The Evolution of Petite Fashion: From Hannah Troy to DEWEY

While the conversation around inclusive sizing feels relatively modern, petite fashion’s rich history actually began in the 1940s. Hannah Troy, a US fashion designer known for her elegant and timeless designs, noticed that many women struggled to find well-fitting clothes in standard sizes. Studying military women's measurements from WWII, Troy’s investigations would reveal that only 8% of women would fit the standard sizing. Her research discovered that many women were “short in the waist,” highlighting a common issue in the fashion industry that persists to this day.

In response, Troy created her own line of clothing, Troyfigure, with adjustments specifically for shorter women. This range, celebrated for its impeccable fit and luxurious textiles, was a huge success and marked the first official recognition of petite sizing in fashion. Troyfigure’s popularity demonstrated the immense demand for inclusive sizing, making more women feel represented in the fashion industry.

Petite Fashion: Beyond Hannah Troy

While Hannah Troy’s innovations were groundbreaking, the evolution of petite fashion didn’t stop with her. Her designs laid the groundwork for the idea that fashion should accommodate people, not the other way around. However, over time, the fashion industry’s approach to petite sizing often evolved in isolation from Troy’s original vision.

Many designers and brands have started offering petite ranges, but these often fall short of addressing the specific needs of people who are 5’0” and under. Petite clothing is traditionally designed for those who are 5'4" or shorter, yet the needs of those on the lower end of this range remain underserved. Brands offering "short" and "long" leg-length options still often miss the mark for women who measure closer to 5'0" - or shorter - leading to a lack of truly well-fitting clothing for this demographic.

Body Positivity and the Plus-Size Movement: A Shared Evolution

The rise of the body positivity movement, championed by the plus-size community, has brought attention to the need for inclusivity in all aspects of fashion. Initially focused on promoting acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes, the movement now challenges traditional beauty standards in the fashion industry as a whole, advocating for representation across height and body type.

Yet, while plus-size clothing has seen considerable advancements in recent years, petite fashion remains comparatively overlooked, particularly for shorter individuals with varying body shapes.

DEWEY: Leading the Charge for Extra Petite Inclusivity

This is where DEWEY steps up. Founded by Chamiah Dewey, we are revolutionising petite fashion by focusing exclusively on individuals 5ft and under. Unlike many existing petite ranges that merely scale down standard sizes, Chamiah has designed clothing specifically for shorter proportions, ensuring a better fit without the need for costly alterations.

Additionally, DEWEY goes further by addressing the often-overlooked needs of short-statured individuals who may also have accessibility challenges. This focus represents a groundbreaking shift for people otherwise neglected by mainstream fashion, creating clothing that not only fits but empowers.

By adding the “extra” to “petite” ranges, DEWEY ensures that more people can participate in the latest fashion trends with fashion that fits.  At DEWEY we are building a new body positive movement for all individuals measuring 5ft and under - join the Extra Petite Movement and share this story with everyone who beleives in inclusive fashion for all.