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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.
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Petite, Regular or Tall Sizes
— by Angie
on October 30, 2012
Petite, regular or tall clothing sizes are sized for your height, and the length of your limbs, torso and rise.The retail industry has created these size options by using a set of assumptions based on classifications of short, tall and regular height for women. For example, women who are around 5 foot three inches or shorter are thought of as “petite”. Women who are between 5′ 5″ and 5′ 7″ are thought of as “regular” height. Women who are 5′ 8″ and taller are “tall”.
The beauty of these specialized clothing sizes lies in the cut. The sizing increments within one of the departments do increase the lengths a little, but they have far more impact on width measurements. The petite and tall departments, on the other hand, are all about lengths: the inseams and rises of bottoms, and the sleeve length and torso length of tops.
That said, there are also many exceptions to the petite-regular-tall sizing cut-off points, which means that shopping strictly according to your height does not guarantee a great fit. Here are some examples from my experiences with clients.
- I have several 5′ 2″ clients who seldom shop in the petite department because they have longer arms, broader shoulders, and a regular length torso. As a result, the petite options do not fit at all. Some of these clients might shop in the petite department for bottoms because those dimensions fit better. Or they’ll wear regular bottoms and have the inseams shortened.
- I also have 5′ 5″ and 5′ 7″ clients who shop in the petites department for tops, jackets and coats because they have relatively short torsos and arms for their height. Some 5′ 3″ and 5′ 4″ clients are on the cusp and “between departments”. Petite length clothing is often too short, while regular is too long. They usually shop regular sizes and have items altered.
- Clients who are 5′ 8″ or taller generally need bottoms in “tall” sizes for extra length when the items aren’t long to start off with. Most of my tall clients get their tops, dresses, jackets and coats in regular sizes. This is because their height is in their legs, and not in their torso and arms. My clients who are 6′ and taller wear a tall size on top too.
- Wearing high heels with bootcuts and flared leg trousers and jeans styles requires longer hem lengths. SoI have 5′ 6″ and 5′ 7″ clients who purchase tall bottoms because they are particularly long in the leg and like to wear very high heels.
There are also times when you can purchase an item in a particular size to manipulate the fit. For example, as a regular size you might get an extra-short petite top to wear over a flared skirt. Or as a petite you might get a regular sized sweater to create a longer and more relaxed look.
Finally, my clients who wear a size 14P and 16P have a hard time because those sizes are in extremely short supply, while sizes 14 and 16 in regular and tall sizes are a lot more common. Shopping in the regular plus size department when your proportions are short is not ideal unless those items are cut short to start off with. Here is a business opportunity for the retail industry. Supply customers with sizes 14P and 16P and see your sales soar! My hat off and a big thank you to the Nordstrom petite department for being one of the few retailers who regularly stock sizes 14P, 16P and 18P.
At 5′ 6″ I shop regular sizes. Petites are always too short and talls are too long. I do find that with relatively long arms for my height, sleeves can unfortunately run short. But certain brands cut their sleeves longer and that’s how I solve that problem. Also, scrunching sleeves works like a charm when they are too short.
Let us know about your sizing experiences. Are you a petite, regular or tall person who shops in those respective departments? Or do you shop across a few departments despite your height and proportions. Are you in-between clothing departments and perpetually frustrated that proportions are either too short or too long?
Great topic… I’m on the cusp since I’m 5′ 3.5″. I find petite is tricky for me. Tops are usually just a tad too short, while the sleeves are perfect. Regular almost always just too long in the sleeves, and too long in the torso. I have more regular than petites, but when I shop I always try on petites if I find them. For pants, petite/short is only good with pants. I routinely get regular length then hem.
Ruth
I’m 5″2″ tall and flit back and forth between petite and regular sizes. It all depends on the brand and the way the garment is cut. What bugs me is how petite sizes are also cut smaller in the shoulders and bust. Because of this, I wear a larger size in petites than I do in regular. I don’t know why the clothing manufacturers think petite women are smaller or shorter everywhere. That’s just not so!
SusanH
At 5’4″, I’m in the same boat as cloud9. It’s hard to predict whether my best size will be a regular or petite item. I wish more online stores would post measurements of things like the lengths of tops, the way Nordstrom does.
At 5’3″, I used to shop at petites till I met Angie and the mystery of why most trousers didn’t fit me was solved. My legs are longer so regular bottoms work best for me. I will sometimes shop for petite tops especially if it’s looser fit clothing but for the most part my arms and legs prefer regular fit clothing even though I’m short.
I’m also borderline petite at 5’3.5″ but generally shop in regulars since I have long limbs. On occasion I’ll buy sleeveless or short sleeved tops or dresses in petite sizes but that’s about it. Regular length pants and sleeves are usually perfect length but I often have problems with regular torsos being too long.
Interestingly, when shopping for wedding dresses recently, I found that petite evening gowns actually tended to fit well, I guess because they expect you to wear towering heels with them so they’re cut quite long and perfect with my moderate heels.
I’m five feet tall and one thing I pay some attention to is where design elements fall on the body – can be too low in a regular size. I generally like a petite in a top piece if I can find it. But I have longer thighs and a long rise and I have several pairs of pants that I bought purposely in a tall and I just know to chop off the length about 6 inches. It that’s a bootcut then it takes off some of the flare and I think that’s a good thing, too.
I’m between petite and regular sizing, depending on brand and cut of the garment. But because we don’t have petite departements at all in our stores and only a few online retailers carry petite sizes I normally buy regular sized clothing and have the sleeves or hems shortened.
At just shy of 5’5″ I always buy regular sizes. The few times I’ve tried to make a petite top work I’ve regretted it; even if the torso works, they are always cut too snug in the shoulders and too short in the arms for me. I did buy a couple of casual dresses in Tall from Athleta a few years ago…but only because I wanted them to be long enough to reach my knees!
I feel very lucky to be able to wear regular sizes. A couple of weekends ago I went shopping with my petite mom (5’2″) and saw firsthand how few petite options are available these days.
I’m 5’6, so I normally stay put in the regulars. My arms are a bit long, but I’ve solved the problem by going up a size in long sleeve tops and sweaters.
My grandmother, though, is convinced I’m petite and has given me petite clothing in the past. It can get a little difficult to explain to her why the pants she gave me come up past my ankles.
I’m 5’7 so regular clothing is usually fine for me. Occasionally I buy a knit top or sweater in the Petite section, if the proportions are what I want (and the sleeves long enough!). In jeans sometimes I buy a Tall just in case of shrinkage. My mother is very short and taking her shopping can be an exercise in futility. There are no where near the options available for Petites.
Great topic! I’m 5’10” and generally require tall or long pants. I do feel like I’m the short end of the tall spectrum, and so I find that I do need to hem my talls since I’m not one to wear very high heels. But regulars are just a little too short for achieving PPL. I lean towards being short-waisted and usually avoid tall sizes in tops except some coats and jackets where I like the proper sleeve length. But I usually don’t get too worried about sleeves unless it’s outerwear – everything gets rolled up or scrunched up anyway.
My 5″1″ mother and I have similar builds at our very different heights. Petite/short pants are usually too short on her, but regulars will usually work, though sometimes they require a bit of hemming.
At 5’1″ I’m definitely petite, but have most of my height in the legs, so can often wear “regular” ankle pants. The most frustrating part of shopping for me is that many retailers now no longer carry petites in store, which means I have to order online, and many department stores have shrunk their petites departments down to just a small corner carrying only a single brand or two of clothing.
At 5’3”, I can wear petite tops, but not bottoms as I have longer legs. Petite pants are too short, and regular’s vary so much that sometimes they work only with heels and other times I can wear them with flats without hemming. With pants it really is about just trying everything on, Sleeves are an issue with regular tops, so I do alter or scrunch… I have longer arms than some petite brands allow for, so for long sleeved items, I buy regular and adjust. For me trying things on is an absolute must. I do like to buy a lot online, and stick to labels that are tried and true….
