Trying on this top in Miss Selfridge the other day in the petite section which fit perfectly, finally prompted this question. As soon as Summer hits, I always find it a struggle to find tops that fit, other than jumpers, particularly on the straps. There’s been many a trip to Primark (who don’t have a petite range in tops) where I’ve gone into the changing rooms with a handful of items to try on and come out with none which is such a shame. Being 5ft 5 with long limbs, I never considered the petite section and assumed items just didn’t fit right. Until a few days ago, although one definition is being ‘short in stature, usually under 5’3’’, I never thought that actually it can just mean being petite on the top half of your body but not so much on the bottom half and vice versa. ‘Petite’ is a tricky category, because it spans all body types. Another definition states women ‘can be petite with long legs, or be short all over’ which I found so interesting.
Petite sizes vs regular sizing
So what’s the difference?
Petite clothing is specialised at the cutting stage of the garment where unique pattern blocks are used compared to the fashion industry standard. The clothing is not only designed specifically for petite proportions, it also includes using smaller buttons, smaller prints on fabric and petite-friendly necklines. Regular clothing is typically cut with larger armholes, longer sleeve lengths and wider shoulders for example.
When researching, I noticed that some sites such as Boohoo, NewLook and ASOS have a wide range of petite clothing, however some had barely any available. As I have long arms, for me I will only be able to shop in this section for clothing such as sleeveless tops but being able to find tops for the Summer that fit right has (not to be dramatic) opened a new world. I’m definitely going to have a look in the petite section as well in future and hopefully have more luck in that department!
A few pieces I’ve spotted which I love…
Fave petite style bloggers: Maria – @MariaJBlogs , Hannah – @Ohhelloitshannah, Yasmin – @Asliceofchic
Misselfridge petite range are the best! I’m 4″11 and wear they’re clothes all the time!
Ahh that’s so interesting! I’m definitely going to shop there more often in future x
It’s so nice there! X
I used to shop in the petite section a lot and I still do sometimes, I didn’t realise that they used smaller buttons/patterns etc. Interesting!
Lucy | Forever September
Yes! I found out so much when researching! x
Oh this is really interesting, I’ve never really thought about it before but I do buy petite jeans! I alwasy assumed petite was for small (in every sense of the word) people but reading this has made me have a think about this!
Ahh I’m so pleased! Yes exactly! You don’t automatically think that someone tall can also suit petite clothing! x
I wish more people new this!! So glad you ventured into the petite section!
Yes! Ahh thank you, hopefully I’ll have more luck from now on haha!
The petite section is my savour most of the time! I’m a short girl through and through. I’m only 4″11 with small limbs so I rely heavily on petite sections. I wish more brands had petite sections though. It would make things so much easier when it comes to clothes shopping. It can sometimes have such a negative affect on me when things don’t fit right x
Lauren | itslaurenvictoria.co.uk
Yes! I was shocked when looking that not all brands do a wide range of petite styles in their clothing. I’ve realised now why no tops in primark ever fit right after keeping on wondering why they didn’t suit my body type like you say. Their bottoms don’t always fit me either though so I don’t think their sizing helps haha. Think I’m just going to have to shop there for jumpers and baggier clothing which is a shame xx