The first step to feeling good about the clothes you wear is understanding your body type. Once you determine your body type, you’ll be able to shop much more efficiently and apply various styling techniques specific to your frame. Ultimately, this will help you build a wardrobe that flatters your figure and make you feel good about the clothes you wear.
Petite is an extremely common body type. Almost 40% of women in the U.S. are considered petite. There are common misconceptions and varying definitions of the word “petite.” Oftentimes, people think the words petite and small are synonymous. However, these two words have different definitions. Petite is an adjective that not only refers to size, but a body type that is based on proportion.
While there are many petites that could also be described as “small,” having a petite frame is not always the same as “being small.” Whether you are petite is determined by height and proportion. It’s also important to note that weight is NOT a factor. There are petites of many sizes, and petite clothes are made in a wide range of sizes from XXSP up to XXLP (or 00P up to 16P).
While height is a factor, and most petites are or below a certain height, being petite it not only about height. A woman who is 5’7” could be considered petite. There are petites who are 5’1″ and others who are 5’7,” so height is not the only factor in determining whether you have a petite body type. A woman who is 5’7″ but has a short torso and narrow shoulders could be petite. A woman who is 5’1″ could have these exact same features and also be considered petite. If you have shorter legs or a shorter torso, petite sizing could be ideal for you and more comfortable and flattering on your figure.
You Might Be Petite If You Experience The Following:
- Regular sleeves and straps are often too long.
- Pants, dresses, and skirts are often too long.
- You have narrow shoulders that cause shoulder seams to fall in the wrong place, near the middle of your bicep/tricep.
- Your inseam is 27 inches or less for full-length bottoms.
- You are 5’4” or under.
- High-waisted bottoms sit above your waist, and closer to or at your ribs.
- Necklines are too low, especially v-necks and scoop necks.
Characteristics of a Petite Body Type:
Short Legs
Some petites have short legs where the height from their waistline to their ankles is short. This shortness can occur in different parts of the legs, like shortness in the hips, shortness in the upper portion of the legs, shortness in the lower portion of the legs, or a combination of some or all of these. Petites who have short legs commonly find that the inseam of pants, skirts, and shorts are too long.
Short Torso
Some petites have a short torso. This means the height between the shoulders and waist is short. Petites who have a short torso commonly find that tops are too long and cinched tops don’t “cinch” the right place.
Short Arms
Some petites have short arms where the length from the shoulders to wrists is short. Petites who have short arms commonly find that sleeves are too long and have to be rolled up.
Short Stature and Small Frame
Some petites have a short stature and small frame where their body frame is small, narrow, and short overall.
Can Men Be Petite?
The word “petite” is largely used to describe a woman. Because petite has an effeminate connotation, it’s rarely a word used to describe men. Technically though, men can also be petite, since petite is about proportion. Men, like petite women, can also be short in stature, have narrower shoulders, and/or shorter torsos. However, out of respect, it’s probably best to use an adjective other than petite to describe a man who is petite.
Understanding your body type will allow you to shop much more efficiently and style your outfits in a way that flatters your figure. If you experience any of the items mentioned above, you might be petite and discover that petite-sized clothes fit you better overall. Building a wardrobe that is appropriately sized and proportioned for your specific figure makes a huge difference in how you look and feel (and makes getting dressed everyday far less frustrating).
Check out some of my favorite petite brands here.