Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Petite Aesthetics, our research-backed approach, and activewear designed specifically for petite women.
General & Brand
Sizing & Fit
Products
Technology
Quizzes
Shipping & Returns
General & Brand
General & Brand Questions
Learn about our mission, research, and commitment to the petite community
What is Petite Aesthetics and what makes you different?
Petite Aesthetics is the first activewear brand designed specifically for petite women based on Cornell University research. Unlike other brands that simply shorten regular sizes, we create entirely new proportions for petite bodies.
What makes us unique:
- Research-backed design based on study of 1,600+ petite women
- 4 distinct petite body types identified and designed for
- 3D body scanning technology for perfect fit
- Founded by Natalie, a petite woman who experienced these struggles firsthand
- Complete wellness approach: fitness, nutrition, and activewear
When will Petite Aesthetics launch?
Official Launch Date: August 4, 2025
We’re currently in our pre-launch phase, building our community and gathering feedback. Early access will be available 48 hours before the public launch for waitlist members.
Join our waitlist to get:
- 48-hour early access to shop
- 25% off launch pricing
- Personalized sizing recommendations
- Exclusive community access
What research is Petite Aesthetics based on?
Our designs are based on a groundbreaking 2016 Cornell University study by Kim, Song & Ashdown that analyzed the body measurements of over 1,600 petite women
Key Research Findings:
- 70% of petite women are poorly served by current sizing standards
- 4 distinct petite body types exist (not just one)
- Industry sizing only represents one body type adequately
- Bottom Petite (31%) is the largest underserved group
This scientific foundation ensures our activewear actually fits the diversity of real petite bodies, not assumptions.
Who is the founder and why did she start this brand?
Hi! I’m Natalie, a 5’2″ fitness enthusiast who started Petite Aesthetics after years of frustration with ill-fitting activewear.
My Story:
As someone who loves working out, I was constantly dealing with sports bras that didn’t support properly, leggings that bunched at the ankles, and workout tops that made me look like I was wearing my older sister’s clothes. I realized the problem wasn’t with my body—it was with the industry.
When I discovered the Cornell research showing that 70% of petite women face these same struggles, I knew I had to create a solution. Petite Aesthetics isn’t just a business for me—it’s personal. Every piece we design comes from my own experience and the experiences of thousands of women in our community.
Do you only serve women 5’4″ and under?
While we specialize in petite sizing (5’4″ and under), we welcome anyone who relates to petite fit struggles!
Our Community Includes:
- Standard Petite: 5’2″ – 5’4″
- Extra Petite: 5’2″ and under
- Petite-Adjacent: 5’5″ women who experience similar fit issues
- All Body Types: We design for 4 distinct petite body types, not just one
If you struggle with proportions, lengths, or finding activewear that fits your frame properly, you’re part of our community regardless of your exact height.
Sizing & Fit
Sizing & Fit Questions
Understanding petite sizing and how our revolutionary approach works
What are the 4 petite body types?
Based on Cornell University research, petite women fall into 4 distinct body types, each requiring different fit solutions:
The 4 Petite Body Types:
- Top Petite (30%): Fuller bust/shoulders, narrower hips
- Bottom Petite (31%): Fuller hips/thighs, smaller bust – most underserved!
- Regular Petite (24%): Proportionate but petite scale
- Plus Size Petite (15%): Larger sizes in petite proportions – most ignored
Take our Body Type Quiz to discover which type you are and get personalized styling advice!
How is your sizing different from regular “petite” sizes
Most brands simply shorten regular sizes and call them “petite.” We create entirely new proportions.
Traditional “Petite” Sizing:
- Shortens inseams and sleeves only
- Keeps regular shoulder width, torso length, rise
- One-size-fits-all approach
- Doesn’t account for body type differences
Petite Aesthetics True Petite Sizing:
- Adjusts shoulder width for petite frames
- Modifies torso length and arm holes
- Creates proper rise and waist placement
- Different patterns for each of the 4 body types
- Uses 3D scanning data for precision
What sizes will you offer?
