Sifting through the products offered by fashion brands to suit your next look or create a capsule wardrobe can be tricky, especially when it comes to finding the perfect fit. If you’re short and often struggle with the fit of your pants at the waist but the heels mopping the floor, you’re certainly not the only one who suffers. Luckily, the small size solves this problem. You may have noticed this category when shopping in physical stores or online, but what exactly does it mean – how does it differ from a standard size?
What Is a Small Size?
Small is a size category designed for people who are shorter in stature, both overall and in certain parts. Generally, people who are less than 5 feet 4 inches tall are considered small, but people with shorter torsos, legs, or stature are also suitable for small sizes.
“Small” refers only to height, not weight, so people of all body types can wear small style clothes. However, because the range of options for small sizes is often narrower than standard sizes, finding the right small size can sometimes be difficult for people with larger breasts or more curves.
Small with Standard Size
The small size is suitable for the body type of 5 feet 4 inches and below, while the standard size is suitable for the body type of 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall. The biggest difference between small and standard sizes is that small sizes have shorter sleeves, hems, tops, and bottoms. Some brands take the small style to a different level, changing not only the length, but also the design to better accommodate the shorter stature. The small size takes into account not only the need for a shorter length, but also all other body proportions under 5 feet 4 inches tall.
Small Size
When it comes to buying a small size, most standard-sized styles will work, and you may not notice much of a difference when hanging it on a hanger. Smaller sizes don’t belong to a set of their own, but are more adjusted in proportions and sometimes designed to suit smaller people better.
For example, a size 6 shirt or pants will have a shorter sleeve length or leg length to accommodate shorter heights. The idea is that you can wear any style and trend you already like, but these clothes will fit well and look just like the proportions you imagined. The more small sizes you have, the less likely you are to see someone taller than you wear, and you’re not sure how you’ll style it.
Styling Skills
The key to styling a petite figure is to choose clothing and clothing that suits your body while maintaining a balance of proportions. You need to stand out your features in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and when it comes to making the trend of standard sizes work for you, a few small tweaks can go a long way. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some guidelines and styling tips to follow.
- Define your waistline: Defining your waistline is always a great way to accentuate your figure, but choosing a skirt or pants that starts at the thinnest point of your waist is key to creating balance and shape. Pair your favorite outfit with a waistband or even a cropped jacket to create a visual effect of shape.
- Balance is key: especially for petite people, wearing oversized clothes can overwhelm your figure and make you look lost in your clothes. If you want to wear an oversized outfit, such as a flowing skirt or a loose top, the best way to do this is to pair it with a fitted top or bottom to create balance.
- Consider monochromatic clothing: For petite people, adopting a monochromatic scheme can create a streamlined silhouette that will make you look taller. Creating long, clean lines is the best way to create a taller, longer look, and wearing clothes of the same color or print on tops and bottoms can do wonders. Whether you opt for a classic all-black outfit or experiment with eye-catching shades, you’re sure to elongate your silhouette and boost your confidence.
- Work with trusted tailors: The unsung heroes of fashion are tailors – and seriously, they don’t get the credit they deserve. A simple hem of the trouser leg or cinched waist can make the outfit look cleaner and neater. Most of the time, choosing to invest in tweaking clothes to sculpt your figure can make a big difference. This trick is especially useful if you want to experiment with a certain style but can’t find the right size.
How to Buy Small Sizes?
Shopping in the small size zone (or, in general, to fit your body) is all about doing your homework. Just like buying anything else, the key is to find the right brand for you and the design that resonates with you the most, but there are a few brands that have a great reputation for small sizes.
When shopping online for a small size, first know your size and follow the online size guidelines. Don’t give up hope if you don’t find your ideal size at first – you may need to do several rounds of online shopping at different stores/brands to find the right one for your figure.
At Last
Small is a size designed for people under 5’4″ tall, with the main difference being the change in proportions and design in order to make your favorite style more suitable for your figure. While various brands offer small size options, there’s no denying that small options are more limited compared to standard sizes, which is why styling techniques to match your figure, such as balancing garment proportions and tailoring clothes to better fit your silhouette, are so important. With a little strategy, you’re sure to find a myriad of outfits that will boost your confidence and take your small style to the next level.
