Madewell Tall vs. Regular: Sizing comparison [2026]

Madewell Tall vs. Regular: Compare inseam, rise, and fit adjustments for the perfect size. Discover which Madewell option suits your height and style best.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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The primary difference between Madewell's Regular and Tall sizing comes down to more than just inseam. While Tall jeans and pants have longer inseams (typically 33" and up) designed for women 5'8" and taller, the fit is also proportionally adjusted with a longer rise and sometimes a longer torso length in tops and dresses to prevent awkward fits. Regular sizes cater to those 5'4" to 5'7" with standard proportions and inseam lengths.

Here’s what you need to know to decide between Madewell's Tall and Regular fit for your body type and style preferences.

Madewell Regular Sizing

Madewell's Regular sizing is the brand's standard fit, designed to accommodate the majority of customers with average height and proportions. It serves as the baseline for the brand's classic, comfortable, and stylish cuts, especially in their renowned denim collection. These pieces are tailored for women who are generally between 5'4" and 5'7" tall.

  • What it is: Madewell's standard sizing category designed for customers with average height and proportions.
  • Key features: Standard inseam lengths on jeans and pants (typically 27-32 inches), standard rise and torso measurements on tops, dresses, and jumpsuits.
  • Price: Same as Tall sizes, there is no price increase for specialized sizing.
  • Sizing/Fit: Follows standard US numerical sizing (00-24). The fit is consistent and reliable for those who do not require extra length in the legs, arms, or torso.
  • Pros: Wide availability across all clothing categories and styles. Offered in all physical stores and online. An extensive selection of cuts, washes, and trends. No need to second-guess if a new style will be available in your fit category.
  • Cons: Inseams or sleeves can be too short for anyone over 5'7". The rise on jeans may feel too low for those with a long torso. Proportions may feel off for taller individuals, even if the waist size fits.

This is the go-to sizing for women of average height looking for well-fitting, stylish staples without needing length adjustments.

Shop this product: madewell.com/womens/clothing

Madewell Tall Sizing

Madewell's Tall sizing is a thoughtfully designed collection for customers who stand 5'8" or taller. This range goes beyond simply adding length to the hem, it re-engineers the proportions of the entire garment. From longer inseams on denim to extended torso lengths on dresses and tops, the Tall line is crafted to provide a balanced and flattering fit for a taller frame.

  • What it is: A specialized sizing category for women 5'8" and over, featuring adjustments in length and overall proportion.
  • Key features: Longer inseams (usually 33 inches or more). Rise measurements are often extended to properly fit a longer torso. Sleeves on tops and jackets are cut longer.
  • Price: Same as Regular sizes.
  • Sizing/Fit: Offers a similar waist and hip fit as the Regular line, but every other aspect is scaled for height. This ensures the knee break on jeans hits at the right spot and waistbands sit correctly.
  • Pros: Eliminates the problem of pants and jeans looking cropped or shrunken. Provides a more comfortable and flattering fit through the waist and hips due to an appropriate rise. Garments look intentional and tailored right off the rack.
  • Cons: Limited selection compared to the Regular range, not all styles are made in Tall. Mostly available online with limited inventory in physical stores. Can sometimes be too long for individuals on the shorter end of the tall spectrum (5'8"-5'9").

This range is the perfect solution for taller shoppers tired of compromising on length and proportion for style and comfort.

Shop this product: madewell.com/tall-shop

Madewell Tall vs. Regular Sizing Comparison

Inseam & Length

The most obvious difference lies in the length. A pair of Regular jeans might have an inseam between 27 and 32 inches, designed to fit a variety of styles from cropped to full-length on an average-height person. For someone 5'9", a 32" inseam might result in an accidental cropped look.

The Tall sizing directly addresses this by offering inseams starting at 33 inches and going up to 36 inches. This extra length ensures that full-length pants actually cover the ankle and allow room for wearing with heels or creating a cuff. The same principle applies to sleeves on tops and coats, which are cut longer to provide adequate wrist coverage.

Fit & Proportions

This is where the less obvious, but equally important, differences appear. Madewell's Tall sizing isn't just longer, it's re-proportioned. The "rise" of jeans - the distance from the crotch to the waistband - is often taller. This is critical because a standard rise can sit too low on a long torso, creating a poor fit and feel.

Similarly, dresses and jumpsuits in the Tall collection have extended torsos, so the waistline seam hits at the natural waist instead of uncomfortably high. These proportional adjustments create a more balanced and flattering silhouette that simply adding length to a Regular garment cannot replicate.

Style Availability & Selection

The main trade-off for the superior fit of Tall sizing is selection. The Regular range encompasses every product Madewell makes, offering the widest variety of colors, washes, materials, and trendy cuts. You can walk into any store or browse online and find nearly everything in a Regular size.

The Tall collection, while excellent, is more curated. It focuses on the brand's most popular jeans, trousers, and core basics like dresses and select tops. More fashion-forward or seasonal items may not be produced in Tall sizing, making the Regular collection the only option for those specific pieces.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both size ranges offer the quality and style Madewell is known for, so the right choice depends on your height and body proportions.

Choose Regular if:

  • You are 5'7" or shorter.
  • Standard inseam and sleeve lengths from other brands usually fit you well.
  • You have average torso proportions and don't struggle with waistbands sitting too low.
  • You want access to every single style, color, and trend Madewell offers.

Choose Tall if:

  • You are 5'8" or taller.
  • Regular-length jeans and pants frequently expose your ankles when you desire a full-length look.
  • You have a longer torso and often find the rise in pants uncomfortably short.
  • You are willing to shop primarily online to get a better-proportioned fit for your taller frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Madewell Tall and Regular?

The main differences are length and proportion. Tall sizes are designed for women 5'8"+, featuring longer inseams, sleeves, and torso measurements. Regular sizes are for women 5'4"-5'7" and have standard industry proportions.

How much longer are Madewell Tall jeans?

Madewell Tall jeans typically have an inseam that is 2-4 inches longer than their Regular counterparts. For example, a full-length jean in Regular sizing might have a 31" inseam, while the Tall version could have a 34" inseam.

How do I know if I need Tall sizing?

The general guideline provided by Madewell is a height of 5'8" or taller. If you consistently find that standard pants are too short or that the waistline of dresses and shirts sit above your natural waist, you would likely benefit from Tall sizing.

Is Madewell Tall sizing only about length?

No, it's also about proportion. The overall garment is scaled for a taller frame, which often includes a longer rise in pants and a longer torso measurement in tops and dresses for a more comfortable and flattering fit.

Is Madewell true to size?

Yes, Madewell is generally considered true to size. You can typically order your usual size in both Regular and Tall options, with the understanding that the fit has been adjusted for height.

Where can I buy Madewell Tall?

The best and most comprehensive selection of Madewell Tall is on their official website. Some flagship stores may carry a limited selection, but for the full range, online is the best option.

Do all Madewell styles come in Tall?

No, not all Madewell styles are available in Tall sizes. The brand tends to offer its most popular and classic styles, especially denim and trousers, in the Tall range. More seasonal or trendy pieces are often exclusive to the Regular collection.

Is there a price difference between Tall and Regular sizes at Madewell?

No, Madewell does not charge more for its Tall sizes. Prices are consistent across both Regular and Tall size ranges for the same item.