The best guide for tall men’s suits online

1. Challenges for Tall Men in Suit Shopping:

Tall men often face a unique set of challenges when it comes to buying suits. While shopping, it can feel like many off-the-rack suits are either too short in the sleeves or legs, or simply not designed to accommodate a taller frame. This can result in the unfortunate combination of ill-fitting shoulders, a tight chest, and trousers that either bunch up at the ankle or hang too low. For taller individuals, the struggle to find suits that flatter their frame while providing a proportionate, elegant look can be overwhelming. The key lies in understanding how to break up the vertical lines of the body, choosing the right cuts, fabrics, and fits that ensure the suit complements the wearer’s height.

2. Goal of the Guide:

This guide aims to provide tall men with practical advice on how to buy a suit that doesn’t simply fit, but actually flatters their frame. The goal is to de-emphasize height, create a more balanced appearance, and provide the wearer with a sophisticated, proportionate look. With the right combination of colors, textures, fits, and accessories, tall men can achieve a timeless, refined style.

3. How To Choose Suits for Tall Men

Aim for Combinations:

One of the most effective ways for tall men to look more balanced is to break up their frame visually. The best way to achieve this is by choosing a suit where the blazer and trousers are in different materials and colors. This creates a contrast that separates the top and bottom halves of the body, thereby drawing attention to the individual pieces rather than the overall height. For example, pairing a darker blazer with lighter trousers can create a visual divide that softens the overall appearance. Opting for a wool-and-silk sport jacket paired with grey flannel wool trousers, as mentioned in the guide, can offer an elegant, yet practical combination.

Layer-Up:

Layering is another fantastic technique for tall men to reduce the emphasis on their height. Using layers like waistcoats or double-breasted jackets adds dimension to the upper body and breaks up the vertical line. Layers help create the illusion of a more balanced silhouette by adding structure without adding excessive bulk. For instance, a waistcoat or a double-breasted jacket can draw the eye horizontally, which distracts from excessive height and creates a more proportional look.

Buy Belts, Not Braces:

For tall, slim men, wearing braces (suspenders) can elongate the torso and make them appear even taller. Instead, belts are an ideal accessory. They work to break up the verticality of the body and provide a more grounded, balanced look. A belt also helps with proportions by visually defining the waist, especially when paired with trousers that sit at a higher rise. Additionally, using belts in colors that contrast subtly with your suit or trousers can add an extra touch of sophistication.

Get Bespoke:

When it comes to buying suits for tall men, ready-to-wear options often fall short in achieving a truly great fit. Off-the-rack suits are designed for the average body type, which is why investing in bespoke or custom-made suits is highly recommended. A bespoke suit is tailored to your exact measurements, addressing the most common issues taller men face with ready-made garments, such as too-short sleeves, narrow shoulders, or ill-fitting trousers. Bespoke tailoring allows you to customize everything from the fabric to the button stance, ensuring that the suit is flattering and comfortable.

Buy Longer Ties:

Ties are another area where tall men face a common problem: standard-sized ties tend to be too short. If you're tall, your tie may not reach the ideal position when you tie it, making it difficult to achieve a polished look. A simple solution is to purchase longer-length ties, which are available from many suit retailers. These ties allow you to make a proper knot and avoid the awkward appearance of a too-short tie, keeping the proportions of your look in check.

Go Bold with Shoes:

Shoes play a surprisingly significant role in balancing a tall man’s look. Shoes with bold colors, textures, or patterns can draw attention downward and help balance the body’s proportions. This is particularly effective if you choose shoes that contrast with the suit jacket or trousers, as the contrast will visually lower the eye and give the appearance of a more balanced overall height. Tall men who have large feet need not worry—bold shoes will naturally be in proportion with the rest of their body, enhancing their style rather than detracting from it.

4. The DON’Ts of Buying Suits for Tall Men

Wear Stripes:

While stripes may seem like a timeless style, they often exacerbate the issue of height for tall men. Vertical stripes, in particular, have the tendency to elongate the body further, emphasizing height. However, if you absolutely must wear stripes, opt for fine, narrow-spaced stripes rather than wide, bold ones. The thinner the stripes, the less they’ll contribute to an overly elongated silhouette.

Forget Those Buttons:

When selecting a suit jacket, opt for a two-button style rather than a three-button jacket. Three-button jackets tend to emphasize a tall frame by elongating the torso further. If you're set on a three-button jacket, avoid buttoning the top button, as this keeps the eye moving horizontally and reduces the emphasis on vertical lines. Keep the button stance in mind as well, ensuring that the jacket is positioned at a flattering point.

Just Throw on Any Old Summer Wear:

Tall men should be especially cautious with their summer attire. Wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts together can draw attention to your height by showing a lot of bare arm and leg. The trick is to balance your proportions—consider pairing a short-sleeve shirt with tailored trousers or avoiding shorts altogether for more formal settings. Keeping your silhouette more structured and covered will help reduce any unintentional emphasis on height.

Wear Low-Rise Pants:

Low-rise pants can make a tall man appear even taller by elongating the torso. Instead, choose mid- to high-rise pants. These provide a more balanced appearance by raising the waistline, creating a more proportional look. Additionally, pants that sit properly at the waist will help avoid excess fabric bunching at the ankles, further improving the fit.

Double-Up on Solids:

While solid-colored suits may seem like a safe and versatile choice, they can unintentionally emphasize height. Wearing an all-solid suit, without any texture or pattern, can draw the eye up and down vertically, exaggerating height. Instead, consider suits with patterns like herringbone or glen check, which add visual interest and horizontal lines that break up the tall silhouette.

Wide-Leg Tailored Jeans:

For casual wear, tall men may find that wide-leg jeans can be unflattering if they aren't tailored properly. To balance your physique, opt for tailored jeans where the knee measurement is slightly wider than the calf. This helps to create a proportional look that complements your frame without adding bulk or overwhelming your appearance.

Bespoke Safari Jackets & Custom-Tailored Trenchcoats:

Outerwear pieces like safari jackets and trench coats can be beneficial for tall men as they help break up the vertical lines of the body. Safari jackets, with their horizontal details like pockets and belts, draw attention across the body, balancing out the frame. Trenchcoats that fall just below the knee help mask long legs, while belts across the waist create a more defined, structured look. These pieces are especially useful in de-emphasizing height and creating a proportional appearance.

5. Conclusion

Additional Tailoring Tips:

In conclusion, the right suit can make all the difference for tall men looking to achieve a proportionate, balanced appearance. The key is to find the perfect fit, which can often be achieved through bespoke tailoring. When purchasing off-the-rack, ensure you pay attention to how each piece fits and consider alterations where necessary. Seeking expert advice from a professional tailor, especially during a fitting, will ensure that your suit flatters your height and enhances your overall look. With these tips in mind, tall men can confidently shop for a suit that looks sharp, sophisticated, and well-proportioned.

For those looking for high-quality, tailored options, GOOSUIT offers a great selection of modern and stylish suits, with a range of sizes and fits that can be customized to suit your frame. Whether you're looking for a more classic design or something trendy, GOOSUIT provides options that emphasize comfort, fit, and style, helping you find the perfect suit to enhance your confidence and personal style.