Petite Fashion | The Ultimate Measuring Guide for Petites
Haven’t we all been there, browsing online fashion stores for hours, adding our favorite items into the shopping basket but ultimately not buying it? In a globalized world, where online shopping is at the forefront and a full range of garments can be ordered with just a few clicks, there is always the fear of ending up with an item that doesn’t fit perfectly. CIMELIA is here to help us petite women find the perfect fit for their smaller body frame. With our free “Ultimate Measuring Guide for Petites” CIMELIA will walk you through how to take your body measurements correctly, to make online shopping for petites more effortless and enjoyable by finding the proper fit and/or size.
Why are your body measurements so important?
Most people have a rough idea of what clothing size they are. But to browse e-commerce fashion platforms with confidence, it is crucial to know your actual body measurements, to do it properly and to keep them updated. To unpack something that fits right out of the box is just such a great feeling. The key difference between looking good and looking great in a piece of clothing is to know more about your body first and then to understand how to read a size chart. With our “Ultimate Measuring Guide for Petites” you learn how to take your measurements accurately step by step. You can keep a record of them either digitally or in print, accessible wherever and whenever you are shopping online, in a brick and mortar store or when you get any clothes altered.
Another issue to keep in mind is that standard sizes vary across different brands, e.g. a size 36 at Massimo Dutti will not be the same fit as 36 at COS. So, to get that perfect fit as a petite woman, it might be better to find brands who offer made to measure. It means that a garment is made to your specifications, based on the measurements you provide. With made to measure you can have a more custom fit by taking into account your different body proportions.
Measuring Do’s and Don’ts
Before we dive into the actual measuring instructions, here are a few things to consider. Make sure to follow these guidelines before you start taking your body measurements.
Do’s
For the most accurate results, have someone else measure you. If you do it yourself, make sure to measure in front of a mirror, to ensure that your tape is placed correctly.
Always use a cloth measuring tape, not a metal one, as it’s much more accurate.
Ideally, you should be measured wearing only your undergarments.
Stand upright in a relaxed position with your feet together.
Take your measurements at least twice and take the average of both measurements to get your final numbers.
Don’ts
Don’t measure after a heavy meal. Ideally, measure first thing in the morning before eating and drinking anything.
Don’t pull the tape too tight! You should be able to put a finger behind the tape, but no more than that.
Breathe normally and be relaxed.
How to measure your body
Download our free “Ultimate Measuring Guide” we have created for you, to get the step-by-step instructions for measuring your body. We walk you through each body part to make sure you get your measurements just right. Our measuring guide also includes a blank measurement sheet to fill in your own, personal sizing details and an overview of relevant measurements to check when shopping for different clothing items.
The Ultimate Measuring Guide for Petites:
How to read a size chart
Once you have measured yourself and filled out the blank measurement page, compare the data with the clothing size chart of the brand you would like to buy from. The size chart will typically be set up in a table. One axis lays out the sizes, and the other will display the corresponding relevant measurements in either inches or centimeters (click here to convert your measurements). Remember that sizing varies from brand to brand, so it's vital to study each individual size guide first before you are making any purchase.
As most standard sizing is not developed with the petite woman in mind, it can be harder to find the best fit. We hope that our Measuring Guide will help in finding the closest fit and to feel more confident to try a made to measure service, if offered by a brand. It is CIMELIA’s vision to create a better online shopping experience for petites by
offering petite-friendly fashion guides;
designing sustainable clothing for petites that is made to stand the test of time;
focusing on a timeless, functional and versatile aesthetic; and
choosing high-quality fabrics and workmanship.
In concentrating on these core values, we provide a destination for the mindful petite woman. Made to fit - Made to last.