Looking at fashion magazines and style blogs, glancing at window displays or going shopping these days could lead one to believe that petite size women – defined as 5’5” and under -- are few and far between. An insignificant minority, it is safe to assume. (Many models are at least 5’9” or taller and the ‘average’ size store mannequin is 6’ tall.)
That assumption is wrong, wrong, and, by the way, it is incorrect.
In fact, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average height of an adult woman in the United States is 5’3”. By comparison, woman 5’8” and over are only 3.9% on the population. What’s more, the petite population has an annual growth rate of 8.6%, as our average citizen becomes shorter. (It is interesting to note that a century ago the average American female was the fourth tallest in the world, while she now measures in at number 42.)
Here’s another thing. Petite women come in all shapes and sizes, which is certainly not evident when shopping in petite departments that are typically just a fraction of the store if there is one at all.
Adding insult to injury, standard women’s apparel is designed for women that are at least 5’5”, and in the range from 5’5’ to 5’9” or taller.
Consider one more important component. Study after study has shown that when working out, training, competing, or even walking on the beach, the fit of our sportswear impacts our performance. It needs to fit just right, with the right amount of support, give, and stretch. The right apparel has a profound effect on us, both physically and psychologically.
That is where Spitfire Petite comes in. We believe that every woman should have easy access to fashionable athletic wear that fits!! Petite women deserve the high-performance, multi-functional activewear that supports our fitness regiments, our leisure activities, and our on-the-go lifestyles. We believe that classy, simple and sexy, fun and functional athletic wear should always be within reach so that you can look and be your best!!
Petite women ROCK and here at Spitfire, we are all about #PetitePower!
Let us know what you are looking for in your petite activewear! We really do want to hear from you.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/body-measurements.htm
https://www.verywell.com/average-height-for-a-woman-statistics-2632136
https://www.quora.com/What-does-petite-mean-in-clothing-sizes
http://thesportjournal.org/article/perceptions-of-running-performance-the-role-of-clothing-fit/
http://www.refinery29.com/store-mannequins-womens-body-shape