AT 5’1!, I am definitely petite and I border on plus size petite at a size 12P or large. I pretty much always have to buy petite in jackets, blouses and sweaters since I have short arms, narrow shoulders and am high waisted. I find regular size tops are also too big in the underarm area.
Trousers however can fluctuate between petite and regular sizing – obviously petite is better in the length department but sometimes the rise can be too short. For example, a brand in Canada called NJP Petite pants fit me perfectly in the rise and length but Esprit also fits me perfectly in the rise and I just get the legs shortened.
I have found that a few of my previously trustworthy petite trousers are no longer petite – I used to be able to buy Cleo Petite trousers and with a 2″ inch heel, would not have to hem them. Recently in trying them on, I have found them to be much longer. When I asked the SA she commented that they used to hem the pants for 5’3″ inch ladies and now make them for 5’5″ – to me, that’s no longer petite.
clearlyclaire
I’m 5’7″ and regular sizes usually work just fine for me. Skinny pants are hemmed at the right length and the sleeves of tops generally long enough. I’m long through the torso and that’s where I have trouble finding tops and blouses long enough. I could just wear tunics, but they seem to throw my proportions off even more! Tailored dresses are the hardest thing for me to fit. the waist usually hits me way too high and the fullness for the hips is in the wrong place. Sometimes the bust darts/seaming is too high too, not to mention the length of the skirt being too short. All of these things together often are too much to alter. I would have never thought to try a tall dress Angie, but that’s a very good idea.
I am 5’6″ so I almost always buy regular. I have slightly shorter legs, and I never wear heels. While I have been tempted to buy petites to deal with this, petites tend to be smaller in areas other than length. I also fluctuate between a 16/18 regular and a plus size 16, so my clothing choices are really quite limited!
I also think if retailers paid a bit more attention to the larger sizes they might also find a large increase in business. The few chains that cater to these sizes tend to be less quality, which is why I was quite happy when Ralph Lauren came out with a line!
Let’s not forget about those who need a plus size AND are tall. Lately it seems like all the plus size pants are extremely short — 31″ inseam at most! I don’t remember the last time I saw a plus size pant with a 33″ inseam.
Also, I’ve continuously noticed that the sleeves on plus size coats are very short. I don’t really know who they are designing for…
At 5′ 1″ (used to be 5′ 1.75″!), I am definitely a Petite. My arms are short, so sometimes even Petite jacket sleeves are too long. Last summer, I bought soft Regular ankle length pants, and they give me a lovely slouchy fit. If I were in the market for slacks, I would probably also try other Regular ankle length pants or even Talls to give me a higher rise and full length fit.
Hope springs eternal, however. I fell in love with a cropped peplum jacket sold online by Nordstrom Rack and am awaiting its delivery. The sleeves are plain, and shortening them is a given. But as for the rest? I have to make sure I don’t talk myself into a fit that isn’t! However, earlier this fall I bought an Anthro pepblum jacket that definitely fits me better in Regular than Petite. . .
Fascinating. Thanks for sharing, ladies
5′ 3.5″ is the average height of the American woman – so it makes sense that many of you fall in-between departments.
Vildy, you are officially the only extra petite I know who buys tall bottoms!
Kristen, your Gran will always believe you are her little girl
Ruth and Tracy, while shopping with clients, I have found the cuts of petites very inconsistent. Some petite clothing is cut smaller than regulars, whereas lots of it is cut the same apart from the length variations. Some petite clothing is even cut larger than regulars.
Marianna, I have tall – almost 6 ft – size 16/18 clients who have not had a problem with finding bottoms that are long enough. Better end merchandise is usually cut longer – 35 inch hems.
Ah, a topic near and dear to my heart, of course. I’m 5’2″, but I have narrow, sloping shoulders and short arms, so I absolutely require petite sizing for jackets, blazers, coats, and many tops. I can get away with regular pants sizing, although petite pants often fit better (but not always- the Express columnists in petite sizing were horrible, while the regulars fit nicely). I’m discovering that petite pants are sometimes not PPL, and I have to buy regular sizes and shorten them to the proper length. I also sometimes prefer the length of regular sized pencil skirts.
Thanks for breaking this down, Angie.
I am 5’9″ and wear regular lengths on top and need talls on the bottom. Talls, aren’t very available in Canada, but I’m pretty happy when I can find them. I’ve had pretty good success ordering Gap jeans in a tall length off of ebay in the US. It’s pretty handy when angle length pants are in style for us tall girls!
I am 5’2″, but I never shop petites. They just don’t fit me right. I alter all my pant lengths and sometimes arms are a bit long, but usually not too bad. Sometimes dresses are too long in the back (the length between shoulders and hips), but hardly ever. Small regular sizes tend to fit well off the rack. Go figure.
At 5’7″, I normally buy regular sizes and alter as needed to fit my long-torsoed, short-legged, strong-shouldered IT shape. Most regular pants need to be shortened to fit my 31-32″ inseam.
But the weirdest situation was my recent purchase of a skirt and fitted jacket. The size 6 petite skirt fit perfectly as did the size 10 TALL (!) jacket which just needed the sleeves shortened 1/2 inch. Thank goodness for lines that sell matching jackets and skirts separately!
At 5’4″ now shrunk to 5’3″, I usually can wear regular sizes, especially in bottoms. I would even be tempted to get a tall in a skirt for the length (23-25″). However, tops are more of a problem. I have a small high bust and fit best in a petite top when it’s fitted. However, my arms are then usually too long and sometimes shoulders too wide. I’m so thankful to Angie for showing us how fab scrunched sleeves can look.
Mel
Interesting topic. I have enough trouble shopping for myself, 5’4″, plus size. Petites don’t come large enough in the width, regular sizes are too long in all aspects. I hate arm holes that hang half way down my bra. I’m too old to be exposing my cute bra’s.
But the absolute WORST, is for my poor momma. 89 years old, 5’0″. There is absolutely NOTHING out there that fits her, and if by chance there is something, it’s not a style that you can put on an 89 year old.
Anything I buy for her has to have at least 6″ cut off the pants, and 4″ cut off the sleeves. This doesn’t work well with the knits that she likes. She loves cuffs, but they’re very hard to hem.
She’s lucky that I sew! I work full time and have my own family; I don’t really have time to sew her clothes, but whatcha gonna do?
Angela
I am 5’4″ almost 5 5 if I stand really straight lol. I cannot wear petite pants, the rise is all wrong. But I frequently buy petite but a size up for investment peices like a suit jacket or heavy winter jacket as it saves me from shortening the sleeve length. It almost always fits in the shoulders as well.
I also really like a petite skirt as it hits me on the knee perfectly to stop me from looking dumpy but petite pants never, ever fit in the length.
wave to Shannon, I love Cleo’s petite for jackets
Laura
Another in-between 5′ 3.5″ woman here. Good to know I hit right on the average. Petite jackets and blouses are good for me, since my arms are short, but I never buy petite bottoms. Too short. Annoyingly, regular length pants are usually just a half inch too long
I used to think that my height put me squarely in the petite department, but Angie showed me otherwise.
The one thing I love about my height in the last few years is that regular sized dresses are the perfect length. Given that I find their length acceptable, I can’t believe that anyone even a couple of inches taller than me can find any dress that isn’t way above the knee.
At 5′ 4 1/2″ I mostly wear regular sizes, except for jackets and blazers. Those always fit me better in petites. Both the arm length and where the waist falls (I am short waisted as well). But most importantly, the armhole opening itself is smaller and higher. That is the biggest fit issue I have – low armholes that then restrict your arm movement by cutting across your bicep. ARgh. One thing no one mentioned is shopping juniors. I find junior cut jackets also fit me great – better than petites usually. I just size up one and ta da! Ditto with makers that are just cut more like juniors – like Guess and Miss Sixty.
Mrs.M in MI
At 5’7.75″, and with all my height in my torso, the last few years I’ve been able to get away with regular sizing with longer tops in style. Regular length pants are fine, but tops can be too short in the torso and way too short in the sleeves.
When I can, I’ll buy tops and dresses in tall sizes, though I wear a 2 or 4 in tops and sometimes they don’t make tall sizes that small. I also bought my last coat in a tall size, and what a revelation in sleeve length! For the first time my wrists stay warm!
