How To Look Good When You’re Taller Than Most Men

You’d think it’d be a gift – which, of course, it is, mind you – but when you’re more vertically blessed than most men, certain things can be quite a challenge. Sure, a taller height allows you to reach for places that most can’t but it also presents a rather unique challenge – how to dress up without looking awkward, uncomfortable or even, overwhelming?

Tall men have quite a tall task at hand (excuse the obvious pun, would you?). They’d like to look fabulous but don’t want to seem imposing or, well, odd. Most silhouettes and styles tend to not work if your height is taller than most people. Nor do those clever hacks than people of average height tend to employ with absolute ease. Certain shades are out of consideration as well; so are specific prints and patterns.

So, what is one supposed to do, right? Well... a lot, actually!

Style Guide For Tall Men To Look Good

For men who’re tall, it’s always advised to start small. Actually, that was just for rhyming – please ignore that. Do what we’re going to talk about next, instead.

Rule 1: Focus on the Fit

You don’t want anything too baggy – it’ll make you look bigger than you are, in a not so nice way. Muscular gains are different from the ones you’d gain if you go about wearing oversized clothing. Andre The Giant was no one’s style icon, for a reason. Alternatively, don’t opt for something that’s too fitted either. For it’ll only enhance every inch of your body and God knows you’ve already got enough and more going. No, we aren’t talking about those inches here.

Something that’s tailored to your frame or fits you like a dream is what you need to be wearing at all times.

Rule 2: It’s all about proportions

Let’s address this with an example: have you noticed how anything high-waisted makes your lower body look longer than usual? And how anything that’s low-waisted only ends up looking a tab bit uncomfortable on your frame?

The trick is to wear something that’s equal in proportion. Your torso and legs shouldn’t be competing for attention but complementing each other instead. Tuck in your shirt, if needed, and add a layer on top if required. But don’t make either your trousers or shirt/t-shirt the star. You’re making a movie with an ensemble cast – never let one character steal the show!

Rule 3: Accessorise to your advantage

There’s a lot that accessories can accomplish for a look, and we aren’t just talking about restricting them to adding a finishing touch.

A belt is great when you’re trying to ensure your torso and lower body look equal in weightage. Ties when not slim are great to balance out proportions and not garner unwanted attention. Watches and bracelets are great striking pieces – use them to your advantage. Chunky shoes are a no-no – you don’t want more inches added to your frame.  

Basically, how you utilise your accessories is key. When done right, they’re the marker of a great fashionable story for taller men.

Rule 4: Focus on the Fabric

Anything that’s too thin or whimsy will cling to your body, and you don’t want that if you’re looking to ensure your frame isn’t intimidating. Or at least, not more intimidating than it already might be. Even thicker fabrics like tweed tend to add bulk so you might want to check again if they’re working for or against you.

Rule 5: Know what to Avoid

Sometimes, knowing what you don’t need is so much more important than understanding what you do. Yes, you read that right.

Certain colours, silhouettes, shapes and accessories don’t work for all of us. Which is fine. The trick is to know which ones. Skinny jeans, for instance, are not for men who have truly tall legs – they'll only give the illusion that you’ve got giant-like legs, unless you want that.

As a tall man, you’re anyway the centre of attention wherever you go. While you’re at it, ensure you’re looking the part.