Women
Fabletics and Adidas are flying the flag for tall female runners. Fabletics’ entire range of workout leggings –made from stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric – are all available in a tall length options, while Adidas has a selected range of leggings and shorts available in a longer length. Next also has a collection of fitness apparel that’s designed for tall women as part of its ‘Active’ sportswear range, which includes leggings, long-sleeves, T-shirts and shorts. For shoes, most good running-shoe retailers offer women’s running shoes in sizes up to a UK 10, with some extending to a UK 11.
What to look for...
Inseam length:
Before buying leggings, always check the length of the inseam, as some brands come up longer than others. Lululemon, for example, offers styles in a 31” leg, while Sweaty Betty’s Add Pantones colour of the year to your wardrobe”.
Big and Tall:
High-waisted leggings area good option if you have a longer torso – you can pair these with a cropped top or jacket to balance out your figure (as seen in Victoria’s outfit, above). If you’re curvy, this styling will really show off your shape. For those who prefer more coverage, look for tops and tees with a longer cut, which also look flattering when paired with a shorter jacket.
Get the look...
Victoria (above) wears: bra: L; jacket: L; leggings: XL; shoes: UK 9
Model height: 6’0”/ Dress: UK 16
Under Armour Women's UA RUSH™ HeatGear® No-Slip Waistband Full-Length Leggings
Men
Running kit for tall men isn’t always easy to get hold of, but thankfully, trusted brands like Adidas and Nike can be relied upon. Nike has a specialist ‘Demo run: Cloudmonster Hyper’ collection, which includes a range of running staples – baselayers, tights, long-sleeves, shorts and tees – available in tall sizes. Adidas has a ‘Tall’ collection, designed for men 6ft and over, which includes a range of technical apparel, designed with a longer inseam, body length and sleeve. Although most running apparel brands don’t produce specialised tall collections, many brands, including Asics, New Balance, Under Armour and Soar, do produce sizes up to 2XL in their regular collections, which will naturally have a longer inseam (in bottoms) and sleeve length (in tops). When it comes to shoes, brands such as Asics, New Balance, Nike, Brooks and Saucony cater for sizes up to a UK 15.
What to look for...
The best last-minute Christmas gifts for runners: when looking for tights, make sure you check the length of the inseam (inside leg), as you’ll find that some brands come up longer than others – Lululemon tights, for example, come up a couple of inches longer than Brooks. Many brands offer shorts in a 7”length, which come a little further down the leg than a standard cut.
Get the look...
Stuart (above) wears: T-shirt: L; jacket: L; shorts: L; shoes: UK 12
Model height: 6’10”/ Waist: 34”
