Petite Size Chart

Petite sizing isn’t just about being short—it’s about creating clothing that fits smaller proportions perfectly. In fashion, “petite” typically refers to height under 5’4”, not weight. However, many assume petite means skinny, causing confusion. Finding the right fit balances comfort and style, ensuring petite individuals feel confident and fashionable.

US Size Petite	Intl. Size petite	Bust	Waist	Hips
00P	XXS	28-29	22-23	30-31
0P	XS	30-31	23-24	32-33
2P	XS	31-32	24-25	33-34
4P	S	32-33	25-26	35-36
6P	S	33-34	26-27	36-37
8P	M	35-36	27-28	37-38
10P	M	36-37	28-29	38-39
12P	L	37-39	29-31	39-41
14P	L	39-40	31-32	41-42
16P	XL	40-41	32-33	42-43
18P	XL	42-43	34-35	44-45
20P	XXL	44-46	36-38	46-48

How to Measure Yourself for Petite Clothing

Taking accurate measurements at home is the first step toward finding your perfect fit. To measure yourself for petite clothing, gather a flexible tape measure and a full-length mirror. These tools will help ensure precision.

Step-by-Step Measurement Guide

Bust: Wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping it parallel to the floor. Ensure it’s snug but not tight.

Waist: Locate your natural waistline, typically the narrowest part of your torso above the belly button. Measure around this area without sucking in your stomach.

Hips: Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks. Keep the tape measure level and snug.

Inseam: Measure from the highest point of your inner thigh down to your ankle bone. This measurement is crucial for selecting appropriately lengthened pants.

Arm Length: With your arm relaxed at your side, measure from the center of the back of your neck, over the shoulder, and down to your wrist. This ensures sleeves aren’t too long or short.

Tips for Accuracy:

Consistency: Measure while wearing form-fitting clothing or undergarments to avoid adding extra inches.

Assistance: If possible, have someone help you, especially for measurements like inseam and arm length, to ensure accuracy.

Repeat Measurements: Measure each area twice to confirm accuracy.

Time of Day: Measure at the end of the day when your body is at its fullest to account for natural fluctuations.

Balancing precision and comfort is essential. While exact measurements guide you, personal preferences in fit (e.g., looser vs. snug) also play a role. Recognize that different brands may have varying size charts, so always refer to each brand’s specific petite sizing guide.

Accurate measurements are vital for selecting petite clothing that complements your body shape and ensures comfort. Investing time in this process can significantly enhance your shopping experience and satisfaction with your wardrobe choices.

Common Fit Issues

Pants Too Long: Even in petite sizes, pants can often pool around the ankles. This happens because petite height ranges vary, and inseam lengths aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Shoulders Too Wide: Tops and jackets may still have shoulders that extend beyond your natural frame, creating an unbalanced look.
Sleeves Too Long: For some petite individuals, sleeves can still go past the wrists, especially in brands with a more relaxed fit.
These issues can make clothing appear oversized, even when it’s the correct size elsewhere, leading to frustration and additional costs for alterations.

Tailoring Tips for Petite Clothing

Tailoring is often the simplest way to ensure a perfect fit.

Hemming Pants: Adjust the length to match your preferred footwear. Keep in mind the tradeoff between function and style—shorter hems work for flats, while slightly longer ones suit heels.
Adjusting Shoulders: A tailor can take in shoulder seams for a more fitted look, but this may add costs. Consider this option for staple pieces like blazers or coats.
Shortening Sleeves: Tailors can shorten sleeves to end at your wrists or just above, depending on your style preference.
While tailoring can be transformative, it’s important to weigh the investment. Tailoring a basic T-shirt may not be worth it, but altering high-quality or staple items can extend their use.

Choosing the Right Styles for Petite Frames

The best styles for petite frames minimize alterations and enhance proportions.

High-Waisted Bottoms: These elongate your legs, creating a balanced and flattering look.
Fitted Tops: Choose tops that hug your frame, avoiding oversized or boxy cuts that can overwhelm petite proportions.
Cropped Jackets: A cropped jacket ends at the waist, drawing attention to your natural proportions without adding unnecessary bulk.
When selecting styles, balance is key. Fitted pieces may require less tailoring but can sacrifice comfort if too snug. Looser fits are easier to tailor but may not feel as polished off the rack.

FAQs

What height is considered petite in clothing sizes?
Answer: Petite sizing typically caters to individuals who are 5’4” (162 cm) and under. However, it’s not just about height—petite clothing is also designed with shorter proportions in areas like inseams, sleeves, and torso length. If you find that regular sizes feel too long or oversized in these areas, petite sizing might be a better fit for you.

Can someone who is taller than 5’4” wear petite clothing?
Answer: Yes! Petite clothing is primarily about proportions rather than height alone. If you have a shorter torso, legs, or arms compared to standard sizes, petite clothing can provide a better fit. However, taller individuals may need to size up or tailor petite items to ensure they’re not too short overall.

What are the most important measurements to check for petite sizing?
Answer: The most critical measurements include your inseam, torso length, and arm length, as these are typically adjusted in petite clothing. While waist, bust, and hip measurements align with regular sizing, petite proportions focus on shorter lengths to ensure a better fit. Always refer to the brand’s specific petite size chart for the best results.