what is the definition of petite for women (2024)

FAQs

What is the definition of petite for women? ›

Petite refers to stature not weight. Most people still think petite means skinny when in fact petite has nothing to do with weight. Petite is the term used in the fashion industry to describe a woman who is 5'3 tall or under. Petite women come in all shapes and sizes, whether they're a size 4 or 14.

In summary, if your height falls anywhere less than 5'3” or 5'4”, you can proudly call yourself a petite lady. Also, if you find that most clothes you find are too large for you, with a little searching, you will definitely find a proper fashion store which has clothes that are a perfect fit for you.

Petite sizes are designed for women 5'4” and under, regardless of their size. In the petite category, sizes range from extra-small to plus-size. They also have a “P” label to illustrate a smaller and proportioned fit. What makes petite different?

In the fashion world, "petite size" is a standard applied primarily to women who are under 5'4" (162.56 cm). It's important to note that petite sizing is not a reflection of weight; rather, it focuses on height and proportion. In the U.S., petite sizes usually start at size 0P or 2P, depending on the brand.

petite. adjective. pe·​tite. pə-ˈtēt. : having a small trim figure.

Petite refers to stature not weight. Most people still think petite means skinny when in fact petite has nothing to do with weight. Petite is the term used in the fashion industry to describe a woman who is 5'3 tall or under. Petite women come in all shapes and sizes, whether they're a size 4 or 14.

Petite means you have a shorter scale but you still have the attributes of one or more of the 5 body shapes, hourglass, pear, strawberry, rectangle or apple. The problems petite ladies find when buying clothes is sleeve length, trouser length and waistlines not being in the right place.

Petite generally means resized to fit a slimmer shaped body. I am NOT petite - I am short. "Short" means exactly that - it's the same fitting as regular pants but just with a shorter length.

Although it might feel like it, being petite doesn't just mean you've got short legs. You're a bit shorter all over. Petite sizing adjusts everything proportionately. That means the waist sits higher, the shoulders are narrower, and the sleeves are shorter, as well as the shorter inside leg (cries in 27 inches).

Someone with a lanky frame could still wear a petite size in tops, while another may be considered petite only in pants or skirts. So the question is: Am I petite? If you're 5'4” or under, the answer is, probably. And if you're taller, but sometimes find straight sizes ill-fitting, perhaps!

Is petite a compliment? ›

If something is petite, it's tiny. Your mom might be so petite that she needs to sit on a telephone book when she drives the car. The adjective petite is used to describe a small woman. When you call someone petite, it's usually meant as a compliment — implying that she is dainty and adorable.

Many believe that petite just means being 5'3” or shorter. The truth is, petite is a proportion and not just a size. You could be 4'll or you could be 5'7 and still be considered petite. It's a fact that a woman who is 5'7” could possibly need to wear petite tops or bottoms if she has a shorter torso or leg length.

The average height for men in the U.S. is about 5 feet 9 inches. For women, it's about 5 feet 4 inches. If you're taller or shorter than average, you might notice a few pros and cons to your size. That holds true as your height relates to your health, too.

In fashion and clothing, a petite size is a standard clothing size designed specifically for women 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) and under. This categorization is not solely based on a woman's height, but also takes into account the proportions of her body.

If you describe a woman as petite, you are politely saying that she is small and slim. She was of below average height, petite and slender.