriately amplifies your professional presence. Proper tailoring ensures that your blazer sits at the appropriate length on your hips, your pants break correctly at the shoe, and your sleeves extend to your wrist bone. These details make the difference between looking polished and professional versus sloppy and ill-fitting.
Pair your tall-specific suits with confidence. The right fit immediately communicates competence and professionalism. When your clothes fit your frame properly, you can focus on your work rather than constantly adjusting or worrying about how your outfit looks.
Addressing Common Fit Challenges
Shoulder Fit Issues
Many tall women report that shoulder fit can be problematic even in brands that cater to tall sizes. If you encounter this issue, consider sizing up and having the side seams adjusted by a professional tailor. This modification can provide a better shoulder fit while maintaining the overall silhouette of your suit.
Torso and Rise Challenges
The rise of your pants dramatically impacts the overall appearance and comfort of your suit. If you have a shorter torso relative to your leg length, purchasing standard-rise pants from brands that extend inseams only may be preferable to tall-specific options that extend both rise and inseam. Conversely, if you have a longer torso, seek out brands that understand this body type and offer appropriately proportioned pieces.
Jacket Length Considerations
Blazer length should typically reach the top of your hip or just past it. For tall women, finding jackets that provide this coverage without appearing tent-like requires careful shopping and possibly custom tailoring. Many specialty tall retailers design their blazers with appropriate proportions from the start, reducing the need for alterations.
Building Your Professional Wardrobe
Start your tall woman’s professional wardrobe with classic, versatile pieces that serve as foundations. A well-fitted navy blazer, a charcoal gray suit, and a black suit form an excellent base. Once these fundamentals are established, add variety in colors and styles as your budget allows. Investing in quality pieces from retailers known for tall sizing ensures longevity and repeated wear.
Mix and match components when possible. A well-fitted tall blazer can pair with multiple trousers, and quality tall pants work with various blazers and blouses. This approach maximizes your wardrobe’s versatility while maintaining professional standards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tall Women’s Suits
Q: What is considered “tall” when shopping for women’s suits?
A: Most retailers consider women 5’9″ and above as “tall,” though this varies by brand. Some start tall sizing at 5’8″, while others begin at 5’10”. Your specific height combined with your inseam and torso length determines whether standard tall sizes will work for you.
Q: Can I use a regular tailor for tall women’s suit alterations?
A: Yes, but finding a tailor experienced with significant alterations is important. For extensive modifications like adding inseam length or adjusting shoulder seams, seek out a tailor with professional suiting experience who understands how to maintain proper proportions.
Q: Are tall-specific suits more expensive than standard sizes?
A: Pricing varies by retailer and brand. Some specialty tall retailers price competitively with mainstream options, while premium brands command higher prices regardless of sizing. Department stores often price tall sizes similarly to standard sizes.
Q: What should I prioritize when shopping for my first tall woman’s suit?
A: Prioritize fit above all else. A perfectly fitting suit in a neutral color like navy, gray, or black serves as your professional foundation. Don’t compromise on fit for style; proper tailoring makes any suit look professional and polished.
Q: How can I find my correct inseam measurement?
A: Measure from your inner thigh down to your ankle bone while standing barefoot. For professional trousers, you’ll typically want the hem to break slightly on your shoe. Try on various inseam lengths to determine your ideal measurement, accounting for heel height.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect suit when you’re tall no longer requires endless searching or extensive custom tailoring. With numerous retailers now dedicating resources to tall women’s fashion, quality options at various price points exist. Whether you choose specialty tall brands like American Tall and Long Tall Sally, department stores with tall sections, or custom services like eShakti, you can build a professional wardrobe that fits your frame beautifully. The key is understanding your specific measurements, knowing which retailers best serve your body proportions, and investing in quality pieces that will serve your career for years to come. Your height is an asset—dress for it with confidence in suits that actually fit.
References
- https://americantall.com/blogs/we-the-tall/styling-tips-tall-womens-suits
- https://corporette.com/reader-mail-suits-for-an-amazonian/
- https://corporette.com/the-best-stores-for-tall-women/
- https://corporette.com/suits-for-tall-girls/
- https://corporette.com/best-workwear-tall-women/
- https://corporette.com/best-womens-suits/
- https://corporette.com/suit-of-the-week-rachel-zoe-4/
- https://corporette.com/suit-of-the-week-ann-taylor-3/
- https://corporette.com/suit-of-the-week-nanette-lepore/
- https://corporette.com/theory-lynnia-suit/
