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What's the difference between regular and long length clothing in the UK and USA

Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025

The difference between regular and long length clothing in the UK and USA generally refers to inseam, torso length, or sleeve length, depending on the garment type (e.g. trousers, tops, dresses, blazers). Here's how it breaks down:


🧵 Trousers & Jeans: Inseam Length

Fit Type

UK Inseam (Approx)

US Inseam (Approx)

Petite

27"–29"

26"–28"

Regular

30"–31"

30"–32"

Long/Tall

32"–34" (UK)

34"–36" (US Tall)

  • UK Regular: Suited to women around 5'4"–5'6" (162–168 cm)

  • UK Long: Designed for women 5'7" and up (170 cm+)

  • US Tall: Typically refers to inseams over 34 inches

Examples:

  • M&S, Next, and Boden in the UK typically offer Short / Regular / Long in trousers

  • In the US, brands like Gap, Old Navy, and Levi’s use Petite / Regular / Tall


👚 Tops, Blazers, & Dresses: Torso or Sleeve Length

  • Regular: Cut for average proportions; fits torsos of average length

  • Long/Tall: Extended body and sleeve length by about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm)

Key Differences:

Area

Regular Fit

Long/Tall Fit

Sleeve Length

Standard (~23–24")

+1–2" longer

Bodice/Torso

Hits at waist or hip

Drops lower to suit longer torso

Shoulder Width

Standard

Slightly broader

  • In the UK, “Tall” is usually designed for those 5'8" and above

  • In the USA, Tall fits cater to women over 5'9" with proportional limb length


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Summary:

  • Regular length = designed for average height and proportions (UK: ~5'4"–5'6", US: ~5'4"–5'7")

  • Long/Tall length = longer inseam and torso, ideal for those 5'8"+ (UK/US), with longer limbs or longer vertical proportion

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