Statuesque: Where to shop when you're super-tall

Plus-size and petite clothing is fairly easy to find these days -- particularly "basics." But there's a third body type that's also difficult to shop for -- and is under-represented in the marketplace: extra-tall, thin women.

It may sound silly. After all, models are string beans, and everyone talks about how clothes are made exclusively for them. But really, once clothes go into production, hem-lengths are often shortened, and proportions rejiggered for average-limbed ladies -- especially in the mass market tiers.

I remember a 6'1" friend in college who always looked like she was waiting for a flood, her pant legs were so short. When she complained about ill-fitting clothes, we all rolled our eyes at what seemed like a narcissistic complaint: Woe is me, I'm too tall and thin. 

But years later, I understand how frustrating it can be not to be able to find stylish duds that fit -- ones that are also affordable. So after a little digging around, we unearthed a few online-based resources that might make getting dressed a little easier for our statuesque sisters.

* Long Tall Sally

Online British retailer Long Tall Sally has been making clothes for women 5'8" and taller since 1976. Though not terribly fashion-forward, this is a good shop for workwear and to scout for that beachy dress you can wear to parties all summer long. Sizes range from 4 to 18 and prices start at about $22 for a simple white camisole (with an extra-long torso!), topping out at about $299 for a turquoise leather biker jacket.

* Old Navy

Old Navy's "tall" department features cheapie basics -- and some cute fashion-y looks -- for women 5'10" and over, in sizes 0 to 20. The retailer offers its entire array of women's jeans in tall sizes, along with many of its dresses and dress pants (prices for both hover at about $30). Fetching new looks include classic denim and cargo jackets and flirty ruffled spring dresses.  

* Column Clothing

Online retailer Column Clothing is a winning resource for teens and 20-somethings, offering an array of cool jeans, tees and tops perfect for that 9 a.m. sociology lecture or after-work taco-truck run. The site isn't very pretty, and runs a little slow, so be prepared to flip through the selections at a snail's pace. But sky-scraping teens will be thrilled to find jeans that cover their stilettos. Sizes are usually 2 to 12, with prices ranging from $9.99 for a simple v-neck tee to $49.99 for Agave or Deener brand jeans with a 34-inch inseam.

* Banana Republic

Like Old Navy, which is also owned by parent company Gap, Banana Republic has an online-only selection of looks tailored for tall women -- including dresses, separates, jeans and even shoes that run up to a size 11 (sizes for apparel run from 2 to 16). Prices range from $39.50 for a shirred tank top to $198 for a classic trench coat. Expect the same sporty styles you'd find at regular BR stores, just re-proportioned for longer bodies.

--Emili Vesilind

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Photos, from top: Long Tall Sally's "Galle" linen shift dress, $85; Banana Republic's tall cascading ruffle dress, on sale for $29.99.

Comments

[Amazon Woman]

Thank you for these links. I'm a 6' 1" female and have had a hard time finding pants long enough. Also shirts with sleeves that are long enough too. Another place that has pants, for women, that come in longer lengths is SierraTradingPost.com.

[Above average]

I am a 6'0" woman and I buy most of my clothes online from Eddie Bauer who has 35 1/2 in. pant inseams and from JCrew who also has 36 in. inseams. Both of these retailers sell womens shoes up to size 12. Thanks for the additional websites.

[Above average]

JC Penney, Victoria's Secret and Gap also sell tall sizes online up to 36 in. inseams. JCrew sells long torso swimsuits online.

[Rich Seymour]

What about for dudes? It seems like most Big & Tall places require both... not big and/or tall.

Just sayin' ... I'm not super tall, but even old navy tall shirts don't have long enough sleeves.

[minxy]

I'm 6'0" and finding pants that are long enough and stylish has always been a pain. Recently I've been in love with alloy.com and even delias.com. They're great for jeans and casual pants (all around $30) and carry tons of pants with 37" inseams.

[etinca]

Also, Long Elegant Legs - pants with 36" (& a few longer!) inseams, nice long tops with sleeves that are longer, knee-length skirts, current fashion styling. Lands End also for basic slacks & jeans, hemmed to your specs to 34" or longer depending on the style. Soft Surroundings has full-length skirts in tall sizes.

[jen]

yeah, well try finding clothes for tall people, who are also plus sized.

The tall market pretty much assumes you're average sized or thin.
The plus sized market assumes you're average sized or short.

[Vanessa]

I'm 5'10" and with broad shoulders and a long torso...most jackets, blazers, t-shirts become nearly three-quarter length and often threaten to bare my middle. Happy to see this article!

[Cinnamon Carter]

Well, the tip about Old Navy or any of the parent companies only work if your legs are below average... My long legs have outgrown the "tall" section a while ago. I'm only 5"9" and a size 4, but all legs... I can't buy online as I have to try everything on before I buy. Being a tall teenager, I am not looking for LL Bean or Land's End fashion! I would like to find reasonably priced cool jeans, still looking And no, Mom, I will not wear cargo capris!!!!!