I’m 5’2″ and petite sizes definitely fit me much better than regular sizes. However, because Angie’s insistence on PPL has rubbed off on me and because I like to wear high heels, I find that petite pants can be too short! Halogen petite dress pants, for example, are just too short on me and there isn’t enough hem to take down! The last dress pants I bought were Ann Taylor petites and I had them taken down as far as possible and they are still just barely long enough!
Meanwhile, the sleeves on even the petite jackets and blouses are always too long…
Mo, better-end merchandize is often cut slimmer too. In fact, a regular sized Theory suit is cut quite a bit smaller in width than Ann Taylor petite clothing. Of course, the lengths are much longer.
Gaylene, it is indeed a blessing that we can purchase separates.
Mrs. M, so true. They seldom make size 0 and 2 in a tall.
Glad that you’re wearing your pants longer, Mary
Laura, yes! Petites have not had the problem of too short dresses and skirts over the last few years. At regular height, I have battled. Also petites can wear cropped pants at the regular length that I want to. And because so much is cropped these days, I’m envious!
At 5’9 and a 34 inch inseam, Gap and Banana Republic have saved the day with their Tall pants and jean sizes. I have extra long arms, too, and until I found YLF and your tips for scrunching, Angie, I struggled with shirt sleeves. Now, I just scrunch away! Dresses are usually WAY too short so that has been a problem butI seem to have a better time with skirts. I did buy a Tall puffer at Eddie Bauer last year have loved them longer length. I’ve been enjoying the ankle length trend which seems to allow for a little wiggle room with PPL. Excellent topic today!
A post that’s right up my alley!
At 5’1″ and a little over 100 lbs, I am truly petite. I could probably buy everything in petite sizes, if those existed in abundance, which they don’t.
The most frustrating thing for me to find are fitted shirts, jackets and coats. As it is, I must buy all of these in a petite size for them to fit right. My waist is very high, and on regular size shirts/jackets the waist will hang down around my hips. Also, the sleeve length and shoulder width on petite sizes fits my frame better. I have had several coats altered (at considerable cost, unfortunately) so that the shoulders fit properly.
I can get away with regular jeans if the inseam is 30″, and many places do stock that length, but if the inseam is 32″ I must get them hemmed. No big deal. If the inseam is 34″ I stay away — they’re just miles too long and the proportions are off. I think I have a long-ish rise, so mid- to low-rise jeans pants in regular sizes fit my hips and torso well.
As for fitted stretchy knit tops, I’ve never needed to buy those in petite. A size S or XS in regular is usually fine. They can be a bit long, but then I scrunch them around my hips, or tuck a corner into my pants or skirt.
Loose “boyfriend” style shirts will work in a regular size XS, but in a size S the shoulders are sometimes too wide. A boyfriend-style shirt surrenders the waist completely, and that’s my main fit problem with woven shirts in general — with tailored ones, the waist will hit me in the wrong spot. So boyfriend styles are good.
Slouchy knit styles work in regular sizes, too, because they surrender the waist, but to look right the fabric has to have nice drape.
Mellllls
Im almost 5’3 and I love petite pants for the shorter length. I find I don’t need petite tops as much. But I’ve had problem finding appropriate wool coats that fit and have been looking at petite cats.
I am 1.58 m which is about 5’2 and I live in a country where ‘Petites’ are not catered for. We do have special sections for tall people and sections for large people, but not for the short. So this autumn I was thrilled to find NYDJ’s in size 12P. They fit me perfectly (another style didn’t and another style I needed size 10, same manufacturer). No alterations needed anywhere, even the length is great.
I’m in between too – 5’8 1/2″ I find that my tops do better with longs, and my bottoms are in between regulars and longs. Anything shorter than a 32 inch inseam is probably too short. Both are hard to find for me – admitting that my habit of shopping pretty much only thrift stores and free clothing give-aways has a lot to do with my ability to find properly fitting clothes.
Angie, thanks for addressing this topic. I’ve been enjoying reading all the replies. We are all such different sizes. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone in having to have lots of stuff altered. I’m 5’3″ and not at all shaped like a clothing manufacturer’s idea of a woman, so I bounce between petites and regulars, trying to find something that will accommodate me. I find that my main problem is that clothing manufacturers refuse to believe that someone with short limbs may also have thick limbs, especially in the arms. Pair this with an almost non-existent bust and you can see why top shopping makes me want to cry.
Same as Astrid, we don’t have petite sizing except for a couple of retail stores. This means mom has to fix fitting issues. Well, at least she did before the skinny trend!
Saraspunza
(website)
Hello Angie,
I am completely with you on this. As someone who is just shy of 5’10”, I can safely say that all my length is in my legs. I have a very short waist. On top of that I have a rather ample chest. This creates sizing problems all over the place. So, I buy tall sizes for skirts and pants, particularly, skirts because the leg length is primarily in my thighs. So skirts look shorter on me than most. My poor teenage daughters are always getting in trouble with school dress code violations if they try and wear shorts or skirts with bare legs. Their thighs do not help them!
As for tops; I can get away with a medium in a regular size unless it buttons down the front. In that case, I am challenged. So, I wear camis underneath and only partially button. I wear a large and then get the back tailored in more narrowly. I wear tops with give…
At 5’5″, I typically buy regular sizes. Even though I’m short waisted, I have long arms and slightly broad shoulders, so petites tops rarely work in terms of sleeve length and the fit across the shoulders/bust.
I often check out skirts in both regular and petites, though. For example, the Halogen seamed skirt was too long for my eyes in the regular size, but the length in the petite version was perfect (just to the top of my kneecap).
I’m curious about tall sizes in pants. Occasionally, the item I want is sold out in the regular size but still available in tall. I’ve thought about buying the tall option and hemming was wasn’t sure if the proportions would be off in other ways.
Fab topic, Angie! I am 5’6″ and mostly wear missy; however…I’m very high waisted/short torso with very long legs. I won’t say I shop in the petite department, but I’ve had a couple of very nice fitting petite sweaters. I also found one of my best fitting dresses ever in the petite dept. I have to be careful with pants and usually only find them in Nordstrom and the Etcetera clothing line.
I’ve had clients in all of the categories mentioned and agree that the fashion industry is missing out on a lot of dollars by only catering to the “average.”
I am 5’4″ but never shop petites because of my arms. Sometimes I wish I could in order to get a narrower shoulder or just a smaller size overall (Land’s End, I’m looking at you). I usually have to hem a couple inches off jeans, especially now that I’m wearing lower heels. One side benefit of that is that “cropped” and “ankle” trousers are starting to be full-length on me!
5’2″ here. My legs tend to be cusp and my torso is hard to shop for because even petites are too long much of the time and on top of that I’ve got broad shoulders so a lot if petites are too narrow in that area. Basically, until they start sizing women’s clothing much more diversely, I’ve only one solution. Her name is Angela, and she wields a needle :p
Ann
Love this topic! I’d love to hear from some of the tall women out there – where have you found tall clothing? I’m 5’11”, size 14, and have had difficulty finding clothing. I’ve recently had success with the Gap for tall pants. Nordstroms, however, is awful for finding tall pants – the only option is Jag jeans. For shirts, I’m selecting Tall more often. Regular sized shirts typically don’t hit low enough in the waist, and the armhole cutouts aren’t sized correctly.
I’ve started ordering from Gap, Banana republic online in order to get tall sizes, but because online ordering is tricky for sizing I end up returning many of the items. How do other people approach shopping if they’re hard to fit?
I’m also curious if some of the tall women out there have given up on pants, and how they’ve adapted their personal style to accomodate their height? I’m thinking about changing to more skirts, but I’m having problems finding size 11 shoes that look cute with skirts….
I am so glad Angie that you posted this topic. I realized this maybe 6 or 7 years ago that even thought I am 5’5″ tall I am a petite size on top. All of my woven shirts and jackets at the time were too long in the arms and too long for my torso. I have solved this problem by shopping only in stores that carry 14P and 16P but you are correct there are not that many retailers offering this option. I shop online a lot.
