Abercrombie Tall vs. Regular Dress: Which size is right for you?

The primary difference between an Abercrombie Regular and Tall dress is more than just hemline, it's about overall proportion. Regular fit dresses are designed for the average height of 5'4" to 5'7", with standard torso and sleeve lengths, while Tall sizes are specifically engineered for women 5'8" and over, featuring an extended torso, longer sleeves, and a lower hemline to ensure the entire garment is scaled correctly.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Abercrombie & Fitch dress size for your height and body type.

Abercrombie Regular Dress Sizing

The Regular dress size is Abercrombie's standard fit and the one you'll find most widely available across all their styles. It is designed to fit a woman of average height, with proportions tailored to a frame that is typically between 5'4" and 5'7". This means the waist, bust darts, and hemlines are placed to create a balanced silhouette on an average-height figure.

• What it is: The standard sizing for Abercrombie dresses, cut for average heights.
• Designed For: Women between 5'4" and 5'7" tall.
• Key features: Standardized torso length, sleeve length, and hemlines intended for an average proportioned body.
• Price: Typically ranges from $50 to $150.
• Pros: Largest selection and availability across all dress styles. Designs fit as intended on average-height frames. Great for those with a proportionate or shorter torso.
• Cons: Can feel uncomfortably short on women 5'8" or taller. The waistline may sit too high - closer to the ribs - on a long torso. Sleeves can appear cropped on those with longer arms.

This is the ideal option for women of average height who want a dress that fits true to the designer's original intent without any guessing games about length.

Shop this product: www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/womens-dresses

Abercrombie Tall Dress Sizing

Abercrombie's Tall sizing is a thoughtful solution for taller women who struggle with pieces that are too short overall. Designed specifically for frames 5'8" and above, these dresses don't just add inches to the bottom, they are re-proportioned entirely. The bust, waist, and hip placements are all adjusted for a longer torso, ensuring a seamless and comfortable fit.

• What it is: A specialized sizing option created by lengthening and re-proportioning dresses for taller women.
• Designed For: Women who are 5'8" and taller.
• Key features: Extended hemline for better coverage, a longer torso to ensure the waistline falls correctly, and longer sleeves for proper fit.
• Price: The same as Regular sizes, ranging from $50 to $150.
• Pros: Provides much-needed length and coverage on taller figures. Correctly places the waistline for a more flattering and comfortable feel. Eliminates the issue of too-short sleeves or an awkwardly high hem.
• Cons: Sizing availability can be more limited compared to Regular dresses. May be too long in the torso or overall for anyone under 5'8", even if they just want a longer hem.

Perfect for women 5'8" and over who need the added length in the body and sleeves to achieve a balanced, comfortable, and stylish fit.

Shop this product: www.abercrombie.com/shop/us/womens-dresses

Regular vs. Tall Abercrombie Sizing Comparison

Length & Coverage

The most obvious difference is the length. A Tall dress often adds around two inches to the hemline, which can be the deciding factor between a comfortably chic mini dress and one that feels too revealing. For a woman standing at 5'9", a Regular mini might hit at the upper thigh, whereas the Tall version will likely fall at a more modest mid-thigh length. This difference is consistent across midi and maxi styles, ensuring the dress hits the leg at the intended spot - the calf or ankle, respectively.

Coverage isn't just about the hem. The longer torso in a Tall dress prevents lower-cut necklines from exposing too much, providing a better fit across the chest and shoulders for a taller frame.

Fit & Proportions

This is where the true value of Tall sizing shines. It’s not just about adding fabric at the bottom. The entire garment is scaled up. The most critical adjustment is in the torso. On a taller person, the waist of a Regular dress often lands on the ribcage, creating an unflattering and uncomfortable empire-waist effect. The Tall size drops the waistline to sit at the natural waist, creating a defined and proportional silhouette.

Likewise, armholes are slightly lower and sleeves are longer to accommodate longer limbs perfectly. These proportional adjustments are what make the dress look like it was designed for a tall body, not just lengthened as an afterthought.

Availability & Style Options

While Abercrombie has made great strides in inclusive sizing, the reality is that Regular sizes offer the widest selection. Nearly every dress is available in Regular sizing, while the Tall range is typically reserved for more popular or classic styles. If you have your eye on a very specific or trend-driven dress, it's more likely to be available in Regular fit only. However, most of the brand's core dress lineup is offered in both fits.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends almost entirely on your height and body proportions.

Choose Regular if:

• You are between 5'4" and 5'7" tall.
• Standard hemlines and dress proportions typically fit you well.
• You have an average or shorter torso, and you often find "Tall" sizes are too long in the body.
• The designer's intended fit is exactly what you are looking for without alterations.

Choose Tall if:

• You are 5'8" or taller in height.
• You consistently find that the waist of standard dresses sits too high on your frame.
• Mini dresses often feel uncomfortably short and require sizing up for length.
• Long-sleeved dresses usually hit above your wrist bone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Abercrombie Tall and Regular dresses?

The main difference is in proportion, not just length. Tall sizes have a longer torso, waistline, sleeve length, and hemline to create a balanced fit on a taller frame (5'8"+). Regular sizes are cut for an average-height (5'4"-5'7") frame.

How much longer is an Abercrombie Tall dress?

While Abercrombie does not publish exact measurements, the industry standard for Tall sizing is an additional 1.5-2 inches in hem length, alongside about 1-1.5 inches of added length in the torso and sleeves compared to a Regular size.

I'm 5'7", should I choose Tall or Regular?

At 5'7", you are on the cusp. The best choice depends on your proportions. If you have a particularly long torso or long arms, you might prefer the fit of a Tall dress. If you are proportioned evenly, a Regular size will likely provide the intended fit. For mini dresses where you may want extra coverage, trying the Tall version could be a good option.

Do Abercrombie dress sizes come in Petite?

Yes, Abercrombie & Fitch offers Petite sizing for many of its dresses, designed specifically for women who are 5'3" and under. Like Tall sizes, these are re-proportioned for a shorter frame.

Is there a price difference between Tall and Regular sizes?

No. Abercrombie prices its apparel consistently across its Petite, Regular, and Tall size ranges, you will not pay more for a specialty size.

Do Tall sizes only add length to the hem?

No, this is a common misconception. A true Tall size, like Abercrombie's, meticulously re-proportions the entire dress. The waist is dropped, sleeve length is added, and shoulder points may be adjusted to ensure the whole garment fits correctly.

Can I just size up in a Regular dress to get more length?

While sizing up can add minimal length, it will also make the dress wider everywhere - in the bust, waist, and hips - and will not fix the issue of a high waistline. This usually results in a baggy, ill-fitting look. Choosing the correct Tall size is a much better solution for a proper fit.

Where can I find Abercrombie's Tall dresses online?

You can easily find them on the official Abercrombie website. While browsing dresses, simply use the size filter to select "Tall" to see all available options.