What Is Petite Sizing? All About This Clothing Category

Sorting through what fashion brands have to offer to find your next look or build your capsule wardrobe can be tricky, especially when it comes to landing upon the perfect fit. If you’re on the shorter side and constantly dealing with the frustration of pants that fit perfectly at the waist but drag by your heels, you’re definitely not alone. Thankfully, petite sizing exists to address this exact issue. You may have noticed this category while shopping in store or online, but what does it mean exactly—and how does it differ from standard sizing? To help you understand how to shop for clothing that fits your frame, ahead we explore the ins and outs of petite sizing, complete with insights from stylists.

What Is Petite Sizing?

Petite sizing is a size category designed for people with shorter measurements, either in overall height or in certain areas. “Usually, under five foot four inches is considered petite, but people with shorter torsos, legs, or frames may also benefit from petite sizing.” says Brooklyn-based fashion stylist Aliesha Hatalovsky.

“Petite” refers only to height, not weight, so people of all body types can wear petite style clothing. However, because the range of options in petite sizing is often narrower than in standard sizing, it can sometimes be challenging for those with larger busts or curvier figures to find petite sizing that fits.

Petite vs. Standard Sizing

“Petite sizing is perfect for body types whose height is 5’4″ and under, while standard sizing caters to those whose height is between 5’4″-5’9″,” says celebrity stylist Sarah Nearis. The biggest difference you’ll see between petite and standard sizing is that petite sleeves, hemlines, tops, and bottoms are all shorter in length. Some brands take petite style to a different level and not only vary the length, but also may alter the design to better fit a shorter stature. Hatalovsky mentions that “petite sizing takes in consideration not only the need for a shorter length, but all other body proportions for those under 5′ 4″.”

Petite Sizing Styles

When it comes to shopping for petite sizing styles, most styles you can find in standard sizing are in play, and you may not notice a huge difference when an item is on a hanger. Rather than being its own set of styles, petite sizing is more about adjusting proportions and sometimes design to better cater to a smaller frame.

For instance, “a shirt or pants for a petite size 6 will have a shorter sleeve length or shorter leg length to adjust to a shorter height,” Nearis explains. The idea is that you’ll be able to wear whatever styles and trends you already love, but the pieces will fit you comfortably and look as you’d imagined with your proportions. The more petite sizing styles that become available, the less likely it is that you’ll see an outfit on someone taller without being sure how you’ll pull it off.

Styling Tips

Styling a petite frame comes down to choosing pieces and outfits that work with your figure as well as create balance in proportions. You’ll want to accentuate your features in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and when it comes to making trends you’ve seen on standard sizing work for you, some small adjustments can go a long way. Ahead are a few guidelines and styling tips to follow if you aren’t sure where to start.

• Define your waistline: “Defining your waistline is always [a good way to accentuate your figure] no matter what your size, but selecting a skirt or trousers that start at the slimmest part of your waist is key for creating balance and shape,” Nearis says. Pair your favorite outfit with a belt at the waistline, or even a cropped jacket to give the illusion of shape. 
• Balance is key: For petite body types especially, wearing oversized clothing has the potential to overwhelm your frame and make you appear lost in the clothing. If you want to wear an oversized piece like a flowy skirt or billowy top, the best way to make it work is to create balance by pairing it with a fitted top or bottoms.
• Consider monochromatic outfits: For petite frames, incorporating a monochromatic scheme can create a streamlined silhouette and make you appear taller. “Creating long, clean lines is the best way to create the illusion of appearing taller and longer, and wearing the same color or print on the top and bottom will do wonders.” says Nearis. Whether you go for a classic all-black outfit or try a statement shade, you’re sure to elongate your silhouette and boost your confidence.
• Work with a trusted tailor: The unsung heroes in the fashion industry are tailors—seriously, they do not get the credit they deserve. “The simple hem of a pant leg or snatching the waist can make an outfit look so much cleaner and more put-together,” Nearis tells us. Most of the time, choosing to invest in tweaking a clothing item to shape your body will make all the difference. This tip can be especially helpful if there’s a style you want to try, but you’re having trouble finding it in petite proportions.

How to Shop for Petite Sizing

Nearis says that shopping in the petite section—or generally to fit your frame—is all about doing your homework. “Just like shopping for anything else, it’s about finding the brands that fit you well and whose designs resonate with you the most, but there are a handful of brands that have stellar reputations for petite sizing,” she says.

When online shopping for petite style, Hatalovsky recommends knowing your measurements and following online size guides. And don’t give up hope if you don’t find your ideal fit at first—“it may take a couple rounds of online shopping from various stores/brands till you find brands that work for your body,” she says.

Brands That Carry Petite Sizing

While not every brand carries petite sizing, many do, spanning across a wide range of aesthetics and target audiences to ensure you have options that fit what you’re looking for. Below are a few standouts to get you started—you just might see a few of your favorites listed.

• Petite Studio NYC
• Ann Taylor Petites 
• Reformation (offers free alterations)
• Marcella NYC
• Karen Millen
• Banana Republic
• Anthropologie
• The Gap
• Madewell
• Loft
• Paige
• ASOS
• Everlane
• J.Crew

The Final Takeaway

Petite sizing is a category designed for anyone under 5’4″, with the main differences being proportion and design alterations to make the styles you already love work for your frame. While a wide variety of brands offer petite options, it’s admittedly a more limited category than standard sizing—which is why styling tips to complement your figure, such as balancing clothing proportions and tailoring pieces to better fit your silhouette, are so important. With a little strategy, you’re sure to find countless outfits that boost your confidence and take your petite style game to the next level.