Shirts with extra-long sleeves: Why tall men should choose TALL sizes

It’s a classic problem for tall men: the shirt fits reasonably well across the chest and shoulders, but the sleeves end a little too short, and the length of the body disappears as soon as you sit down. Many people try to solve this by simply going up a size.

The problem is simply that a larger standard size often means more width, not actually more length.

When that happens, the shirt can easily end up feeling too big in one place and too short in another.

TALL is not the same as a large size

A TALL shirt is designed for men who need extra length in the body and sleeves, without the shirt necessarily being any wider. That is the main difference. A standard L and an LT may be similar in chest measurement and shoulder width, but the LT version typically has a longer back and longer sleeves.

It sounds simple, but it makes a big difference in practice. When the proportions are better suited to a tall frame, the shirt hangs more naturally. You avoid that feeling that the garment is constantly “missing something” in terms of length, even though the size seems correct on paper.

Many TALL models often offer around 5 to 7 cm extra in body length and 2 to 5 cm extra in sleeve length, depending on the brand and model. These are precisely the centimetres that are often missing from a standard shirt.

That’s why ordinary shirts often fall short

Most standard sizes are based on average body proportions. If you’re taller than what the sizing system typically assumes, you’ll soon notice it in the fit. Not because the shirt is “wrong”, but because it’s designed for a different body type.

This is particularly noticeable at the wrists, in the length of the shirt down over the hips, and in the position of the shoulder seam. If you are tall and relatively slim, it becomes even more obvious. If you go up a size to get longer sleeves, you’ll often end up with too much fabric around your stomach and chest.

This is often where TALL sizes come into their own. You keep your usual width, but get the length your body actually needs.

Typical signs that you should look out for TALL:

• The cuffs stop before the wrist
• The shirt is riding up out of my trousers
• The fabric stretches when you stretch your arms out
• The shoulder seam is too high
• If you go up a size, it’ll be too baggy

The difference between standard size and TALL

TALL is all about proportions, not just adding a few centimetres all round. That’s why a TALL shirt usually looks better than a standard shirt in a larger size. It’s designed for long arms and a longer torso.

Here is a simple overview of the difference between a standard L and an LT. Dimensions vary from brand to brand, so the table should be regarded as a typical example.

Goal	Common L	LT	What this means
Chest width	approx. 106 to 109 cm	approx. 106 to 109 cm	The width is more or less the same
Body length	approx. 78 cm	approx. 84 to 85 cm	A bit longer, so the shirt stays tucked in
Sleeve length	approx. 61 cm	approx. 66 to 68 cm	Better coverage at the wrist
Proportions	Standard	Fitted, tall fit	A more relaxed and natural fit

So, the short answer is that TALL is not “bigger”. It is more accurate.

You can feel the extra sleeve length all day long

A shirt with sleeves that are too short isn’t just a style issue. It can also be annoying as the day goes on. When you bend your arm, work at a desk, drive a car or put on a jacket, it becomes obvious if the sleeve keeps riding up.

When the sleeve length is right, the cuff sits perfectly on your wrist. This creates a more balanced look, both when you wear the shirt on its own and under blazer or knitwear. Especially with smarter outfits, it looks more stylish when the proportions are just right.

The extra length in the body is just as important. Many tall men are familiar with the feeling of their shirt coming untucked from their trousers the moment they sit down. A TALL shirt is better designed to stay where it should, even when you’re on the move throughout the day.

And it’s actually something you get used to quite quickly – in a good way.

Comfort is also about the cut and the fabric

Material and cut also plays a major role in how the shirt feels against the body. A tall man may need more freedom of movement across the shoulders and back, even if his chest measurement is quite standard. That’s why it’s a good idea to look at both the fit and the quality of the fabric, not just the size label.

A shirt made from 100% cotton often has a classic, clean look and feels comfortable against the skin. A cotton blend with a little stretch can be a great choice if you want more freedom of movement in your day-to-day life. This is particularly true if the shirt is worn for many hours at a time or under a jacket.

At Birger's The focus is on TALL sizes for men who need longer proportions, whether for everyday wear, work or smarter occasions. In this case, it makes sense to look for styles where the length, sleeves and fit have been carefully considered together, rather than simply choosing based on standard sizes.

It’s often worth bearing these things in mind when choosing a shirt:

• 100% cotton: A classic feel, good breathability and a neat, clean look
• Stretch cotton: Provides greater freedom of movement across the chest, shoulders and stomach
• Comfort fit: A good choice if you want breathability and comfort all day long
• A slimmer fit: Suits the tall, slimmer figure well
• Extra body length: Helps keep the shirt tucked into your trousers

Fit does more for your style than many people realise

When a shirt fits properly, it doesn’t just look better. It also feels more comfortable to wear. You spend less time adjusting the cuffs, tugging at the shirt and worrying about how you look when you stand up or raise your arms.

That is one of the great strengths of TALL sizes. They eliminate many of the minor annoyances that otherwise come with wearing a standard shirt on a tall frame. The result isn’t necessarily a dramatic difference at first glance, but a far better overall look.

At the same time, the style becomes easier to work with. A shirt that’s the right length works better with jeans, chinos and under a blazer. The fabric falls more cleanly, and the whole silhouette looks more thoughtfully put together.

How to work out whether you should choose TALL

If you’re in any doubt, it’s a good idea to start with a shirt you already own. Not the one that’s just about right, but the one you like wearing best. Measure it and compare it with the product measurements when you’re shopping.

It’s not just the collar size or chest measurement that matters. For tall men, sleeve length and overall length are often what determine whether a shirt becomes a favourite or just another compromise.

You can go a long way with just three simple measurements:

1. Measure your chest circumference at the widest point
2. Measure the sleeve length from the neck or shoulder down to the wrist
3. Measure the back of a shirt from the top down to the length you want

If you’ve ever found that shirts are too short, even though the width is just right, that’s a clear sign that TALL is worth a try.

When you buy shirts online

It can be difficult to judge the fit from photos alone, especially if you’re tall and have had bad experiences with standard sizes. That’s why the product description is important. Look out for words such as TALL, LT, XLT or descriptions of extra sleeve length and an extended body.

Also check whether the shop provides specific measurements or, at the very least, describes the fit properly. This makes it much easier to get it right first time. A good returns policy It also makes a difference if you’re between two sizes.

When you’re looking at a shirt online, pay particular attention to the following:

• Size code: LT, XLT or other TALL designations
• Sleeve length: Not just “long sleeves”, but actual measurements, if provided
• Body length: This is particularly important if the shirt is to be tucked into your trousers
• Fit: Comfort fit, regular fit or a slimmer cut
• Material: Cotton, poplin, Oxford or a stretch blend

At Birger’s, you’ll find TALL sizes across several categories and with a focus on men who need a longer fit without compromising on style and fit. This is an advantage if you want to choose shirts that work in real life and don’t just look good on a model.

A better option than simply going up a size

For years, many tall men have been doing the same thing: choosing an XL instead of an L, just to get a bit more length. It works to some extent, but rarely very well. The width increases, the shoulders can sit awkwardly, and the shirt loses its smart look.

TALL is a more accurate choice because it takes into account the actual build of a tall person. You get the length you need without being swamped in fabric.

This applies both to the tall, slim man and to the tall man who also wears plus sizes. In both cases, it’s all about achieving the right balance in the fit. The shirt should neither be too tight nor hang loosely. It simply needs to fit properly.

If you often find that the sleeves are too short, the body of the shirt is too short, or you feel that standard sizes never quite fit, this is usually a sign that you should stick to your usual width and choose the TALL version. That’s often where you’ll start to notice the difference straight away.