Expecting moms come in all shapes and sizes, and finding maternity clothes that fit comfortably can be a challenge. For petite women, the struggle is even greater. Maternity clothes that are too long or too loose can be uncomfortable and unflattering, and can make it difficult to feel confident during a time when many women already feel self-conscious about their bodies.
The Challenge of Finding Petite Maternity Clothes
Petite women, who are typically 5’4” or shorter, often struggle to find clothes that fit well even when they’re not pregnant. Most clothing manufacturers design their clothes for women who are between 5’5” and 5’8”, which means that even petite women’s regular clothes can be too long in the legs, arms, and torso.
When it comes to maternity clothes, the problem is even worse. Most maternity clothes are designed for women who are at least 5’5” tall, which means that petite women may find that maternity pants are too long, maternity tops are too loose, and maternity dresses are too long in the hemline.
According to a survey conducted by The Bump, a popular pregnancy and parenting website, 62% of petite moms-to-be report having trouble finding maternity clothes that fit well. Of those, 71% say that finding pants that fit is their biggest challenge, followed by finding tops (43%) and dresses (39%).
Tips for Finding Petite Maternity Clothes
Despite the challenges, there are ways for petite moms-to-be to find maternity clothes that fit well and look great. Here are some tips:
- Look for “petite” or “short” sizes. Some maternity clothing brands offer petite sizes, which are designed for women who are 5’4” or shorter. These clothes are cut shorter in the legs, arms, and torso to fit petite women better. Look for brands like Motherhood Maternity, Old Navy, and H&M, which offer petite sizes in some of their maternity clothes.
- Shop in the juniors department. Juniors clothes are generally cut smaller and shorter than women’s clothes, so they can be a good option for petite moms-to-be. Look for stretchy leggings, tunics, and dresses that can accommodate a growing belly.
- Try on regular sizes in smaller sizes. If you can’t find petite or short sizes, try on regular sizes in smaller sizes than you normally wear. For example, if you normally wear a size small, try on maternity clothes in XS or XXS to see if they fit better.
- Invest in alterations. If you find a piece of maternity clothing that you love but it’s too long or too loose, consider having it altered by a tailor. Hemming pants or shortening sleeves can make a big difference in how well a piece of clothing fits.
Choosing the Right Styles for Petite Moms-to-Be
In addition to finding clothes that fit well, it’s important for petite moms-to-be to choose styles that flatter their figure. Here are some tips for choosing the right styles:
- Stick to streamlined silhouettes. Clothes that are too loose or too bulky can overwhelm a petite frame. Look for clothes that are fitted but not too tight, and that don’t have too much extra fabric around the waist, hips, or thighs.
- Choose vertical stripes. Vertical stripes can create the illusion of height, which can be especially helpful for petite women. Look for maternity tops or dresses with narrow vertical stripes to elongate your figure.
- Opt for shorter hemlines. Dresses and skirts that hit above the knee can help to elongate the legs and make a petite woman appear taller. Just make sure the hemline isn’t too short or the dress isn’t too tight, as this can look inappropriate for a mom-to-be.
- Avoid overwhelming prints. Large prints or patterns can be too much for a petite frame. Stick to smaller prints or solid colors to create a more streamlined look.
In Conclusion
Finding maternity clothes that fit well and flatter your figure can be a challenge for any mom-to-be, but it can be especially difficult for petite women. By following these tips and shopping at the right stores, petite moms-to-be can find clothes that fit well, look great, and make them feel confident during this exciting time in their lives.