The term is subjective of course, but generally, any woman above 5 foot 8 inches is considered “tall”. I'm 6ft, so finding the best tall clothing brands to shop from is something of a non-negotiable for me. As you can probably imagine.
The average height of a woman in the UK is 5'3" – which explains why there are so many petite clothing brands – but when it comes to us long-legged ladies, we often fall… dare I say it: short.
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TV personality Louise Thompson collaborated with Nobody's Child this year in creating a range specifically for petite bodies, and while I was overjoyed for that side of the nation, I couldn't help but feel slightly disheartened for my shape. Why couldn't the collection be made even more inclusive and extend to tall and plus sized people, too?
Is it a lack of voice in the industry? Or is it simply that, as there are less of us, we don't matter as much?
Obviously fashion still has a long way to go in terms of diversity in all areas, we know that from the differing amount of plus size models walk the runways every year, but with a broader range of sizes being added to high-street collections, why is it still so damn hard to find a decent pair of tall jeans or a dress that actually covers my bum?!
While I love a cropped trouser or pair of capris when done intentionally, I don't always want to look like I'm wearing clothes that were made for my niece. Sleeves that finish at my elbows when they're meant to cuff my wrists are my biggest pet peeve, so too are bodysuits that end up cutting me in half throughout the day (if you know, you know), and, unlike my shorter pals, having something tailored so that it fits just isn't an option; you can't always add fabric to something.
Why you can trust me
I've been working in the fashion industry for eight years and tall for…well, all my life. If you're going to trust anyone to tell you about the best tall clothing brands, it ought to be me. A few of them don't specifically carry ‘tall’ or ‘long’ ranges, but having tested every one personally, I can safely declare they do in fact work.
Ahead, find the best tall clothing brands that I genuinely shop from.
1. ASOS
It goes without saying that ASOS Tall has the best range, and if you're in the market for wedding guest dresses that actually skim the floor as they're meant to then this is the place to browse, but their basics are particularly good also. From bodysuits, hoodies jumpers that are long enough to loungewear, joggers and workwear staples that aren't ankle swingers, ASOS has got you.
Size range: UK 4-20, and up to a 36-inch leg length.
Save when you shop for the best tall clothing brands with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
If you're looking for the best tall jeans, Abercrombie & Fitch are my personal fave. Their Curve Love range is available in ‘Long’ and ‘Extra Long’ lengths, though they do go OOS often, so if you have wider hips as well as lengthy legs you'll still find something. I'm particularly impressed with their dresses section at the moment, where you'll find most are available for various heights, too.
Size range: XXS-XL.
Did you know that M&S offers a ‘long’ length on some items? I didn't until recently, but I've not looked back. Sure, it's not available on absolutely everything, but we'll take the small wins right? That said, it seems I'm late to the party because the tall hem styles do tend to sell out quicker than the regular silhouettes – so be quick if you spot anything.
Size range: UK 6-20.
Save when you shop for the best tall clothing brands with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
5. Reiss
Similarly to M&S, Reiss offers a longer length in most/all of their trousers and jeans. A revelation! That said, it doesn't seem to apply to their shorts and skirts…here's hoping that's to come though.
Size range: XS-XL/UK 4-18 and up to a 34-inch leg.
Save when you shop for the best tall clothing brands with these Reiss discount codes at checkout.
6. Zara
No, Zara doesn't have a tall section you didn't know about, but it does have trousers and jeans that definitely have long enough inseams for those who are 5ft 8" and above – trust me, I have about 11 pairs in my wardrobe. Simply look for anything with ‘full-length’ in the title/description, and you're in.
Size range: XS-XXL.
Though Needle & Thread don't explicitly advertise tall sizes, trust me when I say they definitely cater to that department. I wore the Violet Shimmer Ankle Gown to an event last year and, as well as feeling like a princess, was super impressed by the long length. If you're a similar height, go for the ‘gown’ designs – as these will most likely fit you as they do me.
Size range: UK 4-18.
8. New Look
Look no further than New Look's tall section for seriously good high-street buys. Their jeans fit me like a glove – and I'm the pickiest person – as do their summer dresses and knitwear. In my opinion, the brand doesn't get nearly as much credit as it should.
Size range: UK 6-20.
Save when you shop for the best tall clothing brands with these New Look discount codes at checkout.
9. Boden
Looking for the best one-piece swimsuits that won't ride up your bum as soon as you move? I've got you… well, Boden does. They offer ‘regular’ and longer lengths of their bestselling swimwear, and they're super chic as well as comfy. See below for proof.
Size range: UK 6-22.
Save when you shop for the best tall clothing brands with these Boden discount codes at the retailer checkout.
10. Long Tall Sally
An OG British tall girl brand, Long Tall Sally has been around since 1976, so you know they mean business. Catering to a wide range of sizes, and even featuring shoes that go up to a size 13 and are available in wider fits, LTS is a go-to high-street brand – especially when everywhere else fails. I'm making a beeline for their denim skirts and cargo trousers.
Size range: UK 8-28.
11. Next
Like a similar high-street department store, Next seems to have had quite the glow up over the last year or two, and thankfully it caters to tall heights. I recently purchased a few pairs of trousers from the brand, opting for the extra long length, and found them to be traipsing on the floor! That's an issue I've never had before but one I was, quite frankly, chuffed about. Well done Next.
Size range: UK 6-26 and up to a 34-inch leg.
Save when you shop for the best tall clothing brands with these Next discount codes at checkout.
Best tall sportswear brands
For me, finding activewear/sportswear brands that cater to tall women is a constant battle. The gym leggings are often too short in the body or leg, the ‘longline’ sports bras are never longline, and the straps are hardly ever adjustable to make them so. That said, there are a few brands – Gymshark, Adanola, TALA and Lovall – which do have a few tall leggings on offer. And they're genuinely good, too; I wear them on rotation. I just need them to add a few more styles to the roster.
Size range: Gymshark; XXS-XXL. Adanola; XXS-XXXL. TALA; XXS-XXXXL. Lovall; UK 6-28 and up to a 36-inch leg.
Save when you shop for the best tall clothing brands with these Gymshark discount codes at checkout.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
