Petite vs. Women's Average vs. Tall: what actually changes
Petite, Women's Average and Tall change length, not width — body measurements stay the same and only the garment's proportions shift.
What Petite, Women's Average and Tall actually change
Petite, average and tall change length, not width. On Woman Within knit pants the women's inseam runs 30 inches, 28 petite, 26 petite short and 33 tall; the Perfect Tee runs 28 inches regular and 26 petite. The waist, hip, and body measurements a size is built on stay identical across all three — only the vertical proportions move.
That distinction matters because a garment that's simply chopped off at the hem fits worse than one that's re-proportioned. On a well-built petite or tall style, the waist seam, rise, and sleeve end move too, so a sleeve still lands at the elbow instead of past the wrist, and a waistband still sits at the waist instead of riding low. Length changes; where the garment's details fall on your body changes with it.
Compare the length differences across best-selling styles
The table below shows how each length option changes five of our top sellers. Numbers come directly from each style's product specs, so use them to compare against your own measurement, not your height alone.
Not every style offers every length — the Perfect Tee, for example, comes in regular and petite but not tall. Always check a style's own Size Chart before you order, and browse Woman Within's full range across our best-selling styles.
| Style | Average / Women's | Petite | Petite Short | Tall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Straight-Leg Knit Pant | 30" inseam | 28" inseam | 26" inseam | 33" inseam |
| Perfect Tee | 28" length | 26" length | — | — |
| Gap-Free Jeans | 30" inseam | 28" inseam | — | 34" inseam |
| Stretch-Cotton Knit Pull-On Leggings | 28" inseam | 26" inseam | — | 31" inseam |
| Button-Front Knit Dress | 48" length | 46" length | 44" length | — |
Which length to choose
Match the length to your own measurement, not to your height bracket. Two women at the same height often need different lengths depending on where they carry it.
- Choose Average/Women's if your inseam or garment length matches the average spec within about an inch.
- Choose Petite if you're consistently ordering a length or two shorter, or a regular hem needs shortening every time.
- Choose Petite Short where it's offered, if even the petite length still runs long — it trims further, as on the 7-Day Straight-Leg Knit Pant and the Button-Front Knit Dress.
- Choose Tall if a regular hem consistently lands above where you want it, or you need more rise and sleeve length along with the extra inches.
If you're between two lengths, pick the one that puts the hem where you actually want it to fall, not the one that matches your height category on paper.
How to measure so you order the right length
Measure the garment you already own that fits the way you want, then compare that number to the stated spec — that's more reliable than measuring your body.
- Lay a well-fitting pair of pants flat and measure the inseam from the crotch seam to the hem.
- For a top or dress, measure the garment length from the shoulder seam straight down to the hem.
- Compare that number to the average, petite, petite short, or tall spec listed on the style you want.
- Pick whichever length option comes closest to your number, and size up in the waist if you're between two waist sizes rather than compromising on length.
Our knit pants, jeans, and casual dresses all list their length specs by option on the product page, so you can run this comparison before you order rather than after the package arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Is petite only a length difference?
Yes, on body measurements: waist, hip, and bust stay the same across average, petite, and tall. What changes is where the garment's length and vertical details — hem, rise, sleeve end — fall on your body.
What height is petite?
We don't set a height cutoff for petite. Compare your own inseam or garment length to each style's stated petite spec instead of relying on a height range to decide.
What is petite short?
Petite short is a further-trimmed length offered on select styles, like the 7-Day Straight-Leg Knit Pant (26" inseam) and the Button-Front Knit Dress (44" length), for shoppers who find even the petite length long.
Should I order petite if I'm 5'2"?
Measure first. Two shoppers at the same height often need different lengths, so compare your own inseam or garment length to the stated spec rather than choosing petite by height alone.