At 5’9”, I’ve always loved a good pair of heels. They add that extra boost of confidence and make me feel polished in a way that sneakers or flats sometimes can’t. But as much as I adore them, there’s always been one little problem: pants that simply don’t keep up. Anyone tall who’s tried to rock a pair of trousers with stilettos knows the struggle—half the time, the hem ends up looking awkwardly cropped, leaving you with the unsettling sense that your clothes just don’t fit the way they’re supposed to.
That all changed recently when I discovered something game-changing: Banana Republic is offering pants with a 36.5-inch inseam.
Let me pause for emphasis. Thirty-six. Point. Five. Inches.
If you’re tall—or you’ve ever tried to track down trousers that graze the floor even with high heels—you’ll understand why this feels like a small miracle. It’s not just a matter of preference, either. The length of a pant leg can completely change the silhouette of an outfit. When the hemline flows elegantly over your shoe, it elongates your frame, sharpens your look, and creates that effortless line we all crave. Too short, and the effect is ruined.
Why Length Matters
For years, “long” pants in most stores maxed out around 34–35 inches. On paper, that sounds fine, but add a three- or four-inch heel into the mix, and suddenly your carefully tailored trousers are hovering awkwardly above the ankle. Instead of chic and timeless, it reads unfinished—like you borrowed a pair of pants from someone a size shorter.
The new 36.5-inch inseam from Banana Republic is, in my opinion, the holy grail for tall women and heel lovers alike. Finally, pants that don’t force you to choose between style and proportion.
Even better, Banana Republic didn’t stop there. They’ve also released these trousers in regular and petite lengths, which means this isn’t just a tall-girl victory—it’s a win for all women. Whether you’re 5’2” or 6’0”, there’s finally a thoughtful range of options that allows you to wear trousers exactly the way they were meant to be worn: with confidence.
The Outfit
For this look, I paired the Banana Republic trousers (priced at $150, a worthwhile investment for something so versatile) with a standout vest from Mangoi. The vest is sharp, modern, and surprisingly budget-friendly—proof that mixing high and low pieces is often the key to an outfit that feels balanced.
I love how the structured vest contrasts with the sweeping lines of the trousers. Together, they strike that sweet spot between polished and contemporary, perfect for work, dinner, or even a chic evening out. It’s the kind of look that doesn’t need much else—just a great heel, a minimal bag, and maybe a pair of earrings to pull it together.
Styling Long Pants with Heels
If you’re someone who struggles with length the way I do, you’ll know just how liberating it feels to finally have trousers that don’t cut you short. A few styling tips if you’re thinking of experimenting with extra-long pants:
- Go for pointed-toe heels. Not only do they peek out from beneath the hemline beautifully, but they also extend the leg line even further.
- Tailoring is your best friend. Even if you’ve found a great inseam length, don’t be afraid to visit your tailor. A quarter-inch here or there can make all the difference in how your pants fall.
- Balance the volume. Wide-leg pants look especially striking when paired with more fitted tops, like the Mangoi vest I wore. The contrast keeps the outfit sleek and avoids getting lost in fabric.
- Mind the fabric. Flowing materials like wool blends or crepes drape better at longer lengths, creating that puddle-just-above-the-floor effect.
A Step Toward Inclusive Fashion
It’s refreshing to see a brand like Banana Republic pay attention to details like inseam length. For too long, many of us felt like we had to compromise—either by settling for pants that were too short or by spending extra money (and time) on custom tailoring. Offering extended inseams, along with petite and regular lengths, shows a recognition of the diversity in women’s bodies and a willingness to design clothing that works for all of us, not just a narrow standard.
Fashion, after all, should enhance the way we feel about ourselves. Something as simple as the right pant length can completely shift your confidence, making you stand taller, move with more ease, and feel at home in your own style.
The Takeaway
I can’t overstate how thrilled I am about these trousers. Finally, pants that work with high heels and keep their elegant silhouette all the way to the floor. For anyone who’s been on the hunt for trousers that don’t leave you tugging at your hemline or second-guessing your shoe choice, this might just be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
So, to all my tall friends (and to those who love their heels as much as I do): Banana Republic’s 36.5-inch inseam trousers are worth a try. And to everyone else, the fact that they’re thinking about petite, regular, and long inseams means there’s something here for everyone. Finally, inclusivity in fashion that’s practical, stylish, and long overdue.
