What is petite size?

Have you ever walked into a store and seen the word “petite” on a garment label and wondered what it means? Petite sizing is a unique category in the fashion industry designed specifically for women who are 165 cm (5 ft 4 in) and under. But there’s more to petite sizing than just height—it also considers body proportions, ensuring a perfect fit for shorter women. In this guide, we’ll explore the definition, history, meaning, and measurements of petite sizing to help you make informed choices when shopping for your wardrobe. 

What does Petite Size Mean?

In the fashion industry, “petite size” refers to a standard clothing size designed specifically for women who are 165 cm (5 ft 4 in) and under. However, petite sizing is not just about height; it also considers body proportions. This includes shorter leg and arm lengths, narrower shoulders, and smaller bust sizes. It’s important to note that being petite has nothing to do with your weight or body shape—you can be 1.57m (5 ft 1.6 in) and plus size and still be classified as petite.

The History of Petite Size Fashion

The term “petite” is derived from the French word “petit,” meaning “small” or “short.” The concept of petite sizing emerged in the 1940s when American fashion designer Hannah Troy recognised that many women did not fit into standard clothing sizes. By studying the measurements of women who served in the military during World War II, Troy discovered that only a small percentage fit the typical sizing proportions, with most women being “short in the waist.”

In response, Troy developed a clothing line called “Troyfigure,” which featured a “junior” fit but with more mature styles. This range became highly popular and marked the beginning of petite fashion. The term “petite” was chosen because it had a pleasant sound and accurately described the target demographic.

What is Petite Sizing in Clothing?

Petite sizes differ from traditional sizes in several key ways, focusing on overall body proportions rather than just height. Here are the main characteristics of petite clothing:

1. A Shorter Torso: Petite tops and dresses are designed for shorter torsos, preventing the drop-waist effect that traditional lengths might cause.
2. Higher Elbows: Petite tops take elbow height into account, which is crucial for tailored jackets and fitted long sleeves.
3. Shorter Sleeves: Whether short, three-quarter-length, or long, the sleeves of petite tops are shorter than regular sizes (- 5cm / - 2 inch) to ensure a proper fit.
4. Higher Armholes: Petite tops feature higher armholes to prevent gaping and ensure a seamless fit.
5. Narrow Shoulder Width: Petite tops have a smaller distance from shoulder to shoulder compared to regular tops, including structured garments like jackets and coats.
6. Shorter Inseam: The inseams on petite pants are shorter to eliminate the need for hemming. Shorts have shorter inseams as well to sit correctly at the thigh.

Petite Size Chart 

View our comprehensive petite size chart for petite and extra-petite women between 1.4m-1.59m / 4f 7.1" - 5f 2.6": Petite size guide. 

Now that you know what petite sizing means, we invite you to explore our designer curation of petite clothing for women between 1.4m-1.59m / 4f 7.1" - 5f 2.6". We’ve been named Petite Clothing Brand of the Year for a reason—our collection is designed to offer the perfect fit and style for every petite woman. Visit our store and discover why “House of Arti” is the go-to brand for petite fashion.

Direct links:

• Extra-petite clothing: Range A: 1.4m-1.49m / 4f 7.1" - 4f 11" 
• Petite Clothing: Range B: 1.5m-1.59 / 4f 11.1" - 5f 2.6"