What Does Petite Mean? Your Guide to Petite Dressing
If you've ever purchased a mini dress only for it to turn out to be a midi when it arrives, or rolled your trousers down for the umpteenth time, then you're in the right place! We'll discuss what the term 'petite' means, why standard sizes won't do, and why petite range can be your perfect fit.
So, what does petite mean?
In fashion, petite refers to women's height, as opposed to their dress size. It usually includes women of five foot three inches (160cm) or under, but not always. Although petite is a size category, it's based on height and body proportions, and not on a specific dress size. So, you can be a petite size 8 or a petite size 18.
Petite clothes aren't simply dresses and skirts with the hem line moved up. Every aspect of the pattern is created differently to fit a shorter frame, including:
• Shorter torsos, so that necklines and arm holes lie correctly and don't gape or sag.
• Higher waist lines and knee points, so that seams fall where the body bends.
• Narrower shoulders and shorter sleeves, so that jackets and tops don't overwhelm you.
• Shorter in the inside of legs, on trousers and jeans, so that you don't have to roll or tuck them.
The Antonia
Why don't standard sizes fit petite women?
Most mainstream clothing is designed around a tall frame, leaving petite women with the same frustrating issues over and over again:
The accidental midi. A dress that is advertised as short or knee length, ends up skimming your calf. It's not the illusion you expected and can leave you feeling disheartened.
The tailor tax. Taking up hems, shortening sleeves and nipping in waistbands soon adds up. With our petite range, we try to take away the need for alterations, though women's body shapes vary so much that some may still be required.
The off silhouette. When a garment is not cut in your proportions it can lead to the waist line falling lower, the shoulder line slouching and pockets falling where your dress size would not have them.
That's why we cut our petite range differently to our standard range so you have a fit made for you.
The Anika
How Finery petite sizing works?
Our regular sizes are graded from a standard fit model, so they're cut for an average height. On a shorter frame, that extra length can mean hems that hit too low and trousers that pool at the ankle.
Our product images show regular sizes, so check the individual product description for the model's height and size. It's a handy way to judge how a piece will sit on you.
Our petite range is scaled to fit you properly:
- Petite trousers are 6cm shorter in the leg, so they sit just right with flats or heels.
- Petite dresses are 6% shorter overall for midi dresses, with the waist and hemline adjusted to keep the proportions of the original design.
The Kenzie
Petite FAQs
Are petite sizes just a short version of regular sizes?
Not exactly. We cut petite garments in a shorter length and narrower shoulders. The patterns are altered from the top down, including a higher waistline, to better suit someone who's 5'3" (160cm) and under.
What types of dress silhouettes suit petites best?
Look for dresses, skirts, and tops that cinch at the waist and frame your shoulders. Wrap dresses, A-line skirts, and V-necks are all great options that elongate your frame without overwhelming your frame.
How do I know if I need to size into petites?
If regular dress waistbands sit below your natural waist or dig into your back, armholes are too big, or midi dress hems graze the widest part of your calf, you may want to size into petites.
Shop our full collection of petite clothing today or check out our new in.
For more information please see our customer service page.