In recent months, many of you have mentioned that you have trouble finding sweaters that are long enough for you. (At 5’1″, I have the opposite problem. 😉 )
sweater (c/o) | necklace (c/o) | bracelet (similar)
It’s not your imagination. With the current trend toward higher-waisted and fuller pants, shorter (or even cropped) sweaters have become more predominant.
Longer sweaters for women
So I’ve been making notes of which brands either offer sweaters and tops in Tall sizes, or just tend to offer a lot of longer cuts. Here are a few you might want to check out.
Chico’s
If you love a long-over-lean silhouette, you’ll find a lot of options at Chico’s. The double v-neck striped sweater I’m wearing above hits me at the low hip, but on the website it hits the model (who I presume is 5’9″ or 5’10”) at the mid hip. It’s available in sizes 00 (2) to 4 (20-22). (I’m wearing size 00.)
The shirttail hem on this bateau neck sweater adds length and coverage.
Here’s a bold, bright v-neck sweater in a wool-free mix.
Today only, Chico’s is offering pima cotton tunics for $29.
Talbot’s
Talbot’s is another brand with a good selection of longer sweaters. (In fact, I’ve found even their Petite sweaters run a bit long.) This wool-free sweater with a shoulder button detail is available in several colors, in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes.
Talbot’s is having a Customer Appreciation Event. Get 40% off one item with code CLASSIC.
J.Jill
J.Jill carries a Tall size range for many of their clothing styles, including sweaters. This 100% cotton sweater with intarsia stripes is offered in Misses, Petite, Plus and Tall sizes, and in an ivory/tan color combo too. (Save 30% off your purchase with code 30FEB21)
You had me at “chenille.” This cozy chenille sweater (also wool-free) is available in 3 colors, Misses, Petite, Plus, and Tall sizes.
Here and there…
While it’s true that a lot of Madewell’s sweaters seem to be leaning toward the shorter, boxy side of the spectrum, this one looks to be quite long. (And that’s the only reason I haven’t snapped it up.) Sizes XX-Small to X-Large.
Gap carries quite a few styles in Tall sizes. This 100% cotton sweater looks pretty cute. Sizes XS-L in Misses, Petite and Tall.
This pretty Shibori print sweater has a dipped hem in back (25″ length) and is another wool-free option. Sizes X-Small to XX-Large. Plus 1X-3X.
Sales of note…
J.Jill – 30% off purchase, code 30FEB21
J.Crew – 30% off purchase, code FLASH
Anthropologie – extra 25% off sale
Nordstrom – latest markdowns
Madewell – extra 20% off sale, code WOWIE
I’m 5’4, short waisted and I’m finding most sweaters to be too cropped and boxy for me. I like most tops to hit where my leg and hip meet and be semi fitted. Consequently, giving me the look of being longer waisted but doesn’t shorten my legs. You can tuck or untuck this length too. More and more I’m less tempted by sweaters, even though I love them. This year I’ve worn the tried and true sweaters from years past.
I’m 5’4″ and a regular build. Whatever regular is but what I find with sweaters and similar items that are not button downs are the sleeves are so long. My arms don’t appear to be particularly short but I find I’m either rolling up the sleeve or constantly yanking them up as they want to drown my hands.
I love a longer sweater not because I am long waisted but that I have the over 50s dumpling shape! I have now ordered 3 sweaters based on your recommendations. While I am well dressed, I think I have to stop!
Thanks for this, Susan. Although at 5’2″ you’d think most sweaters would be long they’re just not. I love J.Crew for basics but their Vintage sweatshirts are short and very wide. I like something that hits at least at my hip bone. Something that covers one’s derriere is an added bonus.
What size is that first Chico’s sweater you’re wearing? I love it but am wondering about the sleeve length.
You look marvelous by the way. Are you following a specific diet plan? I seem to have packed on the pandemic pounds. Reminds me of my freshman year of college.
Author
Hi Lisa, I’m wearing the Chico’s size 00. The sleeves are “bracelet” length. And thanks! I’ve been doing Faster Way to Fat Loss since last summer, and have also experienced increased strength and improved fitness.
Thanks! So, with a 00 have you gone done a size because it runs larger or is it due to your wonderful weight loss? I’m usually one size up from you but now it may be two sizes! Just trying to decipher what size would fit me.
Hope this isn’t too personal for you to address. If so, my apologies.
Author
Hi Lisa, not at all. 😉 Chico’s has their own sizing system, and their 00 corresponds to a size 2. (Though IMO this sweater fits more like a 4.) I probably would have found the 0 (4-6) a better fit six months ago. Some of their pieces do run larger, so you may need to try multiple sizes to find your preferred fit.
Thanks!
How do you fit the sweater into your “colors” or is it ivory enough overall to make the mark?
Author
Hi Jan, it’s in the “close enough” category. 😉 It’s neutral enough and warm enough to work. The Red Leopard ladies stress that not every item has to be a perfect match for one’s color palette. And if I want to add my best colors near my face, I can always add a scarf.
I have a few Chico’s pieces from several years ago, and I like a lot of the things you’ve posted lately. Shopping at Chico’s awakens my inner curmudgeon, however; it annoys me that the dressing rooms don’t have mirrors, and the sizing, IMO, is similar to Starbucks’ ridiculous Tall/Grande/Venti system. Give me a Small, Medium, or Large, please!
Also, you kids get off my lawn! 😉
OMG…..I feel the same way and I really dislike being pushed the moment I go in to give them my name…it’s not friendly IMO….it is pushing in to my space without being invited. So release that inner curmudgeon!
Jill Ann, you’re hilarious and I couldn’t agree more about everything you wrote! Plus, the one mirror they have outside the dressing room isn’t a three-way. My nearest Chico’s is an hour and a half away, so if I have any doubts, I don’t purchase. I hope Chico’s is listening.
Had I been living in the USA, I would have been very grateful for your investigation into long(er) sweaters.
But alas, I am far away.
The sweater (or jumper as I say) you are wearing is stunning. It is so chic and so well made. It looks fabulous. If I thought it would look as good on tall me, I would even order it haha.
Greetje
I told the woman who made my wedding dress that I was “freakishly long-waisted,” and she took my measurements and said, “You ARE!”
That sweater is very flattering on you!
Thanks for this article. I am 5’4″ and long-waisted (but not freakishly :)) I prefer the long over lean look so these picks are great for me.
Thank you!!! I am in seriously like** with several of these options. Just in time to stave off the February doldrums.
(**maybe love but we have to actually meet first…)
Your long over lean new take works best for you. Much better than what the English color mavens have advised you to do. You are petite and this look is best for shorter people. More chic and a better silhouette. Use your own critical eye and forget what others pile on you. Your own eyes are your best advisers!!
I cannot lie..in the photo I thought you were wearing a wide head band…until I looked closely and saw it was a shadow. The sweater is cute. I am 5’1” and am actually proportionate, long or short is fine. I actually prefer shorter, cropped jackets/cardigans with dresses and longer with pants/leggings. My best proportion with pants of any kind is long over lean. Wide legged pants look too clown like on my frame and add unwanted visual weight.
Thank you for this feature. I’m 5’11” and love longer tunic lengths, dusters and longline styles