On the flip side, I couldn’t figure out why my pants seemed to be just hanging on to the appropriate length. Then I figured out that I have to wear “long” or “tall” pants even-though I am still only 5’5″ tall I just happen to have a high waist and probably long legs. So for me average unless it’s skirts, dresses, tanks or shorts is probably not going to work for me.
Nicole
(website)
Angie- I have a question. Recently I have been starting to think I may be a petite on top. Here is my reasoning. I am about 5′ 9″, 159 lbs. My torso is a mere 19″ long whereas my legs are 40″ long. I obviously wear long pants usually 12’s. However, I have a really hard time finding shirts that fit my 32G bust but aren’t too long. I sometimes wear a med/large depending on the store, but the shirts always hit me too far down on the waist or even past my hips. According to what I’ve learned because of my large bust I’m supposed to create a waist for myself, which I do with belts and such most of the time. But I’d like to be able to find shirts that hit me at the waist as well, so I don’t necessarily have to wear belts. Do you suggest I shop in the petite section for my tops?
THANKS! Love your advice and YLF!
So interesting
Tall ladies! J.Crew does the best tall clothing in retail – there is ample length!. It is the only place where my 6ft plus clients can find bottoms that are long enough.
I have to stick up for the US retail industry too, despite the fact that some of you feel left out with your body type. The diversity of sizes is SO much better than it used to be and it keeps on improving. 30 years ago, 90% of these size options were unavailable.
Nicole, petite tops might be the answer. Have you tried them?
So many great comments!
I am just a little over 5’5 – and generally buy regular clothing. However, I am very slim – and regularly check out the Jrs sections, particularly H&M.
I am sure, in the not-too distant fututre, that there will be an “app” to customize our clothing purchases for perfect fit. One can dream
I’m 5’1 1/2″ and mostly shop petites, although I can wear regular ankle length pants from GAP and sometimes get short skirts from the regular department to have them fall just above the knee on me. I can wear regular jackets if they are a cropped length (including cropped sleeves).
My sister is 5’6″ but really needs Large or 14P tops to fit her narrow shoulders and short arms. Maybe with the huge numbers of aging Baby Boomers who are shorter than today’s young women, we will see retailers offering more petites, especially in larger sizes. Many have the expendible income to buy if they can find it.
Nicole
(website)
I have not tried Petite tops yet. But after reading this post and all of your readers’ comments I might just do that. I have to admit, I never really looked at the Petite section because well, I’m not a short person. But I guess it doesn’t matter what section you are in, as long as the clothes fit correctly.
Thanks for a great post Angie!
This is interesting and I’m finally making peace with the fact that it is going to be very, very difficult to find jackets that right off the rack. At 5’6″ with narrow shoulders and an extra long torso, there just isn’t a great option in sizing. Regular sizing is too short, talls are too broad shouldered… so I think my best option is to go for the right length and have it taken in. Or wear shoulder pads to fill it out!
I’m 5’4” and mostly shop in the regular size. Sometimes, however, I do well with petite sizes, and it’s nice to have that option. This seems to work especially well with dresses and skirts, sometimes with tops and jacekts, but never with pants.
Lately I’ve been turning to petite (and a size down) for voluminous tops. I like the concept of some dolman sleeve or boxy sweaters, but I don’t like them long, since I usually pair them with (pencil) skirts. By sizing down AND going with a petite size I keep the effect of the style but without excessive volume and in a much shorter cut that works for skirts.
I am 5’6” and usually wear regular sizes but sometimes get hems shortened depending on the shoe I plan to wear with. I recently bought short trusers 2 sizes bigger than my usual to fit my wide low waist and they work quite well!
Being 6’2, I need tall sizes! I love tall sizes! When I was in high school, I would have died for the current availability of clothing meant for me! Things really have improved in the retail market. For me, the tall sizes are not only long enough for my arms and legs, but they also are proportioned better for my shoulders, hips, and waist. Sometimes I can find pants or shirts long enough in regular lines, but something is always off with the fit.
J.crew is my favorite for coats, button-up shirts, and jeans. I find the length and proportions are excellent for my height and frame. It really is a favorite. Not only are the arms and body lengths longer, but I find the waist actually hit at the right spot. That makes me happy.
There is also Long Tall Sally, which, I find, is poor quality for the price. I am really tall but of an average frame and build, and I find some LTS clothing are cut just too big for me even in the smallest size. However, I have had some luck with some of their items. I am always open-minded when it comes to tall sizes. I have to be!
Recently, for dresses, I’ve been turning to eShakti. The custom fit is awesome.
I’m 5’1″ and vary between 117-120 and definitely need petite sizes a lot of the time. I haven’t needed petite pants because I have a long torso, so shorter rises wouldn’t help me. I just alter jeans when the legs are too long. It helps that Gap offers “ankle” length jeans that are usually about right on me.
For tops, I can do regular sizes for short sleeved and usually stick to petites for long sleeved. I have to have petite jackets or alter/roll the sleeves. I’ve had to make petite coat sleeves even shorter due to my short arms.
My shoulders to make it tricky sometimes because I’ve had several things be tight in the shoulders and too big through the torso.
I’m 4’11 and I never shop petites. The few stores that have them cater to officewear, which just doesn’t feel like me. I get most of my skinnies out of juniors and pants that come in short like Levis fit well. I’m also building a wear with platforms capsule so some longer bottoms are good.
Tops are my main problem this year. Between long sleeves, extreme slouchiness, and cropped lengths nothing fits. I like fitted cuts that hit at the hips.
Tall.
But I get a little resentful about this because it’s not as easy as petite, regular or tall. Every department store has a petite section. I’ve yet to see one with a tall section for women. Everything I get in a tall size has to be ordered online, and not only is there not a lot of selection, but the fit is hit-or-miss.
@Ann, above.
I do wear mostly skirts because of my height (5’10”, size 14/16). Size 11 feet are proportional to your height. You would probably look strange with size 6 or 7 feet. Wear your 11s proudly. I am all about shoes and I wear a 10 to 10 1/2. I never even think about my feet being large. They just aren’t. They’re proportional on me.
I’m 5’3″ with a LONG torso and short legs. I will buy a tall top if I want it to stay tucked. For bottoms I prefer short/petite if I can find them to get the right taper, or else I am pretty experienced at hemming regular length bottoms.
I check both petites and regular. It’s a shot in the dark either way, most of the time for me. I’ve never been able to say, not even in general, I have more success in one department or the other. Except that, is it my imagination, there’s not much in petites… Success is kind of relative when the pickings are slim.
Sort of interesting to me, since there are two Chinatowns in my area… “American petite” is giant. Chinese petite, now that’s petite. Teensy-weensy. Can’t get even my little finger into anything sold in Chinatown.
I’m 5′ 4” and rarely shop in Petites Although I have to alter the items somehow the proportions seem to fit better in regular sizes.
The only exception to this are the sleeveless tops so I guess that my shoulder width plays a great part in this.
Another consideration that comes to mind is that regular sizes work now that I wear mostly size small because when I had to wear plus sizes(the 14, 16) usually the shoulder of the jackets fit very badly, but in Portugal the 14p and 16p were almost non existing concepts.
I’m 5′ 2.5″ so all things equal I should fall in to the petite category. But mostly that does not happen. I have a longer torso, longer rise, and short legs. So I hem a lot! There is the occasion, though, where a petite jacket is just the ticket. And the clouds part! haha
Erin @ Loop Looks
(website)
I’m 5’4″ and definitely fall in the “in between” area. My height is in my legs so petite pants are way too short but regulars tend to be too long. I usually solve the problem by wearing higher heels and occasionally getting things hemmed.
Zapotee
At 5’8″, I buy Tall sizes for bottoms but am fine with regular sizing for tops, just as you described!
I’m 5’6″ and I buy most of my clothes in the regulars department. Occasionally I will shop in petites, mostly to buy shorter tops to wear with skirts. Like Beth, I also turned to petites when I bought my Halogen seamed pencil skirts. They were too long for me in the regular size but the perfect length in petite.
