Petite Plus Size Dresses: How to Find Your Length
Shorter than about 5'4"? Shop styles that list a Petite length, compare it to your own measurement, and let the hem land where you love it.
If standard lengths swallow your frame, start with styles whose product page lists a Petite length. On our best-selling dresses, Petite runs about 2 inches shorter than the average length, though the gap varies by style. Know your own measurement, compare, and choose the hem you want to show off.
What does petite plus size mean?
Petite plus size describes a fuller figure on a shorter frame. The fit you want through the bust and hips stays the same; what changes is length, so hems, sleeves and waistlines sit where they were designed to on you.
That matters most in dresses and tunics, where a few inches decide whether a hem skims the knee or the calf, or whether a maxi sweeps the floor or puddles on it. When a style offers it, a Petite length gives you a piece that feels made for your body type rather than one you have to work around.
What height counts as petite?
Petite cuts are generally intended for women about 5'4" and under. Height is only a starting point, though. Torso and leg length vary, so your own measurement is a better guide than a height chart.
A shopper who is 5'3" told us a Petite robe still ran about four inches long on her, a reminder that the listed length, not the label, is what tells you where a hem will land.
Which best sellers list a Petite length?
Four of our most-loved dresses and tunics list both an average and a Petite length on the product page. Here is how they compare, using the lengths exactly as listed.
Notice the gown: its Petite length is only half an inch shorter. That is why it pays to read all product listing details closely, rather than assume every Petite option takes off the same amount.
| Style | Average Length | Petite Length | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-Sleeve Swing Dress | 42" | 40" | 2" |
| Hand Crinkled Flutter-Sleeve Maxi Dress | 55" | 53" | 2" |
| Sequin Lace Three-Quarter Sleeve A-Line Gown | 55" | 54.5" | 0.5" |
| Two Pocket Soft Knit Swing Tunic | 34" | 32" | 2" |
How do you find your best dress length?
Compare one number you know about your body with the length on the product page. It takes five minutes and removes most of the guesswork.
- Pull out a dress you love. Choose one whose hem lands exactly where you like it.
- Measure it. Lay it flat and measure from the top of the shoulder straight down to the hem.
- Compare. Check that number against both the average and the Petite length listed for the style you're considering.
- Pick the closer match. If the Petite length is nearer your number, choose Petite; if the gap is small, as on the gown, either may work.
No favorite dress to measure? Have someone measure you from the top of your shoulder to the point where you want the hem: knee, midcalf or ankle.
How long should a tunic be on a petite frame?
Aim for a tunic that ends around the upper thigh so your legs stay in proportion. The Two Pocket Soft Knit Swing Tunic drops from 34" to 32" in Petite, which keeps its swing shape flowing over leggings or slim pants instead of reading as a dress.
Its two front pockets and pleats give the shape movement, and the soft knit is made for easy everyday outfits. Browse our tunics on Roaman's and check each product page for a Petite length before you add to bag.
Petite dresses for every kind of day
Start with the occasion, then confirm the length. These best sellers each list a Petite option, so you can choose the moment first and still get the proportion right.
Everyday: the swing dress
The Short-Sleeve Swing Dress is our best-selling tunic turned into a dress, with front and back V-necks and a draped fit-and-flare shape in stretch jersey UltraSmooth® fabric. At 40" in Petite versus 42" average, it keeps that flirty swing landing near the knee on a shorter frame.
Weekend: the crinkle maxi
A maxi is where length matters most. Our hand-crinkled flutter-sleeve maxi comes in 53" Petite versus 55" average, with flutter sleeves, princess seams and breezy hand-crinkled rayon. Add a denim jacket and sandals and go.
Celebrations: the lace gown
For weddings and big nights, the sequin lace A-line gown pairs a sequin lace bodice with a fully lined A-line skirt. Its Petite length is 54.5", so measure first; with heels you may prefer it either way.
Does choosing Petite change your size?
No. Petite adjusts length; your size still comes from the size chart. Order the size you normally would for that style, then pick Petite.
Fit can vary from one style to the next. Some shoppers note a piece seems to run large or say they ordered one size smaller, so read the reviews on the product page and check the size chart for each style rather than assuming one size works across everything.
What if the style you love doesn't list Petite?
Not every style comes in Petite. When it isn't listed, you still have good ways to make a piece work for your frame.
- Choose a shorter silhouette. A knee-length or midi style leaves more room before a hem feels too long.
- Wear a long tunic as a short dress. A standard-length tunic often lands near the knee on a petite frame.
- Hem it. Simple hems on knit and woven skirts are an easy tailoring job; heavily embellished hems are harder.
- Pick your toppers carefully. A shorter jacket or cardigan keeps your waist visible over a longer dress.
Ready to look? Browse our plus size dresses and suits and check the fit details on each product page for a listed Petite length.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Roaman's dresses come in Petite?
No. Petite is offered style by style. If a product page lists a Petite length, that option exists for that style; if it doesn't, the style is sold in its standard length only.
Is Petite the same as ordering a smaller size?
No. Petite changes the length of the garment, not the size you order. Pick your size from the size chart as usual, then choose Petite for the shorter length.
Will a Petite maxi dress still reach my ankles?
That depends on your height and the listed Petite length. Measure from your shoulder to your ankle and compare it with the Petite length on the product page before you order.
Can I wear a standard-length tunic if I'm petite?
Yes, if you like where it lands. A tunic that reads as a tunic on a taller frame can sit closer to a short dress on you, which looks great over leggings or slim pants.