The tall man is lucky in most things. He makes more money than shorter men, he’s happier, has higher levels of life satisfaction, and he’s handy whenever something’s on a high shelf. But it’s not all gravy. Travel can be torture, back pain is inevitable, and clothing choices shrink for every bit of fabric you add.

Ready-to-wear brands tend to tap out at six-foot-two. Above that, you’re in the Big & Tall world, which can mean billowing cuts and erratic hem-lengths. But all is not lost when it comes to tall men’s clothing. This is how to make your extra inches add up.

5 Tips For Tall Men’s Fashion

1. Create Contrast

If you’re tall and slim, keeping things too simple only serves to make you look taller and slimmer. The best fix is to break things up, says Luke McDonald from men’s styling service Thread. “Avoid wearing one colour head-to-toe and use things like texture and pattern to break things up.”

2. Add Bulk

You want to add bulk, but you don’t want to disappear into your tall men’s clothes, so think in width. You’re all about the vertical axis, so look to clothes that create some sideways heft. Horizontal patterns will help – think Breton striped tops or colour-blocked tees – but so will chunky knits, puffer coats and structured tailoring.

Mango Man

3. Make Sure Things Fit

One thing guaranteed to make you look even taller is your ankles poking out the bottoms of your trousers, or sleeves that don’t reach your wrists. Finding clothes that are long enough but also slim enough can be tricky, so befriend a tailor who can take things in, if necessary.

4. Avoid Skinny Fits

As a tall man, you’ve got the freedom to experiment with more edgy silhouettes, so embrace it. “Try pleated trousers, but try tucking your shirt or knitwear in to accentuate the style,” says John Lewis menswear buyer Tom Saunders.