Even though I am 5’3.5″ and technically petite, I almost never buy petites because the styles I go after usually only come in regular sizes. With my casual lifestyle, I also buy a lot of items that are either S,M,L or even one size. I have never been able to buy petite pants as the inseams are too short. But petite jackets are great on me (if I can find them). I have a really short torso/waist and my arms are average. Besides my short torso, the biggest fit problem I have is to fit both my shoulders and bust. If the shoulders fit, the bust is usually too tight. When the shoulders fit, even in regular sizes, I don’t have sleeve length problems. But the minute I buy to fit my bust, the shoulders are too big making the sleeves too long.
I am so much easier to fit when it comes to bottoms! I think that is why I am and always be a pants girl not a dress girl. (And I love skirts too for the same reason — they are easy to fit on me as I have a regular rise.)
Angie my sister falls into that petite size 14 slot. She has high disposable income, good taste but no one seems to care to cater to her. Her best looking and fitting garments are from Eileen Fisher.
I have to shop across multiple departments. I am just under 5’3″, I have a freakishly short torso and long legs. I have normal length arms. I shop across both petite and regular departments. For pants and jeans I shop regular. For skirts I can shop both regular and petite depending on the length I want. For everything else – tops, dresses, jackets, coats – anything that needs to fit my top half, I need to go petite to get the waist to fall in the right place. However, the sleeves are often too short, which I suppose is why I wear a lot of sleeveless top + cardigan outfits.
It’s SO frustrating that more clothing doesn’t come in petite sizes. I have to rule out large swathes of clothes when shopping.
Sometimes I feel like a puzzle of irregular parts wrapped up in a pretty ordinary body!
At a smidge under 5′ 8″ I am on the cusp of tall sizes but often take the regular, long (extra leg length only) and tall trousers to the changing rooms in both sizes 10 and 12.
Buying tops is also frustrating I have a low but full bustline (or is that a short waist?) a high hip shelf and slender lower hips. Waistbands,and underbust darts hardly ever fit where they are supposed to in a regular or tall. Thankfully a knit top in a regular size is usually a no brainer and I am perfectly happy to surrender the waist in woven fabrics.
Thank you for an enlightening read Angie, it is good to know how diverse our fit issues are.
I am 5’2″ with broad shoulders and long legs, so petite sizes don’t work for me in pants, and not in tops either. It really depends on the style of top.
However, I often buy petite coats and jackets, though it’s a challenge to find one that doesn’t pull across the shoulders. Regular jackets are just big all over for me, especially the arm length.
I’m 5’2.5″ with proportionally short legs and longer torso, but also proportionally short arms and a petite bust/shoulder drop. For bottoms I always buy petites if they’re available, but in tops I often just try on tons of regular sizes to find the few that will fit me well. Petite tops often look OK but feel too short as soon as I move my arms or pair them with my low-rise jeans.
I am 5’4″, slim but very curvy hourglass with a short waist. Same as cocolion above, I have a difficult time finding tailored pieces that fit both my shoulders and my bust, and that hit at my waist. Before YLF, I always shopped in the Junior’s dept, and never considered shopping Petites. Most of the clothes that I found that worked were stretchy knits. I find myself lately, at the age of 34, reevaluating my style with a negative eye, thinking that I need to look more like a grown-up To me, this requires that I have at least some tailored pieces that work for me that I can mix in with my current wardrobe. I think I am just going to have to put more effort in than I have, and maybe quit shopping only at Old Navy!!
I agree that the better quality pants usually run longer, so at 5’9, I’m able to fit in regulars at many places I shop and can still wear moderate heels. The type of garment I’m most likely to order a tall size in is skirts! Skirts and dresses these days are soooo leggy. I don’t mind showing my knees but would rather not be flashing the better part of my thighs and a tall skirt remedies this problem nicely.
I”m 5’5″ so mostly regular. Occasional petite tops just due to the vagaries of sizing.
As in, if it’s intended to run longer than I like, petite might work.
I used to buy a few petite skirts because the regular size was below knee cap–no more! Everything is so short!
I find even regular pants are really long because I don’t wear high heels. Usually have to hem regulars. Petite pants are usually too short in the rise, but again, once in awhile a petite pant works and I save on hemming.
Sometimes the designations “short” or vs. “long” in jeans and such mean that it is not true petite sizing overall, but just length. So I’ve managed to buy same size in two lengths for the proverbial flats vs. boots and not have to hem either one.
interesting topic. i am (or used to be!) about 5’2″ but i am long waisted, broadshouldered, and have a largish bust. however, i have the short arms and legs of a petit (sigh). sometimes i can wear petit bottoms if the rise is not too short. petit tops (usually a s not an xs) can be perfect in the arms but often too tight in the bust and shoulders. so as with others, it depends. trying on is a must. needless to say, i have never worn a tall!
This makes me wonder if with my long rise I might be better off buying tall pants and have them hemmed. I never thought about the length of the rise changing in tall sizes.
Great post, it’s always interesting to think of the dressing challenges we have through others’ eyes. It’s especially fascinating to me that there are a LOT of petites represented in the comments, because I don’t see many petites in my (rather limited) daily excursions. Everyone seems to be much taller than me (outside my family, anyway), and within my friend circle I am by a large margin the shortest person aside from my sis. It was the same all through my schooling, as well.
At just over 5’3″ I’m on that petite cusp, but almost never buy anything from petite lines. With a proportionally long torso and arms coupled with a broad shoulder, regular tops generally fit better; however in the small sizes I need I often find that regular tops don’t really accommodate my slighter frame without alteration AND that petite sizes don’t accommodate my shoulders/bust (and of course are straight up too short 99% of the time). Tops are incredibly frustrating for me; though if I just sucked it up and started getting things altered this frustration would ease up. Jackets too, though to a lesser extent since I prefer shorter/cropped jackets anyway; proper length jackets are hard for me.
Bottoms seem to be a lot easier for me (/highfive CL)! While my legs are proportionally short, since I have a longer rise and plenty of caboose, petite pants/shorts never quite work for me; I like to wear low rise pants, but not _that_ low rise Petite skirts often work, but petite dresses are often too short or the proportions are off due to my long torso. Since I like to wear my shorts baggy anyway, regulars handily work best there, too.
Interesting that you and others mention ankle pants working for petites, though! I have tried several “ankle” pants and while the length itself is often perfect, the leg break is usually 2″ too low. I’ve found this to be the same with other cuts as well, but of course I expect it varies by brand. And I’m sure petites with longer legs or longer thighs don’t have this issue.
I’ve a friend who’s quite tall, just under 6′ and she laments the lack of options for tall clothing in the lower-mid price range (I’m thinking Forever 21 through the GAP, and some of Nordie’s lower-end stuff). She’s pretty much resigned to the GAP for pants, and splurges on JCrew when she can.
Oh – a topic near and dear! And I am so happy to be able to reply. Angie, I just landed in Vancouver. I could not comment on blog posts all the time in China because that function was blocked. It was very odd; I could comment on the forum but not on the main blog.
In any case, at 5’4″, short-waisted, fairly broad shouldered and small bust, and a bit long in the rise, I fall squarely in the “in-between” category. I almost never wear petite trousers because the length and the rise are too short; but in Ann Taylor I have found that I can sometimes go up a size in petites for a slightly slouchy effect in a slim or skinny jean. And with regular trousers, I always have to hem.
Dresses can work okay in either regulars or petites, depending. Tops vary as well. Sleeves and torsos are often too long in regular, but occasionally can be too short in petites. I buy my coats in regular sizes; the sleeves can be a bit long but usually not too bad.
When I get home I plan to post a pictorial about this very subject. I had a very interesting fit experience recently that I want to share with the forum!
Another in-between. At 5’5″ with short legs I’d like petite length pants, but don’t fit into the slimmer hip/waist measurements. If I size up they’re too big. On the other hand, with a small chest and short arms a Petite jacket is more likely to fit.
