Clothes when you are short or petite

Short answer: If you are short, clothes often fit in width but are too long. Sleeves and trouser legs usually need shortening unless the style is cut shorter, which is why length measurements matter more than the size on the label.

Width without length

Going down a size gives less width and only slightly less length. It is rarely the answer, because the clothes get tight across chest and hips while sleeves and legs are still too long. Look at the length measurements instead, and choose the size that fits in width.

The sleeves

Sleeves that are too long bunch at the wrist and quickly get worn or dirty at the edge. Look for styles with a shorter sleeve length, or choose tops with ribbed cuffs that can be pushed up without sliding down. Measure from the shoulder seam to the wrist and compare with the chart.

The trousers

The inside leg length decides whether trousers drag on the floor. Measure it on a pair you like, from the crotch down to the ankle. Trousers with a ribbed hem are easy to live with, because they gather at the ankle. See bamboo sweatpants for women.

Body length

A top that is too long covers the hip and changes your proportions, making the legs look shorter. Measure from the shoulder to where the top should end rather than guessing. Compare with the brand's chart. How to take your measurements at home is explained in our measuring guide.

Underwear

Underwear is chosen by hip and waist, and it is rarely a problem when you are short. Here it is about circumference, not length. Measure your hips at the widest point and choose by the chart, so it sits close without squeezing. See bamboo underwear for women.

Dresses

A dress meant to reach the knee ends up longer on a shorter body and can land mid calf. Check the total length in the chart and hold it against your own measurement from shoulder to knee. Bamboo viscose drapes softly, so the length shows clearly. See bamboo dresses.

Fabric with stretch

Bamboo viscose stretches a little, which makes a close fitting style easier to wear well. But stretch does not make clothes shorter. A sleeve that is too long stays too long. That is why length measurements still decide, not just how elastic the fabric is.

Washing and care

Wash according to the label and hang your clothes to dry rather than tumble drying on high heat. That way they keep their shape and the length does not change unexpectedly. If you have taken up a hem, use a gentle cycle so the seam lasts longer.

Nightwear and loungewear

Pyjama bottoms and joggers are often too long and drag on the floor as you move around at home. A style with a ribbed hem can be rolled up and does not wear at the edge. Measure the inside leg before you order. See bamboo pyjama bottoms for women.

Frequently asked questions

Should I go down a size if I am short?

It rarely helps, because a smaller size mainly reduces width. Choose the size that fits in width, and then look at the length measurements in the chart before ordering.

Which measurement matters most for trousers?

The inside leg length, measured from the crotch to the ankle. Measure a pair you know and compare with the chart before ordering, so the trousers do not drag.