petites

Petites is the plural form of petite in French, meaning small. In English, the term is used to describe a category of clothing and, less commonly, people of short stature. In fashion, petites refers to clothing designed for women of shorter height, typically around 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and under, with proportionally adjusted measurements.

In fashion design, petite clothing features adjusted proportions to fit shorter bodies. This can include shorter torso lengths, sleeve lengths, and inseams, as well as changes to waist placement and overall garment length. The goal is to maintain the same style and fit as standard sizes while ensuring the proportions align more closely with smaller frames. Materials and styling remain consistent with the same garment lines, but pattern blocks are altered for better fit.

Size labeling for petite garments is commonly indicated with a “P” or the word “Petite” after standard sizes, such as 4P or 8P in the United States. Some brands also offer dedicated petite ranges without using the “P” designation. Sizing conventions vary by country and brand, and not all retailers carry petite options in every style.

Availability and history: Petite sizing emerged with the expansion of ready-to-wear fashion in the mid-20th century and has since become widely available across many brands, from budget to luxury lines. While the concept remains consistent—proportions tailored for shorter heights—the exact measurements and labeling can differ between markets.

See also: Women's clothing sizes; Petite fashion; Petite inseam and sleeve length; Clothing alterations.