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Being both petite and plus size is a unique intersection in the fashion world, and while it might not always seem widely recognized, it’s far more common than many people realize. The journey to finding clothing that celebrates your curves and respects your height can often feel like a treasure hunt – a challenging, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding quest. The difficulty often lies in finding stores that offer plus size clothing in true petite variations, styles you genuinely love, and all at an accessible price point. The good news? You don’t have to do all the heavy lifting alone. We’ve done the work to help you discover places that truly cater to your specific fit needs.
Finding this dual fit can, at times, be hair-pulling frustrating. It’s about more than just a shorter hem; it’s about proportionate sleeves, thoughtfully placed waists, and knee breaks that actually hit your knee. But, there are shining stars in the retail landscape that understand this need, delivering fashionable options that are surprisingly accessible. It truly is all about finding that magical combination of style, fit, and convenience.
While it may require a little discerning search, we’ve wrangled up a few fantastic options for you to explore and, more importantly, to comfortably live in!
8 Places to Shop Petite and Plus Size Clothing
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www.talbots.com
While a bit more conservative and classic in its style offerings, Talbots offers a full lifestyle range of petite plus-size options, especially for your closet wardrobe staples, ranging from 12WP to 24WP.
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www.lanebryant.com
Denim and trousers, Lane Bryant has a dedicated section on their site for your plus size petite offerings. I haven”t seen dresses or jackets here, but while you are shopping, know that you have a few options available.
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www.torrid.com
Torrid is one of the best-known brands for plus size fashion, and they have a dedicated petite section with shorter inseams and adjusted proportions for tops, dresses, and jeans.
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www.asos.com
ASOS has a huge plus size section (titled ‘Curve’) and a Petite line; sometimes these overlap in capsule collections. Look for “Curve Petite” filters.
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www.landsend.com
If you are looking for a few great work essentials, then you will find great fit and classic silhouettes at Land’s End. I am really loving this herringbone blazer offered here!
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www.universalstandard.com
Universal Standard’s inclusive sizing is fantastic, up to 40, and while they don’t have an official petite line, many pieces come in different inseams or have adjustable lengths.
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www.macys.com
Macy’s offers its private label brands, INC, Charter Club, and a few other brands in a variety of styles in petite plus size. From jackets, coats, denim, and trousers, Macy’s offers a range of options to get you started.
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oldnavy.gap.com
Old Navy’s Petite and Plus ranges sometimes overlap. They offer jeans, pants, and dresses with petite inseams up to 4X. Their petite jeans and activewear leggings are great for shorter legs.
Insider Tips for Mastering Petite and Plus Size Styling
Navigating the world of petite and plus size fashion doesn’t have to be a constant challenge. A few savvy tips can make all the difference in achieving that perfectly polished look:
- Become Best Friends with a Tailor: This isn’t just a tip for petite individuals; it’s essential for everyone seeking a truly custom fit. A skilled tailor can transform a ten-dollar dress into a piece that looks like a hundred, simply by ensuring it fits your unique body perfectly. For petite and plus size figures, tailoring can customize everything from sleeve length to shoulder width, making mass-produced garments feel bespoke.
- Rock Those Patterns and Prints (Wisely!): You might have heard the old adage that petite individuals shouldn’t wear bold prints. Dispel that myth! It’s not about avoiding patterns but understanding scale and placement. When choosing prints, consider where you want to draw the eye to or away from. A well-placed, appropriately scaled pattern can enhance your silhouette and add incredible visual interest without overwhelming your frame.
- Avoid Just Shortening Pants: This is a crucial distinction. Simply chopping length off a pair of standard-sized pants almost always alters the entire line of the leg. The “break” in the knee, the taper of the leg, and the overall silhouette are designed for a taller frame. If you do get pants tailored, ensure your tailor accounts for the original shape and proportions of the entire garment, not just the hem, to maintain a flattering fit for your petite and plus size figure.
- Dresses and Jackets Demand Attention: These categories can be particularly tricky for the petite and plus size shopper if a specific style or proportion is desired. Pay close attention to where the waist is emphasized on a dress – an ideal waistline hits at your natural waist or slightly higher to elongate your frame. For jackets, look at shoulder fit and sleeve length. If you are lucky enough to have an amazing tailor, they will be your greatest asset here, ensuring these pieces drape beautifully and enhance your proportions.
Are you a petite and plus size Curvy Fashionista? Where do you shop for your perfect fit? What styling tips or tricks can you share from your own experience? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! you shop? What tips can you share? Leave a comment below!
