Tall People's Gear Glossary: 22 Terms Explained
The words that show up in tall people's gear specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon. Open any term for the full explanation and what to look for when buying.
- Anti-fatigue mat
- A cushioned floor mat placed at a standing desk to reduce leg and back fatigue, useful for tall users who often stand at desks set higher than average.
- Read more about anti-fatigue mat
- Bath sheet
- An oversized towel, larger than a standard bath towel, sized to actually wrap around a tall frame instead of stopping at the thighs.
- Read more about bath sheetRelated: Best Extra Long Bath Sheets
- Bed riser
- A block or cup placed under each bed leg to raise the frame several inches, making it easier for a tall person to sit down and stand up.
- Read more about bed riserRelated: Best Bed Risers for Tall People
- Big and tall
- Sizing that adds both extra width and extra length at once, meant for larger frames rather than a tall but slim build.
- Read more about big and tallRelated: Best Big and Tall Jackets
- California king
- A mattress measuring 72 by 84 inches, four inches longer but three inches narrower than a standard king, a popular choice for tall sleepers who want length.
- Read more about california kingRelated: Best California King Sheets for Longer Mattresses
- Comfort height toilet
- A toilet with a seat roughly 17 to 19 inches off the floor instead of the standard 15 inches, closer to chair height and easier for tall people to use.
- Read more about comfort height toiletRelated: Best Comfort Height Toilets for Tall People
- Counter height
- Furniture built to the taller end of standard, such as bar stools and bar tables, that suits long legs better than dining or standard-height pieces.
- Read more about counter height
- Deep pocket sheets
- Fitted sheets cut with taller corner pockets so they grip a thick mattress or topper securely instead of popping off during the night.
- Read more about deep pocket sheetsRelated: Best Extra Deep Pocket Sheets for Tall People
- Desk height range
- The lowest and highest height a standing desk can reach, with the maximum being the number that matters most for anyone over about six feet tall.
- Read more about desk height rangeRelated: Best Standing Desks for Tall People
- Eye-level monitor
- A screen positioned so its top edge sits at or just below eye level, which keeps a tall person's neck neutral instead of bent forward all day.
- Read more about eye-level monitorRelated: Best Tall Monitor Risers for Tall People
- Inseam
- The length from the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg opening, the key measurement for finding pants that reach your ankles instead of stopping short.
- Read more about inseamRelated: Best Tall Men's Jeans
- Knee room
- The clearance between the front seat and the dashboard or seatback ahead of it, usually the first thing that runs out for tall drivers and passengers.
- Read more about knee room
- Lumbar support
- Cushioning or a built-in curve that fills the gap between a chair back and the lower spine, often a larger gap for taller sitters with longer torsos.
- Read more about lumbar support
- Rise
- The distance from the crotch seam up to the top of the waistband, often overlooked but just as important as inseam for a comfortable, non-riding fit.
- Read more about rise
- Seat depth
- The front-to-back measurement of a chair seat, which needs to be long enough to support the full length of a tall person's thighs without cutting into the knees.
- Read more about seat depthRelated: Best Office Chairs for Tall People
- Sleeve length
- The measurement from the center back of the neck to the wrist, used to size dress shirts and coats so cuffs land at the wrist bone, not mid-forearm.
- Read more about sleeve length
- Standing desk converter
- A platform that sits on top of an existing desk and lifts a keyboard and monitor to standing height, a cheaper alternative to a full standing desk.
- Read more about standing desk converter
- Tall sizing (LT, XLT)
- Sizing labeled LT or XLT that keeps a regular chest and waist but adds roughly two or more inches of length to the torso, sleeves, and inseam.
- Read more about tall sizing (lt, xlt)Related: Best Tall Men's Dress Shirts
- Torso length
- The vertical measurement from shoulder to hip or crotch, which determines whether jumpsuits, leggings and bodysuits sit correctly instead of pulling tight or riding up.
- Read more about torso length
- Twin XL
- A mattress measuring 38 by 80 inches, five inches longer than a standard twin, common in dorms and often the shortest bed a tall adult can stretch out on.
- Read more about twin xlRelated: Best Extra Long Twin XL Sheets
- Underbed clearance
- The gap between the floor and the bottom of a bed frame, which bed risers increase and which also determines how much storage fits underneath.
- Read more about underbed clearance
- Yoke length
- The distance across the upper back of a shirt from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, which needs to be wider on tall sizes so sleeves hang correctly.
- Read more about yoke length