Berkeley Parents Network: Mens Clothing

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Mens Clothing

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > What/Where to Buy > Mens Clothing

Clothes for Tall Skinny Husband

Jan 2005

My husband has a hard time finding clothes -- particularly sweaters and jackets -- that fit him well. He's 6'3'' and 180. Which doesn't seem *that* tall to me, but in order for him to get something with long enough sleeves or that's long enough in the waist, he usually has to get an XL or something, and at that point it's hanging off his shoulders and he's swimming in it. I'm sure part of the problem is that most of his clothes are purchased at Target or Old Navy, but we're at a loss for better options. Dress shirts and pants aren't as much of a problem because of the way they're sized, but no matter where you go, sweaters seem only to come in S,M,L, etc. sizing. We tried a Big & Tall store, but they were all about big, not tall. Any suggestions?
Married to an Ectomorph

My husband is built like yours (6'2'', 170 lbs) and was also having trouble finding clothes until we realized that L.L. Bean has ''tall'' shirts. Their size medium/tall fit him really well.
anon

Try JCpenny - though mostly you'll need to catalog shop (but check for online clearance sales!!). LandsEnd also carries Large Talls. I've also occasionally had success at Burlington Coats in hayward - they have a ''tall'' sections that does sometine have selection starting in Large sizes, not the typical XL or bigger. tall family genes

My husband is 6'4'' and 180, so he's got a very similar body type -- and similar problems as well. He has grown to love ordering things from the Lands End catalog, because they have tall sizes. It's a little more expensive than Old Navy or Target, but really worth it for him because the clothes fit great. Good luck.
Anon

I'm an inch taller AND 10 lbs. lighter than your husband, so I understand his problem finding clothes. (Yes, there are downsides to being tall and skinny!) For long-sleeve items I think it's best to buy things in a tall size, like 'Large Tall' or 'LT.' Generally your best bet is catalogs like LL Bean, Lands End, and Eddie Bauer. I guess it's just not economical for most big retail stores to carry a wide range of sizes when probably less than 1% of the public will ever buy a 'tall' size item.

If you absolutely must see the clothing in person, Nordstrom carries an OK selection of tall sizes. It is expensive, but the quality is good and you can wait for sales. Mervyns used to carry a lot of tall sizes, but I see very little there these days. I don't think the places you are shopping already have much of anything, and 'Big & Tall' stores tend to serve a heavier clientele (I guess that's why it's not 'Big OR Tall').
Tall too

I recently ordered some clothes for my tall skinny 19-year-old from Eddie Bauer. He is 6'2 and weighs under 170. I got him a ''tall'' in size ''Medium'' and it fit perfectly - long enough but not too blousey.
Ginger

Try Lands' End - http://www.landsend.com. They offer a lot of their clothes in Tall variations. And pants are usually hemmed to order. It will cost a bit more than Old Navy, but the quality is generally better.
Happy Lands' End Shopper

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