Tyler Bergantino, a 32-year-old South Carolina resident, has spent the past year traveling across the United States to host a series of events called Tall Tour, which celebrate height and provide a community for tall individuals. The tour, which has reached major cities including Las Vegas, New York, and Chicago, culminates on Saturday with a stop in New York City to coincide with New York Fashion Week. This event will feature a fashion show that highlights size-inclusive brands catering specifically to tall people, with models ranging up to 7-foot-6.
Bergantino, who is 6-foot-9, first recognized his exceptional height during childhood when he caused disruptions at youth soccer games due to his stature. By 16, he had reached his current height, standing well above the U.S. average of about 5-foot-9 for men. His experiences inspired him to create Tall Tour, which began as small meet-ups for tall individuals and quickly expanded into larger gatherings. The inaugural Tall Ball in Chicago last October attracted hundreds of attendees, where Bergantino crowned titles such as Tall King and Tall Queen.
The events have grown through social media exposure, with videos amassing over 50 million views combined. Initially, Bergantino funded the project independently, investing over $100,000, but later introduced a modest admission fee as the audience expanded. The Tall Boys, a group affiliated with the tour whose members stand between 6-foot-9 and 7-foot-4, have garnered attention both for their height and online presence. Despite occasional skepticism about their stature, they continue to serve as prominent figures in the community.
Tall Tour embraces a height-inclusive approach and draws people of varying heights, emphasizing shared experiences over exclusivity. Caitlin Austin, a 35-year-old customer service worker from Seattle who stands 6-foot-4, described finding the event as a rare opportunity to connect with others who share her height. Participants have noted that the gatherings offer not only social enjoyment but also a form of solidarity and acceptance often missing in daily life.
Height has been linked to various social and economic outcomes. Studies suggest that taller individuals generally earn higher incomes and are perceived as more authoritative and attractive, especially in leadership roles. Despite these advantages, tall people often face challenges, including difficulty finding properly sized clothing and discomfort in environments designed for average dimensions. Tall women and girls in particular may encounter social stigma and body image issues, stemming from early experiences of standing out due to height.
Bergantino envisions Tall Tour as a platform to advocate for broader accommodations for tall people, such as airline seating upgrades for individuals over 6-foot-6. Recently, he launched a social networking app called V.I.P. (Vertically Inclined People), with plans to add a dating feature. Earlier attempts at matchmaking events revealed complexities related to dating dynamics among taller individuals, highlighting persistent social attitudes about height in relationships.
Overall, Tall Tour offers participants a space to celebrate their height while addressing some of the practical and social challenges they face. Bergantino hopes attendees leave knowing they are part of a wider community, finding both acceptance and camaraderie through shared experiences.