The Art of Proportion: Why You Should Choose Petite Sizing Over Hemming

There’s a common presumption that if a garment is too long, it can simply be hemmed. However, hemming alone does not always guarantee a perfect fit. Most fashion brands fit their clothes to a standard height of 5’5" to 5’7" (165cm to 170cm). Petite fashion is specifically designed for a shorter frame, going beyond hemlines to reconsider proportion, structure and design altogether. If you're under 5'5", here are three reasons why you should choose petite sizing over hemming.

1. Accurate Proportions

In addition to the hem being too long, you may find that straps slip off your shoulders, waistlines sit too low, necklines are too revealing, or excess fabric gathers at your waist. Shorter bodies have narrower shoulders and shorter torsos, which means the placement of key structural elements need to shift accordingly. These elements include waist seams, shoulder seams, necklines and bust darts, which are essential to the shape and fit of a garment.

As petite fashion is intentionally fitted to a shorter height, the proportions of the entire garment are considered from the initial design. Every seam is precisely placed to ensure the most flattering and comfortable wear. 

2. Maintain Visual Balance

When a garment is hemmed, only the vertical length is altered. This can subtly distort the visual balance of the original design. For example, after hemming a dress with horizontal stripes, you may find the stripes are too wide in proportion to the length of the dress.

Since petite fashion is designed to fit a shorter frame from the outset, petite garments are scaled down in all dimensions, including length, width and depth. Design details and embellishments are adjusted to maintain visual harmony. Pockets are placed higher and prints are scaled proportionally. Waistbands and belts are thinner, pleats and lapels are narrower, and buttons are just a fraction smaller. 

3. Preserve Design Integrity

Some garments cannot be hemmed without significantly disrupting the intended design. Flared or trumpet designs, asymmetrical hemlines, tiered designs and styles with decorative trims are often difficult or impossible to hem. Shortening the hem can also interfere with back vents on jackets, and splits in skirts and dresses. Not only is the visual balance distorted, the intended visual effect is often lost altogether.

Redefining the Perfect Fit

Petite fashion recognises that the perfect fit begins at the point of design. Rather than altering a garment after the fact, petite sizing considers the unique needs of shorter women in the first place. At Petite Femme, this is our purpose. Using nature's finest fibres, we reimagine classic silhouettes for the modern petite woman, creating the well-fitting wardrobe we truly deserve.

Annie is 5'2" (157cm) and wears the Petite Wool Cashmere Coat in Chocolate (Size S).