June 21 is tall girl appreciation day. It’s also the longest day of the year. (You shorter gals have a day in December.)

I wasn’t able to find any history describing how this day came about, although apparently it has been celebrated for the last few years. As one blogger pointed out, we don’t need a day to appreciate tall women (or girls or short females or anyone) but someone recorded it, so there you are.

The general consensus is a woman is tall if she is 5’6″ or taller. Although that varies from country to country. Based on my experience the difficulties with being a tall woman don’t happen until she is 5’10” or taller. This makes sense because the current average height for American males is 5’9″. Most things are designed around this average.

There are many advantages and disadvantages of being a tall woman. Here a few that I have experienced:

Disadvantages:

• Hard time finding clothes that fit (including shoes, in my case).
• Most short men do not want to date you. (Thankfully my husband was an exception; problem solved.)
• Many very tall men do not want to date you. (They like shorter women.)Small children often make loud comments about you in public places, like, “Mommy, look at that really tall woman!”
• You have to stoop quite low, or sit on a chair, to hear what your girlfriends are saying.
• You are given less than flattering nicknames like “Big Bird” or “Giraffe” or “Long Drink of Water”
• People always assume you are good at basketball or volleyball.
• (When younger) people often ask if you are a model.
• Have to bend down a lot to do simple tasks such as open doors, wash hands, chop food, etc.
• Can’t always see entire self in a mirror.
• It’s hard to fit in cars sometimes.
• (When younger) people often think you’re older than you really are. (But this works the opposite way when you’re older)
• You can be the tallest person in the room in foreign countries.
• People stare at you when you enter a room.

Advantages:

• People often think you’re a leader, just because you’re taller.
• You get to hang out in the back in photos.
• You can reach everything in the grocery store.
• You can store things in the tall shelves in your kitchen and still be able to find them.
• Taller men and women typically make more money.
• You can eat more than your shorter counterparts without gaining weight.
• People tend to take you more seriously.
• You can always find your way through a crowd (as long as the majority are shorter).
• Long legs look great in clothes.
• Never have to hem clothes.

And for all of you tall women, read on for some links and tips on clothes buying.

• Long Tall Sally  – As the name suggests, this store caters to tall women. It’s European based but opening more stores in the United States. It also sells shoes, but not in half sizes after size 10.
• Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy/Athleta – The online version of these stores has a tall section. The selection is limited, but it gives some low cost options (Old Navy, Gap) as well as some higher quality options (Banana Republic) all in one place. They have free shipping for orders over $50 and you can return to the stores.
• Nordstrom (as well as Nordstrom Rack) – The online version of this store has tall selections, and their bricks and mortar shoe stores have large women’s shoes but no half sizes over size 10. The Rack is a great place to browse shoes, but my experience is if you can’t do it weekly you won’t find as much of a selection.
• Payless. All Payless bricks and mortar stores have shoes up to size 14. They don’t have half sizes either but because sizing is so inconsistent you can usually find something to fit fairly well even if you are a perfect 12.5 (like I am).
• ASOS – This store offers affordable, European clothing with easy returns.
• Topshop. This UK-based store also has easy returns and a nice selection of quality women’s clothing.
• Other stores such as JC Penney, Eddie Bauer, and others sometimes offer a limited selection of tall sizes. Use caution, however, as their sizing is sometimes unique to their stores. For example, sometimes they will only carry tall mediums and higher. Or their jeans will only fit at a size smaller than you’re used to. But if you find a lot of styles you like at those stores, it may be worth getting used to their quirkiness.
• Custom shoes. These days it’s easier and easier to find custom-made shoes that cost a lot but aren’t outrageous. For example, I had nice leather boots made for me that zip up to my knee for about $350. That included two long-distance fittings.

If you’re a tall woman or admirer of one, please make a comment and let me know what your experience has been (or add to the store list!).