If you are petite, you know that it’s best to shop for petite-sized clothing to achieve the best fit. However, you also know that that is much easier said than done. It can be tough to find clothes that are offered in petite sizes. And, the styles that are available in petite sizes are usually very limited. Needless to say, it can be very difficult to find petite-sized clothing in general, let alone petite-sized clothing in a style that you actually like.
There are certain styles that are flattering on a petite figure- and, thankfully, when it comes to shirts and tops, there are many. So, you’re not completely out of luck when petite sizes aren’t available. Read on to discover shirt and top styles that are flattering on a petite body type, along with specific details to keep an eye out for when shopping. Understanding what styles are best-suited for your body type and what details to take into consideration when shopping will help you achieve a flattering fit.
Cinched / Ruched / Tie Waist Tops
Have you ever gotten excited about a really cute top you found while shopping? But then you tried it on only to find that it swallowed your figure and was very unflattering (and that excitement quickly turned into disappointment)? Because same! This is especially common for those who have a petite frame as most clothes just aren’t made for petites or anyone who doesn’t fit the fashion industry’s “standard size.”
However, there is hope! There are certain styles that are flattering on a petite figure, including tops that define the waistline. More specifically, tops that have a cinched, ruched, or tie waist define and narrow the waistline giving you more of an hourglass shape. These tops provide definition, as opposed to swallowing the figure. These top styles are flattering on not only petites, but all body types. You can’t go wrong with these styles!
Split Hem & Asymmetrical Split Hem Tops
It may seem minor, but tops that have split hems can sometimes provide a more flattering fit than those that don’t. Split hem tops are usually roomier, so you probably wouldn’t expect them to be flattering. However, the split hem brings the waistline upward and shows off more legs, which makes you appear leaner and taller. By not completely covering up your waistline (and hips and upper thighs if it’s a longer top), split hems lessen the “swallowing” effect that longer, roomier tops tend to cause.
An asymmetric split hem top can be even more flattering. A top that has an asymmetrical hem creates a diagonal line, which draws a person’s eyes more upward and downward, instead of a horizontal line that draws a person’s eyes side to side. This can make you appear taller and narrower. The split hems make it even more flattering by offering balance. When the top of the slit on one side is level with the length of the hem on the shorter side, you get symmetry. For even more balance and structure, try pairing roomier split hem tops with bottoms that are more fitted, like leggings, skinny jeans, or a pencil skirt.
Cropped Tops / Jackets / Blazers
Top, jacket, and blazer length can have a dramatic effect on an outfit overall. When a top is too long, it can make the body look disproportional. It covers up more of the legs, making them look shorter in relation to the torso, which can make someone appear shorter overall.
If you have a petite body type, tops that hit at or just below the hip provide a more balanced look. Tops and jackets that are cropped in length, hitting right around the waist, can be even more flattering on a petite frame as they accentuate the waistline and elongate the lower body. When petite sizes aren’t available, check for cropped styles as the length tends to be much more petite-friendly.
Tops With 3/4 Length Sleeves
Three-quarter length sleeved tops are a great option for petites. As a petite, I have very rarely come across long-sleeved tops that aren’t too long (unless I’ve been lucky enough to find petite sizes). Having to cuff or roll up long sleeves is the norm for me. This is why three-quarter length sleeves are ideal for petites.
Exposing more skin (appropriately of course) can create an illusion of longer limbs and make you appear taller. By wearing tops with three-quarter length sleeves, you are exposing more of your arms and wrists, which can make your arms appear longer and leaner. Not only that, but I especially love tops that have three-quarter length sleeves, because they are versatile. I can wear them during warmer and colder months, they can be both dressed up or dressed down, and they can more easily be worn with bracelets.
Tops With V-Necklines
V-necklines draw the eyes inward and create the illusion of length. They make your neck and overall body appear longer and taller.
Check For Garment Measurements
There can be a lot of variation in size and fit from brand to brand. While you might wear a 4P in one brand, you may be a 6P in another. This is why garment measurements can be extremely helpful. When shopping online, see if the garment’s measurements are listed. It may also be helpful to look at the model’s measurements, if provided. They are usually provided in the description section. This can be a huge help in determining how the garment will fit your specific body. For instance, I am 5’2″ and have a short torso, so if a top is 26″ in length, then I know right off the bat that it will be too long on me.
Wrap Tops
While wrap tops are a great style for any body type, they are especially beneficial for petites. Wrap tops provide a continuous line from the shoulders to the hem, which gives the illusion of a more elongated figure making you appear taller and narrower. Not only that, but wrap tops provide a more structured look, so you won’t get that “swallowing” effect that a lot of tops cause. Wrap tops also tend to help disguise any rolls around the waist.
Fitted Sleeves
Long-sleeved tops with sleeves that are fitted help define your arms, making them appear longer and leaner. Tops with oversized and flowy sleeves don’t offer any definition and tend to swallow your figure. Sometimes fuller sleeved tops can be a little too full and appear baggy, especially on a petite frame. Structure and balance is key!
Shopping for petite-sized and petite-friendly clothing isn’t always an easy task. Petite sizes are usually only offered by a handful of stores, and when petite sizes are available, the number of styles can be extremely limited. This can make shopping as a petite very frustrating. Understanding what styles are most flattering on a petite figure and what details to look out for can make your shopping trip a little less frustrating, and hopefully more enjoyable.
If you’re a petite shopping for tops, some great styles and details to keep an eye out for include waist-defining tops like cinched, ruched, and tie-waist tops, split hem and asymmetrical split hem tops, cropped tops, jackets, and blazers, tops with 3/4 length sleeves and v-necklines, wrap tops, and tops with fitted sleeves. These styles tend to be flattering on everyone, but especially petites.