Clothes when you are tall
Short answer: If you are tall, length rather than width is usually the problem. A top that fits across the shoulders is often too short in the body and the sleeves, which is why length measurements matter more than simply picking a bigger size.
Length rather than width
Going up a size mainly adds width and only a little length. That rarely solves the problem, because the top gets baggy around the stomach while still ending above the hip. Look at the length measurements in the size chart, not just the chest.
Measure the body length
Measure from the shoulder seam down to where you want the top to end. Compare the number with the chart for the brand you are ordering from, since measurements vary between brands. How to measure properly at home is explained in our measuring guide.
Sleeve length
The sleeve should end at the wrist when your arm hangs down. If it is too short, it rides up as soon as you bend your arm, reach for something or sit at a desk. Measure from the shoulder seam over the elbow to the wrist with a slightly bent arm.
Longer styles
Some styles are cut with extra length, such as big shirts and long T-shirts. They are a good place to start when regular tops end too early. A long sleeve style has to fit in both the body and the sleeve, so check both measurements. See for example the long sleeve bamboo T-shirt for women, where the length is listed.
Trousers
For trousers, the inside leg length is the measurement that matters. It runs from the crotch down the inside of the leg to the ankle. The easiest way is to measure a pair of trousers you know and like. Then compare the number with the chart before you order, instead of guessing the length.
Bedding
If you are tall, a standard duvet often does not quite cover your feet when you lie stretched out. A 140x220 cover gives twenty centimetres more than the standard size. Remember that the duvet itself needs the same length. See bamboo bedding 140x220 for covers in that length.
Fabric with some give
Bamboo viscose drapes softly and stretches a little as you move. A top in the right length therefore feels less tight across the back when you bend. But stretch does not replace length. A top that is too short does not get longer by being stretched, it simply rides up again as soon as you straighten up.
Washing and shrinking
Clothes can shrink slightly in the first wash, and length is usually affected first. Wash at the temperature shown on the label and avoid tumble drying on high heat. If you are unsure between two lengths, the longer one is often the safer choice for a tall body.
See also
Length is only one part of the fit. Width across the shoulders, chest and hips matters too, and each brand sews to its own measurements. That is why it always pays to compare your measurements with the chart for the exact item you are looking at. More about sizes and fit is in the size guide.
Nightwear and loungewear
Pyjama bottoms and joggers are often the first to end up too short, because they rarely come in several lengths. Choose styles with a ribbed hem, so a slightly shorter leg does not show and simply sits at the ankle. Measure the inside leg here too before ordering. See bamboo sweatpants for men for styles with cuffs.
Frequently asked questions
Should I go up a size if I am tall?
It rarely helps, because a bigger size mainly adds width. Look at body length and sleeve length in the chart instead, and choose styles cut with extra length in the body.
Which measurement matters most for trousers?
The inside leg length is the key measurement. Measure it on a pair you know, from the crotch to the ankle, and compare it with the brand's chart before you order.
Why choose bedding in 140x220?
It is twenty centimetres longer than the standard size, so the duvet also covers your feet when you lie stretched out. The duvet itself should match the length of the cover.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
