Being Petite Plus Size is actually much more common than you think. Learn about the most forgotten demographic in the fashion industry.
Did you know that the average American woman is a size 16 to 18 and measures around 5’4 tall? This data comes from a 2016 International Journal of Fashion Design report and a CDC report from 2018.
If you are an average American woman, this information probably doesn’t shock you because you yourself may fall into this category, as well as many of the women you know. I know I most certainly do. At 5’2 (and a half), wearing a size 16, I’m just below the average mark.
Now, did you know that in order to be considered petite, you must be 5’4 tall or less? And plus sizes typically start around a size 12 to 14, depending on the brand.
If you haven’t put it together yet, the average American woman is both petite AND plus-size. So, my question is, why isn’t anyone talking about it, and why aren’t more clothing brands catering to the everyday American woman?
In this article I’ll be breaking down:
- What it means to be petite plus size
- How to know if you are petite and plus size
- Where to shop when petite plus size
- 12 easy petite plus size style tips
This article is dedicated to the most underrepresented and forgotten community in the fashion industry, petite plus-size women.
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Petite Plus Size Meaning
What is Petite Plus Size?
Petite plus size is the most underrepresented demographic in the fashion industry. As noted earlier, the average American woman is actually petite plus size.
In order to be considered petite plus size, you must be 5’4 tall or less and wear a size 12 or 14 and above.
Yes, that means you can be both petite and plus-size. Don’t let the long-legged, expertly hourglass-shaped, “plus-size models”, that are used to represent us on the runway fool you.
Petite plus-size women are actually the average and NOT the minority.
Being petite plus size simply means that you are both short and plus size. Yet, for some reason, most brands in the fashion world do not offer clothing that actually suits the body types of the average American woman.
If you are petite plus size, like me, you probably have found it difficult to shop, especially for pants, skirts, and dresses. Petite offerings might fit your shorter frame but they are made too narrow to hug your curves, that’s if you can actually find a petite brand offering plus sizes.
On the flip side, when you shop a plus-size collection, you’ll find that things are made for women with much longer torsos, arms, and legs, and you may be swimming in fabric. Petite plus-size bodies usually have short and thick legs, something that most fashion brands are not taking into consideration when designing.
The alternative advice most often given to women in our situation is to “find a good tailor”. Seriously? It’s 2022, who in the world has the time or money to visit a tailor so that they can actually wear a pair of jeans that doesn’t require them to wear six-inch heels every day?
The answer is NOT the average American woman.
How to Know if you are Plus Size and Petite?
I think a lot of women may not realize that they fall into the petite plus size category because of the word petite.
Petite is often associated with women who are short and thin. But the reality is that being petite means you have a shorter build and clearly that is not limited to just one set of clothing sizes.
As long as you are 5’4 tall or less, you technically are petite.
Petite frames typically have shorter torsos, legs, arms, and necks. Our feet often can be smaller as well but every body truly is different.
You can be petite with long legs and larger feet. You can be petite and mid-size, and if you haven’t realized it already, you most certainly can be petite and plus-size.
You might also like: 5 Essential Fashion Staples for the Ultimate Petite Plus Size Wardrobe and The 6 Best Dress Styles for Petite Plus Size
Where to Buy Petite Plus Size Clothes?
The pickings are slim for quality and cute petite plus options but below are a few brands you can shop today:
None of these brands are solely designing clothing specifically for petite plus-size bodies, so you’ll have to make sure to double-check their size charts to be certain you’re choosing the best size for you.
How to Dress When you are Petite Plus Size?
The first obstacle when you are petite plus size is actually finding clothes that fit you (which is what I’m working on babes!). The second obstacle is knowing how to put outfits together that make you feel good and allow you to love and accept your body.
I’ve struggled with my weight and body image issues my entire life. I’m sure I was probably around six or seven years old when I realized that my body was different.
And we all know that in our society if you are different you are often times made to feel like something is wrong with you.
There’s nothing wrong with being petite plus size. As I explained earlier, being petite and plus-size is actually quite normal and average here in America.
So, it’s time to stop body shaming ourselves, and instead, let’s accentuate what makes us exactly who we are!
Below I’ve gathered my top style tips and tricks for petite plus-size women that will enhance your perfectly imperfect body and have you inspired to get dressed every single day.
Related: Clothing for Short Curvy Women, The MoraRae Story
Petite Plus Size Style Tips
1. Wear Monochromatic and Tonal Colors
Wearing monochromatic or tonal colors will give the illusion of a longer frame. Most women in our size range tend to do this with all-black outfits but you are not limited to only wearing neutrals for this illusion to be effective.
Have fun with this style tip and try out colors you never thought you could wear before. When you layer your clothing all together to create one monochromatic look, you might be surprised what you can pull off.
2. Vertical Lines are Your Friend
I’m sure you’ve heard before that horizontal stripes are not your friend when you are petite or plus-size. But that doesn’t mean that you need to avoid stripes altogether.
