Petite Women's Size Chart: How to Read It

To read a petite women's size chart, check whether you fall within the brand's petite height range, then match your bust, waist and hips to the P row, and check the length measurements. The "P" on a label such as 0P or 2P means the garment is cut shorter in length than the regular size.

The height cutoff and the numbers differ from brand to brand, so use the chart for the exact item. A tool that matches measurements to a store's own chart, such as AI size recommendation for fashion stores, follows the same logic.

What does petite sizing mean?

Petite sizing is for shorter frames. Petite garments are generally adjusted in length, such as sleeves, hem and rise, rather than just made smaller overall.

Brands decide their own height range for petite. This article gives no single cutoff, because the range changes by brand. Look for it on the brand's own size guide.

What do 0P, 2P and 4P mean?

The number is the base size, and P marks the petite fit. A 2P is usually a size 2 cut for a shorter wearer, not a smaller body.

Numbers still differ between brands, so a 2P from one store may not match a 2P from another. Compare measurements, not labels.

Which measurements should you check?

Start with the body measurements on the chart, then check length. Use this order:

1. Height: are you in the brand's petite range?
2. Bust, waist, hips: match these to the P row.
3. Inseam: for trousers and jeans.
4. Sleeve length and shoulder width: for tops and jackets.
5. Rise: how high trousers sit on the waist.

Not every chart lists all of these. If a chart lacks length, look at the product page's garment details. The guide to women's jeans size charts covers inseam and rise in detail.

How do you take measurements for petite sizes?

Use a soft tape. Keep it level and snug but not tight.

• Bust: around the fullest part of the chest.
• Waist: around the narrowest part of the torso.
• Hips: around the fullest part.
• Inseam: from the crotch to the ankle bone, ideally measured on trousers that fit you.

Write the numbers down before you open any chart.

What if you are between petite and regular?

It happens, especially for people close to the height cutoff, or whose torso and legs differ in proportion. Try this:

• Pick petite for the area that is usually too long, such as trouser legs.
• Pick regular for areas where you need extra room, and plan to hem.
• Read the fit note and reviews for length comments.

A tailor can shorten hems and sleeves. If you are in a store, the plus-size end of the range works in the same way, as shown in the plus-size size chart guide.

A worked example: reading a petite trouser listing

Say a product page lists trousers in 2P with a "short inseam" note, and a separate regular 2. These numbers are not given because every brand differs, so use this method with your own chart.

1. Measure your inseam on trousers that fit you well.
2. Find the inseam for 2P and the regular 2 on the brand's chart.
3. Compare: which is closer to your number, with room to hem?
4. If both waist and hips match the P row, buy the petite length.
5. If petite length is too short, buy regular and plan a hem.

Hemming is easier than lengthening, so when in doubt, the longer option leaves you room.

What should store owners include in a petite chart?

If you sell petite sizes, publish the height range you design for and list length measurements, not just bust, waist and hips. Add inseam, sleeve length and rise where they apply.

State whether numbers are body or garment measurements. Shoppers can't compare without that.

What is a quick checklist before you buy petite?

• Confirm the brand's petite range on its size guide.
• Measure bust, waist, hips and inseam, and write them down.
• Check that the chart uses body measurements.
• Read the fit note for words like "cropped", "relaxed" or "stretch".
• Look at the return policy, in case length is off.

How does virtual try-on help petite shoppers?

A try-on shows the store's garment on the shopper's own photo, which makes length easier to judge. For more, read how virtual try-on works for tall and petite shoppers.

For stores, fit is a major source of returns, as explained in where fit-related returns come from.

FAQs

Is petite about height or body size?

Mostly height and proportion. Petite garments are cut shorter in length, not only smaller overall.

Can I wear petite if I am slightly taller than the cutoff?

Maybe. If your torso or legs are short for your height, petite can fit well. Check inseam and sleeve length against your own measurements.

Do all brands use the same petite height range?

No. Each brand sets its own, so check its size guide.

Is a 0P smaller than a regular 0?

Usually the same base size with shorter lengths. The exact cut is brand-specific.