Clothing Sizing up Petite Fashions

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Sizing up Petite Fashions
You may think womens petite clothes means shorter lengths, but there is more to it. If you look at a patterned petite article of clothing and compare it to a regular........

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You may think womens petite clothes means shorter lengths, but there is more to it. If you look at a patterned petite article of clothing and compare it to a regular, you will notice that the pattern is actually scaled down to proportion.

Something to consider when deciding whether to purchase a regular sized item and having it altered. Sometimes the finished result may fit fine, but it does not look the way it was intended to.

First, let’s compare petite tops and blazers to regular. Do you find that your regular tops and/or blazers are too wide in the shoulders? Are the sleeves too long? Is the waist too low?

A petite top is typically 1” smaller in the bust and waist and 1 ¼ shorter in the sleeve length. Doesn’t seem like a lot, but it can make the difference from looking frumpy to fabulous!

Next we’ll discuss pants. If your regular slacks are too long, or the rise is too long, it’s time to consider petite pants. Petites proportioned just for you not only in the length and rise, but also in the waist and hip circumference, thigh and knee, and leg opening. The average petite pants are about 1”smaller in all directions.

Finally we need to address…dresses. If you find loose proportions from top to bottom, or too much length in a regular size, explore the world of the world of Petite dresses! Proportioned just for your petite figure in the shoulder, armhole, dart, waist, body width and length.

That’s quite a bit to consider! Whether you are looking for a petite casual or career dress, or petite formal wear for a night on the town, proportion is what it comes down to.

Many people assume a petite women is 5’4” and under with a small frame. This is not so. Yes, a petite woman usually ranges from 4’11” to 5’4” in height, but we have many different body shapes.

We are all unique and have our own style and shape, so pinpointing your exact shape is no easy task. Generally speaking, there are 5 different shapes: Rectangle, Diamond, Pear, Triangle, and Hourglass. Below is a brief description of each shape:

Rectangle
Body shape has shoulder and hips close to the same width, no waistline, and usually a small bust. Look for dresses that define your waist, creating an optical illusion or draping to bring the eye in from the shoulders and hips.

Diamond
Body shape has a waist measurement equal to or more than hips and shoulders. Look for dresses that drape to the side.

Pear
Body shape has hips wider than bust and shoulders. Look for dresses that draw the eye up and out.

Triangle
Body shape has shoulders wider than hips. It's a very athletic look, and one that most women covet, so be thankful! The look can be overdone though, so try to balance it out , by avoiding dresses that make your shoulders look broader.

Hourglass
Body shape usually has equal hips and shoulders, with a well-defined waist. This is the classic Marilyn Monroe shape. Be careful, it can be overdone. leaving you in a not so classy look. Avoid a too plunging neckline and overly defined waistline.

There are so many options available to the petite woman.I believe as long as you are comfortable in your style, you will radiate this to all around you. Enjoy and have the time of your life!