Are you struggling to find clothes that actually fit you? Do all pants end up looking like capris on you & sleeves never seem to reach your wrist no matter which size you wear? Are you tired of the endless requests to grab something from the top shelf?
If you answered yes to any (let’s be honest, all) of these questions, then welcome to the annoying world of being a tall girl. Here, we battle clothing stores, master the art of ducking under doorways, deal with the never-ending “How’s the weather up there?” jokes, and other common tall girl problems.
But hey, being a tall girl doesn’t only come with struggles. It has many perks too (awesome view at concerts, guaranteed!) And, we’re here to remind you how amazing life as a tall girl can be!
Why is being a tall girl a problem?
Yeah, exactly why? When do studies show that the average female height increases by the decade?
Moreover, according to the CDC, the average female height in the USA & other Western countries is 5’ 4”. So, anyone above that number is a “tall girl” and anyone below is a “short girl.”
Even though people come in all sorts of shapes and heights, the world is much harsher for those who do not fit the average. While being tall is seen as desirable in men, it is not in women. It becomes a problem. It’s a problem because
- The Male Gaze – tall height means a stronger, masculine body which most men (with their fragile ego) find unfeminine.
- Difficulty Finding Partners – Similarly, men are less attracted to tall women leaving them feeling undesired.
- Clothing Difficulties – The world seems to cater only to petite women so finding the right-sized clothing is a real struggle.
- The World Doesn’t Have Room for Our Limbs -since all the infrastructure & transport are built keeping the average height in mind, tall people struggle even with common, everyday things.
Common Tall Girl Problems You’ll Relate to
On a lighter note, here are some common struggles of being a tall girl that you will find 100% relatable and hilarious.
1. Never Finding Pants that Are Long Enough
Being a tall girl means you never know how to dress up jeans because no matter how long they are, they end up looking like capris on you.
Also Read: How to Iron Jeans
2. Dresses are Always Too Short on You
A problem that short girls will never face! Even full-length dresses look like midi skirts on you.
3. Shorts/Skirts are Out of The Question!
Yup, say goodbye to shorts, short skirts & crop tops unless you want to flash everyone on the street.
4. Sleeves Never Reach Your Wrists
This means you’re always cold in the winter because your wrists are always exposed! Even the longest sleeves don’t reach your wrists completely and end up at that awkward length, ugh.
5. Shopping For Shoes in the Men’s Section
And forget about wearing heels. If you want comfortable shoes with good arch support, you’ll have to shop in the men’s section. And let’s be honest, you’re shopping for clothes in the men’s section too most of the time.
6. Always Bumping Your Head on Doorways, Cabinets, and Just About Everything
As I said earlier, the word just isn’t built to accommodate your height. You have to be very careful always or you’ll end up bumping your head, elbow, knees, or ankles in something or the other.
7. Fitting in a Car is a Real Struggle
It makes you feel like a giant who has to twist and turn their bodies to fit the cramped car.
8. Awkward Neck-bend on Airplane Flights
Unless you want to kiss the ceiling, you’ve ended up mastering the right angle to bend your neck during flights. And let’s not talk about what an awful experience airplane toilets can be for tall girls.
9. Fighting for Legroom
You’re constantly fighting for legroom – in cars, on airplanes, on public transport, in classrooms, and just about every chair.
10. Beds Are Too Small For You
A tall girl can’t even sleep in peace since your legs are usually sticking out of the bed. And forget about napping on the couch altogether.
11. Shower Struggles
The showers are never built to accommodate your height and you’re left awkwardly bending just to wash your hair.
Also Read: How to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair
12. Grabbing Things From Top Shelf at Grocery Stores in Your Moral Duty
Everyone is always asking you for help to get them things from the top shelf. Always. Wonder what they do when you’re not there? Ask another tall person, probably.
13. People Always Reminding You That You’re Tall (Lest You Forgot for Even a Second)
Everyone is either asking you how tall you are or commenting on how tall you are. It gets exhausting after a while.
14. Back & Neck Pain From Always Slouching
One of the most concerning problems for tall girls is poor posture. You’re likely bending your neck or slouching all the time, either to fit a space or just out of self-consciousness.
15. Being in the Back of Every Group Photo
Short people in the front, tall people in the back. How many group photos have you had your head cut in?
16. Everyone Thinks You Play Sports
Or, you’re a model. As if you don’t have any other career options!
17. You Stand Out in Crowds
Even when you don’t want to. But oh well, perks for concerts where you can see over everyone’s heads.
18. Dating Struggles
Men are more attracted to short girls. Plus, there’s a general stereotype that a man has to be taller than a woman in a relationship. This leaves very few dating options for tall women.
19. Hugging
Hugging is a challenge because you always have to bend way low to hug your loved ones.
20. Dealing with Poor Confidence & Insecurities
Obviously, you’ll end up developing insecurities and low confidence when everyone is making fun of your height all the time. However…
Embracing Your Height is a Power Move!
Yup, tall girls aren’t common. Only 10% of the female population in the USA is taller than 5’7”. That makes you unique! Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the average female height is increasing by the decade. This means in the upcoming years, there will be more and more tall girls. So, you won’t feel so alone and brands will have to adjust their sizing options to accommodate that growing clientele.
Not to mention, there is a growing representation of tall women in the media as well. For example, the movie “Tall Girl” came out in 2019 with a sequel released in 2022. The movie shows the journey of a young 6’10” struggling with insecurities while trying to find love. ( (Spoiler Alert: She overcomes her tall girl struggles and finds her lost confidence).
And you can too! Your height isn’t a setback. It’s what makes you unique and you’ll realize what a power move it is once you fully embrace it, stand tall, and love all 73 inches of you.
Top Clothing Brands for Tall Girls
Fashion and self-esteem are interlinked and clothing issues are among the top tall girl problems. That’s why, here’s a quick list of clothing brands that cater to tall women. You’re likely to find your right fit here and feel more confident in yourself.
- Long Tall Sally
- ASOS Tall
- American Tall
- Reformation
- Everlane
- Madewell
- Mango
- Sézane
- Athleta Tall
- Nike Tall
- Old Navy
- Topshop
Tall Women Can Do Everything! Examples of Successful Tall Women
And no, being a tall girl doesn’t mean you’re only limited to modeling or sports. These amazing women prove that you can do anything and everything. Let them inspire you!
Sports: Candace Parker (Basketball player)
At a staggering 6’4, Candace is a two-time WNBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, and a role model for aspiring athletes of all genders and heights!
Entertainment: Iman (Model, Entrepreneur)
Iman is a supermodel and a legend in modeling and high fashion. She is 5’10” and also runs her own successful cosmetics line, proving beauty and brains come in all shapes and sizes (and heights!).
P.S. She’s also the wife of the late musician & icon David Bowie who, (you guessed it) was an inch or two shorter than her.
Business: Marissa Mayer (Former CEO of Yahoo)
At 5’11”, Marissa proved that women can work in tech too by being the first female CEO of the major tech giant, Yahoo!
Politics: Nicola Sturgeon (First Minister of Scotland)
The current First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, is 5’9”.
Science: Mae Jemison (Astronaut, Physician)
Standing tall at 5’10”, Mae Jemison is the first African-American woman to go to space!
Before We Part!
Yes, being tall comes with annoying challenges but it is nowhere near enough to stop you from living your best life. All tall girl problems have a solution, and honestly, most of them can be solved by just getting clothes that properly fit you. Because who will dare make fun of your height when you’re out there stunning like a supermodel? So, stand tall to your full height and show everyone how amazing it is to be a tall girl!