Big And Tall Sizes

When shopping for big and tall clothing for a loved one, it is important to know how the sizing scales are configured. While some of the conventions of big and tall sizing are intuitive enough, there are some particulars that those people who are unfamiliar with big and tall clothing might get confused about. A quick examination of sizing conventions can illuminate this potentially baffling area and ensure your loved one's satisfaction.

Sizes of Big and Tall Clothing

Big clothing and tall clothing are often lumped together under one subheading because the cuts of cloth vary from more average-sized cuts. However, the apparel-related needs of a taller person are very different from those of a person with more girth. Most of the time, in fact, these needs are completely opposite.

Because of this, manufacturers will generally label their clothing with the moniker "Big" or "Tall" (sometimes abbreviated to "B" or "T"). So, for example, if you come across a shirt that is labeled 5XLB, or 5XL (Big), you will know that this shirt is tailored specifically to fit a larger person, rather than a taller one. If it were tailored to fit a taller person, the torso would be more slender in diameter, but the arms and torso would be longer, so as to accommodate the wearer's extra height.

The number before the "XL" in a size indicates the amount of "extras" before the large. Consider that some shirts are available in small (S), medium (M), large (L) and extra-large (XL). A 5XL shirt could just as well be written "XXXXXL," but that would be considerably more difficult to read. By becoming familiar with these conventions, you can be certain that your big or tall loved one will be impeccably dressed.