Size 60 Tallit or Size 70?

We often get tallit size inquiries. Obviously it's a problem sizing someone for a tallit when he can't try it on. But fortunately, perfect tallit sizing is not critical. Since a tallit is worn loosely, you have some leeway. It's not like buying a t-shirt where you have to get the fit just right.

This week we received an inquiry from someone debating whether to buy a tallit in a size 60 or a size 70.

I think I want to order the blue Prima A.A. Tallit for weekdays and the Malchut Tallit for Shabbat. Both with thick Ashkenazi tzitzit. I am still worried over whether I should go with a size 60 or a size 70 tallit. If I get both tallits in a size 60, and I feel they are too small, can I swap for 70?  Thanks, Zach.

It's a good thing Zach asked, because since we are located in Israel, returns and exchanges are problematic. You have to pay for shipping three time (to you, back to Israel and again to you) and we do not refund the amount for the tzitzit we tie on. I suggested to Zach that he try to do either of the following:

1) Try to find someone with a size 60 tallit or size 70 tallit that you can try on. Remember, the difference between sizes is four inches.

2) Order the Prima A.A. Tallit in a size 60 and wait until it arrives. Then decide if you want to go with a size 70 for the Malchut Tallit. It's actually fairly common to have a slightly bigger tallit for Shabbat. The smaller size is more practical, the larger size more elegant.

I told him that that if he wanted to go with the second plan, we could send him a coupon for free shipping on the second tallit.

Go to Tallit Size Wizard>>

Choosing a White-Striped Tallit

Because we offer a wide selection of white-striped tallitot, often our customers have a hard time deciding which is best. They all look pretty much the same online. This week we received a typical question on the difference between the various white-on-white tallits for sale.

Are you able to give any more information to help me with choosing between the following white-on-white tallits?
1. Beit Yosef
2. Prima A.A. White Stripes
3. Hamefoar White Nonslip Tallit

They all seem much of a likeness to me. I am Moroccan Jewish if in any way that can help with my choice?

Thanks, Andrew H.

First I explained to Andrew that his family origins are not really consequential in buying a tallit. All Sephardic Jews tie the tzitzit the same way (except some Iraqi Jews who follow the Ben Ish Chai and a small number of Sephardim who tie 10-5-6-5 on their tallit gadol instead of 7-8-11-13).

Really the decision is just a matter of aesthetics and personal preference.

Prima A.A. - This is the white-striped tallit you probably have seen fairly frequently. The striping and atara (neckband) are shiny.

Hamefoar - This tallit has the same striping and atara, but the fabric has subtle texturing to it. This texturing gives it a slightly more supple feel and helps the tallit stay in place on your shoulders a little better.

Beit Yosef - This tallit has matte striping, on the the tallit, the atara and the corners, which lends it a very subtle, understated beauty. The vast majority of tallitot, including Prima A.A. and Hamefoar, have a synthetic atara with a shiny leaf and diamond design, whereas the Beit Yosef has a wool atara with integrated striping. The striping on the tallit, the atara and the corners is not a different material added on, but an integral part of the weave itself.