topic Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans? in Fashion

What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

AngelPuppy1 — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 13:26:09 GMT

I was going to order a pair of slacks online and they had short and petite sizes. I know when I have purchased tops before that petites tend to be smaller in all areas and they tend to fit me better. I am smaller on the top part of me than the bottom of me! am no longer a tiny built person as I once was but I am far from being really heavy either.

I find that now that I am older and no longer wear any heels at all that regular length pants and jeans are far too long on me.

So, regarding pants, should I purchase short or petite and they will offer the length I need --- or will the petite sizes be smaller in other areas of the pants, as well, and not offer as good a fit in other areas as a regular in short length?

Would I be better off ordering a pant in a "short" size, as opposed to a "petite" size? I'm not sure which way to go and I really don't want to have to send back if I don't have to.

Thanks!

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

Pezzie — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 13:31:33 GMT

I think "short" is for people who need the shorter length in pants, but require regular rise. I fall in that category. I am 5'3", but cannot wear petites, as the rise is always too short.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

ninjawife — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 13:32:09 GMT

I would assume since they offer both short and petite that the short size would be short in length only and regular sized in all other parts of the pants. The petite is probably a smaller fit throughout the pants including the length.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

geezerette — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 13:34:17 GMT

Often it depends on the brand as to their own definition of short and petite.

What I have experienced in the past and have always understood is that "petite" is just as you described--adjusted in all areas. "Short" is just the length (as in inseam in pants) that is shorter than regular. Petite pants are not only shorter in length but shorter in rise, whereas short pants have a regular rise and short inseam.

But it's always best to check the garment measurements themselves.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

goldensrbest — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 14:21:42 GMT

I don't know ,but have wondered this exact thing.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

Icegoddess — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 14:40:27 GMT

A true petite pant will have a shorter rise. I would normally buy a petite pant to avoid the dreaded low-hanging crotch. QVC & HSN, however, just sell pants labeled petitie when actually they're just shorts. That works okay for me as long as they're selling low-rise. Jeans are often only offered in shorts, but not petites. I couldn't iimagine suggesting someone who wears a regular pant to just buy a true petite pant to get a shorter length.

I can't wear petite tops becaue my top half is regular person sized. The shoulders would be too tight. However, my back length from neck to waist is shorter than a regular person's, so I would end up with extra fabric in the back in a truly fitted garment since I can't wear a petite on top.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

songbird — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 15:15:24 GMT

Petite to me is proportioned body in a shorter length. Short clothes seems for a body that is not. Proportion to me are thighs and calves the same length. The waist in a normal position. Upper and lower body in proportioned to each other. I have this kind of body and have a rectangle shape over all. I'm neither short waisted or long waisted.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

peachesncream — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 16:53:41 GMT

My understanding is that Petite slacks and jeans have a shorter inseam AND a shorter rise than regular ones.

Short jeans and slacks just have a shorter length. (And in my experience, short jeans are not quite as short as petite ones.)

I'm 5'4", which is borderline petite. So I'm better off in Short jeans and slacks. In fact, I never buy petite bottoms because they are just too small all over. (I do buy petite tops a lot, though.)

I think you need to try on some of both to get the right answer for you. Because body type, as well as height, can dictate which will work best.

Good luck and I hope you find the right fit for you. Once you do, this all gets easier.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

Kachina624 — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 16:59:40 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:
A true petite pant will have a shorter rise. I would normally buy a petite pant to avoid the dreaded low-hanging crotch. QVC & HSN, however, just sell pants labeled petitie when actually they're just shorts. That works okay for me as long as they're selling low-rise. Jeans are often only offered in shorts, but not petites. I couldn't iimagine suggesting someone who wears a regular pant to just buy a true petite pant to get a shorter length.

I can't wear petite tops becaue my top half is regular person sized. The shoulders would be too tight. However, my back length from neck to waist is shorter than a regular person's, so I would end up with extra fabric in the back in a truly fitted garment since I can't wear a petite on top.

@Icegoddess I agree that petites are shorter in the rise but I find QVC sells petites that are always shorter in the rise, sometimes too short, to the point that I can't keep them up. Others I have to wear a belt to keep them in place. The only short length available on QVC is in the Quacker Factory brand. Everything on them is the same as a regular except for the leg length which is short like a petite. I can't wear them, even with my short legs, because the waist comes up to my bra band (or further).

Best to find a line that fits well and stick with it. I find that Isaac and Kim Gravel petites are too short in the rise. D&C consistently fits me the best, although their 28" leg length for petites is 1 1/2" too long.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

chrystaltree — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 18:44:25 GMT

Interesting question. Last week I was shopping online and the retailer had the pants I liked in short, petite, average and tall. I'm short and I do best with a 28" inseam

There was no size chart or I couldn't locate it. I was left wondering what the difference could be between short and petite. I don't believe in "assuming" anything when it comes to sizes. That's just a return waiting to happen.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

Icegoddess — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 19:25:40 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:

@Icegoddess wrote:
A true petite pant will have a shorter rise. I would normally buy a petite pant to avoid the dreaded low-hanging crotch. QVC & HSN, however, just sell pants labeled petitie when actually they're just shorts. That works okay for me as long as they're selling low-rise. Jeans are often only offered in shorts, but not petites. I couldn't iimagine suggesting someone who wears a regular pant to just buy a true petite pant to get a shorter length.

