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Tall? These Are the Only Shirts That Actually Fit (Backed by Data)

Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar

Date: 2025

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Stop Settling for Shirts That Don’t Fit Just Because You’re Tall

You shouldn’t have to size up, shop in the men’s section, or compromise on style just to find a shirt that covers your wrists. If you’re tall—5’9”+ for women or 6’1”+ for men—you already know most shirts are built for someone else’s frame. Sleeves fall short. Tails untuck. Shoulders pull. And the "perfect fit" never seems to exist—until now.

At Tellar.co.uk, we’ve analysed thousands of garments to understand exactly why tall shoppers struggle—and which shirts actually fit. This is your go-to guide for shirt styles that suit longer limbs and torsos, complete with real measurement ranges, technical tips, and brand recommendations split by designer and high street.

📌 Want more tall-specific insights? Start here:


Why Standard Shirts Don’t Fit Tall Frames

Most ready-to-wear shirts are graded from a base size (typically UK Medium), with only minor tweaks to sleeve or torso length as sizes go up. That’s a problem if you're tall.

Shirt Component

Average Fit

Ideal for Tall Frames

Sleeve Length

63–65cm

67–71cm

Shirt Back Length

72–76cm

78–84cm

Shoulder Width

42–45cm

46–51cm

Armhole Depth

20–22cm

23–25cm

Dart Placement

Mid-torso

Lowered for proportion

Tall people often end up buying a larger size for sleeve length—only to get overwhelmed with excess volume elsewhere. This misalignment leads to discomfort, bunching, and poor posture.


The Best Shirt Styles for Tall Frames

You don’t need to change your body—you just need shirts designed to fit it. Here are the best-performing shirt types for tall individuals, based on structure, fabric weight, and pattern grading.


1. Longline Oxford Shirts

Perfect for casual or smart-casual wear, the Oxford is a wardrobe staple—if it's long enough.

Look for:

  • Box pleats or back darts for movement

  • Split yoke for shoulder flexibility

  • Sturdy Oxford cloth (180–200gsm)

Ideal fit:

Back length 78cm+, sleeve length 67cm+, shoulder width 46cm+


2. Poplin and Broadcloth Dress Shirts

For work or formalwear, poplin shirts provide a crisp, clean look. But most high street versions don’t account for longer limbs.

What to prioritise:

  • Taller collar bands (3.8–4.2cm)

  • Two-button cuffs for custom wrist fit

  • Long tails to prevent untucking

Ideal fit:

Back length 80cm+, sleeve length 69cm+, collar height 4cm


3. Overshirts & Shackets

Overshirts give you room to move—and are easier to get right for tall frames when cut with a straight hem and extended shoulder.

Fit tip: Choose unlined versions in heavy twill or brushed cotton for warmth without bulk.

Ideal fit:

Shoulder width 47–50cm, shirt length 78–82cm, sleeve length 68cm+


4. Camp Collar & Cuban Shirts

Ideal for warm-weather dressing, but only when done with proper body length and drop-shoulder design.

Look for:

  • Ventilated hems

  • Longer chest-to-hem ratios (minimum 2:3)

  • Pocket placement >18cm below collar


✳️ Designer Shirt Brands for Tall Frames

These premium brands offer superior pattern engineering and material quality—many with natural tall-friendly cuts or made-to-measure options.

Brand

Category

Strength

Eton Shirts

Formalwear

Long back lengths, premium poplin

Suitsupply

Office/Formal

Made-to-measure with sleeve options

Asket

Minimalist Basics

Measured down to the cm

Spoke London

Custom Fit

Torso and sleeve can be adjusted separately

ISTO (Portugal)

Everyday Shirts

Long torso cuts with sustainable fabrics

Sandro Paris

Luxury-Casual

Great sleeve length and soft collars

Drake’s

British Heritage

Generous fits in long proportions

Theory (US)

Workwear

High-end cotton, great shoulder grading

🔗 Want to compare sizing before buying? Use Tellar Store Lookup


🛍️ High Street Shirt Brands That Suit Tall Bodies

Affordable, stylish, and increasingly tall-friendly, these high street brands consistently deliver longline or extended-size shirts with good structure.

Brand

Category

What Works Well

Charles Tyrwhitt

Formal

Extra-long sleeves + back length

Banana Republic Tall

Smart & casual

Available for men & women

J.Crew Tall

Workwear & weekend

Excellent sleeve-to-torso ratio

Mango Tall

Women’s fashion

Sleeves & torso extended by 4–6cm

M&S Autograph Long Fit

Classic

Reliable formal shirt options

Uniqlo U

Everyday

Slightly longer cuts, great sleeve finish

Wax London

Shackets & casual

Longer silhouettes across collection

Percival London

Trendy & smart

Relaxed tailoring with longer hems

Carhartt WIP

Utility casual

Naturally oversized fits for layering

COS

Minimalist

Slightly oversized patterns work for tall bodies

📌 Need layering advice? Check out The Best Jackets for Tall Body Shapes


What Tall Shoppers Should Avoid

Feature

Why to Avoid

Cropped lengths (<75cm)

Shirt will untuck or look boxy

Narrow shoulder seams

Causes pulling and drag lines

Standard armholes

Restrict movement on longer arms

High-placed darts

Unnatural waist shaping

Short sleeve shirts with low hems

Looks disproportionate and rides up

🧵 Tip: Look for pattern specs online before buying—or just use Tellar’s free profile matcher to do it for you.


Key Measurements You Should Know

Metric

Ideal Range (Tall Fit)

Purpose

Shoulder Width

46–51cm

Seam alignment and posture

Sleeve Length

67–71cm

Proper cuff positioning

Back Length

78–84cm

Tuck-in security

Chest Width (flat)

54–60cm

Allows natural movement

Armhole Depth

23–25cm

Better mobility for longer arms

📎 Don’t have a tape measure? Download our Printable Measuring Guide


Why Tellar.co.uk Is Your Shirt-Fit Solution

Shirt sizing shouldn’t be a guessing game. Tellar.co.uk removes the uncertainty by mapping your real measurements against over 1,500 brands. With accurate predictions for sleeve length, body length, and shoulder width, you’ll only see shirts that actually fit you.

With Tellar, you can:

  • Check real sleeve, shoulder, and back measurements

  • Match your size across both high street and designer brands

  • Avoid returns and guesswork

  • Convert between UK, EU, and US sizes

  • Save your profile for future purchases

🎯 Create your free profile here:

👉 https://www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/


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

Join thousands of tall shoppers getting smarter about fit:


Final Word: Start Demanding Fit That Works for You

If you're tall, you’ve been underserved by traditional sizing for too long. But with better data, smarter styling, and the right tools—like Tellar.co.uk—you can take control of how shirts fit, feel, and function.

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

👉 Start here


Tall? These Are the Only Shirts That Actually Fit (Backed by Data)