If you are petite and plus size, finding clothes that fit off the rack can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The challenge arises because plus sizes are designed for taller women, while petite sizes often fall short in key areas like bust lines or hips. Stylish petite plus size options are few and far between.

As London dressmaker Dara Stringham explains, “Finding clothes that fit you when you are petite can seem like searching for a needle in a haystack.” For petite plus size women, this struggle is amplified. As a curvy and petite individual, nearly every piece of clothing I purchase requires some form of alteration. I’ve come to accept that almost all of my clothes need adjustments… but what makes a difference is knowing which petite plus size tailoring tips actually work.

Alterations can be costly and sometimes complicated. Therefore, it’s essential to know what to look for while shopping to minimize the number of changes needed and to understand what can and cannot be altered. These petite plus size tailoring tips will change how you approach your wardrobe.

Essential Petite Plus Size Tailoring Tips That Actually Work

The Essential Hemming Strategy

Hemming pants and blouses is one of the simplest and most cost-effective petite plus size tailoring tips, making a significant difference! Most shirts and pants can be hemmed, except for intricate hem or ankle details. At 5’0″, TCF contributor Katie Bradshaw understands this reality well: “I know a thing or two about tailoring items to fit my frame!” she says. I’m 4’9″. Everything is too long!

If an item fits well everywhere else, then hemming is definitely worth the investment for a proper fit. The outfit I’m wearing here fits fairly well, except both the blouse and pants were too long. I had the shirt hemmed halfway up from the original hem and the bottom button, while the pants were hemmed just past the lower ankle (slightly longer to allow for shrinkage).

When getting your pants hemmed, expert stylists recommend considering the fit around the ankles. “A tapered leg that hits just above your shoe (without excess fabric bunching up) will create a streamlined effect.” For skirts and dresses, consider raising the hem to a more flattering length— a midi skirt that hits right at mid-calf can overwhelm a petite frame.

Voila! I now have an outfit that is much better proportioned to my frame.

Sleeve Length Adjustments That Flatter

Sleeves that are too long can completely drown out a petite frame, making you look shorter and overwhelmed by your clothing. This is especially true for blouses, shirts, and jackets. Among crucial petite plus size tailoring tips, shortening sleeves ranks high.

When getting tops tailored, styling experts advise asking “the tailor to shorten the sleeves so they hit just above the wrist or slightly above the elbow, depending on the style.” This simple adjustment can give your outfit a more polished and intentional appearance, drawing attention to your wrists and hands—often flattering features on petite plus size women.

However, Dara Stringham notes an important detail: “Shortening sleeves needs to be done from the shoulder rather than turning up the hem as the cuff could disappear entirely if taken up from the lower end.” This is one of those petite plus size tailoring tips that distinguishes amateur alterations from professional results.

If you need a quick DIY fix, fashion tape, iron-on tape, or even a rubber band wrapped around the fabric can temporarily adjust sleeve length!

Waistline Tailoring for Definition

For many petite plus size women, finding clothing that fits snugly around the waist presents a major challenge. Taking in the waistline can significantly define your shape without compromising comfort. Whether working with pants, skirts, or dresses, this is one of the most transformative petite plus size tailoring tips.

Ask your tailor to take in the waistband for a snug fit. This can be accomplished professionally or with a belt or safety pins placed strategically on the inside of the garment in a pinch. By placing safety pins inside the fabric, you can create definition while keeping the hardware hidden—unlike with a visible belt.

Fashion alteration expert Stephanie Triplett emphasizes, “The best thing you can do for yourself is to love your body in its current state and fill your mind with knowledge needed to make changes to your garments so that you feel most confident!”

Jacket and Blazer Modifications

Jackets and blazers are wardrobe staples but can overwhelm a petite plus size frame if they’re too long or boxy. When applying petite plus size tailoring tips to outerwear, consider adjusting jacket length to hit just above the hips or slightly lower for an ideal fit—keeping the rules of thirds in mind!

Additionally, we have shared that adjusting “the shoulders of a jacket or blazer can make a world of difference.” If shoulders are too wide or loose, it can create a sloppy appearance. Professional shoulder adjustments ensure jackets fit properly and look sharp.

Dara Stringham warns that jackets are “probably the most difficult piece to alter as making it fit your proportions will require complex re-engineering.”