I can't wear petite tops becaue my top half is regular person sized. The shoulders would be too tight. However, my back length from neck to waist is shorter than a regular person's, so I would end up with extra fabric in the back in a truly fitted garment since I can't wear a petite on top.
@Icegoddess I agree that petites are shorter in the rise but I find QVC sells petites that are always shorter in the rise, sometimes too short, to the point that I can't keep them up. Others I have to wear a belt to keep them in place. The only short length available on QVC is in the Quacker Factory brand. Everything on them is the same as a regular except for the leg length which is short like a petite. I can't wear them, even with my short legs, because the waist comes up to my bra band (or further).

Best to find a line that fits well and stick with it. I find that Isaac and Kim Gravel petites are too short in the rise. D&C consistently fits me the best, although their 28" leg length for petites is 1 1/2" too long.

@Kachina624 if that's the case, I would expect a LOT of returns as much as they encourage people to just buy petites if they want a shorter length pant. I haven't actually bought any petites on QVC or HSN, but was going by that, and they have never said anything about the rise being different when the mention it.

The only pants I've bought on HSN are Marla Wynne's and they didn't come in petite until recently. I've just learned I can get by as long as they aren't meant to sit at the waist. It costs more to have the waist lowered than it does to hem. Another reason I rarely buy pants here since I have to add in hemming.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

Kachina624 — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 20:40:06 GMT

@Icegoddess I've heard hosts suggest people just buy petites if they want to wear flats and thought it was a totally idiotic suggestion. Surely the hosts, of all people, should know what a petite is. I've heard Gary Goben explain it often enough.

Yes, I'm sure they get a ton of returns when people follow that suggestion.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

sunsetbeach — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 22:40:51 GMT

I'm 5'2 and buy pants in 12 short, I don't buy petite because I need the higher rise and they do seem to run smaller all over. I buy dresses at J.Jill in Petite Medium and I have one Susan Graver dress in a Petite Medium.. I don't know if I'm short waisted or long waisted, but my pant inseam is 28". Isaac's ankle pants fit me like regular length pants and the rise is correct. I love a high rise pant and don't like a mid rise or a low rise, I need something above my belly button, due to having a pear shape, as opposed to an apple or rectangle.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

CJC — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 23:41:25 GMT

@sunsetbeach wrote:
I'm 5'2 and buy pants in 12 short, I don't buy petite because I need the higher rise and they do seem to run smaller all over. I buy dresses at J.Jill in Petite Medium and I have one Susan Graver dress in a Petite Medium.. I don't know if I'm short waisted or long waisted, but my pant inseam is 28". Isaac's ankle pants fit me like regular length pants and the rise is correct. I love a high rise pant and don't like a mid rise or a low rise, I need something above my belly button, due to having a pear shape, as opposed to an apple or rectangle.

I hear you. You and I share the same body build, height and inseam, only I wear a 6 short. I have a normal rise with short legs. I do usually wear petite tops. Going to try a pair of Isaac's ankle pants on your recommendation. Love Candace Cameron Bure's denim fabric, but her petites are too short in rise and her regulars too long in inseam.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

twinny70 — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 01:20:20 GMT

Angel Puppy1, I am 5' 1" tall and short fit me perfect. Petite are waaaay too long for me too. I wear a size 12. I don't see "short" at too many places. Van Huesen outlet store was my go to in Kittery, ME, but I don't know if they are still in business. Haven't been there in a few years.

Glenda

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

Desertdi — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 03:36:35 GMT

"Petite" is approximately a half size smaller than "Short". In other words a 4P would be closer to a 2 in overall size than a 4.....while 4S would still be a 4, only shorter in length.

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

Booklee — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 04:01:18 GMT

EACH design company may define it differently so you'll need to check that companies description however, technically;

"SHORT" is "supposed to" refer to 'length measurment' of pants/ shorts/ jeans

"PETITE" is "suppoosed" to refer to the;

'length measurement' of a skirt, pants /shorts/jeans, shirt , shirt sleeve

as well as the 'Rise' of pants/shorts/jeans. (Crotch to waist measurment)

(in other words, all measurments are smaller (petite)

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

kelsey17 — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 04:13:10 GMT

Short deals only with length

Petite deals with the full fashion and measurements of petite..........especially the rise adjustment in slacks and jeans............i need petite because of the rise...if i order just the short pant...they are baggy in the crotch

area and sag down

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

AngelPuppy1 — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 12:29:05 GMT

Thank you for all of your replies! I think I have gotten some more understanding of this issue. I feel that I am probably a "petite" on the top of my body and that is why I do well with buying tops in a "petite" size. However, I am thinking I would do better to buy pants in a "short." I used to buy "regular" in pants, jeans, etc., but I have shrunk a bit in height and I no longer wear heels of any kind. It is, I think, difficult when you are shopping to find the right numerical size in pants - i.e., 2,4,6, 8, etc. - and also find the right length or proportion - such as regular, petite, short, to go with!

I have been receiving e-mails from a company that I used to buy from their B&M store which no longer exists by me, and they were showing a particular brand of slacks which looked very nice to me and they were offered in a variety of styles and they offered regular, short and petite. The price was very good, too. I think I am going to try a pair of them in the "short" and see what happens! I am not good at ordering pants on-line and I hate having to return things, but if I find a pair that fits, then at least I will know that this brand and size will be a winner from now on!

Thanks, everyone, for your help!

Re: What is the difference between short and petite slacks and jeans?

chrystaltree — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 15:19:40 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
@Icegoddess I've heard hosts suggest people just buy petites if they want to wear flats and thought it was a totally idiotic suggestion. Surely the hosts, of all people, should know what a petite is. I've heard Gary Goben explain it often enough.

Yes, I'm sure they get a ton of returns when people follow that suggestion.

That's because the hosts are only interested in selling the merchandise. That's the job. I've heard that too bu5 my thoughts are the petites are not true petites. The leg of the petite is just shorter than the average.