Your clothes might align with your ethics and your style but do they fit well? Well-tailored clothes make us feel comfortable and look great. But finding clothes that fit can be a challenge, especially for those of us who are taller or more petite.
Finding a good fit
You’ve probably noticed that there isn’t a universal standard for sizing and fit can vary wildly from brand to brand. It’s a good idea to know your measurements and check brands’ sizing guides. If you already have items of clothing that fit you well you can lie them flat on the floor and measure them with a tape measure to find out what proportions you need.
But what if you’re looking to buy new clothes that fit you well? Petite is usually defined as being for people between 5”3 and under. Tall is typically defined as being for people of 6”0 and over (again this can vary from brand to brand). We’re all wonderfully unique so there’s no substitute for trying clothes on and getting to know which brands and sizes you like.
When it comes to good fit for petite and tall styles the proportion of clothes is key. It’s not enough to make leg and sleeve lengths shorter or longer. For petite in particular, torso length, shoulder width and armhole depth also need consideration.
Why don’t more brands offer eco-friendly petite and tall fashion?
We acknowledge there’s a long way to go before brand sizing is truly inclusive. It can be challenging to balance ethics and finding clothes that fit well. But height and body shape should never be barriers to sustainable style.
Some brands argue that the demand for petite and tall sizing isn’t high enough to make it cost-effective. This risk is amplified for sustainable brands who often have less of a financial buffer than bigger brands. If brands do offer these sizes and they don’t sell there’s the added risk of increased waste which is the last thing the planet needs.
Making sizing work for you
If you find an item you love that doesn’t fit quite right, there are options. If you’re skilled at sewing you could have a go at making alterations yourself. A local tailor could also help you make the garment work for you by taking hems up or down. If the seams are wide enough there might also be room to make clothes slightly bigger. A skilled tailor will also be able to add in panels to extend garments in the torso or shoulders.
Vintage clothes can open up your sustainable options. Unlike fast fashion vintage clothes were made to last which means it’s worth investing in any alterations you need. Vintage sizing is generally smaller than contemporary sizing which is a bonus if you’re more petite. Seam allowances in older clothes are often more generous than modern clothes. So if you’re taller there could be room to make clothes bigger, or take down sleeves and hems with the help of a tailor.
7 Eco-Stylist certified brands for sustainable petite and tall clothing
All of this might sound like way too much hassle so we’ve put together our pick of ethical brands offering petite and tall sizing. There’s still a long way to go but these are the brands that offer more choice than most.
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1) Reformation
Good for petite
Reformation is known for their trademark dresses and their commitment to fair labor and cleaner production. They have a dedicated petite range.
Members of Friends with Benefits, Reformation’s loyalty program in the US, can access hemming and repairs free of charge.
Shop Reformation’s petite collection for ethically made, petite-friendly fashion.
2) Wolven
Good for petite
Wolven have an impressive range of sustainable certifications including GRS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and Climate Neutral. And they also offer petite sizing on some of their signature flares and leggings. Available in sizes XS to XXL.
3) Nudie Jeans
Good for petite and tall
Nudie Jeans make jeans to last a lifetime and the Swedish company is Eco-Stylist gold certified. The brand offers a wide range of styles to suit every shape and a free alterations and repair service.
Nudie Jeans offer leg lengths from 28” to 36”. They also have a helpful virtual style guide for every pair of jeans with detailed information about size and fit options.
Shop Nudie Jeans’ full denim collection for long-lasting, size-inclusive sustainable denim.
4) Lucy & Yak
Good for petite
Lucy & Yak offers some of their trademark dungarees, jumpsuits and some trousers in petite sizing. Their petite sizing is made with people 5”2 and under in mind. Lucy & Yak says their petite items are ‘proportioned accordingly’ so have been reduced in height and width for a better fit. Available in sizes 4-16.
Explore Lucy & Yak’s petite collection for ethically made styles that fit just right.
Good for tall
Tall for for Lucy & Yak is for people of 5”10 and over. The range includes a selection of Lucy & Yak classics like dungarees, jumpsuits and jeans. No incremental increases are made to garment width which means you’re getting your usual size just with added length where you need it.
Browse Lucy & Yak’s tall collection to find sustainable fashion tailored to your height.
5) Suit Supply
Good for petite and tall
Good fit is a priority for Suit Supply, They have an in-depth guide to suit sizing available on their site.
If you’re near one of their outlets, you can also book an in-person appointment for personalized guidance on finding the perfect fit. Suit Supply offer an in-store alteration service where you can get seams taken in and out and take sleeves up or down.
If you have the budget Suit Supply have a custom suit option. Choose from a wide range of suit designs and over 700 fine Italian fabrics to really make your suit your own.
Shop Suit Supply’s custom and ready-to-wear suits for sustainable, size-inclusive menswear.
6) Patagonia
Good for petite and tall
This Eco-Stylist gold certified brand has long been committed to reducing its environmental impact through durable design and transparent practices. While Patagonia doesn’t offer a dedicated petite or tall line, they do provide short, regular, and long inseam options on select trousers—offering a more inclusive fit for varying heights.
Shop Patagonia’s sustainable pants with inseam options to find your perfect length.
7) Just Tall
Good for tall and slim
Just Tall caters for men who are tall (6”2 – 7”2) and also ‘skinny, slim or athletic’. Just Tall offers extra long clothing without extra width.
Just Tall founder Ben says tall, slim men ‘deserve, just like everyone else, to wear great fitting clothing.’ He’s made it his mission to create ethical menswear that’s ‘simple, long-lasting and affordable.’
Explore Just Tall’s menswear collection for tall and slim builds.
Over to you
When it comes to finding the perfect fit, you’re the experts. We’d love to hear your tips on sustainable brands that work well for petite and tall. Let us know in the comments below.
If you’re looking for more sustainable style options, browse the full range of Eco-Stylist certified brands, curated for ethics, style, and impact.
Looking for more? Eco-Stylist personal styling is here
If you need a more tailored approach (see what we did there?) our personal styling service is here to help. Our stylists offer monthly recommendations to suit your size, wallet and location. Explore Eco-Stylist’s personal styling options to get started.
Catherine is a content writer based in London. She loves vintage, reading and swimming in the sea.
