Shopping when Petite

I spent a lot of time last month searching for the perfect raincoat since I knew I was unprepared for the rainy days ahead. All I had was a black anorak from Target that was a size too small and, while it said water-resistant on the tag, got soaked through pretty quick. But shopping for petite sizes is really tough. I still don’t understand why so few styles are made in petite sizes when the average American woman is 5’4″.  That has to mean there’s a bunch of us under the 5’3″ that is the cutoff for petite sizing, right? But alas, the search took time and effort.

I had made a big order from Macy’s during a sale because they had a good selection of coats that were weather-resistant, stylish, and in petite sizing. But they all had to go back. It is frustrating when you order the petite size and the sleeves are all too long and the waistlines hit too low. The sizing is usually off too. I bought everything in a medium-petite and some coats were too tight and others I was drowning in.

It wasn’t my only attempt, though. I tried various juniors sections, but the quality didn’t match the price and the sizing was still off. I also looked at many other online stores that offered petite sizing, but most didn’t carry their weather-ready coats in petites. I thought I might be looking too early, but that couldn’t be if all the department stores had whole sections of coats and jackets on display.

I ended up at Nordstrom one day. I had already browsed their online options, and was ready to order a few to try them out. Since I was near the store I thought I’d stop in first to see what they had to offer.

I’ll be honest, from first glance it wasn’t much. I was so sad to see a sea of weather-appropriate things, but none in petite sizes. And in the petite section there were only a few options that already looked pretty picked over. I was ready to give up for the day when a sales associate offered her help. I accepted it, though I was sure she would find nothing in the racks I had already browsed. I was wrong though! She picked four things and set me up in a fitting room to try them out.

Three of them were not quite right, but one wasn’t half bad. The sleeves were still too long and I was definitely between sizes, but the cut was good for my body shape and fit my style. If only it fit just a bit better.

Now, I did know that Nordstrom did alterations, but I’ve always thought they would be too expensive. What I didn’t know what that with full price purchases they were included, which I was made aware of when I voiced my concerns to the girl helping me. Suddenly someone was there making adjustments, and a week later I picked up a tailored raincoat. I don’t think I’ve ever had a jacket where the sleeves fit me just right! It’s a new experience, for sure.

While I’m usually on the lookout for a bargain, sometimes it’s okay to give in and get something at full price. Some things are necessary, and it is better to have something of quality, with the right fit and that will last, over the latest fashions. I’m hoping this jacket will take me through the season and into future ones.

Have you ever had trouble finding something in the right fit that you really needed? How did your search resolve?

raincoat: nordstrom // blouse: ann taylor // skirt: loft outlet // tights: asos // boots: nordstrom // bag: kate spade ny via nordstrom rack