As a petite and plus size woman, I rarely ever find skirts, pants, or dresses that fit me the way they were designed to fit the average person. Almost very time I make a purchase, I’m making alterations. And being a plus size woman makes finding clothing that fits a short figure even harder as most petite sizes don’t go above a size 12. However, there have been some plus size brands who have come out with “short” and petite sizing, like Universal Standard.
When Universal Standard first launched a couple of years ago, I struggled to find myself fitting their style. But recently, I have been drawn to the brand for finding high-quality, well-fitting statement work outfits. Universal Standard recently opened a 1:1 studio in Chicago’s West Loop, which has gotten me even further acquainted with the brand. When these Petite Tresa Wide Leg Pants were debuted, I asked my fave stylist at Universal Standard if the pants came in petites and if I could stop by the studio to try them on. Sure enough, he had the pants and they fit like a glove. Since I purchased these plus size petite wide leg pants, I have worn them to a work event, speaking engagement, around the office, and I also wore them to a Ralph Lauren event where I was in the same room as Kanye West. Can you tell how crazy I am about these pants? (THEY WERE KANYE WORTHY)! The pants also come in a brown/ caramel color, and they are also very elegant. I almost always pair these pants with Universal Standard’s Foundation Turtleneck in black, but I hope to pair the pants with more sweaters and maybe edgy crop tops in the summer.
I am always on the hunt for petite plus size options because like me, you all are also curvy and petite! And yes, before anyone asks, you can absolutely be petite and plus size. Most times, people assume that petite women are thin and short. However, seeing as the average woman is a size 16 or 18—which is plus size—and she also stands under 5’4—which is petite—it’s safe to say that the average woman is actually petite AND plus size. While most plus size clothing is made for taller women, I expect that many more plus size brands will begin adding petite sizing options to cater to the average woman. But kudos to Universal Standard for their early adoption of petite plus.
SIZING INFO: I am wearing a size M (18-20) in both the Petite Tresa Wide Leg Pants and Foundation Turtleneck, which is my usual size, and both garments fit me perfectly. Please note that I am wearing the petite size in the wide leg pants!
