As a child, I was always the tallest one in class. A elementary school teacher of mine once told me, “Don’t worry, Dear. You’ll stop growing soon and everyone else will catch up”. Besides doing nothing to improve my self-esteem this statement was just plain wrong. By the time I reached the 9th grade, I was just shy of five feet, eleven inches tall, taller than all of the other girls (and most of the boys) in my grade. Thankfully, I wasn’t too uncomfortable with my height, but I was uncomfortable in my clothes, as most of the items I wore were cut for men which meant they were way too wide for my slender frame, but I had no choice, as tall clothing for women wasn’t readily available in the late 80s-early 90s. 

I still remember the very first pair of fitted flare plants that I bought that were long enough for my frame. They were white knit pants I purchased from Bebe and I spent over $100 on them, which at the time was a small fortune. The first night I wore them out to a crowded bar, someone walked past me with a cigarette in her hand and burnt a hole right through them. They were ruined. I almost cried.

Fortunately, today, things are different. Having over 30 years experience shopping as a tall, size 6-8 woman, I have learned a few things. I hope I can save some of you tall women out there a headache by giving you the rundown of the best tall places to shop (in alpha order). Enjoy, and happy shopping!

American Tall

I recently started shopping on this site for my son, who is also very tall. He can no longer shop for tall sizes on other sites, as the items are not cut long or slender enough for his frame. American Tall makes clothing for men up to 7’1” and women up to 6’6”! I was impressed by the quality of the clothes, the materials used and the pricing, so I chose some items for myself as well. One amazing find: cotton workout leggings (they are 95% cotton, 5% spandex)! I had been searching for healthier workout clothing for a long time and found some really great options, but American tall hit a home run for us tall ladies! I was also glad to see that they make 100% cotton sweatshirts with truly long sleeves, so I grabbed one of those as well to go with two pairs of cozy (and 80% cotton!) sweats cut just right for my frame. Yay! Shop American Tall

Boden

This British based company with a U.S. division is a great option for unique, vibrant pieces (think bright greens, pinks and blues) but be prepared to pay for this! The clothing is on the expensive side. That being said, the pieces I have from Boden have lasted and I always get compliments when I wear them. They also happen to sell long torso bathing suits for those who shy away from two piece suits. Shop Boden

Eddie Bauer

Need a jacket, winter coat or blazer? Eddie Bauer is the tall woman’s best friend. This company doesn’t increase the width of the item just because it increases the length. The only thing that Eddie Bauer doesn’t sell is the size “Small Tall”. The smallest tall size is medium. For anyone under a size 6, this may pose a problem. They do sell quality items at reasonable prices (I always shop sales!) which are stylish and which FIT! Yay! Shop Eddie Bauer

The G.A.P.

I LOVE THE GAP! This store above all others has been my go-to for clothes since my college years. Keep in mind that all GAP brands are not the same. Old Navy cuts don’t fall as nicely on me, but I have a high rise and am on the slimmer side in the hip area. Banana Republic has great options and their style is a bit more sophisticated, which I love, but it’s more expensive. The GAP itself, however, is always a home run for basics. The jeans are perfection (Is this the only brand that understands that just because one might be taller than most doesn’t mean that one is heavier than most?)! I love the length of their tops (the long sleeves are…LONG!). Though there have been some issues over the years with sizing and quality control, it has not turned me off the brand. I am forever a GAP girl!

GAP Shopping tip: NEVER purchase GAP products for full price. Wait for sales (they happen almost every day) and get a GAP credit card to accrue points. Also, if you shop on Tuesdays you get an extra 10% off. Shop The GAP

J.Jill

Despite having a reputation for being aimed at “older” ladies, I have been a fan of J.Jill since my twenties. They have a boho flair that is just my style. The quality has held up (I have some items for over ten years and J. Jill jewelry from over 20 years ago) and the sizing has been pretty consistent. The tall cut clothing is always cut right in all places (and sells out quickly!). It’s a bit on the expensive side, but in my opinion, it’s worth it! Shop J.Jill

Lands End

Who doesn’t love Land’s End? I am a big fan especially because they have a tall section and offer tall bathing suits (if you’re into one pieces). They are reasonably priced and often have sales. Like The GAP, Lands End offers pieces that are a bit more basic (though I do love the unique designs on their cotton fair isle sweaters). If you are able, get a Land’s End credit card, as it comes with free shipping and return benefits. Shop Land’s End

L.L. Bean

I’m a big fan of L.L. Bean and thankfully, they offer tall sizes for women. Like the GAP and Land’s End, I find their selection to be quite basic, but I’m a particular fan of their winter and outerwear, which can be a bit more adventurous in terms of design than what is offered by Eddie Bauer. L.L.bean tends to be on the more expensive side, but keep an eye out for promo codes and definitely sign up for their free membership program for additional perks. Shop L.L. Bean

LOFT

LOFT is my go to for statement items. They have the cutest prints and a very feminine aesthetic, if you’re into that sort of thing (which I am). I’ve been a loyal shopper for years. They are like Boden in terms of their unique offerings, but with the bright colors toned way down. One of my favorite items is a summer linen dress I bought there over fifteen years ago. It still looks new! Shop LOFT

ZARA

Though ZARA doesn’t necessarily offer tall sizes, they are a bit more generous in the length of their cuts and therefore I shop there from time to time. However, because it all depends on the individual item, I like to shop at ZARA in person rather than online. I would classify their style as Euro-Boho. Shop ZARA