We’re committed to serving ALL petite women, which means inclusive sizing across all body types.
Planned Size Range:
- Sports Bras: 30A – 40DD+ (in petite proportions)
- Leggings: XXS – 3XL (with proper petite inseams)
- Tops: XXS – 3XL (adjusted for petite torso lengths)
Each size is specifically graded for petite proportions, not just scaled down from regular sizes. Plus Size Petite options will be available from launch because we believe every petite woman deserves proper fit.
How do I know what size to order?
We provide multiple tools to ensure you get the perfect fit:
1. Body Type Quiz: Identifies your petite body type and provides general sizing guidance
2. 3D Body Scanner: Use your phone camera for precise measurements and size recommendations
3. Detailed Size Charts: Petite-specific measurements for each product
4. Fit Finder Tool: Combines quiz results with measurements for personalized recommendations
5. Customer Support: Our team can help with sizing questions based on your measurements
What if nothing fits me properly? Will your clothes actually work?
I completely understand this concern—I felt the same way after years of disappointing purchases!
Why Our Approach Works:
- Based on scientific research, not guesswork
- Designed by someone who shares your struggles
- Tested with 100+ petite women during development
- 4 different patterns for 4 different body types
- 3D scanning technology for precision
Our Fit Guarantee:
We’re so confident in our fit that we offer a 60-day fit guarantee. If it doesn’t fit better than anything you’ve tried before, return it for a full refund—even if you’ve worn it to the gym.
Products
Product Questions
Details about our activewear collection and what’s coming at launch
What products will be available at launch?
Launch Collection (August 4, 2025):
Priority Focus: Sports Bras – The most requested item from our community
- Light, medium, and high support options
- Wireless and underwire styles
- Designed for each of the 4 body types
- Proper lift and support for petite torsos
Also Launching:
- Leggings: High-waisted, 7/8 length perfect for petite inseams
- Workout Tops: Tank tops and t-shirts with proper proportions
- Coordinating Sets: Mix-and-match pieces that actually work together
Coming Soon After Launch: Gym jackets, shorts, and seasonal collections
What materials and features do your clothes have?
We prioritize performance, comfort, and sustainability in all our pieces.
Fabric Technology:
- Moisture-wicking: Quick-dry technology for intense workouts
- 4-way stretch: Moves with your body without losing shape
- Squat-proof: No see-through worries, ever
- Anti-microbial: Stays fresh longer between washes
- Sustainable materials: Recycled fibers where possible
Petite-Specific Features:
- Reinforced seams in stress points
- Proper compression for smaller frames
- Seamless construction where needed
- Tag-less labels for comfort
- Phone pockets sized for petite proportions
How do I care for my Petite Aesthetics activewear?
Proper care ensures your activewear maintains its fit and performance:
Washing Instructions:
- Machine wash cold (30°C or below)
- Turn garments inside out before washing
- Use mild detergent, avoid fabric softener
- Wash with similar colors
- Remove immediately after wash cycle
Drying Instructions:
- Air dry flat or hang to dry
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Never use dryer or high heat
- Do not iron or dry clean
What colors and styles will be available?
Our aesthetic is sophisticated, versatile, and designed to make you feel confident.
Color Palette:
- Core Neutrals: Black, white, charcoal, soft grey
- Signature Colors: Dusty rose, sage green, navy
- Accent Colors: Coral, lavender, champagne
- Seasonal Drops: Limited edition colors throughout the year
Design Philosophy:
- Timeless pieces that won’t go out of style
- Mix-and-match versatility
- Flattering cuts for each body type
- Professional enough for athleisure wear
- Details that enhance petite proportions
Will you expand beyond activewear?
Activewear is just the beginning! Our long-term vision includes a complete petite lifestyle brand.
