Fit guide
Petite vs Regular Sizing: What's the Difference?
"Petite" is one of the most misunderstood words in sizing. It doesn't mean small, and it doesn't mean a size 6. It means the garment is proportioned for a shorter frame. Here's exactly how that works at MAYE.
What is petite sizing?
Petite sizing is designed around height, not body width. At MAYE, petite styles are designed for women 157cm / 5'2" and under. You can be petite and any size, which is why our petites use the same size labels as our standard range, from 3XS (AU 4).
What changes in a MAYE petite?
Every MAYE petite is re-proportioned, not just taken up at the hem. Depending on the style, that means changes to:
- Bodice length, so the waist seam sits at your natural waist.
- Skirt length, so the hem lands where the style was designed to sit.
- Skirt width, on fuller styles, so the silhouette stays balanced rather than wide and short.
Your size stays the same. The table below shows exactly what changes on each style.
Petite vs regular: real style comparisons
| Style | Petite vs regular length | What's re-proportioned |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Denim Shirtdress | 11cm shorter | Bodice length, skirt length, skirt width |
| Jagger Chambray Dress | 11cm shorter | Bodice length, skirt length |
| Cara Denim Midi Skirt | 11cm shorter | Skirt length, skirt width |
| Jasmine Shirtdress | About 10cm / 4" shorter | Bodice length, skirt length |
| Chloe Midi Dress | About 10cm shorter | Bodice length, skirt length |
| Harper Denim Dress | 9cm shorter | Bodice length, skirt length, skirt width |
Lengths are the total difference between the petite and the standard version of each style, taken from each product page.
Who should choose petite?
- You're 157cm / 5'2" or under.
- Standard dresses tend to sit low at the waist on you, or midis reach your ankle.
- You often have dresses taken up at the hem.
If you're just over 157cm, it comes down to preference. If you like a midi to sit a little higher, petite may suit you; if you like a longer line, the regular version may be the better choice.
How to read a MAYE petite product page
- Length difference: listed in the product details, for example "11cm shorter than the standard Montana".
- Photos: many petite pages show the standard version, and the product notes say so.
- Fit: some styles run true to size and some, like the Rumi and Chloe, run large. Check the fit note on each style.
- Size guide: see our size guide for AU, US and UK conversions.
Shop all petite dresses and clothing, or read where to buy petite dresses in Australia.
