Fashion Know-How For Tall Men

Being tall is a much desired trait for the male half of the species, and if you have been blessed vertically, you are probably the envy of many a shorter man. But, like all things in life, with the sweet comes the sour, and being on the taller side can present many challenges on the fashion front.  The average store will be stocked to cater towards the ‘average-sized’ man, and finding attractive digs in your size can be a frustrating experience.

Like any other body type, there are certain looks that are more attractive than others; certain styles, cuts and the like can be more flattering to your frame than others. So, if you are a tall man wanting to step up your fashion game, here are a few tips to achieve the look you desire.

Flattering Styles

Your ‘tallness’ actually doesn’t place as many restrictions on you as other body types, but, with that being said, certain looks are definitely more flattering, and sticking to them will minimize any awkward looks. Here are just a few pieces that work particularly well for the tall set, and you should be on the lookout for when shopping.

Double breasted jackets work well because of your long torso—it is particularly good for the tall and skinny as they can add a bit of bulk.

Vests and waistcosts are also good choices, and besides being flattering, it will give your outfit a unique look.

Textured weaves are another good choice for tall men, such as herringbone, because it can break up your height a bit. Unlike bolder patterns, it won’t look too overwhelming and stand out too much. Textured weaves can also spruce up items that may look rather plain and dull otherwise, such as a pair of grey pants.

While many other body types look better with suspenders than a belt, the taller man can benefit from a nice one as a way to break up your height. When it comes to more casual wear, don’t be afraid to experiment a bit here with some interesting buckles, textures and the like.

Patterned shoes work well for tall men. Not only do they add a little something to your wardrobe, it can keep the eye fixed on the lower half of your body, keeping the eye from traveling up the whole length of your body. If you are concerned your feet look a bit big, patterned shoes can make them appear smaller.

What to Avoid

When it comes to dressing well for your body type, what to avoid is just as important as what to wear.

Be careful with strong vertical stripes. You don’t have to avoid them completely,  but don’t be too bold with this look. One of the best ways to temper the effect is mixing them with other patterns.

Steer clear of solid monochrome suits –on really tall men, this just looks like a giant expanse of fabric, and it not flattering at all. Textures and patterns are good here.

While you may want to keep comfortable in the heat with shorts and t-shirts, you will be calling extra attention to your long limbs, and this can make you look gangly and awkward.  Stick with slacks made from lightweight fabric, and shirts that can be rolled up a bit if you want to cool off.

Tailoring

For optimal fit, you may have to tailor a lot of your pieces—buying something ready to wear right off the rack will probably not happen too often.

You should consider getting shirts taken in on the sides to get rid of the extra cloth that can bunch up when tucked in. Getting your trousers hemmed is almost always a must to create a bit of a break and give some texture to your lower body. When it comes to jackets, focus on getting a good fit in the shoulders and chest—getting it taken in at the waist is very easy.

Follow these simple tips to be tall and fashionable.