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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to ask why so many clothes are sized for taller women?

231 replies

sarahb083 · 12/06/2026 18:24

Genuinely question - why do clothing companies design clothes for women who are much taller than average height? Why not make the 'standard' size fit 5'5ish women, then offer petite and tall sizing if there's demand for it? The vast majority of women are somewhere within a few inches of 5'5 and very few are 5'10!

I've been looking for a jumpsuit. They all look lovely on the model, then you look at the model's height and she's 5'10. Surely a very small percent of women are this tall? Some companies make petite sizes (great!) but most don't.

I love the look of these for example, but the model is 5'10! They'd look ridiculous on me and I'm average height.

Oaxaca - Cotton Barrel Dungarees in Pink & Orange Stripe

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OP posts:
MyLimeGuide · 12/06/2026 19:40

I find the exact opposite to be true. I can't buy swimming costumes to fit im exposing myself either way!

StylishAndBeautiful · 12/06/2026 19:40

Average height and am told I have short legs. Most of the time I don't find clothes too long.

Not sure why people tell me my legs are short - my legs don't look short in photographs.

ObelixtheGaul · 12/06/2026 19:39

AnonymityAnonymity · 12/06/2026 18:32

I'm 5ft 2ins and getting trousers that are short enough is a real problem.

Even those that are sold as short length are absolutely inches too long and I have to shorten them.

The only trousers that come in multiple lengths short enough are quite often the elastic waist ones designed for older ladies. I am an older lady but I don't want to wear that type of trousers- I can't stand elasticated waists.

I know that younger generations are much taller and I often feel quite dwarfed - I hope that isn't an offensive term - by a lot of women. But I don't understand how us shorties ars supposed to get clothes that fit. Quite often the Petite ranges are quite limited.

I am the same height. Cargo trousers - no problem. Hippie harem style - no problem. The current wide-leg trend? Big problem. Good job I am not keen on them anyway. I need cuffed bottoms, which is why harem style pants work well. And drawstring bottomed cargos.

It's smart suit style trousers that are a problem, and often the fit and cut doesn't allow taking them up.

I did recently buy a pair of supposed three quarter lengths off the internet and they were full length on me.

BitDrizzly · 12/06/2026 19:39

I’m 5’11 and I can report that there are only a handful of shops that do trousers that are long enough for me.

Dresses are tricky because the waist is always too high.

Tights, bodysuits, pyjamas, leggings almost always too short.

’Longline’ tops and jackets aren’t longline on me.

Tall women certainly aren’t well catered for

TheKidsHaveAllGrownNow · 12/06/2026 19:38

5’ 3 and agree! M&S or Boden short length.

Original poster
sarahb083 · 12/06/2026 19:37

mustardgarnish · 12/06/2026 19:36

Are you even listening to the rest of us saying we can't find tall clothes easily?

As I said earlier its not just about height its about proportions. I am all legs. I need at least a 34" - 36 " leg. Good luck finding that online - I'll give you a quid for every "normal" size you can find in that length that isnt labelled "tall"

Show quote history

I said it right below!

"Though I do take on board the many tall women who say they struggle to find clothes. I suppose we all feel like most things don't fit us, because there's such a wide variety of body sizes so most clothes just won't fit most people"

OP posts:
ToffeeCrabApple · 12/06/2026 19:36

Trousers are long but I can't find longer length teeshirts and tops for love nor money!

They are always too short. Always.

mustardgarnish · 12/06/2026 19:36

sarahb083 · 12/06/2026 19:29

This is my point! You're 5'11, which is MUCH taller than the average woman, and most clothes fit you well.

Though I do take on board the many tall women who say they struggle to find clothes. I suppose we all feel like most things don't fit us, because there's such a wide variety of body sizes so most clothes just won't fit most people.

Show quote history

Are you even listening to the rest of us saying we can't find tall clothes easily?

As I said earlier its not just about height its about proportions. I am all legs. I need at least a 34" - 36 " leg. Good luck finding that online - I'll give you a quid for every "normal" size you can find in that length that isnt labelled "tall"

Quokka2 · 12/06/2026 19:35

mustardgarnish · 12/06/2026 19:21

It's not just about height though. I have a very short, slim body with a very long inside leg so I need things at least 34" inside leg, maybe even 36". I'm basically all legs

Show quote history

Actual garment inseam measurements (not 'to fit' leg measurements) would be a good start!

I am 5ft 6 and trouser hems are regularly 1/2 inch to 1 inch too short - so they sit in a really naff place.

DelphinoPlaza · 12/06/2026 19:34

Normal sizing a generally do not fit me at 5’11.5!

When I see tall models, the clothes often don’t even fit them properly. Sleeves and trousers are too short.

It is very hard to find clothes to fit very tall women. We aren’t catered for and options are very limited.

Even the tall selections are often crap. I’m looking at you M&S - 32-33 inch inseam isn’t tall!!

2026newname · 12/06/2026 19:31

NoArmaniNoPunani · 12/06/2026 18:42

I'm 6ft. I'm surprised the average woman is only 5ft 5. I would have guessed 5ft7

Average height in UK is 5ft 3.5 now.

Original poster
sarahb083 · 12/06/2026 19:29

Abyzou · 12/06/2026 19:17

These threads always baffle me. I seem to be the only unicorn on MN, who can easily shop in all the mainstream (and non-mainstream) shops, and stuff fits great majority of the time. Sure, there are exceptions, but most of the time things fit me fine. I shop exclusively online, haven't bought clothing in a physical shop in the past 15 years or so, other than small basics like underwear, etc.

I'm 5'11'', 6-8 clothes size, shoe size 8.