Future Product Lines:
- Loungewear: Comfortable pieces for recovery days
- Swimwear: Bikinis and one-pieces with proper petite proportions
- Athleisure: Pieces that transition from gym to everyday
- Accessories: Gym bags, water bottles, yoga mats sized for petite needs
- Wellness Products: Supplements and nutrition products
We’re building this based on community feedback, so let us know what you’d love to see next!
Technology
Technology Questions
Understanding our 3D scanning technology and fit innovations
How does the 3D body scanning work?
Our 3D body scanning technology uses your smartphone camera to create precise measurements for perfect fit recommendations.
How It Works:
- Use your iPhone or Android camera (no special app download needed)
- Stand in front of your phone in form-fitting clothes
- Follow simple prompts to capture your body shape
- AI technology maps your measurements
- Get instant size recommendations for each product
What It Measures:
- Bust, waist, and hip circumferences
- Torso length and shoulder width
- Inseam and rise preferences
- Body type classification
- Proportional relationships
Is the 3D scanning accurate? How do I know it will work?
Our 3D scanning technology is professionally developed and extensively tested for accuracy.
Accuracy Standards:
- ±1cm accuracy for key measurements
- Tested with over 500 petite women during development
- Validates against professional fitting measurements
- Continuous learning improves accuracy over time
Quality Checks:
- Multiple angle capture for verification
- AI flags potential measurement errors
- Option to retake scan if needed
- Manual measurement backup option available
Do I need to download an app or create an account?
No app download required! Our 3D scanning works directly through your web browser.
Easy Access:
- Works on any modern smartphone browser
- No app store downloads or permissions needed
- Instant access through our website
- Compatible with iPhone and Android devices
Account Benefits:
While scanning doesn’t require an account, creating one saves your:
- Scan results and size recommendations
- Quiz results and body type information
- Wishlist and purchase history
- Personalized fit preferences
What if I don’t have a smartphone or don’t want to use the scanner?
No problem! We provide multiple ways to get accurate sizing:
Alternative Sizing Methods:
- Traditional Measurements: Detailed measurement guides with photos
- Body Type Quiz: General sizing guidance based on fit preferences
- Size Charts: Comprehensive charts for each product
- Fit Consultation: One-on-one sizing help via email or chat
- Comparison Tool: Compare to brands that fit you well
Will the technology work for all body types and sizes?
Absolutely! Our technology is specifically designed to work for ALL petite women, regardless of size or body type.
Inclusive Technology:
- Calibrated for all 4 petite body types
- Works for XXS through 3XL sizing
- Accounts for different proportional relationships
- Trained on diverse data sets
- Continuously improved based on real customer feedback
Special Considerations:
- Plus Size Petite measurements handled with extra care
- Asymmetrical bodies accommodated
- Post-pregnancy body changes considered
- Age-related fit preferences included
Quizzes
Quiz Questions
Everything about our body type, workout, and nutrition assessments
What are the three quizzes and which should I take?
We offer three specialized quizzes to help you understand your petite body and lifestyle needs:
1. Body Type Quiz (Most Popular)
- Identifies your Cornell research-based body type
- Provides personalized styling and shopping advice
- Essential for getting the right activewear fit
- Takes 3 minutes, 8 questions
2. Workout Quiz
- Matches you with fitness routines designed for petite bodies
- Addresses equipment modifications and energy needs
- Links workout style to activewear requirements
- Takes 5 minutes, 8 questions
3. Nutrition Quiz
- Provides petite-specific nutrition guidanc
- Addresses metabolism and portion size needs
- Includes meal planning strategies
- Takes 4 minutes, 8 questions
How accurate are the quiz results?
Our quizzes are based on scientific research and extensively tested for accuracy:
Body Type Quiz Accuracy:
- Based on peer-reviewed Cornell University research
- Validated against professional body measurements
- 93% accuracy rate in independent testing
- Cross-referenced with 3D scanning data
Workout & Nutrition Quiz Validation:
- Developed with certified fitness and nutrition professionals
- Tested with 200+ petite women
- Regularly updated based on community feedback
- Aligned with current wellness research
Do I need to provide my email to get quiz results?
