If you have a petite figure, you are probably very well aware that regular-sized clothes just don’t fit right. But, how exactly is the fit off? And how are petite clothes made differently to create a better fit for people with a petite body type?
There is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to petite clothing and how it’s made different than regular-sized clothing. Oftentimes, people think petite clothes are simply made shorter, but it’s more complicated than that. Petite is all about proportion, so simply shortening a garment from the bottom wouldn’t solve the common issues petites have with regular-sized clothes.
In the US, women’s regular clothing sizes are made for those between 5’5″ and 5’7,” which is why, as a petite woman standing 5’2″, I always have to cuff my pants and roll up my sleeves when I wear clothes that aren’t specifically made for a petite. In contrast, petite clothing sizes are made for those who are 5’4″ and shorter.
The reason petite clothing can’t simply be made shorter is because petites usually have trouble with more than just the length of the garment. Although not all petite body types are created equal, petites typically have similar issues with regular-sized clothes. Along with the length of the garment, petites usually have trouble with the shoulder seam placement, neckline, armholes, and pant rise.
Shoulder seams on a regular-sized top tend to hit past the shoulders and closer to the bicep on a petite frame. Armholes tend to be too large and saggy. Large, sagging armholes tend to reveal your bra from the side, making you cautious about raising your arms even in the slightest- which is a difficult and weird thing to have to be cautious about. The neckline is usually too low, turning a v-neck top into a plunge-neck top. Petites with shorter torsos also tend to have trouble with regular-sized pant rises. A mid-rise waist might fit more like a high-rise waist, and a high-rise waist might fit more like an “ultra high-waist” on a petite person.
Now that we’ve explored the specific issues petites have with regular-sized clothes, let’s dive into how petite clothes are made differently to resolve these various issues.
Petite Tops
Petite tops are made shorter in length from the neckline to the waist, with narrower shoulders, higher armholes, and shorter sleeves.
Petite Pants
Petite pants are made more slender with a slimmer leg opening and fit through the knees and hips. Petite pants are also made with a shorter rise and inseam, usually two inches shorter than regular-sized pants.
Patterns and Styles
Not only are petite clothes made differently by technically adjusting the structure of the garment, but designers also consider what styles and patterns are most flattering on a petite frame. For instance, tunics tend to swallow a petite frame, while more fitted and tailored tops accentuate or create curves. Horizontal stripes draw attention side-to-side and impede the “vertical line” fashion designers try to achieve, while vertical stripes draw attention up and down in a continuous line to elongate a petite figure.
Petite Skirts
Petite skirts are made slimmer and with shorter hemlines. Shorter hemlines on a petite body type help elongate the legs. Skirts that are mid-thigh length to just above the knee are more flattering for those with short legs than midi skirts and tea length skirts. Helpful hint: wear tights and shoes that match the color of your skirt to achieve an elongated look, while contrasting colors “chop” you up.
For information on styles that are best for petites, check out my post here.