Petites

Developed by fashion designer Hannah Troy in the 1940s, Petite sizing is designed for people who are 5'4" and under.

In the 1940s, Butterick developed special patterns for Women under 5'5", they were called "Shorter Length" pattern and featured an S after the pattern number (e.g. Butterick 4198-S). Butterick precised "Caution: if you are under 5’5’’ but do not find necessary to shorten Standard length patterns from neckline to waistline, do not purchase Shorter length patterns as they are one inch shorter than Standard length patterns from neckline to waistline." (from Butterick Pattern Book, Fall 1947). In 1948 the inscription was changed to "Special Length".