Why Knowing Your Measurements as a Petite Woman Is Important

If you're a petite woman who shops online like me, you've likely experienced the frustration of buying clothes that don't fit correctly and have to be returned. This can be due to a variety of factors, including inaccurate sizing, poor quality, or not checking the brand’s size guide properly. Of course, there are plenty of high street brands out there with petite collections, but even this is not always the answer: We all have different bodies and there can’t be one solution that fits all. However, knowing your measurements can be a really powerful tool to help you choose clothing that fits perfectly and makes you look and feel amazing!

If you need any more convincing, I’ve put together a few reasons why knowing your measurements is crucial as a petite woman:

• Accurate Fit: Petite women like us have smaller proportions, such as shorter legs or torsos than average or tall individuals. Knowing your precise measurements allows you to find clothing that flatters your body shape, including sleeve length, inseam, waist circumference, and shoulder width. This way, you can choose petite-specific clothing or make necessary alterations to achieve a perfect fit.
• Time and Money Savings: Shopping becomes way more efficient when you know your measurements and helps prevent the frustration of returns and exchanges, ultimately saving you money in the long run. Try shopping from brands dedicated to petites, so that you can save time and money by avoiding ill-fitting items. 
• Enhanced Style and Confidence: When your clothes fit properly, they accentuate your body's proportions, making you appear more polished and put-together. Knowing your measurements enables you to choose pieces that complement your petite frame, hence finally feeling comfortable in your own skin!
• Tailoring Options: Knowing your measurements gives you the option to explore non-petite sizes and have them tailored to fit you perfectly. This opens up more possibilities for your wardrobe and allows you to take advantage of a wider range of styles and brands.
• Online Shopping: Being aware of your measurements provides a more seamless online shopping experience. By referring to size charts and comparing your measurements, you can find the most accurate fit, reducing the likelihood of ordering the wrong size and having to deal with returns or exchanges.

Remember to re-measure periodically, especially if you have experienced weight fluctuations or body changes. By staying aware of your measurements, you can adapt your wardrobe accordingly and continue to dress in a way that highlights your petite stature beautifully.

Key Measurements for Petites

I talked a bit about the importance of knowing your key measurements as a petite woman in one of my recent videos on social media, you can check this out here.

Petite generally refers to women who are 5'4" (162 cm) or shorter. Knowing your key measurements as well as your exact height will, of course, help you understand how petite-specific clothing will fit your overall frame.

When shopping for trousers and skirts, keep in mind the following measurements:

• Front rise: measure the seam that runs down the centre of your trousers.
• Hips: measure your own hips at the widest point.
• Waist: for fixed-waist trousers, measure the waistband lying flat.

When shopping for tops and shirts, consider the following measurements:

• Chest or bust: measure the widest point across your bust.
• Length: measure from the centre back neck seam to the hem edge.
• Hem width: measure straight along the hem edge.

On top of these measurements, also take note of the descriptive words the brands have used when describing the styles, such as loose, oversized, relaxed fit, fitted, a-line, and boxy!

Remember to keep your key measurements saved somewhere so you can use them when shopping URL (and IRL), and increase your purchase success rates. My top tip for taking your measurements is to always compare these to pieces of clothing that you already own that fits you well, as this will help you understand how and if something will fit.