Yes, we require email for results delivery, but here’s why it’s worth it:
Why We Require Email:
- Results are comprehensive (too detailed for a single page
- We send personalized follow-up content based on your results
- You get early access to our August 4th launch
- Exclusive discounts and offers for quiz takers
- Updates when new products match your recommendations
What You Get Via Email:
- Complete quiz results breakdown
- Personalized style guide PDF
- Product recommendations
- 25% off launch pricing (quiz exclusive)
- Early access 48 hours before public launch
Can I retake a quiz or change my answers?
Absolutely! We understand your needs and preferences can evolve.
Retaking Quizzes:
- Take any quiz as many times as you want
- Results are automatically updated in your account
- New results trigger updated recommendations
- Previous results are saved for comparison
When to Retake:
- Your fitness goals or preferences change
- Your body changes (pregnancy, weight changes, etc.)
- You want to explore different approaches
- You answered a question differently upon reflection
What if I don’t agree with my quiz results?
Your feedback helps us improve! If results don’t resonate, here’s what to do:
Immediate Options:
- Retake the quiz with different answers
- Review the question interpretations in your results email
- Try our other quizzes for additional insights
- Contact our team for personalized review
Common Reasons for Disagreement:
- You’re between two body types (very common!)
- Your preferences have recently changed
- You interpreted a question differently than intended
- You have unique circumstances not covered
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Everything about ordering, delivery, and our fit guarantee
Where do you ship and how much does it cost?
We ship globally because petite women everywhere deserve properly fitting activewear!
Shipping Locations:
- UK: Free shipping on orders over £50
- EU: Free shipping on orders over €75
- US & Canada: Free shipping on orders over $75
- Australia & New Zealand: Free shipping on orders over AUD $100
- Rest of World: Shipping calculated at checkout
Shipping Times:
- UK: 2-3 business days
- EU: 3-5 business days
- International: 5-10 business days
- Express Options: Available for urgent orders
What is your return policy?
We offer one of the most generous return policies in activewear because we’re confident in our fit.
60-Day Fit Guarantee
- 60 days to decide if you love the fit
- Return even if worn to the gym (hygiene limits apply)
- Full refund including original shipping
- Free return shipping (UK, EU, US, Canada)
- No restocking fees
Easy Return Process:
- Request return through your account or email
- Print prepaid return label
- Package items and send back
- Refund processed within 5 business days of receipt
What if I order the wrong size?
Don’t worry! We make sizing exchanges incredibly easy.
Free Size Exchange Program:
- Free exchanges within 60 days
- We send the new size immediately
- Return the wrong size when convenient
- No additional shipping charges
- Keep wearing while exchange processes
Sizing Support:
- Pre-order sizing consultations available
- Post-purchase fit advice if needed
- We’ll review your measurements vs. actual fit
- Use learnings to improve recommendations
Do you offer expedited shipping?
Yes! We offer several expedited shipping options for when you need your activewear fast.
Express Shipping Options:
- Next Day (UK): Order by 2 PM for next day delivery
- 2-Day Express (US/Canada): Guaranteed 2 business day delivery
- 3-Day Express (EU): Priority delivery within 3 days
- International Express: 3-5 days worldwide
Special Situations:
- Last-minute vacation needs
- Gift delivery for special occasions
- Competition or event deadlines
- Size exchange urgency
Express shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your location and urgency.
How do I track my order?
Stay updated on your order every step of the way!
Order Tracking:
- Order Confirmation: Immediate email with order details
- Processing Update: When your order is being prepared
- Shipping Notification: With tracking number and estimated delivery
- Delivery Confirmation: When your package arrives
Tracking Methods:
- Click tracking link in shipping email
- Log into your account for order status
- Check carrier website directly
- Contact our customer service for updates
Ready to Join Our Community?
Take our body type quiz to discover your petite type and get early access to our August launch!
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help! We're passionate about helping petite women find their perfect fit.