Petite Fashion

[Meg]

I think the rise is a great topic to bring up. I have a lot of difficulty in this area because like a lot of you I need a shorter rise (the distance between your waist and the crotch of pants) and I always get excess fabric here but then to get something 'low waist' it won't fit me in the bum. It's always a fine line. I found James Jeans good in this respect and also Habitual.

 

[writergal28]

KateElle: Don't forget that "petite" doesn't just mean short and thin, but short, period. Usually, you go about half an inch off the bust-waist-hips measurements when you're comparing to "regular" sizes. Say a size 2 fits someone who is 32-24-34. The size 2P will fit someone who is 31 1/2-23 1/2-33 1/2.

Hope this helps!

 

[kateelle]

really? what is the measurement of the rise that would fit you best? For me, 7 inches is ideal.

 

[anapaula]

I am petite as well. 5ft 1in and 90lbs. I am a 32DD which makes even harder to find clothes that fit me. My waist is 24-23 and hips 32-33. I have no butt or hips, skinny legs. I don't have a problem with the inseam because I have long legs for my height but mostly to find jeans or pants that fit right on my butt(it looks like I did the number 2 in my pants lol). Petite stores only have clothes for older ladies(great for my mom, since she is petite too). I wish there were more options.

 

[kateelle]

^ I guess no can mistake you for a 9 year old!

 

[Trista]

Yeah I find that sometimes even those of us who aren't necessarily petite need petite clothes-I'm 5'5-6 but I need a 28" inseam however I have a very large hip measurement. And I'm not about to go into Lane Bryant at this time in my life because I'm 18 and love my juniors, thanks. The only jeans I have ever found that work are Papaya skinny jeans, because they have a 30" inseam but I roll them up twice anyways.

 

[writergal28]

We need to bump this thread up! The plus-sized thread seems to be very active. Do people here have advice for other short gals? WHo are your favourite petite stars?

 

[kateelle]

I find skinny jeans on petite girls makes you appear even shorter. I prefer high waisted (straight) wide leg pants with heels. Gives you semblence of stature.

 

[anapaula]

I have long legs for my height and hate high waist jeans. Mid or low cuts no flare is great for petite. Also mini-skirts and shorts.

 

[dsq]

as someone mentioned, asia is a good place to shop for petite clothes due to the general population wearing smaller sizes than the western counterpart. i have tiny friends who would go every year or two not just for vacation, but to buy lots of clothes from that region. however, i think custom tailoring is very good if you can afford it; but the problem is finding a seamstress you like and who is good.

 

[anchored]

anapaula, i agree with you on the miniskirt thing as well. i love them and i find they rarely come off as trashy like they might on some taller people.

not saying all tall people in miniskirts look trashy, mind!

 

[writergal28]

as someone mentioned, asia is a good place to shop for petite clothes due to the general population wearing smaller sizes than the western counterpart. i have tiny friends who would go every year or two not just for vacation, but to buy lots of clothes from that region. however, i think custom tailoring is very good if you can afford it; but the problem is finding a seamstress you like and who is good.

Right, but that's only good if you're into cool/funky fashion. It's more difficult for those of us who are very preppy. The concept of "preppy" (especially "preppy" in the traditional sense (i.e. not the modern Abercrombie)) is only known in the communities where young people go abroad for school.

 

[mousquerader]

I have trouble with jeans and blazers, especially... they just don't fit right. It's so annoying. :/ Where can I get a nice, simple, casual blazer that fits?

 

[Deleted member 74957]

topshop.com has great young, petite clothing...and despite being a UK store they now ship overseas, including the US. I'm 5"1 and their 29" jeans fit me well. I agree that wearing skinnies when you're short doesn't do you any favours, IF you wear them with flats (or Converse....noooo) but with heels I think they make petite gals look dinky and sweet.

 

[mousquerader]

^Great, thanks!

 

[writergal28]

Just thought I'd let you know that my June survey is up on Shorty Stories:

June Survey: Do you think the media/fashion industry purposely pay less attention to petites?

May survey results can be discussed on my blog

 

[writergal28]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7S6ku-65tM

Recent video I made.

 

[Angyl]

My tailor is my best friend. Anymore, I stopped caring about jean length and just started making sure they fit everywhere else. My tailor fixes the rest. I never buy flares, so it all works out OK.

I also wear a TON of knee-length skirts for work. Pants are really hard to find in general because I have hips and I'm 5'2.

 

[HBoogie]

WHo are your favourite petite stars?

I'd have to say Natalie Portman. I especially relate to her because she's not only petite but also small-busted (like me). She never seems to wear anything that overwhelms her frame.

 

[jadore21dior]

it may not be the most fashion forward thing, but it seems to me that a lot of chain stores that run small, like forever21 and urban outfitters, fit me better (i'm 5'2). and skinny jeans that zip or button at the bottom are great for petites as well because you can scrunch them up and it won't look messy