Carhartt for Big Guys: Big vs Tall Explained

By Chris, BigMenPicks · Updated November 3, 2026 · Researched from maker specs, not hands-on testing

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That never changes which products we pick. Details

Short answer: Carhartt "Big" sizes (3XL, 4XL, 5XL) add room through the chest and belly. "Tall" sizes (LT, XLT, 3XLT, 4XLT) add length. Carhartt says Tall shirts, jackets and sweats are 2 inches longer in the body and sleeve. If shirts pull across your chest, go Big. If they ride up, go Tall.

Carhartt sells real big and tall sizes, but the labels trip people up. Is a Large Tall the same as an XL? This guide answers that with Carhartt's own size chart and fit guide, then shows how big the Carhartt picks on our clothing page actually go.

Big vs Tall, in one table

Big sizes add girth. Tall sizes keep the same chest and waist but add length. A 3XLT does both.

Source: Carhartt's size and fit guide (Carhartt Reworked). For height, Carhartt's chart puts Tall at 6'0" to 6'3", with a 34 to 36-inch inseam. Regular is 5'7" to 5'11".

The quick test:

• Pulls across the chest or belly, buttons gap: go up in Big (3XL to 4XL).
• Fits around you but rides up, sleeves short: go Tall in the same size (3XL to 3XLT).
• Both: go up a size and go Tall (3XL to 4XLT), if the item comes that way.

Carhartt's chart for 2XL to 6XL

These are body measurements, not garment measurements. Measure over a T-shirt with a cloth tape.

Source: Carhartt men's size and fit guide. Carhartt's tip: if your chest falls between sizes, order the next size up.

The chart goes to 6XL, but most items stop sooner, so check the size grid on the exact item.

Loose, Relaxed and Classic fits

The fit name matters as much as the size. Carhartt's fit guide describes them like this:

• Loose Fit shirts are "cut larger with a roomier fit in the chest and shoulders."
• Relaxed Fit shirts are "a closer fit to the body."
• Classic jackets are "built to be worn over layers." Carhartt says that if you prefer a closer fit, you may want to size down or try a Performance Fit jacket.

So a 3XL Loose Fit Henley and a 3XL Relaxed Fit tee won't fit the same. Between sizes in a Relaxed Fit, the next size up is the safer bet.

Carhartt picks and how big they go

These are the Carhartt items on our clothing page. The sizes below are what each Amazon listing carried when we checked on Nov 2, 2026. Big sizes sell out first, so check your exact size and color.

Long sleeves: the Henley and the flannel

Tall matters most on long sleeves. The Loose Fit Heavyweight Henley goes to 4XL and 3XLT on its listing, and the open neck doesn't choke a thick neck. The Loose Fit Heavyweight Flannel is a loose-cut button-up, but its listing shows no Tall sizes, so skip it if your sleeves always come up short.

Best long sleeve

Carhartt Loose Fit Heavyweight Long-Sleeve Henley

• Up to 4XL
• Tall to 3XLT
• Loose fit

Check price on Amazon

Price on Amazon. Sizes and stock vary.

Flannel pick

Carhartt Loose Fit Heavyweight Flannel Plaid Shirt

• 3XL
• XXL Big
• Loose fit

Stock was low on some sizes when we checked.

Check price on Amazon

Price on Amazon. Sizes and stock vary.

The two that go biggest

Need 5XL or 4XLT? The K87 pocket tee and the Firm Duck Active Jac were the only Carhartt items we found on Amazon in both.

Best basic tee

Carhartt K87 Iconic Pocket T-Shirt

• Up to 5XL
• Tall to 4XLT
• Loose fit

Price and stock vary by size and color, so check your exact size.

Check price on Amazon

Price on Amazon. Sizes and stock vary.

Best winter coat

Carhartt Loose Fit Firm Duck Insulated Flannel-Lined Active Jac

• Up to 5XL
• Tall to 4XLT
• Hooded

Check price on Amazon

Price on Amazon. Sizes and stock vary.

Pants work differently: numbered waist and inseam sizes, not letters. Carhartt says its big and tall pants go up to a 60-inch waist and 36-inch inseam across the line, but each style has its own limit.

Socks: Carhartt's Force crew sock in XL fits men's shoe sizes 12 to 14.5. If you wear a 15 or bigger, see the sock sizing notes.

Questions big guys ask

What's the difference between Carhartt Big and Tall sizes?

"Big" means more girth: bigger chest and waist sizes such as 3XL, 4XL and 5XL. "Tall" means more length at the same girth. Carhartt says Tall outerwear, long-sleeve shirts and sweats are 2 inches longer in the torso and sleeve than regular sizes. A 3XLT is both bigger and longer.

How tall do you have to be for Carhartt Tall?

Carhartt's height chart puts Tall at 6'0" to 6'3", with a 34 to 36-inch inseam, and Regular at 5'7" to 5'11". Treat that as a starting point. If shirts fit across your chest but ride up or the sleeves fall short, Tall is the fix, even if you're under six feet.

Is Carhartt Large Tall the same as XL?

No. A Large Tall has the chest of a Large (44 inches on Carhartt's chart) with extra torso and sleeve length. An XL adds girth instead, with a 48-inch chest. If an XL fits your length but hangs loose around your middle, try a Large Tall.

Does Carhartt make 5XL and 6XL?

Carhartt's size chart goes to 6XL, a 68-inch chest, but most items stop sooner. On the Amazon listings we checked, the K87 pocket tee and the Firm Duck Active Jac went to 5XL and 4XLT. Many other shirts stopped at 4XL or 3XLT. Check the size grid on each item.

Does Carhartt run big or small?

It depends on the cut. Carhartt says its Classic jackets are built to be worn over layers, and suggests sizing down or trying Performance Fit for a closer fit. Loose Fit shirts are cut roomier in the chest and shoulders. Relaxed Fit sits closer to the body. Check the fit name before you pick a size.

The bottom line

Measure your chest against Carhartt's chart. Pick Big for room, Tall for length, then check the fit name and the item's size grid. Browse all the picks on our clothing page, read the Big vs Tall fit guide, or see all our guides.