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Coats: What Type Should I Buy for a Tall Body Shape?

Introduction: Why Coat Fit Matters More When You’re Tall

Finding a well-fitting coat as a tall individual often feels like a fashion compromise—should you settle for short sleeves or an awkward hemline? Most standard coats are designed for average heights and proportions, meaning tall shoppers frequently encounter issues with length, volume, and overall fit. But the right coat can do more than keep you warm—it can bring balance, proportion, and polish to your entire outfit.

At Tellar.co.uk, we specialise in helping you find coats that actually fit. Our real-time sizing tool matches your exact measurements to over 1,500 brands—taking the guesswork out of online shopping. This guide dives deep into the best coat styles for tall bodies, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how Tellar.co.uk can streamline the process.

The Anatomy of a Tall Frame (And Why Most Coats Miss the Mark)

Tall body types—typically 5’9” and above for women, and 6’1”+ for men—often have one or more of the following proportions:

  • Extended leg length

  • Longer torsos

  • Wider wingspans (arm length and shoulder breadth)

  • High or low rises depending on bone structure

Standard coats, usually designed for height ranges between 160–172cm, often result in:

Fit Issue Why It Happens
Short sleeves Average coat sleeves = ~60–62cm; tall bodies may need 65–68cm
Cropped hems Mid-thigh coats become mid-hip coats on tall frames
Poor shoulder fit Misaligned seams cause drag lines and tension
Displaced waist ties Belt sits too high and distorts the silhouette

That’s where tailored styling and technical fabric knowledge become essential.

Best Coat Styles for Tall Body Shapes

Below are the most structurally sound and visually flattering coat options for tall individuals, based on both cut and material responsiveness.

1. Belted Wrap Coats

Why they work:
The adjustable nature of a wrap coat allows tall bodies to create definition where it fits naturally. The longer hemline adds proportion, and the open structure provides layering flexibility.

Technical detail:
Choose designs with an understated lapel and deep armholes, which suit taller frames without overwhelming them.

Recommended fabrics:

  • Wool/cashmere blends

  • Boiled wool for warmth with movement

  • Brushed alpaca for softness without bulk

Top brands:

  • Reiss (structured tailoring, longer silhouettes)

  • Mango (Tall Collection)

  • The Fold (for more premium wrap coats)

🔗 Check your size across brands instantly at Tellar.co.uk

2. Double-Breasted Long Wool Coats

Why they work:
Double-breasted coats offer a polished structure that complements tall proportions. The visual weight of a wider lapel balances out long torsos or limbs.

Fit tip:
Ensure the coat sits mid-thigh to knee. Anything shorter risks looking cropped; anything longer needs clean tailoring to avoid overwhelming your shape.

Avoid:
Double-breasted cuts with narrow lapels or short belts—they distort vertical balance.

Top brands:

  • Arket (Scandinavian minimalist tailoring)

  • COS (sleek, gender-neutral coats)

  • Zara Premium (for affordable wool options)

📍Use Tellar’s Store Size Lookup to avoid short sleeves and narrow shoulders.

3. Duster Coats

Why they work:
Duster coats elongate naturally tall frames, offering fluidity and movement without disrupting body proportions. Their straight cut enhances vertical alignment and works well across seasons.

Material matters:
Choose Tencel, brushed wool, or crepe-backed satin for fluid movement and light structure.

Brands that get it right:

  • Whistles

  • Massimo Dutti

  • Everlane (increasingly tall-friendly US sizing)

📍**Use Tellar to find your duster coat fit in seconds**

4. Trench Coats (Longline Cut)

Why they work:
Iconic and endlessly wearable, trench coats suit tall builds particularly well when cut with added length and proportionally placed waist ties.

Design details to look for:

  • Storm flaps aligned to shoulder width

  • High back vents

  • Slightly oversized collars to create balance

Avoid:
Cropped trench cuts or flared hems—these break the vertical line and often ride up the torso.

Top picks:

  • & Other Stories (Long trench range)

  • Sezane

  • Banana Republic Tall

🔗 Find the right sleeve and belt placement instantly using Tellar.co.uk

5. Puffer Coats with Vertical Quilting

Why they work:
Most puffers are bulky and awkward on tall frames—unless you opt for vertical quilting, which maintains a streamlined effect. Longline puffers with 3/4 length and proper shoulder-to-sleeve alignment are ideal.

Recommended features:

  • Two-way zippers

  • Adjustable cuffs

  • Insulation without excessive puff volume

Avoid:
Cropped puffers, horizontal quilting at the waist, or elastic hems that rise awkwardly.

Tall-friendly brands:

  • UNIQLO

  • Arket Down

  • Hush (XL and tall-fit coats available)

📍Check compatibility before purchasing: www.tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup

What to Avoid When Buying Coats for Tall Body Shapes

Style Element Why to Avoid It
Cropped hems Disrupt silhouette, shorten torso visually
Short shoulder seams Pulls fabric, distorts lapel shape
Thin fabrics Lose structure on tall frames
Over-fitting waist belts Sit too high, reducing impact
Faux tall labels Brands that claim ‘tall fit’ but don’t extend sleeve/hem measurements meaningfully

Always cross-reference with real measurement data. Use Tellar.co.uk’s brand-specific fit checker to confirm garment proportions match your body.

Technical Fit Considerations for Tall Bodies

1. Sleeve Length
Standard coat sleeves = 60–62cm. Tall bodies typically require 65–68cm. Always measure from shoulder seam to wrist bone.

2. Coat Length
For tall individuals, mid-thigh to just-below-knee is ideal. Anything shorter looks cropped; anything longer needs clean tailoring.

3. Shoulder Span
Measure from shoulder tip to tip (acromion to acromion). Misaligned seams cause bunching and discomfort.

4. Armhole Height
Low armholes improve comfort but can look sloppy. Choose coats with a moderate armhole height and structured underarm panels for mobility and fit.

Best Brands That Truly Cater to Tall Frames

Brand What They Offer Why It Works
Mango Tall Wrap coats, puffers, trenches Longer torso/sleeve construction
Banana Republic Tall Full tall range for men & women Excellent structure & consistency
Long Tall Sally Dedicated tall range Accurate proportions above 6’0”
Reiss Premium coats Often naturally long in cut
COS / Arket Minimalist longline tailoring Regular range suits tall frames well

🔍 Discover how these brands fit you via Tellar’s real-time matching tool

Why Tellar.co.uk Is Essential for Tall Coat Shoppers

Coats are expensive—and getting the wrong size is both costly and inconvenient. Tellar.co.uk removes the guesswork by:

  • Matching your body measurements to brand-specific coat dimensions

  • Identifying sleeve, hem and shoulder fit instantly

  • Avoiding returns by predicting your ideal size first time

  • Supporting over 1,500 fashion brands, including luxury, high street, and tall-specific retailers

📌 Create your free Tellar profile
📌 Get matched to your ideal coat size now

It’s free, instant, and tailored to your height.

Follow Tellar.co.uk for Tall Styling Help

Want more coat fit advice, layering tips, and tall-friendly edits?

Final Thoughts: Buy Smarter, Not Shorter

Tall bodies require strategic coat selection—one that enhances, rather than shortens, your silhouette. Avoid cropped designs, prioritise structure and proportion, and always verify real garment measurements before buying.

With Tellar.co.uk, you can do exactly that.

💡 Find your coat size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s Free & Easy.
🔗 Start here