The Tall Guy’s Guide to Perfect Fit: How Clothes Should Actually Fit

Being tall has its perks—you never lose your friends in a crowd, and you’ve probably been asked if you played basketball at least a thousand times. But when it comes to clothing, fit can be tricky. Too often, tall men are stuck between regular sizes that are too short and “big” sizes that are too baggy. The key is knowing how clothes should fit, then shopping with that in mind. 

Here’s your go-to guide for making sure your tall frame looks sharp, not sloppy. 
 
Long Sleeve Shirts 
Sleeve Length: 
  • Sleeves should end right at the wrist bone, with just a touch of shirt cuff peeking out if you’re wearing a jacket, although I prefer more toward where my thumb starts 
  • If the sleeve creeps up when you bend your arm, it’s too short. 
Shirt Length: 
  • When untucked, the shirt should fall to about mid-butt—long enough to cover your waistband without looking like a tunic. 
  • If it barely covers your belt buckle, it’s too short for tall guys and you know that goes when you raise your arms. 
Tall Guy Tip: Always look for shirts labeled “Tall”—these add both sleeve and body length without ballooning out. 
 
Jeans & Pants 
Length (Inseam): 
  • Jeans should have a slight “break” at the top of your shoes. That means the fabric rests gently on the shoe without pooling or stacking too much. 
  • For tall men, a 36” inseam (sometimes 38”) is usually the sweet spot, depending on height. Or 37” at Lululemon, which is a favorite of mine. 
Fit: 
  • Avoid super-skinny styles that exaggerate your height. A straight or athletic fit balances your proportions. 
  • Slim doesn’t always mean tight—it means clean lines without excess fabric. 
Tall Guy Tip: If your jeans ride up your calves when you sit, you need a longer inseam. 
 
Jackets & Outerwear 
  • Shoulders should line up with your natural shoulder seam—no drooping, no pulling. 
  • Sleeves should hit just past your wrist bone, covering your shirt cuff but not your hand. 
  • The body length should end around mid-fly in front and cover your butt in the back. 
 
T-Shirts & Polos 
  • A proper fit means the shirt falls 2–3 inches below your waistband, or about mid-fly when untucked. 
  • Sleeves should hit mid-bicep for short sleeves, not ride up to your shoulder. 
Tall Guy Tip: A “Tall” tee avoids the “crack or belly showing” effect that happens after one wash in a regular size. 
 
The Big Picture: Proportion is King 
For tall men, it’s not just about length—it’s about balance. 
  • Clothes should skim the body without clinging or hanging like a curtain. 
  • Longer frames benefit from layering (flannels, quarter-zips, jackets) to break up height visually. 
  • The goal: look intentional, not like you grabbed whatever sort of fit. 
When your clothes fit right, people notice your style—not just your height. Tall-specific sizing from brands like Westport Big & Tall, Eddie Bauer, and Polo Ralph Lauren will give you the extra length without the extra bulk, making sure every piece hits exactly where it should. 
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