A businessman who struggled for years to find clothes for his 6ft 5in frame has opened a new Spennymoor retail space for tall men.
Ben Khalifa, 45, opened Just Tall in the County Durham town on June 1 after moving from the South East for a quieter life.
Launched online in February 2022, the business makes clothes for men 6ft 2in and taller, with extra length but no unnecessary width.
Just Tall in Spennymoor has opened, pictured owner Ben Khalifa. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Mr Khalifa said his struggle to find clothes that fit led him to create the brand.
"I've always had problems finding clothes," he said.
Originally from Luton, Mr Khalifa spent several years in Saudi Arabia teaching English while building Just Tall online.
"We started out selling T-shirts in six colours," he said. "Then we gradually expanded into polos, jumpers, hoodies and V-necks. It's been a gradual expansion over the years."
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The company targets slim and athletic tall men who find standard clothes too short and larger sizes too baggy.
The Spennymoor premises is a showroom and collection point where customers can try on clothes, check the fit and quality, and collect online orders.
Demand has outstripped expectations since the showroom opened.
"We often sell out of stock and it has been hard meeting demand," Mr Khalifa said. "But it's been great to be able to put my hands on the business directly and we're looking to expand into more clothing lines."
The clothes are made from certified organic cotton and designed for different tall body shapes rather than standard sizes.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The company also gives part of its sales to charities including Medical Aid for Palestinians and Magic Breakfast.
Mr Khalifa chose Spennymoor because he wanted a slower pace of life.
"I personally like a quieter life," he said. "I wanted somewhere quieter without being totally in the sticks."
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He plans to launch joggers next spring and jeans by next summer.
Just Tall is now his full-time job, and he hopes to hire his first member of staff by November.
He added: "At the end of the day, it's about solving a problem tall men have dealt with forever, finding clothes that fit right, feel right and do right by the planet."