The Petites Guide

find your perfect fit, step-by-step

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What Does Petite Mean?

At Anthropologie, where style has always been a form of self-expression, we create beautiful clothing for all stripes, shapes, and sizes. And terminology abounds. The word “petite,” in particular, comes layered with shades of meaning depending on context – and even among clothing brands. So we’re here to spell it out, for all inquiring minds (and inseams): What does petite mean at Anthro?

What Is Considered Petite?

In its simplest sense, petite refers to a smaller stature. Women who stand about 5’4” and under often find that petite size clothing fits their frame well, sans alterations.

But! With this limited definition, many wearers miss out. Depending on the measurements of your arms, legs, or torso, petite sizing may in fact fit you best even if you’re as tall as 5’9”. That’s because, with petite sizing, it’s all about proportions. Someone with a lanky frame could still wear a petite size in tops, while another may be considered petite only in pants or skirts.

So the question is: Am I petite? If you’re 5’4” or under, the answer is, probably. And if you’re taller, but sometimes find straight sizes ill-fitting, perhaps! Try on a few pieces, and you just may discover that petite sizing is the key to your perfect fit.

What Changes in Petite Sizes?

Petite clothing is not simply cropped. Our designers take care to adjust each seam, pocket, and detail so the garment falls comfortably and looks just as intended.

In petite pants, you’ll find shorter rises and leg lengths, plus higher knee placement. In shirts and jackets, look for shorter measurements top to bottom, shorter sleeves, and higher armholes. In dresses and skirts, it’s higher waistlines and shorter hems.
shorter rises and inseams, plus higher knee placement
shorter lengths (to show off those legs!)
shorter hemlines, sleeve lengths, and higher armholes
higher waistlines and shorter lengths

Petite Sizing (Inches)

XXS XS S M L XL
Size (Numeric) 00P 0P
2P		 4P
6P		 8P
10P		 12P
14P		 16P
Bust 32 33
34		 35
36		 37
38		 39.5
41		 42.5
Natural Waist 24 25
26		 27
28		 29
30		 31.5 34.5
Drop Waist 26 27
28		 29
30		 31
32		 33.5 36.5
Hips 34 35
36		 37
38		 39
40		 41.5 44.5

Petite Denim Sizing

24 P 25 P 26 P 27 P 28 P 29 P 30 P 31 P 32 P
Pant Size 00 P 0 P 2 P 4 P 6 P 8 P 10 P 12 P 14 P

Shop Petite Dresses

Shop Petite Tops

Shop Petite Pants

Shop Petite Denim

FAQs

Petite is about proportion. So you can be considered petite if you are 5'3" or 5'9"!

Yes! Different frames need different proportions.

No! Exchanges for petites are always free.

Yes indeed!
Book a Personal Styling Session

We are able to offer petite sizing across many of our favorite brands, including Maeve, T.La, Cloth & Stone, Pilcro, AG, Floreat & more.

Everyone's proportions are different, so we offer a variety of denim to fit all petite bodies.

We like to think we are the go-to brand for occasions for petites!

Prefer to Shop at a Store?

find a local store that carries petites