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

Navigating fashion as a tall person can be frustrating—especially when it comes to jackets. Sleeves that fall too short, hemlines that ride up, and silhouettes that throw off your proportions can make jacket shopping feel like an endless guessing game. But when you know what works for your height and body structure, jackets can quickly become your most flattering and versatile wardrobe piece.

At Tellar.co.uk, we specialise in decoding fit. Whether you're shopping online or in-store, our free size recommendation tool matches your measurements to over 1,500 brands—so you can say goodbye to returns and hello to perfect fit. If you’re tall and wondering what jacket styles work best for your shape, read on for expert advice, styling ideas, and some insider fit tips from our team.

Understanding Your Tall Frame

Let’s start with what makes a body “tall” in fashion terms. Generally, if you’re 5’9” or above (175cm+ for women; 6’1” or above for men), you’ll fall into the “tall” category. But it’s not just about height—it’s also about proportions. Tall individuals often have longer limbs and torsos, which can cause problems with standard-length jackets, sleeves, and zippers.

If you've struggled with:

Sleeves that stop at your wrist bone
Jackets that feel cropped or hit too high on the hip
Shoulder seams that don't align properly

You’re not alone—and this post is for you.

Best Jacket Styles for Tall Body Shapes

Let’s break down the styles that balance your proportions and make the most of your height.

1. Trench Coats

Longline trench coats are a tall person’s best friend. The extended length plays beautifully with your proportions and can add elegance to both smart and casual outfits. Look for:

Single- or double-breasted options
Waist-cinching belts to create structure
Fabrics like cotton twill or gabardine for a clean drape

🟢 Try brands like & Other Stories, COS, and Massimo Dutti, which offer longer-length trenches in timeless shades.

2. Tailored Blazers

A well-fitting blazer can elevate everything from jeans to workwear. For tall frames, the key is:

Longline blazers that extend past the hip
Shoulder seams that sit properly
Longer sleeve lengths or tall-specific cuts

Avoid cropped blazers unless you’re going for a bold proportion-play look. Want help finding your exact blazer size across brands? Use Tellar.co.uk to find your size in seconds.

3. Oversized Denim Jackets

Oversized denim can look particularly striking on taller frames. You carry the volume well, and it creates a casual, balanced silhouette. Prioritise:

Jackets that hit at mid-thigh or below
Drop-shoulder designs for relaxed fit
Slightly distressed or vintage washes for depth

Check out oversized cuts at Levi’s, Weekday, or Arket. And remember, oversized doesn’t mean baggy—Tellar.co.uk can help you find that sweet spot for length and sleeve fit.

4. Wool Coats

Tall individuals can pull off dramatic, ankle-length wool coats better than most. Think:

Belted wrap coats
Structured lapels
Clean, minimal tailoring

For colder months, long wool coats are flattering and practical. Avoid bulky or boxy cuts—opt for longline fits that streamline the figure. Reiss, Mango, and Club Monaco often have tall-friendly options.

Jacket Styles to Approach With Caution

While fashion rules are made to be broken, some styles can be more challenging for tall body types:

Cropped puffers – These can make your torso look disproportionately long.
Shackets – The shirt-jacket hybrid can ride too high unless bought in tall sizes.
Peplum jackets – They often sit too high on a tall waist, losing their intended shape.

The solution? Use Tellar.co.uk’s size finder to check the brand’s measurements before buying—or browse brands we already know run longer in the body and sleeve.

Materials That Work Best

Tall frames benefit from materials that drape well and hold structure without adding bulk. Consider:

Wool and cashmere blends for tailored coats
Tencel and lyocell for light trench styles
High-quality denim with minimal stretch for longer-lasting shape
Structured cotton for oversized workwear jackets

Need help comparing fabric options across brands? Our Tellar blog has in-depth guides that explain fabric pros and cons.

Fit Tips for Tall Individuals

1. Prioritise Shoulder Fit

Shoulders are the hardest to tailor. If they don’t sit correctly, the whole jacket will feel off. Always check shoulder-to-shoulder measurements on Tellar.co.uk.

2. Check the Sleeve Length

You’ll want sleeves that end right at the wrist bone or slightly below. Tellar.co.uk stores data for over 1,500 brands, making it easy to find jackets with longer arm lengths.

3. Go for Vertical Details

Long seams, vertical zips, and structured panels work in your favour. These design elements elongate without overwhelming your frame.

4. Avoid Over-Tailoring

It’s tempting to have everything taken in, but too-tight tailoring can look awkward on tall frames. Embrace your proportions with clean, natural lines.

What About Unisex and Men's Jackets?

Many tall women find better length and structure in men's jackets or unisex styles—particularly with denim, bombers, or oversized trench coats. Don’t be afraid to cross the aisle if it gives you the fit you want. Tellar.co.uk can help you convert men’s sizes to women’s (and vice versa) with ease.

Tellar.co.uk: Your Tall Fit Wingwoman

Struggling with returns? Buying two sizes “just in case”? Let Tellar.co.uk fix that.

✔️ Free to use

✔️ Matches your exact body measurements to thousands of brand size charts

✔️ Works in real-time across over 1,500 fashion labels

✔️ Tall-friendly recommendations built on real garment data—not guesswork

Create your free profile now: /create-profile/

And don’t forget—Tellar.co.uk also works for trousers, dresses, tops, and more. Whether you’re tall, petite, curvy or in-between, we’ll help you find what fits without the frustration.

Follow Tellar.co.uk for More Tall Fashion Help

We're here for tall bodies and fashion that fits. Follow us for daily fit tips, style guides, and updates:

Instagram – @Tellarsizing
Pinterest – TellarSizing
Twitter (X) – @TellarSizing
Facebook – TellarSizing

Final Thoughts: Own Your Height, Own Your Fit

Being tall is a gift—and the right jacket can enhance your natural proportions, add sophistication, and boost your confidence. From power blazers to sweeping coats, you’ve got the height to wear every style with impact. The key is choosing the right cut, length, and structure.

Ready to take control of your size game? Visit Tellar.co.uk and get your personal jacket size match today.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Start here