This guide covers women’s sizing. For men’s, see Where tall men actually buy clothes.
The problems are familiar: jeans that stop above the ankle, sleeves that ride up the moment you reach, tops that don’t meet your waistband. Plenty of brands now sell “tall,” but what that means varies a lot. Here’s who goes longest, and how to order the right length the first time.
Jeans and pants with long inseams
Tall jeans generally start at about a 32-inch inseam (PureWow), which is only a regular length at many brands. If you need more, these go further:
| Brand | Inseams offered |
|---|---|
| Long Tall Sally | 34, 36, 38 in |
| American Tall | 35, 37 in |
| Silver Jeans Co. | 33–37 in |
| Banana Republic | 33–37 in |
| Gap | 34–37 in, sometimes 38 |
| Good American | Up to 37 in |
| Old Navy | 33–36 in |
| Lands’ End | 34, 36 in |
Sources: Long Tall Sally, American Tall, Search By Inseam for the rest. Lengths vary by style, so check the size chart of the exact pair.
A few more worth knowing: Abercrombie & Fitch sells many jeans in five lengths, from extra short to extra long, and PureWow’s tester suggests Long for everyday wear and Extra Long for heels. Gap’s tall fit is cut differently through the knee and leg, not just lengthened (PureWow).
What L32, L34 and L36 mean
Many brands, especially European ones, label length rather than inseam. Roughly:
| Length label | Inseam |
|---|---|
| L32 | About 81 cm (32 in) |
| L34 | About 86 cm (34 in) |
| L36 | About 91 cm (36 in) |
| L38 | About 96 cm (38 in) |
Source: Long Lady.
Measure once, for the shoes you’ll wear
- Use a pair that fits. Lay well-fitting straight pants flat, or wear them, and measure along the inner seam from the crotch to where the hem should land.
- Measure to the shoe. For sneakers, stop at the instep. For heeled boots, measure to the heel line (Long Lady).
- Going taller in heels? With heels of about 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 inches), go one length longer (Long Lady).
- Watch the fabric. Rigid denim can shrink after the first wash, and stretch denim can relax with wear. Read reviews for whether a style runs long or short.
Tops, sweaters and coats: check two numbers
“Tall” tops usually add body and sleeve length at the same chest size, but every brand adds a different amount. Before you buy:
- Measure a top you like. Lay it flat and measure from the high point of the shoulder to the hem, and from the shoulder seam to the cuff.
- Compare those two numbers with the brand’s size chart, not just the size letter.
- Reach forward with the top on. Sleeves should still meet your wrists, and the hem should still meet your waistband.
Where it’s easiest
Most of the longest lengths are online-only, so pick brands with easy returns, order two lengths of the same pair the first time, and keep the one that fits. After that, reordering is simple.
The quick version
- Longest inseams: Long Tall Sally (to 38 in), American Tall (to 37 in), Gap, Banana Republic, Silver Jeans Co.
- L36 ≈ 36 in, L38 ≈ 38 in on European length labels.
- Measure for your shoes, and go one length longer for heels.
- First order: buy two lengths and return one.
MadeTall isn’t paid by any brand mentioned here. Inseam options change often, so check each brand’s current size chart.