For those of us who are either shorter or taller than average, finding sweaters that are just the right length can be tricky. A few weeks ago I shared some sweaters that work well for Petites, but recently a few of you have requested longer sweaters for women who are taller or long-waisted.
When a certain silhouette is “on trend,” at times it can feel like there’s nothing else available. Cropped sweaters (intended to be worn with fuller, high-waisted pants) are indeed ubiquitous. But longer sweaters are out there too, and I’ve corralled a few good ones in a range of styles and prices.
Wool blends & cashmere
Chico’s is a brand that leans heavily into long-over-lean silhouettes, and I find most of their sweaters are cut on the longer side. This one has a subtle sparkle and elegant bateau neck (also available in Camel).
This herringbone textured tunic is available in several colors. Yes, that v-neck is deep, but you can show off a pretty camisole underneath. Or wear over a coordinating turtleneck.
I find Falconeri cashmere to be very good quality for the price. This cashmere v-neck hits me at the top of the thigh; on someone taller it probably would hit at the mid-hip. The v-neck on this style is cut high enough to avoid overexposure. 😉
This cashmere cowlneck tunic is available in Misses, Petites, and Plus in several scrumptious colors.
Wool-free longer sweaters
Lands’ End has a decent selection of sweaters in Tall sizes. For those who can’t wear wool, this striped cotton sweater is a fun option. (And my winter workhorse cashmere crewneck is also offered in Tall, in several colors.)
This silk blend v-neck sweater is offered in Tall and would be a nice layering piece. Available in four colors, in Regular, Petite, Plus and Tall sizes.
Here’s a cozy cable-knit chenille sweater. This one’s also wool-free, and available in Misses, Petite, Plus and Tall sizes (and more colors).
This fun hooded tunic sweater is also a wool-free blend.
A budget-friendly rib-knit v-neck tunic, available in several colors.
If you prefer your prints on the softer, subtle side, here’s a Fair Isle sweater to tempt…
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Makeup fun this weekend! 💄
This Sunday, I’ll be doing a live Zoom in person with Brian at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. We’ll be ✨ “dialing up the Glam” ✨ for the holidays, and you’re invited to join us. Space is limited but you can click HERE to pre-register. Hope to see you there!
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!
This calls for fake names, like at Starbucks! Think Clementine at Christmas, or Bunny at Easter, or Pinky when they’re selling lots of pink.
The comedienne, Cheri Oteri had a funny bit about giving names at Starbucks…she gave “Chaka”…and when she heard the barista call out, “Chaka, Chaka” she finished the riff…”Chaka Khan, let me rock you, ’cause I feel for you…hahahaha!
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…)
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
Hi Susan,
I love sweaters that are cut straight from the arm, not clingy. Thanks for sharing several options that would great throughout our Canadian winter!
Some of JJill’s sweaters are available in tall. I have bought them in tall because my arms are long and I like my sweaters to reach my wrist (bracelet length doesn’t need to touch my wrist). I also appreciate that the tall sweaters reach my lower hip.
Some really great suggestions Susan! But why are most of the comments from earlier in the year? Have you posted this blog before?
Author
Yes, this was previously published, but as I’ve continued to get requests, have updated with current styles.
As someone FREAKISHLY long-waisted (an adjective agreed with by the woman who made my wedding dress), thank you. I have a long waist, big hips and short legs, so boxy tops look just plain weird on me. And don’t even talk to me about empire waists – they hit me right in the middle of my ribcage (also wider than most people’s because, well, X number of years of singing opera will do that!) and make me look enormous.
I am long-waisted and pear shaped, which is apparently quite a normal combination. Nature puts these two together.
Cropped sweaters and extra high-waisted pants work for me (yes, extra high-waisted). I am 5’7″ and small-boned. Regular-length sweaters must have side vents. This is because my pear shape also gives me small shoulders. I need to buy a size smaller on top than bottom. Sweaters in my actual size with side vents give me shoulder seams that fall at my true shoulders and hip room.
Sometimes I have to order a tall size in cropped sweaters, but only if the sleeves are also cropped or short/three-quarters My arms are not long enough for long-sleeved, tall-sized sweaters.
Another trick I have learned is to match my pants with the hemline color of a striped sweater. This tricks the eye into evening out my proportions, by making my top half wider and not demarcating my hips. It’s complicated!
This is a tough sweater season for me because many of the options are just too short. I am 5′ 4″, busty and short waisted, but need some length and coverage. Cropped sweaters chop me in half visually and are just not flattering. The longer ones can feel dated, just way too long for the pants they are showing now and you can’t tuck them in. Finding that middle of the road, “just right” choice is a challenge.! Nordstrom’s cashmere crewnecks have been a good find and hit the perfect sweet spot for me. I can still tuck them in, and they give some coverage, but they aren’t too long. A bonus is they are a great weight for layering or wearing on their own.