Brands Are Forgetting Tall People—Here’s Why It Needs to Stop

I’ve been 6’9” since my late teens, and let me tell you—being tall in a world built for the average height is a daily challenge. I also promise this won’t always be a weekly complaint blog… I swear. But anyway, from my days playing college basketball in the USA to navigating life as a Dutch immigrant in California, I’ve felt the sting of being an afterthought for brands. Clothing companies, car designers, airlines—they all seem to forget tall people exist, or worse, they lump us into categories that don’t fit. It’s frustrating, and it’s why I started TFT Designs to solve at least one of these problems. Let’s break down how industries are failing us tall folks, and why they need to do better.

Clothing Brands: Big and Tall Isn’t the Answer

Clothing brands are the worst offenders, really. Most assume “tall” means “big and tall,” but that’s a lazy stereotype. I’m tall and slim—not a linebacker. Off-the-rack shirts stop at my forearms, and pants? Either they’re flood-length or so wide I could fit two of me in there. It’s not just about aesthetics—ill-fitting clothes sap your confidence. I’ve walked into meetings feeling like a scarecrow because brands didn’t consider my frame. That’s why I created TFT Designs: dress shirts for tall people that don’t assume we’re all wide. We deserve options that fit our actual bodies, not a catch-all category. But if you thought this article was just going to be a long-winded TFT pitch, you’re wrong. I have much more to complain about.

Car Designers: Where’s the Legroom?

Cars are another headache. I drive a lot to and from meetings, but most vehicles feel like they were designed for someone a foot shorter. There’s never enough legroom, even in “spacious” models. I’ve tried adjusting seats, but they often won’t go back far enough or lower enough to accommodate my frame. My knees end up pressed against the dashboard, and long drives leave me stiff and sore. Car designers need to realize tall people drive too—we’re not all 5’10” (love you short kings). I’m not asking for THAT much—a few extra inches of seat adjustment could make all the difference.

Airplanes: Paying Extra for Basic Comfort

Buckle in, this one gets me fired up. Flying is a nightmare for tall people, and airlines know it. A 10-hour flight from the Netherlands to California is torture when your knees are jammed into the seat in front of you. Economy seats are a joke—my legs beg for an exit row, but guess what? That’s an upcharge. I’m paying extra just to sit in a way that’s “normal” for someone shorter. Airlines cater to the average, but tall folks aren’t a tiny minority. I’ve recently also seen videos go around for people who are complimentarily accommodated because they’re ‘big,’ not tall… and no shame there, there’s something to be said for that. However, if we’re working for that, please also consider tall people. Once again, just like with clothing, we’re left behind. Oh, and please check behind you if you completely recline your seat and potentially break my knees—thanks.

Furniture Makers: Beds and Chairs That Don’t Fit

Furniture is another industry that forgets us. Standard beds are often too short—my feet dangle off the end unless I splurge on a custom king. Don’t even get me started on footboards. Chairs are even worse. Most office chairs or dining seats have shallow depths, so my thighs are unsupported, and I’m slouching to fit, a recipe for back pain. Furniture makers could easily offer tall-friendly options—longer beds, deeper seats—but they rarely do. It’s as if they assume everyone stops growing at 6 feet.

Public Transportation: Buses and Trains Miss the Mark

Buses and trains are a squeeze too. I’ve ridden public transport in both Europe and the U.S., and the seats are always too close together. My knees press into the seat ahead, and there’s no way to stretch out. Train designers could add a few tall-friendly rows with extra legroom, but instead, we’re left to contort ourselves for the whole ride. It’s not just uncomfortable—it’s unfair.

Why Don’t Companies Consider Tall People More?

So, why do brands keep ignoring us? First, it’s about numbers. Tall people (say, over 6’3”) are a minority—about 10% of men in the U.S., according to some studies. Companies prioritize the majority to maximize profits, assuming we’ll just “make do.” Second, it’s cost. Designing for tall people means retooling production—longer shirt patterns, bigger car seats, reconfigured plane cabins. That’s expensive, and many brands don’t see the return on investment. Finally, there’s a lack of awareness. If executives aren’t tall, they might not even realize the problem exists. But here’s the thing: tall people are a loyal market. Cater to us, and we’ll stick with you—because we’re desperate for solutions.

A Call to Action for Brands (and Tall Folks)

Industries need to wake up. Tall people aren’t going anywhere, and we’re tired of being an afterthought. Clothing brands, car makers, airlines, furniture designers—start designing with us in mind. And for my fellow tall folks, let’s keep pushing for change. That’s what I’m doing with TFT Designs—creating dress shirts that fit our frames, not someone else’s idea of “big and tall.” Check out TFT Designs, and let’s show brands we’re worth designing for. What industry do you wish would step up for tall people? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!