My wish is that retailers carry seperates in both Petite and Misses so I had the option of regular bottoms and petite tops. Many times I shop in the store, go home and order the size I need on-line.
So interesting!
Aida, I feel I am surrounded by people who are your height. Most of my clients are around 5′ 4″.
Angie, we should trade circles for a day! I have multiple friends at 6’0″-6’4″ At the OC meetup I was delighted that most of the ladies were 5’0″-5’4″; it was soooo weird feeling for me to be about the same height as such a large group of people!
Thanks for this blog post, Angie! You already know how I feel about this topic
It was very interesting to read about how women of different heights can fit into different size ranges. Now I see that we all have fit challenges; I think I knew this logically, but it’s easy to get tunnel vision about our own difficulties with fitting clothes.
Thanks for the reminder that we are not alone, and that’s why the YLF forum is so lovely!
At 5’8″, it can be a challenge to find pants that are long enough. I usually don’t have a problem if I wear flats, but if I want to wear heels I almost always need a tall length. Tall sizes can also be hard to find in a 6T, it’s easier to find talls in larger sizes. To add to this, sometimes petite tops fit me better because I have a short torso (I’m always the tallest woman shopping in the petite dept.!) On top of all this, I have a narrow width foot, so shoes are a challenge too. Sometimes I wonder why I love to shop so much!
I am 5’3″ and have almost never bought petite. I do buy a lot of clothes second hand, which limits the petite selection even more. I also think some European sizes run smaller and narrower so I can usually find things that fit my shoulders, although I often need to hem the length and the sleeves.
Another great post. Very informative.
I am around 5’5″ and am lucky that generally regular sizes fit me well.
I have purchased a skirt and dress in Petites for the shorter length and will look out for short sleeved Petite tops if I ever want shorter for skirt wearing.
Petite jackets fit my shoulders and small bust but are usually too short in the arms. Ditto Petite pants.
At 5’7″ regular sizes fit me best. Sometimes, I’ll buy tall sizes in trousers if I want to wear a higher heel, but most often I stick to regulars. Petites are a “no go” for me because they are always just too short overall.
v65
At 5’1″, I’m a very proportional 4P both top and bottom. I’ve learned the hard way that the difference between a good fit and frumpiness is always buying petite sizes.
One question – I’m moving to Belgium soon, and outside of a few not-great shops in London, I’ve had no success finding petite sizes in Western / Northern Europe. European sizing tends to a be a bit smaller altogether, but does anyone know of where to buy petittes in Belgium, or possibly France/Germany/Netherlands?
I’m 5’8″, which isn’t super tall, but just tall enough that most “regular” pant lengths don’t work for me (I’m all leg). I wear a low heel to work and like my pants to cover most of my shoe. My on going frustration is with stores that don’t carry “longs”. The stores always say that I can order on-line but then most times when I receive them, they don’t work. The rise is too long and they just end up looking wonky! Banana was always my go-to for work pants, but I feel the quality has been lacking. I’m at a price point of about 100.00 for pants and really don’t want to go over that for my work pants. Any suggestions?
I am a bit slow on this post, but I had to respond. I am a hair under 6’1″ and have such a hard time finding clothes that truly fit. I have found JCrew is the best for pants as they are one of the few with a 36″ inseam and a rise that seems just right. I agree with the above post though, they are expensive and I always keep an eye on their website sales.
I was recently looking for tall women’s rain pants (Seattle weather) and I am amazed at how many “long” pants are only 34″ inseam. But from the posts above I can see how women who are under 6′ still may buy longs to wear with heels, etc. As for the rain pants, even the men’s long was a mere 34″. (Maybe after grad school I’ll become a seamstress!)
While JCrew works well for pants, I would love to find some alternative styles. In addition, it is very difficult to find tall shirts, sweaters and jackets that are tall sizes. I am mostly all legs and short waisted, but I still have what I refer to as monkey arms! I have recently found Long Tall Sally, but once you factor in shipping costs and being unfamiliar with a company’s sizes, it’s always risky. I wish more companies would have their long pants as 36″ inseam, as it is easiest to hem a pair of pants and offer more tall tops that are beyond the button-up business shirt!
Thanks for this post! I would love to hear about more tall options. I was really surprised at how few were on this stream
…and to the other tall posters above, I do like my skirts versus struggling with the right fit in pants. In fact Boden is great for long skirts. They used to offer a longer inseam in pants, but unfortunately that changed.
As for shoes, now that I have foot issues and need to wear insoles, a 10.5-11 shoe is my size as well. This has definitely gotten better since I was in junior high and high school! I remember being a size 10 already when I was young and thought all shoes were “old lady shoes” Nordstrom is great for half and larger sizes and another place to watch for sales is Fluevogs. Pretty funky but they also have some classics that I will never tire of.
Lady Cardigan
I’m 5’8″ with super-long arms and legs, but I’m short waisted with very small shoulders and a small chest. After years of frustration I finally realized I should be wearing petite tops despite my height. I range between petite XS (J Jill) and petite medium (Banana Republic cardigans). Of course the sleeves are never long enough, so I look for three-quarter length sleeves.
I also wear juniors, but generally they don’t fit me as well as petites. Too tight.
Often I need to ignore the online size charts for petites and go one size up. I’m more likely to need to size up for cardigans than tops.
I used to look for tall pants, but the inseams seem to have gotten longer lately so I can usually get away with a regular, which is a nice change!
Laina
Interesting…I am, apparently, the only tall woman on the planet with short legs! I’m 6 feet tall with Corgi legs – I’m all torso! I buy regular pants and they are plenty long enough, but most shirts/blouses are too short and untuck themselves constantly!
Jenn
I’m 5’4″ and wear Talls in my shirts and trousers – due to my long torso and crotch length! If I wear regulars, then the trousers sit too low and the shirts stop to high! I do end up tailoring my trousers – but not my sleeve lengths…
my daughters who are 5’3″ and 5’7″ have the same problem I do – so we end up tailoring lots…
good thing I’m a tailor and can do that…
Amanda
I am 5’8″ with long legs and arms, and I have always struggled with finding pants that are long enough. It seems so crazy to me that they offer all different waist sizes/widths of pants, but only three lengths. Why do men get to choose waist and length in pant sizes but we do not?? And how frustrating is it that stores rarely sell talls… You can always hem pants to make them shorter, but you cants make them longer.
Lately I have good luck with work pants from NY&C and Express. I can actually wear the “average” length in one of the NY&C styles. This week I was brave enough to order some pants from kohls in a longer size… Crossing my fingers that they fit.
I have been thinking about looking in the petites section for tops but haven’t been able to get over how out of place I would look in that department! Maybe I will give that a try after reading some of these comments.
Annabeth
I’m 5’8″ — and I wear petite pants. That’s how long my torso is, and how short my legs are! Sometimes I need tall tops and jackets, too. It took me FOREVER to figure this out, because “petites” are for short girls, right? Apparently not. I always joke that I have the torso of a 6′ woman and the legs of someone 5’2″.
Robyn
I’m 5’4″ and have ridiculously long legs. Petite and regular tops usually fit me just fine, but pants in both those departments tend to be too short. I’ve been a bit hesitant to try shopping “tall” sizes because most of the women I know who are truly tall have thicker, denser builds than I do (I’m pretty skinny and very gangly). After reading this though, I think I’ll give it a try.
Jess
(website)
I’m 5’2, and while I generally can shop in either the regular or petite section for tops, regular sized pants are always at least four or five inches too long on me. However, I carry most of the weight in my butt/thighs, and I’ve found that a lot of the petite jeans in most stores are generally too small around the hips (and if I go up a few sizes, then they’re baggier around the lower thigh/knee, which drives me absolutely insane), in spite of being the right height. So far, I’ve found the Gap curvy jeans to work, but other than that I’ve just been taking regular jeans to the tailor. Kind of an inconvenience, but it is what it is, I guess.
Jacqueline
Being 6’1″ with very broad shoulders and curves, Ive had my share of problems finding tall clothing over the years. In fact, as a young woman one of my goals was to start a clothing business for tall women. Thankfully retailers such as Gap, Banana, J.Crew and Ann Taylor/Loft have started making tall womens clothing. I still wish they had at least one retail location in major regional cities that carried Tall sizes.
