How To Dress Well As A Tall Man
6ft 5in Jacob Elordi has set the bar high for tall men recently. Buying and styling for an elongated frame isn’t as easy as he makes it look, so we shook down stylist Gary Salter for all the tips and tricks…
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How do you define good style for a tall man today, Gary?
Styling tall guys isn’t about hiding height. It’s about making it work for you. Good style comes down to balance and fit. Clean lines, smart layering and the right textures make a tall frame feel confident and sharp.
You’ve worked with Peter Crouch – any particular style challenges there?
With Peter, the obvious one was his height – he’s 6ft 7in. Once we agreed on the fit and look, it was about keeping everything balanced. He already has great personal style, so it was more about refining and elevating it than changing it.
Which brands are good friends to tall guys?
For designer stuff, Ralph Lauren Big and Tall and Hugo Boss Big and Tall are great because they give extra sleeve and body length without looking oversized. On the high street, M&S is solid for smart and casual pieces up to XXL. Jacamo is brilliant for taller sizes, stocking brands like Lacoste, Adidas and more, all the way up to 6XL.
Any particular product lines you consistently turn to?
Wrangler is great for denim. It has all the different washes and cuts, and goes up to 40-inch leg lengths. It always seems to have pairs that fit my clients perfectly.
What are the biggest mistakes you see tall clients make?
Most mistakes come down to proportion: jackets too short, sleeves that don’t reach the wrist, trousers with no break, and shirts that are too boxy all throw off the balance. The fix is simple: get the shoulders, lapels and trouser shapes right, and make sure outerwear and shirts are tailored to fit.
How do you approach proportions differently for a tall client?
Balance is everything. Structured shoulders, slightly longer jackets and wider lapels give the top half shape. Outerwear should cover enough and have clean lines – a well-cut coat or overcoat keeps the whole silhouette looking sharp.
Should stripes be avoided?
Not at all. Stripes work really well on tall guys if you get the scale right. The key is making sure the pattern feels balanced on the frame.
Are there any small details that make a big difference?
Little things matter. Lapels that aren’t too narrow, buttons in the right place and pockets at the right height all help the clothes sit better and make the frame feel more balanced.
When would you recommend going bespoke?
If you can, get yourself a bespoke suit. It’ll last forever, and there’s nothing like putting on something made for you. If you can’t, just grab something off the rack, but find a good tailor or seamstress and get it sorted. Even little tweaks make a massive difference, and most dry cleaners will do them too, so they don’t have to cost a fortune.
Talk us through a look you’ve created recently that you think you nailed…
The job with Peter Crouch was for a TV commercial. We needed it smart casual but, most importantly, comfortable for him. We sized the jacket up a few sizes and got it tailored so it gave him extra length in the arms and body while still looking sharp. Another time, I was dressing an actor for a red carpet. He’s tall and well built, and I put him in a great AMIRI suit that hit all the right proportions. We even went for wider-leg trousers, which gave the whole look flow and made it feel sharp and balanced.
6 Rules For Dressing As A Tall Man
1. “Narrow lapels and ultra-slim jackets shrink shoulders and stretch the frame. Opt for a bit of width through the lapels and jacket.” – Gary Salter
2. “Don’t just buy large or XL tops – this leads to you looking drowned by your clothes. Chest size is the most important one to follow for tops.” – Christian Petty
3. “For extra length in the leg, go one or two sizes up in the waist on the trousers or jeans that you like, then get them altered by a tailor.” – Christian
4. “Avoid shoes that are too chunky, especially when wearing shorts. Tall guys generally have big feet and skinny legs, so slimmer shoes make the outfit balanced.” – Christian
5. “If you have to buy larger sizes for sleeve length, tuck in your shirt.” – Isaac Hudson
6. “Find the longest overcoat you can.” – Isaac
SLMAN’S STYLISH TALL GUYS TO FOLLOW
Isaac Hudson
Isaac has a refined and pared-back take on the modern man’s wardrobe. He’s not afraid to break up a very classic outfit with colour or a bulky man bag.
Follow @IsaacHudson
Peter Crouch
He’s developed a template for dressing as a taller guy by keeping it simple and utilising the classics like overcoats, rollnecks, workwear jackets and tailoring – but always ensuring the fit is right.
Follow @Crouchy
Charlie Casely-Hayford
The 6ft 6in director of tailoring house Casely-Hayford has been paving the way for tall men for years. As a tailor, he knows the power of expert fit. Charlie’s signature look involves a well-fitted but slightly loose suit, monochrome styling, quality footwear, and a simple t-shirt underneath.
Follow @CharlieCaselyHayford
Kristijan Todorovski
Kristijan might inspire you to try something a little different. This young New York-based creative takes influence from Marty Supreme, Ralph Lauren and beyond, deploying everything from cargo trousers to tailoring in scenarios ranging from red carpet to beach looks.
Follow @ItsRovski
Christian Petty
In his effortless everyday outfits, Christian combines smart pleated trousers with denim or a blouson with a shirt and tie. It’s the well-executed details – a folded neck scarf, a crumbled suede bag, a chic pair of specs – that take his looks up a level. And he tends to work with high-street brands, so you can recreate his outfits easily.
Follow @ChristianPtty
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