How to Find Petite Clothing

If you are 5 feet 4 inches tall or shorter or you have a small body frame, it is likely that you need petite clothes that are specially proportioned to fit your build. It isn’t all that hard to find petite clothes. You just have to be willing to do some research to learn what it available online and in your local area. Once you start buying petite clothes, you should save money on your tailoring bills.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Phone book
• Internet search engine
• Local mall directory

1. Realize that many popular designer lines offer their clothes in petite sizes.
2. Ask at your local department stores for petite lines. Some stores may have separate petite departments, while others may group clothing by specific designers and have both petites and regulars for a brand located in the same area.
3. Check at area malls for specialty stores that carry petite sizes and also for regular women's stores that carry a section of petite options. You can browse the mall directory or ask at the customer service desk.
4. Do a search online for petite women’s clothing and you should get a large number of options.
5. Flip though your local phone book for a listing of women’s clothing stores and see if any petite shops are included.
6. Ask other people you know where they buy petite clothing. Sometimes word of mouth can be the most effective way to find what you need.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that even some discount stores offer petite clothing so you don’t have to spend a lot to get items that fit.
• Understand that all petite lines aren’t created equal. The sizes run differently from brand to brand so be sure to try on lots clothing from different stores to see what fits you best. Pants and sleeve lengths, rises and inseams may all be adjusted in petite clothing.
• Realize that today, some plus size stores even carry petite sizes for their shorter customers.
• Beware of the fact that some brands size their petite clothing smaller, not just shorter, than their regular clothes so when you are shopping for petite items, you may have to go up a size to get the right fit.