I don't think a day goes by that someone doesn't message me talking about being petite, how hard it is to find clothes, getting the fit right, having to have everything tailored, the lack of petite clothes available - the struggle is real! And honestly? I get it! Whenever you fall on either side of the bell curve, it can be tricky. (Think shoe shopping when you have super small or super large feet...it's not always easy!)

But here's the thing: there's a difference between being truly petite and just being short. And knowing the difference can make a WORLD of difference in how your clothes fit.

So, what's the deal with petite sizing?

People think that petite just means you’re vertically challenged, and yes, that is part of it. But the truth is, it’s not just about height! 

Yes, generally speaking, petite sizing is geared towards those 5'4" and under. However, to actually need petite sizing, it is about more than how tall you are (or aren’t). 

True petite clothing is designed with shorter proportions in mind, including:

• Shorter rise: This is the distance between the crotch seam and the waistband.

• Shorter armholes: Petite clothing often has smaller armholes to accommodate shorter arms.

• Shorter inseams: Obviously, petite pants and skirts come in shorter lengths.

Why does this matter?

Because those aspects of clothing are the areas that are HARDEST to tailor! If you're a true petite and you're constantly having to adjust the rise in your pants or the armholes in your jackets, you understand! And for you petite sizing could be a game-changer.

But, and this is a big BUT… if you need to shorten the length on all of your pants and sleeves, yet the rest of the garment fits you well - you’re probably not a true petite -  girly, you’re just short!!

But what if you're just short, not petite?

So, this is where things get interesting. If you need shorter lengths, but you don’t consistently require the other adjustments that come with petite sizing - you’re probably short but not petite. And therefore, clothes that are made for petites won’t necessarily fit you better, or be the answer you’re looking for.

That is actually what happens to me. I’m 5’4” and almost always need items shortened. HOWEVER, when I opt for petite clothing two things constantly happen:

 1. I end up with a wedgie because the pants are too short in the rise.

2. The armholes literally strangle me! I may or may not have gotten actual open wound chafing because I tried to squeeze into a petite jacket when I actually needed the regular size (but didn’t want to deal with having the sleeves shortened).

Here are some tips:

• Look for cropped styles: Cropped pants, jackets, and sweaters are designed to hit above the ankle or wrist, so they can be a great option for shorter folks.

• Embrace jewel sleeves: These three-quarter length sleeves are super flattering and can create the illusion of longer arms.

• Don't be afraid to size up: If you find thatTWC Shopping Guide petite pants in your typical size give you a wedgie, try sizing up in the petite sizes. A good rule of thumb is 8P = 6R

Recommendations for women who are short but not petite:

Where can you find petite clothing if you are a true petite?

Sadly, it's not as easy as it used to be. Many stores have scaled back their petite offerings, but you can still find great options online and at some specialty retailers. I’ve linked some of my favorite petites below.

AND I’m so excited to announce my mega, interactive shopping guide!

As a stylist, I know the challenges of finding clothes that fit perfectly, whether you're petite, tall, or somewhere in between. That's why my interactive Shopping Guide is designed to be inclusive, offering a wide range of stores that cater to diverse body types.

The TWC Shopping Guide makes it easier than ever to find what you’re looking for with its powerful filtering and search options. Quickly find stores that offer petite sizes (among other categories), so you can shop with confidence, knowing you're getting the perfect fit. You can sort the guide by style, category, and price to easily find exactly what you need!

What To Wear for Petites

Shop Dresses for Petites:

Shop Pants for Petites:

Shop Outerwear for Petites:

Shop Not Truly Petite but Good for Short Girls:

The bottom line?

Understanding your body proportions is key to finding clothes that fit and flatter. If you're struggling to find clothes that fit just right, consider whether true petite sizing might be the answer. And don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and brands to find what works best for you!

What are your biggest challenges when it comes to finding clothes that fit? Let me know in the comments!