What Does Petite Sizing Mean Anyway?

If you’re reading this, chances are you are under 5’ 3” and you’ve shopped in many petite sections in person and online. I have to admit that I didn’t always know what “petite sizing” was. I assumed it meant clothes that were shorter in length, but that’s not necessarily the case.

Petite sizes were developed in the 1940s by US fashion designer Hannah Troy, who realized that many women didn’t fit into regular sized clothes and that standard sizing wasn’t accurate. During WWII, the government recorded the measurements of all women completing military service which proved her theory.

How is petite sizing different?

Most people associate “petite” with being shorter in length, but there are a number of other factors that come into play with petite sizing:

• Narrow Shoulder Widths: Compared to regular sized tops, jackets and coats, the distance from shoulder to shoulder is smaller.

• Torso is Shorter: Regular sized tops that are longer in length are typically an issue for short women.

• Inseam is Shorter:  This usually eliminates the need to take pants up.

• Sleeves are Shorter:  This usually eliminates the need to tailor sleeves that are too long.

• Armholes are Higher:  Higher armholes prevents gaps that expose the bra.

Who is petite sizing for?

Petite sizing isn’t just for women under 5’ 3”.  Women who are taller may have longer legs and a shorter torso, or the could have narrow shoulders. In this case, a petite top would probably be a better fit. Body proportions play a big role in finding the right size that fits.

Why is it still so hard to find petite sized clothes?

The concept of “fast fashion” has taken over the fashion industry in recent years. Fast fashion is mass produced, low-quality items with simpler sizing to make the process more cost-effective for large fashion manufacturers.  As a result, petite sizes are minimally produced so that large fashion companies can claim that they are being inclusive.

So where does that leave us?

We are seeing more smaller petite-focused fashion start-ups emerge in an attempt to bring petite sizing into the mainstream. From subscription boxes to private labels, these companies are changing the way the fashion industry views the petite fashion consumer.  More to come on these trend setters…

Top Petite Fashion Influencers

The rise of petite fashion influencers has been incredibly helpful with finding clothes that fit. These influencers inspire thousands of followers with their unique styles and most share links to purchase the items they feature. Measuring in at 5' 2" and under, they are experts at petite styling tips that all shorties need to know. Share your favorite influencers in the comments!

@pumpsandpushups - 4" 10"

@myvoguishdiaries - 5" 0"

@fivetwoandmore - 5' 2"

@marbelouslypetitie - 5" 0"

@anniemaithai - 5' 1"

@the_aarti_aesthetic

@poisedpetite - 5" 0"