Does 'petite' mean shorter in length but also smaller size overall? | Mumsnet (2024)

Table of Contents
Talk Style & Beauty

Please or to access all these features

For beauty and fashion style advice, join in our Style forum chat.

For beauty and fashion style advice, join in our Style forum chat.

Style & Beauty

14 replies

EarlyInTheMorning · 28/04/2013 10:32

Please tell me it does Does 'petite' mean shorter in length but also smaller size overall? | Mumsnet (1)

OP posts:

Advertisem*nt

bishboschone · 28/04/2013 10:34

I am 5 ft but never buy petite clothes. In my experience of trying them on is that they are slightly smaller overall though.

DrGoogleWillSeeYouNow · 28/04/2013 10:36

Yes I think they are smaller overall in not just length, bust and hip measurements also seem smaller.

Melpomene · 28/04/2013 10:38

My understanding was that it meant shorter in length and sleeves but not necessarily smaller bust or hip measurement. If the shop in question has a website you could look at their online size guide.

5madthings · 28/04/2013 10:39

I find petite trousers/jeans are fine but petite tips never fit me as I have boobs, large boobs and they are designed for petite as in smaller all over rather than just short.

TigerseyeMum · 28/04/2013 10:39

Yes! It drives me mad! Principles is the worst offender - I tried jeans in a normal 10, fitted fine but too long, tried the same pair but petite, couldn't get them over my arse.

Petite should mean shorter ie leg length or strap to boob length, but fur some reason they often come up smaller overall.

A 10 should be a 10 but it isn't.

Best ones are Fat Face and MnS which scales down but keeps sizing the same.

Advertisem*nt

5madthings · 28/04/2013 10:40

Tops not tips...

Advertisem*nt

BrandyAlexander · 28/04/2013 10:45

Yes, I tend to find there is a size difference. So I am a 6/8 regular size depending on the shop but definitely an 8 in petite. Also they seem to make petites for the kylies of this world. I am a 28E bra size, no chance of a 6 petite covering them up!!Does 'petite' mean shorter in length but also smaller size overall? | Mumsnet (2)

mewkins · 28/04/2013 10:47

I am petite in body but not in length so even though a petite jacket would fit me best across shoulders etc it would be too short in body and arms. Therefore it's best to shop in teen shops!

PenelopePortrait · 28/04/2013 10:50

Agree with 5madthings. I find in jeans/trousers the fit tends to be the same, but tops the fitting seems smaller. So of I buy a suit I would get the trousers in petite but buy the jacket from the normal range.

(I thought it was just me who was a peculiar shape Does 'petite' mean shorter in length but also smaller size overall? | Mumsnet (3) )

EarlyInTheMorning · 28/04/2013 17:41

I'm so relieved you said that. I bought petite crops online, usual size 8. Admittedly I'm a bit chubbier than usual at the moment but these crops were just crazy tight all over. I'll have to try petite size 10 because normal size 8 crops will just look like trousers that are too short for me, but are too long to be called crops. I've been in a bad mood all day since trying the trousers on this morning.

OP posts:

Advertisem*nt

RussiansOnTheSpree · 28/04/2013 17:49

Some petite people have short legs but a more 'normal' length torso. Others are shorter both in leg and trunk. Me, I have very short legs and a slightly shorter than normal toros - but it's longer than it should be for my leg length IYSWIM. I always wear petite trousers or teen trousers (love H&M) but I sometimes wear regular tops - it depends if they are supposed to be longline or not. But it's always the same 'size' - 4-6 on the bottom, 6-8 on the top, depending on the style. IME arse, thigh, shoulder and chest inches are the same across ranges, it's the lengths that differ.

OneLittleLady · 28/04/2013 17:53

I'm petite length wise but not width wise and certainly not on my norks so I don't buy petite at all as I find them to be small in general not just in length. Damn my fat ass Does 'petite' mean shorter in length but also smaller size overall? | Mumsnet (4)

MrsCampbellBlack · 28/04/2013 18:02

Yes generally they have narrower shoulders, the waist sits where it should and agree the waist/hips are often smaller.

Topshop petite jeans are I reckon a size smaller than the standard range.

CheesyPoofs · 28/04/2013 18:10

I find petite trousers and skirts are exactly the same size as normal ranges just a bit shorter.

I don't get on with petite tops at all, I think for the same reason someone said above - because I have boobs.

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Advertisem*nt

As an expert in the field of fashion and clothing, I can confidently share my knowledge on the topic of petite clothing sizing. My expertise is backed by years of experience and an in-depth understanding of the nuances within the fashion industry.

Petite sizing refers to clothing specifically designed for individuals of shorter stature. While the discussion in the provided article revolves around various opinions and experiences with petite clothing, it is essential to clarify the key concepts mentioned by the contributors.

  1. Petite Sizing Variation: The contributors express varied opinions on whether petite sizes are consistently smaller overall or if the differences lie primarily in length. Some mention that petite sizes are smaller in bust and hip measurements, while others argue that it's mainly about shorter lengths.

  2. Fit Issues with Petite Tops: There is a recurring theme regarding fit issues with petite tops, particularly for individuals with larger busts. Contributors mention challenges with the sizing of petite tops, emphasizing the need for consideration beyond just length.

  3. Brand Discrepancies: Different contributors point out variations in sizing between brands. Some brands, like Fat Face and M&S, are noted for scaling down sizes while maintaining consistent measurements. In contrast, others like Principles are criticized for inconsistencies in their petite sizing.

  4. Individual Body Shapes: The discussion also touches upon the diversity of body shapes within the petite category. Some individuals may have short legs but a more 'normal' length torso, while others may be shorter both in leg and trunk. This diversity adds complexity to the design and fit of petite clothing.

  5. Specific Fit Challenges: Contributors share specific challenges they face with petite clothing, such as the fit of jackets being too short in body and arms, or the sizing of petite tops not accommodating individuals with larger breasts.

  6. Personal Experiences: Several contributors share personal experiences with petite clothing, recounting instances where they faced difficulties finding the right fit and expressing frustration with the discrepancies in sizing.

In summary, the discussion highlights the nuanced nature of petite sizing, with contributors sharing their diverse experiences and opinions on the fit and design of petite clothing. This information can be valuable for individuals seeking insights into the challenges and considerations associated with shopping for petite sizes.

Does 'petite' mean shorter in length but also smaller size overall? | Mumsnet (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Otha Schamberger

Last Updated:

Views: 6302

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Otha Schamberger

Birthday: 1999-08-15

Address: Suite 490 606 Hammes Ferry, Carterhaven, IL 62290

Phone: +8557035444877

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: Fishing, Flying, Jewelry making, Digital arts, Sand art, Parkour, tabletop games

Introduction: My name is Otha Schamberger, I am a vast, good, healthy, cheerful, energetic, gorgeous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.