I’ve got a couple of TALL guys in my family – 6’4″+. They have no trouble buying jeans and dress pants in appropriate inseam lengths, but when it comes to shorts, pj bottoms, lounging pants (scrubs) . . . they’re all too short after a single washing. So I make them, adding 5-8″ in the legs . . . generall this is okay but I’m looking for any additional hints or tips. And what about tops? Marginally easier to find, but sleeves and torso lengths are sometimes ‘iffy.’ Thanks for any tips.
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Replies
Are you washing the pj fabric before sewing it? Wash and dry it twice before using it and you most likely won't have shrinkage. As for lengthening sleeves and torsos, patterns have notations on them to lengthen (or shorten); sleeves and torsos are simple to add length to. Measure your men, or take measurements from a well-fitting garment they already have. Again, if the fabric is washable, wash it first.
I've sewn for my two tall guys (6'5" and 6'6"; that's 2 meters each!) for years. I buy the XL pattern, and then just slice each piece horizontally and add nine inches in the legs of pants and 6-8" in the torso and whatever I need to the sleeves to accommodate their incredibly long arms.
It always helps to have one garment that fits them correctly to use as a guide; otherwise, my mind can't get around the fact that the pants pattern is nearly as tall as I am or that the sleeve piece is more than a yard long.
Also, very tall guys can have their height in different places: my guys have relatively normal torso lengths for XL, but their arms and legs are very long. One brother-in-law, the same height, has a very short torso and extraordinarily long legs, while another has a very long torso but fairly shorter legs and arms (like Michael Phelps). That's why I snag their favorites--the shirt or pants they wear every day--to size their patterns.
Got it, thanks . . . it is a bit of a brain twister to hold the pants up to your chest and have them drag on the floor! ; )
Teaf is right, make sure you measure your guys to put the length where they each need it most. My DH is not that tall at 5'11", but has very long arms! So I need to add length there, or buy tall guy shirts. Or you could just say he has short legs, tee hee! Compare the measurements to favorite clothes, and ask what is wrong or what could be better with them! Sometimes favorites are still not right. Cathy
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