This past weekend the hubs and I did a 36-hour shopping sprint in DC. Zach is starting a new job in a few weeks and his boss told him in no fewer words that he needs to start dressing more like an exec and less like an 8th grader whose mom got his wardrobe at Pacsun.
Sure, we love a Volcom shirt, but let’s face it – when you’re 6’6”, slim, and about to rub elbows with corporate elite in Paris, it’s time to trade the teenage vibes for tailored perfection. Enter: the once-in-a-decade shopping trip Zach absolutely knew he needed.
But here’s the thing about shopping for tall, slim menswear: options are few and far between in Richmond, Virginia. That’s why we packed up, enlisted the help of style guru and expert event planner, Rodney Perry, and headed to a mecca of fit and fashion that was a drive’s distance away: DC’s Tysons Corner.
The Shopping Strategy
Rodney, aka “Guncle Rodney” (gay uncle, every family needs one), brought his impeccable taste and a game plan.
His advice was to browse first, buy later.
So with Zach’s measurements, shopping list, and budget in hand, we would scope out every store, grab cocktails as a palate cleanser, and then circle back to swipe the card.
And let me tell you, this strategy, when implemented, put Zach at such ease. Once the pressure to purchase was off, he was much more inclined to try things on, loosen up, and have some fun. It also helped that right off the bat we found solid choices that fit him right off the rack.
So without further ado, here is our list of the stores that we visited AND purchased something.
Where to Shop for Tall, Slim Menswear in DC
Bloomingdale’s
We tried on many an item at Bloomingdale’s, and fell in love with a ton of pieces, but – here’s the deal – when you’re relatively trying to stick to a budget, Bloomingdale’s ain’t the place for it.
We found a sick cardigan that we didn’t end up buying, but would highly recommend as a splurge item, and THE Barbour Quilted Vest that every finance bro and duke-of-whatever-duchy has in their closet. Classic, neutral, GREAT quality, it’s worth every penny. Zach bought it in both black and forest green.
UNTUCKit
As a 6’6” man, finding shirts with long enough sleeves and a slim fit is a miracle. UNTUCKit came through with their Wrinkle-Free Tall Slim Fit collection. Zach grabbed several, completely jazzed to have shirts that not only fit his frame but also highlight the physique he wakes up at 4 AM to maintain.
Banana Republic
Let me just say, if you have not seen Banana’s renovation at Tysons, you simply MUST make the effort to check it out ASAP. It is STUNNING. I wanted to copy + paste the couch and coffee table situation at the front of the store directly into our living room. Every bit of it is PERFECTION.
We tried on a few things, but settled on THE perfect white T that shows off his biceps in a way that had both Rodney and I blushing outside the dressing room. Immediate purchase, obviously.
American Tall
We hit up Banana Republic in the hope of finding jeans, but we had no luck, as Zach’s waist (34) and length (38) is a tough combo to find, even online. If you’re looking for denim, we LOVE American Tall, specifically this jean. They are our go-to shop for pants for tall, slim guys.
Nordstrom
When I say I was DEVASTATED when Nordstrom closed their Richmond location, it’s an understatement. Nordstrom was my go-to shopping destination when I needed the dopamine fix that only a beautiful department store can provide. No matter what, I always found something when I visited Nordstrom. I knew we would have the same luck with Zach.
Clothing wise – I’ll be honest – we struck out. Jeans were either too short or too wide (and no extra sizing online) and the shirts we found just weren’t him.
We did, however, find a gorgeous pair of Cole Haan dress shoes.
Pro tip from Rodney: look for dress shoes with a front crease for optimal mobility.
Saks off Fifth
I don’t have links for what we bought at Saks off Fifth, but just trust that we hit the jackpot, especially when it comes to sport jackets – a TON of brands, great quality options, and they had a huge variety of sizes. Zach spent hours trying on so many. In the end, he settled on a sleek blue Boss jacket that only needed minor tailoring in the sleeves.
Where We Stayed: The Salamander DC
After a day of power shopping, we indulged in luxury at the Salamander DC. Formerly the Mandarin Oriental, this five-star escape is for SURE a new favorite.
Here’s why we loved it:
This hotel is perfect for couples getting away, families (we saw A TON) and even puppers if you like to travel with your fuzzy friends, because it’s within walking distance of the wharf (more on that later), and walking / biking distance from the national mall.
We were only going to be in town for one night, and since Zach and I never get away as a couple, I wanted to ball out. I used our points from our Chase Sapphire Rewards Credit Card to basically make it free.
We got a ton of perks from using our Chase points, including but not limited to:
- late checkout (4 pm, baby!!)
- an upgrade to a waterfront room
- free welcome drinks
- free breakfast
- AND a $100 voucher we could use pretty much anywhere on the property. If you don’t have this credit card and you travel a lot, I cannot recommend it enough!
Final Thoughts
In the end, our trip proved to be fruitful, invigorating, and simply put – so much damn fun. For tall, slim men, finding clothes that fit well can feel impossible, but with the right stores and a strong cocktail, it’s more than doable.
Need more DC recommendations? Shoot me a message on Instagram or via email for the scoop on the best bars, restaurants, and more.