To be fair, I should mention that I mostly wear skirts and dresses, rarely trousers, but I do have a few palazzo ones and maybe two pairs of jeans. Have no trouble finding coats, dresses, skirts, tops, shoes at all. I like to shop and buy quite a bit, like creating outfits, styling, dressing up, I'm not a 'leggings and long top' type of person.

This is my point! You're 5'11, which is MUCH taller than the average woman, and most clothes fit you well.

Though I do take on board the many tall women who say they struggle to find clothes. I suppose we all feel like most things don't fit us, because there's such a wide variety of body sizes so most clothes just won't fit most people.

OP posts:
Winederlust · 12/06/2026 19:28

sarahb083 · 12/06/2026 19:11

For those asking for items for taller women, here are some lovely jumpsuits which unfortunately would be inches too long for me:

Beyond Nine (model is 5'9)
Beyond Nine (model is 5'10)
Beyond Nine (5'9)
Lucy & Yak (5'10)
The White Company (5'9)
The White Company (5'9)

Edited

Firstly you've only referenced 3 sites out of hundreds. Secondly we all know the way the clothes fit the model bears no resemblance to how they will fit in real life. Many a time I've seen photos of tall models with long flowing trousers and when they arrive they are pretty much half mast on me!

Tortephant · 12/06/2026 19:28

As somebody that is 5'8 I have to order long length or 32/34 length, standard is normally too short. Cropped looks ridiculous. My issue is also sleeves, most of the time I turn sleeves up to compensate for them being too short if worn conventionally.

Wednesdaysotherchild · 12/06/2026 19:26

I’m 5’8” and need longer, if anything.

Miffyontour · 12/06/2026 19:25

TropicalFishAreTwats · 12/06/2026 18:29

I am 5'10, I can assure you most clothes are not made for women my height!

Ditto and it's easy to shorten but not to lengthen. 5'10, luckily I don't like dresses as the waist is always heading for my boobs. Women's t shirts, blouses never stay tucked in and the sleeves too short.
Although no idea what's going on with M&S jeans, long has suddenly become too long.
It does depend on whether your height is in your torso or your legs.

mustardgarnish · 12/06/2026 19:25

Honeyhonay · 12/06/2026 19:23

Well you’re 5 inches taller than the average UK woman, it’s hardly surprising things aren’t the right length on you. They aren’t designed to fit someone who is 4ft10 either.

Show quote history

I'm just responding to people claiming clothes are made for my height! they might be on catwalk models but thats not what appears in actual shops

Honeyhonay · 12/06/2026 19:23

mustardgarnish · 12/06/2026 19:15

LOL are you joking?

I am 5'10" and I have to search for tall ranges to get jeans or trousers with a 34" leg which is long enough for me.

I cant count the number of things I have bought which end at my ankle rather than at my foot where its meant to end 🤣

Well you’re 5 inches taller than the average UK woman, it’s hardly surprising things aren’t the right length on you. They aren’t designed to fit someone who is 4ft10 either.

mustardgarnish · 12/06/2026 19:21

Abyzou · 12/06/2026 19:17

These threads always baffle me. I seem to be the only unicorn on MN, who can easily shop in all the mainstream (and non-mainstream) shops, and stuff fits great majority of the time. Sure, there are exceptions, but most of the time things fit me fine. I shop exclusively online, haven't bought clothing in a physical shop in the past 15 years or so, other than small basics like underwear, etc.

I'm 5'11'', 6-8 clothes size, shoe size 8.

To be fair, I should mention that I mostly wear skirts and dresses, rarely trousers, but I do have a few palazzo ones and maybe two pairs of jeans. Have no trouble finding coats, dresses, skirts, tops, shoes at all. I like to shop and buy quite a bit, like creating outfits, styling, dressing up, I'm not a 'leggings and long top' type of person.

It's not just about height though. I have a very short, slim body with a very long inside leg so I need things at least 34" inside leg, maybe even 36". I'm basically all legs

7238SM · 12/06/2026 19:19

I'm 168cm (5ft6) and used to find 'regular' trousers fine. Recently though, they are dragging off the end of my feet. I've had a few M&S regulars like this.

I also must have orangutang long arms, because I often find jackets far too short in the arms and stop before my watch band.

Lordofmyflies · 12/06/2026 19:19

I'm 5'11 and find the vast majority of clothes way too short. ME+EM is one of the few brands I know will be a good length.

mustardgarnish · 12/06/2026 19:19

Allseeingallknowing · 12/06/2026 19:18

Nearly all the maxi dresses are for your height!

Show quote history

I dont really wear maxi dresses, hence why I mentioned trousers

tinytemper66 · 12/06/2026 19:18

Try being under 4ft 11! Nightmare. My boobs and waist are too big for children’s clothing!

mustardgarnish · 12/06/2026 19:18

sarahb083 · 12/06/2026 19:11

For those asking for items for taller women, here are some lovely jumpsuits which unfortunately would be inches too long for me:

Beyond Nine (model is 5'9)
Beyond Nine (model is 5'10)
Beyond Nine (5'9)
Lucy & Yak (5'10)
The White Company (5'9)
The White Company (5'9)

Edited

This is only three websites, none of which I would shop in.

Most websites I shop at, I have to look at the tall range to get things that are long enough

Allseeingallknowing · 12/06/2026 19:18

mustardgarnish · 12/06/2026 19:15

LOL are you joking?

I am 5'10" and I have to search for tall ranges to get jeans or trousers with a 34" leg which is long enough for me.

I cant count the number of things I have bought which end at my ankle rather than at my foot where its meant to end 🤣

Nearly all the maxi dresses are for your height!