Looking for the perfect fit? Check Out These Best-Selling Petite Women’s Clothing.

Petite women’s clothing is designed specifically for women who are 5’3″ (160 cm) or shorter. These garments are tailored to better fit the proportions of shorter frames, providing a more flattering and comfortable look. Understanding the petite size chart is essential when shopping for petite women’s clothing, as sizes and measurements vary from brand to brand.

We’ll break down the petite women’s clothing size chart, explain how to take your measurements, and offer tips on how to find the perfect petite fit for your body.

Petite Women’s Clothing Size Chart

Size	Bust (inches)	Waist (inches)	Hip (inches)	Height
Petite XS (0-2)	31-32″	23-24″	33-34″	4’10” – 5’1″
Petite S (4-6)	33-34″	25-26″	35-36″	4’10” – 5’1″
Petite M (8-10)	35-36″	27-28″	37-38″	4’10” – 5’3″
Petite L (12-14)	37-38″	29-30″	39-40″	4’10” – 5’3″
Petite XL (16-18)	39-40″	31-32″	41-42″	4’10” – 5’4″

Conversion (between regular and petite sizes):

• Regular Size XS (0-2) = Petite XS (0-2)
• Regular Size S (4-6) = Petite S (4-6)
• Regular Size M (8-10) = Petite M (8-10)
• Regular Size L (12-14) = Petite L (12-14)
• Regular Size XL (16-18) = Petite XL (16-18)

Key Measurements for Petite Clothing

When shopping for petite clothing, knowing your body measurements is crucial. Here are the key areas to measure for an accurate fit:

1. Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape comfortably around your back and under your arms.
2. Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, which is usually the narrowest part of your torso. If you have trouble finding your natural waist, bend to one side – the crease is where your waist is located.
3. Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, ensuring the tape measure stays level around the front and back.
4. Inseam: For pants and skirts, measure from the top of your inner thigh to the bottom of your ankle. If you are shopping for jeans or trousers, consider the inseam length to ensure the pants fit your height.
5. Sleeve Length: For tops and dresses, measure from the top of your shoulder down to your wrist bone.

How Petite Clothing Fits Compared to Regular Sizing

The primary difference between petite and regular women’s clothing is that petite clothing is designed with shorter body proportions in mind. Petite clothes are shorter in the torso and inseam, and they have adjusted sleeve lengths and armholes for a better fit. However, while the clothing might fit better for shorter women, petite sizing doesn’t necessarily mean that the clothes are only for small-framed women – petite sizes are simply designed to be more proportional for women under 5’3”.

Let’s explore some key distinctions between regular-sized clothing and petite-sized clothing:

• Length: The biggest difference is the overall length of the garment. Petite clothing, for example, is designed with a shorter inseam, which ensures pants, skirts, and dresses are not too long for shorter frames. Tops and jackets are also designed with shorter lengths to prevent them from looking too baggy.
• Proportion: Petite clothing features adjusted proportions in areas such as bust, waist, and hips. Petite sizes are tailored to ensure that the clothing fits well on shorter individuals while maintaining flattering proportions.
• Sleeve and Armhole Adjustments: Sleeves and armholes in petite clothing are shorter and more proportionate to smaller frames. The sleeve length, as well as the placement of the armhole, is adjusted for comfort and style.

Choosing the Right Petite Clothing for Your Body Shape

While petite clothing is primarily designed for shorter women, it is also important to consider your body shape. Petite women come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and finding clothing that complements your natural form can make a big difference. Here are some tips for choosing the right petite clothing based on your body shape:

Hourglass Shape

If you have an hourglass figure (proportional bust and hips with a defined waist), try dresses or tops that cinch at the waist to highlight your curves. Opt for high-waisted skirts and pants to elongate your legs. A-line dresses and skirts can help balance your proportions.

Pear Shape

For those with a pear-shaped body (narrower upper body, wider hips), try focusing on clothing that accentuates your upper body. A-line skirts or dresses can help balance your figure, while fitted tops or blouses can draw attention to your bust. Avoid overly baggy pants that might overwhelm your frame.

Apple Shape

If you have an apple-shaped body (broader shoulders, larger bust, and narrower hips), try tops with a V-neckline to elongate your torso. Empire-waist dresses can be flattering, as they create a defined waist without clinging to the stomach area. Opt for pants or skirts with a slightly flared or straight cut to balance your proportions.

Rectangle Shape

For a rectangular body shape (where bust, waist, and hips are about the same width), focus on adding curves and definition. Dresses with waist cinching, peplum styles, or skirts with pleats can add volume and shape. Layered outfits with jackets or cardigans can help create a more defined silhouette.

Tips for Petite Women Shopping for Clothes

Here are some helpful tips when shopping for petite women’s clothing:

• Know Your Measurements: Always refer to the size chart of the brand you are buying from, as sizing may vary across different brands. Keep your measurements handy to ensure that you pick the right size.
• Look for Tailored Pieces: Tailored clothes or pieces with darts, such as blouses, dresses, or jackets, provide a more flattering fit for shorter women.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Styles: Just because you are petite doesn’t mean you need to stick to one style. Try a variety of outfits such as high-waisted jeans, maxi skirts, and fitted dresses to discover what works best for your body shape and personal style.
• Consider Hemming or Alterations: If you find an outfit you love but the length is too long, consider having it hemmed by a tailor. A good alteration can make a world of difference in the way clothing fits and flatters your body.
• Vertical Lines and Monochrome Outfits: Vertical stripes and solid colors can make you look taller and leaner. Consider incorporating these elements into your wardrobe for a more elongated appearance.

Conclusion

The petite size chart is an important step in building a wardrobe that fits you well and makes you feel confident. When you shop for clothing that is tailored to your shorter frame, you will find that garments fit better and are more flattering. Petite sizing takes into account your proportions and ensures that you are not dealing with extra fabric that might overwhelm your frame.

Always consider your personal body shape and style preferences when choosing petite clothing, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks. By understanding your measurements and the key elements of the petite sizing system, you can find pieces that work for you and elevate your fashion choices.