Most likely shoulders will need taking in along with adjustments to the back and sides; waist adjustments will also be necessary to match your shorter waistline. For high-quality blazers, consider made-to-measure options; factoring in alteration costs often leads to superior fit at similar price points.

The Button-Down Blouse Challenge

A critical note about button-down blouses and larger bustlines: Larger busts combined with shorter frames often lead to gaping in the bust area due to poor button placement. This area requires special attention because button-downs cannot easily be let out or altered in this region.

While double-sided tape can prevent gaping, it may seem cumbersome. Purchasing ill-fitting clothes that cannot be altered leads to disappointment and body bashing. When buying button-downs, I prioritize finding proper fit in the bust area first; generally speaking, other areas can be adjusted.

As one alterations expert shares: “Since I have a short torso and narrow shoulders, off-the-rack shirts sized for my shoulders inevitably produce gapping problems; those I’ve tried buying to fit my bust look like circus tents through shoulders and arms!” Understanding which alterations are possible—and which aren’t—is crucial.

Shoulder Adjustments for Proper Proportion

An often-overlooked aspect of petite plus size tailoring tips involves shoulder adjustments. Many petite plus size women find that having their shoulders taken up ensures armholes fit correctly and allows the bust to lay properly—especially important when shoulder-to-bust distance is very short.

Professional shoulder alterations might not be worth it for every garment; however, for key pieces like structured blazers or tailored dresses—and investment coats—the difference is transformative. This adjustment ensures that garments hang correctly from their proper starting point.

Know What Can’t Be Altered

Understanding limitations is just as vital as knowing possibilities. Style expert Imogen Lamport explains: “Tailoring refers to garments custom-fitted for wearers; since they’re custom-fit they look really good on those they were made for.” Alterations focus on more specific changes.

Here are some petite plus size tailoring tips on what typically cannot be altered successfully:

• Button-down blouses in the bust area (buy to fit bust)
• Garments with intricate hem details or embellishments
• Pieces requiring more than two size reductions (often costlier than buying correct size)
• Items with complex engineering like tailored jackets (consider made-to-measure instead)
• Structured pieces where proportions would be thrown off entirely

Smart Shopping Strategies

The best petite plus size tailoring tips begin before you even reach the tailor. When shopping look for pieces fitting areas hardest or most expensive to alter. Custom clothing expert Sumissura notes: “Each garment is tailor-made ensuring flawless fit enhancing your unique silhouette and personal style.”

For everyday shopping:

• Buy items fitting your bust and shoulders; these are expensive to alter
• Accept hems will need adjustment; this is cheap and easy
• Look for styles with adjustable waists or belts
• Select fabrics able to handle alterations (avoid delicate fabrics if new to tailoring)
• Invest in a good tailor; build rapport as they’ll learn your proportions

DIY vs. Professional Alterations

Some petite plus size tailoring tips you can manage yourself; others require professional help. For quick fixes like temporary hem adjustments fashion tape or iron-on tape work well.

If you cannot get your piece tailored immediately but need adjustments yourself: depending on fabric you can always do quick stitches use fashion tape or even iron-on tape designed for clothing holding longer than fashion tape!

However for permanent alterations on quality pieces professional tailoring is worth every penny spent. The difference between a $60 blazer tailored perfectly versus $600 blazer not fitting right? The $60 wins every time.

Making Petite Plus Size Tailoring Work for You

Mastering these petite plus size tailoring tips transforms your entire approach towards fashion . Instead of feeling frustrated by ill-fitting clothes , you’ll shop strategically knowing exactly what can be adjusted while understanding what needs perfect fitting from start .

The goal isn’t perfection… it’s confidence . When clothes fit properly , you show up differently . You move through world assuredly wearing garments honoring unique proportions .

These petite plus size tailoring tips serve as roadmap towards wardrobe working effectively for your body under 5’4” plus . Start with one alteration ; build from there .

And remember : your body isn’t problem . Industry’s one-size-fits-all approach is . With smart tailoring strategies , take control .

What Are Your Go-To Alterations? And Tips?

Do you have clothing altered regularly ? What are most common alterations ? Share your petite plus size tailoring tips in comments… experience might help another fellow plus-size petite woman finally achieve perfect fit !