Plus Size Petite Tops: What Length to Look For
Petite Plus tops run about 2" shorter in the body (29" Petite vs 31" Regular). Tunics should reach mid-hip to upper thigh, shorter if you're under 5'4".
If tops land at your lower thigh and need hemming by inches, shop by body length, not just size. Most of our best-selling blouses, tees and tunics come in a petite length that's 1–2" shorter than regular, and many add a petite short length that trims another inch or more.
What is petite length in tops?
Petite length is the same size and fit, cut shorter from shoulder to hem. On our best-selling blouses, Regular is 31" long and Petite is 29". Petite Short goes further, to 27–28", for women 5'0" and under.
Here's how the lengths compare on styles you'll find across our blouses, tees and tunics:
That 4" gap between a Regular and Petite Short Cafe Blouse is exactly the amount shoppers tell us they've been hemming off. Choosing the right length up front skips the alterations.
| Style | Regular | Petite | Petite Short |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Timeless Blouse | 31" | 29" | 28" |
| Georgette Buttonfront Tie Sleeve Cafe Blouse | 31" | 29" | 27" |
| Breezeway Georgette Blouse | 31" | 29" | Not offered |
| Suprema® V-Neck Tees (3/4 and short sleeve) | 30" | 29" | 27.5" |
| Easy Fit V-Neck Tunics (3/4 and short sleeve) | 34" | 32" | Not offered |
Petite or Petite Short: which length fits you?
Go by height. If you're 5'1" to 5'4", Petite styles will fit you best. If you're 5'0" or under, Petite Short is even more tailored to you, landing an extra 1–2" higher than petite.
- Over 5'4": Regular length.
- 5'1"–5'4": Petite, sized 0XWP–3XWP on the styles here.
- 5'0" and under: Petite Short, where offered. Our Catherines Timeless Blouse and Cafe Blouse both come in 0XWPS–3XWPS.
Height is a starting point. If you're long-waisted or short-waisted, the measuring check below will fine-tune your choice.
How long should a tunic be on a short person?
Match the hem to your bottoms: a tunic should reach your hip, or just below, with pants, and your upper thigh with leggings. On a petite frame, aim for the shorter end of that range so your legs stay in proportion.
- With pants or jeans: a hip-length hem keeps your lines balanced. A blouse or tee often does this job better than a long tunic.
- With leggings: upper-thigh length gives coverage without swallowing your frame.
- Too long: if the hem reaches mid-thigh or lower, the tunic will shorten your legs visually. Size into petite length instead.
Our Easy Fit 3/4 sleeve V-neck tunic is designed with a longer length for coverage: 34" Regular, 32" Petite. That makes the Petite the better match for leggings when you're under 5'4". Both it and the Easy Fit short sleeve V-neck tunic run large, so size down if you're between sizes.
How do I check a top's length before I buy?
Measure a top you already love, then compare that number with the length listed on the product page. It takes two minutes and removes the guesswork.
- Lay your best-fitting top flat and smooth it out.
- Measure from the highest point of the shoulder, next to the collar, straight down to the hem.
- Note whether you wear it with pants or leggings, since your ideal length differs for each.
- Compare with the regular, petite and petite short lengths listed in each product description, and pick the one closest to your number.
Every style in this guide lists its lengths right in the description, so you can see the difference before you order.
What if the sleeves are too long?
Choose 3/4 or short sleeves, or cuffs you can adjust. Shoppers often find that a regular-length top is long in both the body and the sleeves, so sleeve style matters as much as body length.
- Roll-tab cuffs: the Breezeway Georgette Blouse has 3/4 sleeves with roll-tab cuffs, so you can set the sleeve where you like it.
- Button cuffs: the Timeless Blouse pairs 3/4 sleeves with button cuffs for a neat finish at the forearm.
- Tie sleeves: the Georgette Buttonfront Tie Sleeve Cafe Blouse has 3/4 sleeves with tie details that gather the sleeve end.
- Short sleeves: the Suprema® V-neck tee in its short sleeve version takes sleeve length off the table entirely.
Which tops come in Petite and Petite Short?
Most of our best-sellers do. Here's what each one offers, so you can shop by the length you need.
Blouses
The Timeless Blouse is our crepe de chine classic, with a hint of stretch and a relaxed fit that skims your curves. It comes in all three lengths, down to 28" in Petite Short. The georgette Cafe Blouse floats over the body with a curved hem and side slits, and its 27" Petite Short is the shortest in this guide. The Breezeway Georgette Blouse offers Regular and Petite. Browse the full range of petite plus blouses for more.
Tees
The Suprema® 3/4 sleeve V-neck tee is made from our soft Suprema® stretch-cotton that holds its color wash after wash. It comes in Regular (30"), Petite (29") and Petite Short (27.5"), as does the short sleeve version. Find more everyday plus size tees to layer under blouses.
Tunics
Easy Fit tunics in 100% cotton come in regular and petite, both with side slits for easy movement. Pair them with leggings or knit pants, or explore more plus size tunics.
Ready to find your length? Shop plus size tops in petite and petite short. We Fit You Beautifully® at Catherines, from shoulder to hem.
Frequently asked questions
What do WP and WPS mean on a size tag?
WP marks Petite Plus sizes and WPS marks Petite Short plus sizes. On the Timeless Blouse, for example, Petite runs 0XWP–3XWP and Petite Short runs 0XWPS–3XWPS, while Regular runs 0X–6X.
Do Petite Plus tops come in every size?
Not always. Each style lists its own span. The blouses, tees and tunics in this guide offer Petite in 0XWP–3XWP, while their Regular lengths run 0X–6X, so check the product page for your size.
Can I just hem a regular-length blouse instead?
You can, but a curved hem with side slits is hard to shorten cleanly, and hemming won't change where the sleeves or bust darts sit. Starting in a petite length usually saves the tailoring.
Should I size down in an Easy Fit tunic?
Easy Fit tunics are cut generously and run large, so size down if you're between sizes. Choose Petite length separately; it shortens the body to 32" without changing the relaxed fit.