· 3 min read
Is 5'9" Tall for a Woman? When You Actually Need Tall Sizes
By Michelle, Founder of Finally TALL
Not overly tall, but tall enough
I'm 5'9". I don't think of myself as very tall, but I'm tall enough that pants never fit, my sleeves are always a little short, and nothing sits at my waist. If that sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
Tall sizes are more than just longer legs
Good tall clothing changes more than the inseam. It can also lengthen the sleeves, the torso and the rise of pants (the distance from the waistband to the crotch). That's why a regular top can fit you everywhere except the arms and the hem.
Signs you should be shopping tall
- Your pants stop above your ankle bone.
- Your sleeves end before your wrist, especially when you reach.
- Tops ride up and show your stomach when you lift your arms.
- Dresses hit higher than they look on the model.
- The waist of pants and dresses lands higher than your natural waist.
If you're in between
At 5'7" or 5'8", you might be regular in some brands and tall in others. That's normal. Your measurements matter more than your height, so check the real inseam and sleeve length before you buy.
Answers to common questions
- What height is considered tall for a woman?
- Most brands treat about 5'8" or 5'9" and up as tall, since the average woman in the US is about 5'4".
- Should I buy tall sizes if I'm 5'8"?
- Try both. At 5'8" you may fit regular in some brands and tall in others, depending on whether you're longer in the legs or the torso.
- Are tall sizes just longer?
- Not always. Well made tall clothing also lengthens sleeves, torso and rise, not just the hem.