For those of us under 5′4″, getting our hands on clothing that fits well and doesn’t need to be tailored can be quite the challenge. It’s especially maddening when you’re a compulsive shopper, such as myself. Nothing makes me happier than the hit of serotonin I get when I buy clothes, but it’s often followed shortly thereafter by frustration when I realize that nothing is constructed to suit my petite 5′1″ frame.
Despite having a healthy Napoleonic complex, I’ve largely accepted my fate and enjoy the unexpected perks of being short, like being considered perenially adorable. But when it comes to buying pants, I can’t help but resent the entire process. Even though many brands claim to have extended sizing, petite clothing options remain extremely limited. Getting anything from blouses to dresses (and don’t get me started on jumpsuits) can be a trial when you’re short-statured, but few clothing items are as vexing, and necessary, as a good pair of pants.
I don’t know what I’d do without my trusty tailor, but I have to admit that I resent the fact that I am forced to spend extra money to make my clothes fit properly. As a result, I tend to opt for cropped-style pants, since they generally end up looking full-length on my frame.
