What is the current state of tall fashion?

In 2020, the world shifted. A global pandemic began and within that time social distancing people began calling out brands at a higher level for their lack of inclusivity with their items sold, whom they featured within brick and mortar stores, what models were showcased, and transparency about who was working behind the scenes. That year was also the first time that fashion blogger Solange McKenzie found clothing brands that fit her body. For even more context, Solange is 6’2”.

Solange McKenzie

Before 2020, she struggled with finding items that worked for her height and frame and if you’re an avid shopper you would know that some stores only have a big and tall section. What do you do when you’re over 5’9”, thin, curvy, and everything in between? Where do you shop when you need a last-minute outfit? Are those luxuries even possible for those in the tall community? 

“My biggest problem was hiding jeans. Skinny jeans that I can wear boots with that disguise the length. Sleeve length I would probably shop more ¾ length sleeve or I would have to scrunch the sleeve.” 

This is a common experience for those in the tall community. Most women would say they “made it work.” To find their style, they have to get creative. So, with years of struggling and hacks to make pieces work, what’s the current state of tall fashion? We’ve witnessed substantial strides in the fashion industry and tall brands are beginning to get recognition, so, is the fashion world a better place for the tall community? The answer is yes, but the progress is not as great as you might think. 

Where is the state of fashion 

Latoya Buckner

“Safe clothing” is what Nineth Closet founder Latoya Buckner described as the available clothing for tall women. “The styles are very safe; oversized, joggers and I just feel like we deserve better. We don’t have to dress old.” Created in 2019, Nineth Closet has become the premier online location for tall women to find stylish looks that fit their bodies. They have a following of over 40k on Instagram and Latoya is just getting started. For her, creating and growing this brand is personal. A tall woman herself, Latoya was tired of compromising for fashion. Due to feeling unseen by major retailers, tall women like Latoya took the matter into their own hands and created brands where tall women can have the same luxury of shopping for a variety of styles that fit their bodies.  Although she created Nineth Closet to change the narrative and the current state of tall fashion has improved — the strides are short. So, why aren’t more brands catering to tall women?

Blame it on capitalism. In an article published in 2020 by Vogue Business, they report that in the world of plus-size clothing, creating pieces to fit the demographic is a commitment and ultimately — expensive. The same can be considered for the tall community and although a niche community, that means that 200 million women globally are being left out of the conversation for many fashion brands.  

“For one we always seem to have to shop online,” said digital creator Tanasha Jones-Polk, aka @prettytallstyle on Instagram.

With a following of over 9k on Instagram, San Diego-based influencer Tanasha created a mood board of stylish yet affordable looks on her IG to inspire a specific demographic of tall and midsize women who are ages 40 and up to show up as their best selves. Although she has found looks for her body, shopping is not easy.

Tanasha Jones-Polk

“Very few carry tall sizes in their brick and mortar stores. This definitely is not inclusive. We always see them [retailers] highlighting their brand's inclusivity, but I have noticed that seems to only be geared more towards plus size.”

Tanasha also points out that the retailers that do sell tall sizes often stop at a size 12, leaving out an entire demographic of women. 

“I think people don’t think tall girls dress fashionable,” Latoya says. “I think the great thing about the plus-size community is they are very vocal. In the tall community, no one wants to talk about it. It’s a conversation that needs to be had.”

The Tall Size Team (Left to right: Nicole, Kesia, Kayla)

Nicole Murphy, founder and CEO of Tall Size, the first e-commerce shopping platform for tall women, notes that the growth of accessible fashion for tall women has been horizontal but, not vertical. Nicole and her co-founders' sisters Kayla and Kesia Alexander were a part of the wave of new tall fashion brands and are approaching their one-year anniversary. Just like Nineth Closet, their brand was created off the need to create change in their community. Through their brand, they help tall women find a sense of style through their style quizzes and connect them with looks from over 500 products from various brands like TallMoi, At Last Denim, and Trésolz. 

“I believe tall women are taking it into their own hands,” said Nicole. “We are seeing mainstream fashion brands, American Eagle, Gap, and Old Navy starting to expand their tall section; however, their definition of tall is still not inclusive. It still doesn’t serve the 6 foot and above market.”

Future 

So what’s next you may ask? Be vocal. Tall women are using their platforms to continue to be a voice in the tall community and urge others to do the same. Challenge other brands and their definition of inclusivity. They believe when the community is vocal, that’s when we’ll truly see a fashion world that is friendlier to women of all shapes and sizes.

“It takes people calling out brands,” said Nicole. “Tall women sharing more of their stories and how that impacts self esteems. I think the more of that combination of their experience, the more attention you will get. I know every brand can’t be everything to everyone, but I think that as long as we create awareness of these opportunities and the gaps then hopefully, over time, we’ll get more options.”