Generally, I’d say that finding long enough pants, skirts, and dresses hasnt been a problem for me but it certainly means you have to know where to shop and you constantly have to stalk their online Tall offering. Finding Tall tops on the other hand is still a challenge for me.
Here’s my list of places to shop and what I buy in Tall Sizes:
Banana Rupublic – Tall tops/sweaters, Suiting, and Dress Pants
Gap- Tall tops/sweaters and Jeans
Ann Taylor/Loft – Tall Dress Pants
BodenUSA.com- Tall Dresses and Skirts
J.Crew- Extended calf boots in size 12:)
Nordstrom Rack – Size 12 women’s dress shoes (check out their big size shoe event)
Long Tall Sally – Tall tops/sweaters and winter coats
Eddie Bauer- Tall pants, tops/sweaters, and jackets
NineWest.com- size 12 shoes
For larger sized womens shoes, also check out BarefootTess.com. They carry up to size 15!
As you can see, when you are tall, it can take some creativity to piece together a wardrobe, not to mention extra cash… That brings me to another point. I nearly always make my online purchases with some kind of coupon or wait for sales. Many of these retailers’ price points are on the spendy end. At least the clothing tends to be of decent quality.
For those on a really tight budget, I know Target, Walmart, and Old Navy carry some tall sizes in jeans and Payless shoes sells up to a 12.
Anyone have tips on buying Tall women’s maternity wear??? I know Long Tall Sally carries a few items but not many at all. I’m worried that when I get pregnant, I will have absolutely nothing to wear towards the end of my pregnancy, especially if that happens in winter months!
Amy
I’m 6′-0″ and range from a size 14 to 18 depending on the item. I have decent luck with pants ONLINE from LOFT, GAP and Old Navy, but have found I prefer skirts in the warmer weather. I don’t find clothes that fit at all in the Women’s department – they are all cut for much shorter and rounder shapes than mine. Regular cuts work for most tops and jackets, but I definitely need tall pants. Things are much improved from my high school days, when there really weren’t any tall options available anywhere (except Levi’s jeans in men’s sizes). I am tall and I wear a big size, but I am most definitely not a plus size.
The bigger issue for me is shoes. Size 10.5 would be the best option for me in most shoes, but they are very rarely available. I compromise with 11s in flats, but they are always a little bit too big. Better that than too small though.
I am petite on the bottom half and if I want to wear flats, petite bottoms work well. If I want to wear a heel of any height (even only 1 inch) it’s hit or miss for petite bottoms. Often they are too short with a heel so I purchase regular length and get them shortened. Tailoring bottoms is a way of life for me. For the top half, my torso is “regular” sized and petites do not work at all for me.
Aurora
People always try to shove me into the petite department because I’m stocky and 5’4″. Problem is, all of the pants do funky things in the waist, they often pull up too much in the crotch, and the shirts are too small in the arms, and….yeah. So I wear Regular clothes and hem the sleeves and legs.
Claire
(website)
Great topic. I have the petite length issues – barely over 5 feet but broad shouldered and slightly longer in the leg and rise, so I have the most luck when I take the time to check both regulars and petites for tops and bottoms to find a style and cut with the right proportions. It’s time-consuming, but I find the shopping experience relaxing and meditative even if I leave the store empty-handed, and I know I’ll stumble across something eventually. I do basic alterations myself by hand; professional alterations every now and again.
Laura
Please help me. I am 5′ 3.5″ with an hourglass shape, a short torso, curvy hips and 36D chest. I cannot seem to find any stylish petite tops (which is a chore in itself) that I don’t have to constantly pull down in the back while wearing them. It drives me crazy. I wear PM because most PL are too big. Is this a common problem and if so, what can I do? I’m so incredibly frustrated. Thanks!
Susan Rubinsky
I’m 5’6″ but most of my height is in my legs. My weight fluctuates between 135-140. I have a 33″ inseam. I buy Tall pants. I am extremely short waisted with a nice hip to waist ratio. I wear size 6 or 8 depending on brand/cut, etc. Some brands that don;t account for rounded hips — what do they think we are. Boys?! — like Express, Gap, Banana Republic, etc. are just ignored by me. I can’t tell you how happy I was when midrise and low waisted pants came into vogue about ten years ago!!!!
For shirts, it’s waist, length and sleeve length and well as broad shoulders and long arms (like my legs). It’s hard to find shirts that fit. I usually have to buy size 10, sometimes 8, to fit the shoulders and sleeve length. I then take in the waist to size six. good thing I know how to sew (or perhaps, my sizing has taught me to sew.) I am also extremely small breasted which complicates the whole thing. Don’t even get me started about bras!!!!!
I have found that Teen clothing in Size X or XL fits better than regular woman’s clothes in tops. Most regular women’s clothes are big in the waist on me, even at the smallest sizes. Petite tops fit my length and sometimes my waist but because I have long arms and wide shoulders, forget about it.
For dresses I don’t typically have a lot of problems. Size 6 or 8. I sometimes buy petite summer dresses since much of my height is in my legs anyhow.
I am 5’8 and I did not know that is considered tall. I always wear flats (hubby is short & I run after kids all day) so I wear regular length pants. But this is good info to have in case I do end up needing pants for heels. I also never considered petite tops even though all me length is in my legs.
Kimmy
I am 5’7/8 and very small framed, everything thin I wear makes me look skinnier and I hate it! Is there anything that you would advice that could make me look curvy? x x
MissDisplaced
I am one of those dreaded and hard to find 16P or 18P sizes or 14WP or 16WP which are all almost impossible to find. Often I simply can’t buy a regular size 16 because the pants will be over 6 inches too long and then won’t hem or tailor properly. The only trick I’ve found is to look for capri or “ankle” pants which fit me at the foot.
PLEASE make more “plus-size” petite!
At 5′ and 150 lbs I land in a “gray” area of sizing as mentioned above. Many times I’ve said that the need for a wide variety of properly proportioned petite clothing is wide open.
I typically wear a size 12 or 14 and require SHORT length pants. (inseam of 28″)
When I do find a size 12P or 14P in slacks or jeans they are still too long because the typical petite length being manufactured is 30″. Occasionally I will find a 29″ but it is rare to find what I want in the size I need.
And let’s address the issue of petite pants should not mean just a shorter inseam. We need to have the rise adjusted too. Otherwise we end up with our “low waist” jeans hitting at the waist. Or regular waist hitting on the ribs.
Short chubby sized girls need clothes too! : )
brenda carrahar
I am 58 years old but dress modern for my age as my daughter tells me. I am 5ft 1inch in height and a size 6 in most clothes. but all the normal petite styles in M & S, etc do only 1 or 2 lengths in legs. I have long legs and 27 or 29 is absolutely no use to me I need at least a 31 length and if I wear high heels to go out longer. But no one makes a longer length. The normal lengths only go to my ankle. I have always had this problem as the regular sizes are the right length but too big on hips or waist. Is this why when you look at old ladies their trousers always look half mast?
Nadia
I found that petite pants fit better. I am a size six in most petite brands but found that when I bought long Lucky Brand Jeans, and had them altered, the size ten is barely fitting my wast. It was too tight. I am not sure why waste changes in long and petite pants. I usually wear regular shirts because I have long arms.
I am 5’0″ and a fashionista. I have a large wardrobe but l estimate only 1/4 are petite sizes. Petite a rarely fit me right and most petite dresses and tops are a disaster on me. I am busty and the bodice in petite dresses is pretty darn tight. The bodice in the misses sizes is perfect. Don’t understand it. So I mostly buy misses dresses that can be shortened. Sometimes the back of the dress is saggy because the waist meets in the wrong place. Should I keep my back to the wall a lot? Waist in the front is fine because the bust pulls it up.
Jess
I’m 5′ 8″ and need petite pants. My height is all in my torso. I suspect that people with my body shape are singularly responsible for the return of Mom Jeans because we need that added rise. I buy tunics and ‘tall’ shirts.
