Plus size petites are clothing for women who are both full height and short, with shorter hems and cut to fit larger sizes. This category is relatively new in the fashion market, with designers realizing the need for petite plus sizes to ensure the best fit for plus-size women. Petite sizes are now more common in stores that specialize in plus size clothing.
The term “plus size petites” refers to clothing for women who are both full height and short. The arm, leg and waist hems of such garments are shorter than average clothing and the clothing is also cut to fit larger sizes. These special sizes can be hard to find, particularly in physical stores.
Plus-size petites are a relatively new size category in the fashion market, having been in common use only since about the year 2000. Before then, plus-size clothing was made to a standard length in almost all the cases. The expectation was that shorter women could simply hem pant legs and shirt sleeves, usually the most troublesome hems for them. The pants were sometimes offered in plus sizes because designers perceived that many plus-size women were tall, and while a leg that was too long could bend, there wasn’t much going for a hem that was too short.
Designers discovered the need for petite plus sizes when they realized that being short affected plus size women as well as “average” women. In fact, it could be a lot more impactful because of the way plus size clothing is often designed. They realized that to ensure the best fit, the proportions of the garments would need to be completely altered, rather than just shortening the hems.
For example, plus-size tops and dresses often feature empire waistlines, which camouflage midsections and stomachs and draw the line to what is often the slimmest part of a plus-size woman’s body. However, if a very petite woman tries to wear a mid-length garment with an empire waist, two things happen: first, the waist falls too low, defeating the purpose or, if worn in the proper location, causing the bust of the garment bunching or expelling due to excess material, ruining the line; second, the bottom hem of the garment falls much lower than it should. This can make a top look like a dress, without being long enough to wear as a dress.
Another problem was apparent with the pants, as the waist and beginning of the crotch of the mid-length pants were too far apart for petite women. This caused the fabric in the middle to bunch up and be unflattering and uncomfortable. Demand for petite women who also had a full figure grew, and plus-size petites were developed to fill the need.
Petite sizes are now more common, particularly in stores that specialize in plus size clothing. However, it is not uncommon for stores to stock only a few small samples and make a wider range of items available by special order. Catalogs specializing in plus-size clothing often offer petite options as well.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
