Glam but first coffeeBreaking popular stereotypes about Petites. My name is Kristine. I am only 4’9 tall, and I have been sharing fashion tips and clothing finds for short women since 2019.
However, today I wanted to go over the most popular stereotypes about Petite women, debunk them and share the truth about Petites. But who is a Petite woman? What does it mean in fashion? We will answer all of these questions! Let’s get into the most popular stereotypes about Petites.
What are some stereotypes about Petites?
- Are Petites always skinny?
- The only difference is that Petite women have short legs
- Petites can hem the pants and they will fit
- Petite women are not average height
- There are no brands or clothing for short women
Petites mean tiny and skinny women
The first and biggest stereotype that many people still believe is that a Petite woman must be tiny and skinny (stereotypically Asian woman). However, it is far from the truth. Petite only means any woman under 5’4/164cm. The Petite means only about height and not weight. Finally, if you need proof, go to ASOS or any retailer that offers Petite category- they have Petite sizes from XS to XL and bigger.
I have been living around 29 years without knowing that I fit into the Petite category. All the years I missed shopping in the Petite category and having fashion that fits me! Therefore, now I share it as much as possible because I hope that other short women find me and know she is a Petite!
The only difference between regular and Petite women are the length of legs
Another very popular stereotype about Petites is that the only difference between a short Petite woman and an average woman is the length of her legs. However, it is far from the truth. Petites have huge problems with long sleeves, but also her shoulders are more narrow, and the whole torso is shorter.
You can tailor pants and they will fit! Easy!
Continuing talking about pants and length, because of that stereotype, people think (and I have heard enough)- just hem your pants and that is it! I have hemmed my pants for years when I was little and now I realise why I still never liked how I was looking like!
Jeans and pants are made to fit in the right place- on the knees, hips, tights and so on. Therefore, hemming them usually ends up looking bad anyway! However, great that now we know many brands where Petites can shop for pants that fit. No more tailoring, ladies.
Petite women are not of average height
Tall and Petite women are always made as something special and out of the ordinary. The average height has been called women around 5’5-5’7. However, this is one of the most false stereotypes about Petites. Over 50% of women in the world are under 5’4.
There are no brands or clothing for short women
Last but not least, I want to debunk the stereotype that there are no brands or retailers for Petite women. I wish there were more brands and companies for Petites, and I have seen many close their doors. As well as I think regular stores like Zara would think more about Petite women.
However, did you know there are more than 100 Petite brands and retailers? I made the shopping guide and linked all the Petite brands in the world.!
These were the most popular stereotypes about Petites that I liked to debunk them! Are there some Petite stereotypes that I missed?
