Old Navy Tall vs. Long: What's the difference?
The difference between Old Navy's Tall and Long sizing comes down to proportion - Tall sizes adjust the entire garment for a taller frame, including inseams, sleeves, and torso length, while Long sizing refers almost exclusively to a longer inseam on pants. A woman who is 5'10" would likely need a Tall size for a proportional fit on both tops and bottoms, whereas a woman who is 5'7" with long legs might only need a Long inseam for her jeans, while regular tops fit her perfectly.
Here's everything you need to know about Old Navy Tall vs. Long to find the perfect fit for your body type.
Old Navy Tall
Old Navy's Tall sizing is a complete size category designed for women who are 5'9" or taller and men who are 6'0" or taller. This sizing isn't just about adding length at the bottom, it re-proportions the entire piece of clothing, from tops and dresses to pants and jumpsuits. The goal is to provide a balanced fit where sleeves cover the wrists, waistlines sit correctly, and pant hems reach the ankles.
- What it is: A dedicated sizing category for taller individuals that adds length to sleeves, torso, and inseams.
- Key features: Adds approximately 2-4 inches to the length of item components compared to regular sizes. Found across various product types like shirts, dresses, jackets, and pants.
- Price: Generally the same price as their standard-sized counterparts, making extended sizing accessible and budget-friendly.
- Materials/Construction: Uses the exact same materials (denim, cotton, polyester blends) and construction quality as Old Navy's regular-size lines.
- Sizing/Fit: Designed for an overall taller frame. A Tall pant will have a longer rise in addition to a longer inseam to fit a longer torso.
- Pros: Provides a proportional fit so clothes don't look scaled-down. Eliminates common tall-person problems like shirts being too short and showing your midriff or sleeves looking three-quarters length. Available across a wide range of styles.
- Cons: Primarily available online, in-store selection can be very limited. If you only need extra length in your legs and have a standard torso, the fit of Tall tops or dresses may be too long.
This is the definitive choice for people who are taller than average and struggle with standard clothing fitting their whole body, not just their legs.
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Old Navy Long
Unlike the comprehensive "Tall" category, "Long" at Old Navy is a more specific term that almost always refers to the inseam of pants. It is an option you select for bottoms, alongside Regular and Short, and doesn't affect the fit of the rise, waist, or hips. A "Long" inseam is ideal for customers of any height who simply have longer-than-average legs for their frame.
- What it is: An extended inseam length option for bottoms like jeans and trousers, not a complete sizing collection.
- Key features: Focuses exclusively on adding 2-3 inches to the inseam of pants. Does not alter torso length, sleeve length, or pant rise.
- Price: Identical to the price of the same item in a Regular inseam.
- Materials/Construction: The same fabrics and build quality as the standard version of the same pants.
- Sizing/Fit: Designed for people who have proportionally longer legs. Someone of average height (e.g., 5'6") could easily need a Long inseam if they have a short torso and long legs.
- Pros: Offers a simple fix for pants that are too short without affecting the overall fit of the garment. Perfect for shoppers with long legs but a regular-sized torso. Allows for a long, "stacked" look on denim.
- Cons: Only applies to a single dimension (inseam) and is unavailable for tops, dresses, or outerwear. Can be confusing for those who think "Long" and "Tall" are interchangeable.
Perfect for anyone whose main fit issue is preventing "high water" pants, regardless of their overall height.
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Old Navy Tall vs. Long Comparison
Fit & Sizing
The core difference between these two options is comprehensiveness. "Tall" is a holistic adjustment. Buying a Tall size means the sleeves on a shirt will be longer, the body of a dress will be longer, and the rise and inseam on pants will be longer. Essentially, the entire garment is scaled up in length to fit a taller stature.
In contrast, "Long" is a singular adjustment. You'll only find this option on bottoms, and it exclusively extends the inseam. A pair of Regular jeans and Long jeans in the same waist size will fit identically in the waist, hips, and rise - the only difference will be the length from the crotch to the ankle.
Product Availability & Selection
As a full sizing line, "Tall" is available across a vast range of Old Navy products. Shoppers can find Tall sizes in nearly every category, including tops, activewear, dresses, jeans, and pants. This makes it a one-stop-shop for customers who need length adjustments across their entire wardrobe.
The "Long" option is specific to bottoms. You choose it as an inseam length when you're buying pants or jeans. It does not exist for tops, jackets, or dresses, since "inseam" is not a relevant measurement for those items.
Who Each One Works Best For
The ideal customer for Old Navy Tall is someone who is statuesque. This person often finds that "off the rack" tops feel like crop tops, sleeves don't reach their wrists, and pant legs rise high above their ankles. Their long torso, arms, and legs all require extra length for a proper fit.
The perfect candidate for Old Navy Long can be of any height, but their legs are proportionally long for their body. This person finds that standard shirts fit them fine in the torso and sleeves, but they constantly struggle with pants being just a couple of inches too short. Choosing a Long inseam solves their pant problem perfectly without introducing poor fit elsewhere.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both sizing options are fantastic solutions, but they serve two very different needs.
Choose Old Navy Tall if:
- You are a woman 5'9" or taller or a man 6'0" or taller.
- You consistently find that standard shirts, dresses, and jackets have sleeves that are too short.
- You need a longer body length in tops so they don't ride up over your waistband.
- Regular pants fit poorly not only in length but also in the rise (the distance from crotch to waistband).
Choose Old Navy Long if:
- Your primary fit struggle is that pants and jeans are just too short at the ankle.
- Regular-sized tops, sweaters, and jackets fit you well in the sleeves and torso length.
- You have a proportionally shorter torso and longer legs, regardless of your total height.
- You only need an extended inseam length on bottoms and do not require other proportional adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Old Navy Tall and Long?
The main difference is scope. Tall Sizing adjusts the entire garment's length proportions (torso, sleeves, inseam), designed for people above a certain height. Long only adds length to the inseam of pants and is for people who just have long legs.
How many inches does Old Navy Tall add?
Old Navy's Tall items typically add 2-4 inches in total length to different parts of the garment. For example, a Tall top might have 2 extra inches in the sleeves and 2 extra inches in the body length compared to its regular counterpart.
How many inches does Old Navy Long add to inseams?
The Long inseam option usually adds about 2-3 inches of length to the inseam of pants compared to a Regular inseam in the same style.
Are Tall sizes wider than regular sizes?
No, Tall sizes are not designed to be wider. A size 10 Tall shirt should have the same width measurements as a size 10 Regular shirt, it will just be longer in the sleeves and body. Always check the specific product's size chart for exact measurements.
Can I be average height and wear a Long inseam?
Absolutely. Many people of average height have proportionally long legs. If you're 5'6" but regular-length pants always look like capris, the Long inseam option is likely the perfect solution for you.
Where do I find Tall sizes on Old Navy's website?
Tall Sizing is a filter or its own category under the Women's or Men's menus, often grouped with other special sizes like Petite and Plus.
Do Old Navy Tall and Long sizes cost more?
No, one of the best things about Old Navy sizing is its inclusivity and affordability. Both Tall and Long options are typically priced the same as their standard-size equivalents.
Should I choose Tall or Long if I'm 5'9"?
If you're 5'9", pay attention to where you need the length. If your torso and arms feel constricted in regular tops, go with Tall. If tops fit fine but your ankles are always showing in pants, starting with a Long inseam for your bottoms is your best bet.
