10 Style Tips for Tall Guys From an NBA Stylist

Image via Complex Original

"Levi's has always been really, really good about accommodating taller gentlemen. They've always offered longer inseams, and even their 34" inseams measure more like a 35 1/2". I always encourage tall gents to try things on because what the tag says doesn't necessarily mean it won't fit you. I rely on that brand heavily in terms of finding the right fit for my clients. Footaction's house label is also cut generously and the length of the T-shirts and sleeves are a little bit longer. It's definitely something I would purchase for my clients to work it into their wardrobes. I can tell just by looking at them that the lengths are great for taller guys."

"If you're embracing the tank top trend, a nice necklace or a simple accessory is a must. You can go too low—I shouldn't be able to see cleavage! Your neck should stop around the collarbone, right before 'the fun begins.'"

"If you're going to wear jeans—especially if you're going to wear them at work—I'm big on jeans with "self-stitching," where the thread matches the color of the denim. They also shouldn't have many details on them. It gives taller guys a more formal look. There are brands that know that and embrace that, like Levi's. They make jeans that often have a touch of contrast, but not too much. I love the idea of a jean with minimal details."

"In terms of fit, you should be able to feel the fabric on your legs. If you can't feel it touching you, your pants are too big. Here's a measurable thing I can tell you: the bottom of the pant leg—especially for taller guys who wear shoe sizes around 13 and above—the measurement should be around 9.5". From your thigh down, there should be a slight taper."

"When you're working with slimmer silhouettes, your shoes can't have a lot of bulk in them. You need something sleek, with a narrow toe and a slim sole. It's all about balance and proportion. If you're going for a slimmer cut or a slimmer leg, your footwear should reflect that as well."

"When it comes to print with taller guys, they should be small. The stripes shouldn't be too wide, they should be slim. Monochromatic patterns like camouflage work too. A mix of blacks and greys, blues, or colors that complement each other work well because you're still making a statement, it's just subdued. Pulling off patterns is all about wearing it in doses and doing it very subtly. When you see a trend or someone whose style you want to emulate, create your own version of that. Decide if you can pull it off, and how it can work for you. It's about owning it."

"Taller guys have larger wrists, so you need to have a meaty, substantial watch. Luckily that's trending right now, and Flud is one of those designers that has a really big watch. Flud watches really plays well with texture, like this wood grain watch. It's possible to go too big though—if you're on the train and the person across from you knows what time it is based on your watch—it's too big! Nobody else should be able to tell what time it is on your wrist."

"When the sleeve length is too short, you can add a watch, layer a longer button-down underneath—or do what I do which is a lot of pushing and rolling of the sleeve. A blazer sleeve should come right past your wrist bone, that's my rule. Once you've gotten a bit more advanced and know how you'd like it to look, some gents wear it a little shorter to let a little more shirt cuff to show."

"In terms of things that are too short, one of things I do to help my guys is to layer. A jacket might be a little short on a client, but if I layer a longer T-shirt or button-down shirt underneath, it makes people look at it think that it's not that short. Layering is an easy way to create a longer line for various pieces."

"My ultimate rule is 'know thy tailor.' I'll tailor anything, I'll put darts in polo shirts. I have no problem doing it; alterations are key. A lot of times gauging what fits you properly depends on how you feel in it. If it feels tight, if you feel restricted, or if you feel sloppy and dumpy, then it's not right, it needs to be fixed.

I always tell guys they should know their barber, practically have him on speed dial. You should know your tailor like that as well. You should have one person that you go to who understands your body and understands how things fit on you. That'll create a consistent silhouette for your looks."