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

AngelPuppy1 · ‎03-13-2010

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!

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Pezzie · ‎12-12-2011

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.

ninjawife · ‎11-15-2011

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.

geezerette · ‎03-16-2010

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.

goldensrbest · ‎03-10-2010

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

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Icegoddess · ‎03-19-2010

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.

songbird · ‎03-21-2010

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.

peachesncream · ‎03-13-2010

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.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

@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.

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chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

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.