McEnroe
I find this depends on the retailer. I’m approximately 5’8″ and slender. For example, any dress by Anne Taylor Ann Taylor loft is way too short for me, and I must order a Tall- however, I noticed that a petite size 4 is the same as a regular size 0 or two for tops and jackets.
Kassitee
I am 5’6 and a lot of people are shocked that I have to buy petite jeans and petite pants. When I buy the regular size pants, I have to get them hemmed often by at least three inches. Sometimes more! Petites are the only pants that fit me. I have a long waist and short legs.
I’m 5’6 1/2″ & I wear regular tops, but buy pants in tall, because sometimes the regular pants are too short.
Patricia Scott
At 5’4″ buying pants is a nightmare for me. The regular sizes are usually just a bit too long in the legs, but worse, they are generally too long in the torso, while petites fit well in the torso, but are usually just a bit shorter than I like to wear my pants. This has been a problem for me for all of my adult life and I still haven’t found the best solution. I do usually go with petites and just wear them with flats rather than getting into alterations of the “seat” in regular sizes.
kj2008
I’m 5’7″ and I think all my extra height is in my legs. I wear Long pants if I can get them. (Anyone know where? They seem to be disappearing.)
Cynthia
If a regular size M dress looks like a mini on the Old Navy online model, would a tall size M fit longer on me? Thank you.
Valery Savage
I am 62 years old. I’m 5’6, 118 lbs, short torso long skinny legs and very tiny hips, around 34 1/2″ ( I don’t have to unbutton or unzip to take my pants off) this makes it very hard to find pants that will stay up. A belt doesn’t help even if it is tight. My pants always look like they are droopy or falling down. I have 3 grown children but still have the same size hips I had in Jr. High. My size 4 Missy’s are the best I can do. Any suggestions?
Kelly
I’m 5 11-1″ and can’t fit into pants anywhere the new wAy they make pants and jeans these days the rise just doesn’t fit my size I’m at a loss petite rises are to tight for me and regular rises are eathet too tight or too too long
Can anyone help before I resort to men’s pants
Anna
At 5’11, I have a really hard time finding pants that are long enough in the leg and fit will in the waist. I have a 34″ inseam, so I am All Leg. A lot of manufacturers forget that just because one is tall, it doesn’t mean you are going to have a big waistline too, so I often have to get the low waist pant , otherwise they are too big in the natural waist and just look stupid.
I typically wear a 10T if I can find it. Since my ankles are freakishly small, I have to wear a boot cut too because if I don’t, then my feet look ginormous. Men’s pants don’t fit right on me either, but at least they measure everything like how it should be measured-waist size and leg length. They should do that for women’s sizing too. The also need to add hip in there too, since some women are curvier than others.
Women’s sizing is ridiculous-they don’t really have a good standard that works for all women. Petities, Regulars, Talls, Plus,Juniors… A 10 in one brand might be an 8 or 12 in another. And even within the same brand, even the same style, there are variations in sizing if it is a different color or pattern. It isn’t a good system.
Some stores who carry tall sizes , even if they are a chain and have stores everywhere, you won’t always find what you need at one location or another, just because of demographics. JC Penney, for example, does sell tall sizes, but the store I went to didn’t have any at all-most of the demographics of that location is made up of a lot of Latinos, and many of them are very short, so they are going to carry more short, petite and regular sizes. None of the ones closest to me (within a 50 mile radius) had what I wanted in Tall sizes in the stores-they only had them online. I don’t like buying pats online because I never know exactly what the fit is going to be.
With that said though, I did give in a little bit and found some boot cut jeans that I really liked on Deliasclothing.com that you could order with a specific inseam to make sure they are long enough. They were cheap and fit well, but sadly they discontinued the ones I loved so much Before that, I loves a low rise boot cut jean that Lev’s made, same story, so it’s always a battle with the fashion trends changing all the time. I am happy in jeans and a t-shirt 24/7. Why does it have to be so difficult
Glenna Fisher
I am 5’3″ and have always bought petite clothing. However, for the past several years, nearly every dress I buy has a waistline that comes only to my ribs. I am long from my head to my waist, and have, obviously, short legs. Would I be better off buying Talls in today’s styles and hemming them?
Mstdenis
I’m 5’2-1/2″, and pants are challenging – I wear flat shoes for casual occasions, but 2″ to 3″ heels for business. Petite’ are often too short, as my rise is a bit longer than petite but shorter than regular. Recently, I’ve started buying low rise pants in short or average lengths from the regular womens selection; the short is sometimes perfect for casual and the average is good for business.
I’m 5’3″ at 115 lbs, small bust, long waist and short legs. On the bottom half I fit petite and children’s items, my main issue are jackets and tailored suits – too large if regular, and narrow in petite size, so I need alterations in the bust& waist to look well put together.
I’m 5’4″. I used to get tops in regular medium size, but recently I’ve discovered that I’m actually petite small! I’ve always thought I was short (I’m 17) but my mom would always say I was average height. But she’s 5′ 2″, so of course that’s how I look to her :P. I guess technically I’m right at the start of “average” height, but the petites are definitely more flattering. Going down a size definitely made a big difference too – I look much thinner in the small tops. Sometimes even the small tops could be a little smaller. Medium is way too baggy.
Jen
Yay! Thank you so much for this post. I know it’s old, but it’s helpful! I’m almost 5’7″, but it’s all in my legs. My waist is super short. I have always bought tall pants, but I was looking for a dress for a special occasion and was super confused about whether to order a tall or a regular. I appreciate this post. It looks like I have to decide if I’d rather have a top that needs altered or a shorter skirt to the dress.
Mary
I’m 5’9″ — 145# and wear a 10 with 34 length . My extra height is all in my legs, with a short rise. Pants are super hard to find, need to order which is hit or miss and a lot of returns. I’ve had the most success ordering online from New York and Company, good quality and fair prices. They leave the rise alone on Tall pants and just add a couple extra inches in length. Also, Kohl’s has Gloria Vanderbilt tall jeans that fit. Would love to see stores start having Tall sections as there are for Petites or Plus or Juniors. Thanks for this topic!
Jeanne
Im 5’2” but I don’t always shop petite… I have an athletic build and hardly ever wear petite pants…however, petite skirts and blouses and dresses by Talbots, Boden, and J Crew fit me…
June
Thanks for your tips. While I do just fine with regular tops, being just shy of 5’7 and 3/4 has always put me in a dilemma with my pant length. Regular pants are sometimes perfect and other times a smidge too short and Talls are always too long. I end up needing to go to the tailor to hem them up or in one case with a pair of short regulars I literally ripped the hem out to get some added length. Dresses lately are trickier too. The trend toward shorter hemlines leaves them a little too high up for my liking so where I used to do fine with regular dresses I’m considering trying on some Talls to see if that might improve my comfort level. I’m a young looking 51 yo and like to dress classic but stay somewhat with the trends but not look like I’m trying to be 20 years old again either.
Terri
(website)
I’m 6ft 1 and 175 lbs. I have long legs and long arms and I find it hard to find winter coats that have long enough sleeves. I would love to order things on line but hate the hassle of returning things I know my pants length but I need to know what is the average sleeve length for a slim to medium built tall women.
I’ve been five feet 10.75 inches for most of my adult life, although apparently I’ve lost a bit of height recently due to fallen arches. I got used to stores almost never carrying pants with inseams long enough and having to special order for me. But since I’ve been shopping more online, I’ve been startled to find that inseams of 31 inches, which is ideal for me, are actually really common and classified as “average.” Meanwhile, most tights continue to be too short for me. They say they go up to 6 feet tall, but that’s a lie. So what gives here?
Wendy
I need help. I’m tired of ordering t shirts that are too big just because I’m 5’9″. I do NOT need plus sizes. I just need tall. How do I ensure I’m getting tall and not plus sizes?
Jen
Hi
I’m 5”8. Reg tops are a tad short and talls are too long. You mentioned you found some brands that ran long, can you share that please.
Thank you
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