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

Introduction: Why Tall Bodies Struggle with Shirt Fit

If you’re tall, finding shirts that actually fit can feel like a battle. Standard shirt sizes are rarely designed with longer limbs or extended torsos in mind. Sleeves ride up. Tails untuck. Buttons gape in the wrong places. And even when the chest fits, the cut often falls short—literally.

The good news? Understanding the structural needs of a tall frame, combined with data-driven tools like Tellar.co.uk, can eliminate sizing frustration. This guide breaks down the best shirt styles for tall body shapes, including:

Optimal design features for tall proportions
Technical fit elements to prioritise
What to avoid
The best tall-friendly shirt brands
And how Tellar.co.uk can match your unique body measurements to the right size across 1,500+ brands

How a Tall Frame Affects Shirt Fit

If you’re over 5’9” (175cm) for women or 6’1” (185cm) for men, chances are you’ve experienced one or more of the following shirt issues:

Common Problem	Why It Happens
Short sleeves	Standard sleeve = ~63–65cm; tall frames need 67–70cm
Untucking tails	Short shirt length can’t accommodate long torsos
Tight shoulders	Narrow-cut shirts don’t span wide frames or wingspans
High waist darts	Tailoring designed for shorter bodies lands incorrectly

These problems aren't about personal proportions—they're about poor pattern grading in mainstream sizing. That’s where smart shirt shopping strategy comes in.

Best Shirt Styles for Tall Body Shapes

Not all shirts are created equal. Here are the best shirt styles for tall builds, based on structure, pattern design, and adaptability.

1. Oxford Button-Downs (Longline Cut)

Why they work:Classic and versatile, the Oxford shirt is a staple—but it must be long enough in both body and sleeve to maintain proportion. Longline versions accommodate extra torso length and still tuck in cleanly.

Fit tip:Look for designs with pleated or darted backs and a centre box pleat—these allow shoulder expansion and ease of movement for broad frames.

Top brands:

Banana Republic Tall
Charles Tyrwhitt (Extra-Long Sleeve Range)
Uniqlo (Long torso cuts)

📍Match your ideal Oxford length using Tellar’s Store Size Lookup Tool.

2. Poplin Dress Shirts

Why they work:Poplin shirts are typically lightweight and structured—making them ideal for formal occasions. They hold their shape well, especially when tailored to taller proportions.

Design detail to prioritise:

Forward-set shoulder seams to balance upper-body length
Two-button cuffs for sleeve flexibility
Taller collar bands to suit elongated necklines

Avoid:Slim-fit dress shirts in standard sizing—they often compress tall frames and create tension across the chest.

Best brands:

TM Lewin (Fitted Tall Range)
Hawes & Curtis (Extra-long arm cuts)
Reiss (generous cut, strong in quality)

🔗 Find your best dress shirt size now via Tellar.co.uk.

3. Overshirts and Shackets

Why they work:Shackets and overshirts offer a slightly boxier fit—perfect for layering on longer torsos. Many are intentionally oversized, making them more forgiving for tall bodies when standard shirts fall short.

Fabric tip:Choose dense twill, brushed flannel, or denim to maintain structure and prevent gaping at longer limbs.

Top brands:

Arket
Percival London
Carhartt WIP (Unisex and runs long)

📍Check fit compatibility instantly using Tellar’s measurement-matching tool.

4. Grandad Collar and Cuban Collar Shirts

Why they work:These styles shift visual focus upward and elongate the neck area, balancing tall frames. Loose, straight cuts and dropped shoulders give tall shoppers more vertical ease.

Styling tip:Wear untucked for a clean silhouette, and pair with high-rise trousers for balance.

Avoid:Cuban shirts with short cuts—they often land too high on tall torsos.

Brands to try:

COS (natural shoulder fit)
AllSaints
Percival (excellent relaxed tailoring)

🔗 Want to avoid short shirt lengths? Use Tellar.co.uk’s Store Lookup before buying.

What to Avoid When Buying Shirts as a Tall Shopper

Problem Style	Why to Avoid It
Cropped shirts	Shortens torso, looks shrunken
Slim-fit standard cuts	Restricts shoulders, compresses chest
Shirts with shallow hems	Come untucked or ride up with movement
Overly elastic stretch fabrics	Tend to roll or warp at longer limb lengths
Short-sleeve shirts without tall grading	Sleeves sit too high on the arm, breaking balance

Reminder: “Slim-fit” and “Tall” are not mutually exclusive—but most off-the-rack slim fits fail to account for extra vertical proportions. Use Tellar’s real measurements to find your exact fit, not just a size label.

Key Technical Fit Considerations for Tall Bodies

✔️ Sleeve Length

Measure from shoulder seam to wrist: aim for 67–70cm for proper wrist coverage.

✔️ Back Length

A shirt that fits a tall torso should hit mid to lower hip or be long enough to stay tucked comfortably. Look for body lengths 76cm and up.

✔️ Shoulder Span

Tall frames often have broad shoulders. Use your acromion-to-acromion width to determine shoulder seam placement. Misaligned seams = creasing or pulling.

✔️ Collar Band Height

Tall individuals often have longer necks. A slightly taller collar stand adds balance and structure, especially in formal wear.

✔️ Dart Placement

Waist darts or chest pleats should land naturally—not too high. This is one of the most common grading mistakes in shirts for tall bodies.

The Best Shirt Brands for Tall Men & Women

Brand	Category	Why It Works for Tall Frames
Banana Republic Tall	Workwear, everyday	4–5cm added in torso and sleeve length
Charles Tyrwhitt	Formal shirts	Extra-long sleeve options (up to 69cm)
Mango Tall	Women’s casual & dress	Tailored cuts for 5’10”+
TM Lewin	Officewear	Fitted tall sizing with collar options
Arket / COS	Minimalist fashion	Regular range often suits tall frames
Long Tall Sally	Dedicated tall sizing	Excellent length and vertical balance

📍Discover your best match across these brands using Tellar’s Store Size Lookup

How Tellar.co.uk Solves the Tall Shirt Fit Dilemma

Shirts are one of the most returned clothing items due to poor fit—especially for tall individuals. At Tellar.co.uk, we’ve built the UK’s most accurate measurement-to-brand engine to solve that.

With Tellar, you can:

Enter your actual measurements
Get matched instantly to your correct size across 1,500+ brands
Compare fits between slim, classic, and tall ranges
Access UK, EU, and US sizing equivalencies
Save your profile for future purchases

✅ Create your free Tellar profile

✅ Get your perfect shirt size across multiple brands

✅ No guesswork. No tape measure? We’ll help you estimate.

Follow Tellar.co.uk for More Tall-Fit Advice

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Final Thoughts: Shirts Should Fit—Tall Bodies Deserve Better

The right shirt doesn’t just fit—it flows with your natural proportions. Tall individuals shouldn’t have to size up, sacrifice style, or settle for poor fit. Whether it’s a formal button-up or an everyday overshirt, the key lies in proportion, grading, and understanding your frame.

📌 With Tellar.co.uk, you’ll never buy the wrong shirt size again.

🟢 Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s Free & Easy.

🔗 Start now