Puzzled by Petite

What is petite? 85% of shoppers aren’t sure

New Nobody’s Child research shows that almost half of UK women think petite clothing is about dress size rather than height, and only 15% know what height counts as petite. So, let’s explain: petite clothing simply refers to height. And what height is petite classed as? 5’3”or under to be exact.

So, what does petite mean?

Petite is all about proportion. Our petite clothing is designed to fit shorter frames, think adjusted sleeve lengths, raised waistlines and hemlines that fall exactly where they should. Petite isn’t just for sizes 8 and under, like 26% of women believed. In reality, petite size simply means shorter in height, nothing more. Petite is all about proportion. Our petite clothing is designed to fit shorter frames, think adjusted sleeve lengths, raised waistlines and hemlines that fall exactly where they should. Petite isn’t just for sizes 8 and under, like 26% of women believed. In reality, petite size simply means shorter in height, nothing more.

Am I petite?

With some women unsure on petite’s meaning, we’re here to let you know that if you’re 5’3” and under, you fall in the petite category. That doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to exclusively shop in the petite section, but it can make finding the perfect fit so much easier. It seems that only 49% of women are actually shopping petite ranges, leaving the rest rolling up sleeves, folding up hems or paying for alterations.

Petite pieces are designed with a shorter proportions in mind, so shopping for petite jumpsuits or petite trousers means you won’t have trouser legs that pool to the floor. A petite midi dress will hit midi length, not ankle length.Of course, petite women can still shop main range for a longer or looser look. And if you’re 5’4” or taller, sticking to main range is a good idea; petite cuts might feel a little off, with a petite maxi dress suddenly looking more like a mini.  

Find your petite summer style

When it comes to shopping for petite clothes, all the way from petite dresses to trousers and tops, there are things to look out for.

Some brand simply shorten lengths and call items petite, which can be great when it comes to skirts or a petite dress, but at Nobody’s Child, we amend all of the elements of our items to make sure the fit is right every time.

Our petite clothing is the same as our core style but we don’t just reduce the skirt length and inside leg of our clothes, we also reduce the sleeve length, raise the waistline, and take a look at the neck-to-waist position and armhole length to make sure every element is in proportion.

This is why it’s so important to shop petite if you’re 5’3” and under, but petite or not, it’s all about finding the perfect fit, and we just make it easier.

Looking for petite summer dresses? Find your perfect fitting dress here.

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