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November 4, 2011
Small Size, Big Style
When the only clothes in your size are found in the junior's section, it can be challenging to find stylish work wear – unless your office allows low-rise jeans and graphic Ts.
Since the average height of American women is about 5’3”, we thought it was time to get to the bottom of what constitutes a “petite” figure, and how to find the perfect fit.
“Many women who are 5’3” or shorter don’t consider themselves petite,” explains Kelly Tucker, the founder of petite blogs Alterations Needed and Hemmed.
She says many women aren’t aware that “petite clothing is simply proportionally short, whether it’s a size 0 or a size 16.”
Tucker speculates this lack of consumer knowledge makes companies hesitant to provide more items in petite sizes, though 48.7 million petite women reportedly account for $9.5 billion in retail spending.
Regular-sized clothes can look sloppy and frumpy, says Tucker. When shopping, “pay attention to details,” like shoulders, bust darts, and armholes, she advises.
Look for shoes that elongate legs, like nude platform heels. Plus, items like cardigans “show your figure better than a blazer and are easier to find in sizes that fit,” adds Tucker.
Ann Taylor, J. Crew and Talbots are her top choices for a well-fitting career wardrobe. Plus, Jezebel has a checklist for petites, including where to shop and what to look for.
Bonus PINK Link: If you’re a plus size petite, find chic office options here.
By Christine Kim
“Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions.” Coco Chanel
*Supporting images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Digitalart, 89studio, and photostock
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Comments
Petite sizing
Often clients will mention they want to be petite and it is my professional duty to help show them that petite can and most often these days be from size 0 upwards to 16...Height and weight = your sizing.
There are many muscular short women that are wearing petite and become excited when they learn this.
Wearing the proper size clothing will help you appear smaller and more fit. These are just a few of the wonderful things a trainer can share. HAPPY NEW YEAR my pretty petites!
Petite Peeves
I don't understand why there are so few clothing options for petite women when the average height of American women is about 5'3". That means there are a LOT of us that height or shorter! Even in stores that offer a good selection of petite clothing, there are always far fewer styles than in the "regular" sizes.
My other peeve is about petite style advice. It so often seems to focus on making petite women look taller. I'm 4'11". There is not a color, style or heel height that is going to make me look tall. While I wear clothing that fits my frame, my goal is not to look taller.
Thank you for the Little Pink Book on petites and sharing the blog links - will definitely check them out!
Still in Juniors for Inseam Lengths
I find problems shopping in Petites because the inseam length on jeans, trousers, etc. never seem to go long enough. Sure, I may only be 5'2", but I have long legs.
Floods just aren't cute or professional. 'Til then, I'll be shopping in the Juniors department and paying to have the inseams shortened.
Pet peeve
My pet peeve is that I am 5'4" and slender except for large breasts. It's impossible to find tops, whether jackets, blouses, sweaters, that fit and are flattering. Anything with sleeves is cut with such shallow armholes that there is absolutely no hope of a decent fit. The alternative, buying something that will close over my bust and possibly have the darts in the right place, is so otherwise large that it would have to be completely reconstructed by tailoring. That costs so much one would almost be as well off just having the clothes hand made to begin with. This is something I can't afford. Manufacturers need to produce clothing that fits all sizes and proportions and not make them super expensive.
For busty women like me bras, which are really quite small pieces of fabric, still cost $60 or more for a properly fitting one, if I can find one at all. And they're horrible and unattractive. The bra sellers want to sell me "concealers," which only flatten my breasts against my body. That makes my torso look like a large rectangular block, and I hate it.
Swimsuits? Even though they're now sold as separate pieces, I have yet to find a top that properly accommodates my chest. And again, huge prices for small snatches of fabric.
Petite Pet Peeve
My petite pet peeve is that even when manufacturers scale clothing to petite proportions, they don't also consider the fabric and/or fabric pattern. The item may be proportioned properly, however the fabic and or pattern does not flatter the petite figure.