Reach for vertical stripes when you want to dawn a bold look. This trick also pertains to any added details in clothing that are vertical or other prints and patterns as well. Vertical lines draw the eye down and help your body look longer.
3. Lower that Neckline
V-necklines, sweetheart necklines, and off-the-shoulder looks should be your go-to when it comes to selecting tops, dresses, and blouses.
An open neckline helps to quite literally, open up the area around your neck which will avoid looking and feeling frumpy in your clothing.
4. Go for High-Waisted Bottoms
When you choose pants and bottoms with a higher waistline, this will help to elongate your bottom half while also accentuating your natural waist.
5. Choose a Fit and Flare Silhouette
A fit and flare silhouette is a classic look that is flattering on most women but especially for those of us who are petite plus size.
The fitted top will streamline your look, while the flared skirt helps to define your waist.
Related: The Short and Curvy Babes Guide to Midi Dresses
6. Crop It
As a plus-size woman, you probably have been body shamed at some point in your life for even thinking about, let alone actually wearing, a crop top.
Well, I’m here to tell you that as a petite plus-size woman, wear the damn crop top! Crop tops were basically made for our bodies. They help to define the waistline, especially when paired with a higher-waisted bottom or a flared skirt.
Don’t let anyone stop you from rocking a crop top or anything else for that matter again.
7. Define your Natural Waist
Defining your waist is always a flattering look when petite plus size because our natural waist is often the smallest part of our body.
I think a lot of plus-size women feel self-conscious about their tummy area and so the first thought is to try and hide it. But I can tell you from experience, hiding behind layers of fabric does nothing for you aesthetically or emotionally.
I want to give you permission to stop trying to hide any part of your body from this day forward. Your body is beautiful and perfect just as it is. When you start learning to accept your body, you will realize that there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Use these style tips as a guide and you will start to see that style literally has nothing to do with size.
8. Try Jumpsuits and One-Piece Styles
Similar to the note on wearing monochromatic outfits, jumpsuits and one-piece styles work in the same way. By blocking one color or pattern from top to bottom, you are creating a column effect.
This again aids in helping your body to appear longer. Being taller or pretending to be taller isn’t what these style tricks are about. Rather it is about building a cohesive look that makes you feel streamlined, put together, and not like you are hiding behind mounds of shapeless fabric.
When you look good, you feel good. Remember that fashion should build you up, not break you down. So, if any of this advice doesn’t work for your perfectly unique body, throw them out the window and keep it moving sister!
Related: The Complete Guide to the Best Shoe and Boot Styles for Petite Plus Size
9. Give your Girls the Support they Need
I cannot stress this one enough. If you are petite plus size and have a larger bust, you need to get a bra that actually fits you.
A bra that fits you perfectly needs to address two measurements: your overall chest circumference and your actual cup size. If either or both of these are off, then your bra will not adequately support your girls!
I watched What Not to Wear religiously as a young girl and I remember the first thing that Stacy and Clinton would always tell women with larger busts was to find a great-fitting bra.
I can tell you, as a fellow petite plus-size woman with a larger chest, this is the one tip you don’t want to skip over.
10. Avoid Heavy Accessories
When you have a larger shape, it’s all about striking the right balance to create an outfit that makes your body sing!
Accessories are a great way to add to a look and often help to complete an outfit. But you don’t want to overwhelm your frame with too many accessories, especially if many of them are heavy.
A heavy accessory would be something like a larger handbag, wide-width belt, chunky heels, or large statement jewelry.
I’m not telling you to never wear your favorite large pendant necklace again, but I am advising that you not pair that necklace with a huge belt and chunky platform heels, unless that’s your vibe. You do YOU.
11. Layer Lightly
If you’re anything like me, you may love cooler temperatures because you get to layer your favorite types of clothing. Think long cardigans, trench coats, sweaters, scarves, leggings, and knee-high boots!
All of these layers can work perfectly for your frame but much like the previous style tip on heavy accessories, you don’t want to go overboard.
When you do choose to layer, make sure you keep it light and think about your proportions. If you are adding a longer layer, like a trench coat, don’t pair that with a maxi dress.
Instead, opt for a cropped blouse and a high-waisted, straight-leg pant. This will ensure that your body is not broken up disproportionately and will give you that everyday, I-just-walked-off-a-Pinterest-Fall-Fashion-Inspiration-Board look.
12. Don’t be Afraid to Try New Things
This final petite plus-size style tip is the most important: do not be afraid to try new things and take risks when it comes to fashion.
Personal style is exactly that, personal. I want to be a style guide for you but no advice should ever be taken in as gospel. Remember that rules are meant to be broken.
I hope that you will utilize the tips and tricks I’ve presented here as a way to see that there is nothing wrong with YOU or your body. The flaws are in the historically, exclusive fashion industry that has refused to acknowledge that real, everyday women, do indeed exist and that we have a right to feel beautiful in our clothing too.
Petite plus-size women do exist and it’s high time for us to be seen and celebrated.
This is your complete guide to what it means to be petite plus size.
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