I don't perceive it that way. You don't want the fabric to cling around the belly area, that’s all. I’ll post pictures on a separate blog entry. Shorter tops seem to cut a long leg line. The right top will not add bulk. Volume is a different story.

It is hard for me to find tops that will go all the way down to 1-3" from crotch.
I just measured and I am 26" from collar bone at bottom of neck to the crotch seam in my workout pants. That doesn't seem unusual does it? So many tops hit me at the top of the hips and look tacky there.
I am the same one who has trouble because one piece swim suits are made too short.
I wonder what is normal measurement for a 5'8" woman from collarbone to crotch seam?

Hi San, that's not unusual don't worry! I've just measured myself and also got 26" and to make the matters worse I'm actually 5'6"! I can never find one piece swim suit as well, tucked in shirts never stay tucked and a bodysuit which looks like button-down shirt I bought for tucked in purpose actually hurts (sadly I discovered that after wearing it for a full day).
There are longer tops out there, at least i find them, you just have to look and try, try and try, as annoying as it may be.

I also measure 25 -26 inches (or there abouts depending how you interpret crotch point), and I’m 5 ft 6 too. You should have NO trouble finding tops at the right length. My 5ft 11 clients have no trouble either.

It’s the shorter top for skirts that are harder to find at the moment. Cropped cardigans are a good solution.

San, I also measure about 26"-27" from collarbone to crotch point, and I'm only 5'3"! I basically have feet attached directly to my hip bones. :D

I don't have problems finding tops that are long enough, either. I do sometimes have problems with tucked in shirts coming untucked, but that has become less problematic since I switched to higher rise pants and jeans.

Where do you usually shop, and what sorts of tops are you looking for? Maybe we could recommend some that have been long enough for us, if you want.

On the blog entry today Tanya brought up a good point about petite shirts being short enough for skirts. I hadn't thought about that before. You may have to go up a size or two, and not every style will work for everyone, but it might be worth a try.

Thanks Angie...I'm assuming you're referring to the empire waist tops that flow over the body like the one below?

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses

And for some extra warmth (for an air-conditioned office) I could do a cropped, or some kind of cardigan?

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses

Now what kind of tops would you suggest for the cooler months? I'm not picturing longer sweaters. . . . Could you post pictures on how a shorter top would cut the leg line? (Sorry for all the questions, but I've learned SOOOOOOOO much from you - I think I'm addicted to your website!!!!!:)

Not necessarily. That’s a baby doll top. Other tops can be straight and fitted, just not clingy.

A cardi is a good idea. Yes! I shall post an entry next week. Thanks for the compliment (blushing).

Ack, I'm also 26-27 and I'm only 5'0"!!!!

That's so bizarre... because I can't really wear tops that aren't petite. For example basic GAP and Banana Republic tee shirts: the xs regular fits way too long - and the neckline dips too low on me. The xs petite OTOH fits perfectly.

I do like shorter tops with pants because I think it makes my legs look longer. But yes I will wear them to just about 1 inch above crotch point too. There's a range.

Could someone define the crotch point for me? I find there is a sweet spot for shirt length (like knee length but it might be the same for everybody). For pants I think mine is about 3 inches below my hip bone and for skirts it's definitely right at the hip bone.

Sorry to cause such a stir with woman of different heights measuring the 26". I am 5'8" but I should clarify that I am also flat as a board on all sides so the tape measure did not have anywhere to go but straight down (except for the curve to the seam line at crotch of workout pants) This is probably not a standard pattern makers place of measurement. Could be many different variations in curves of women.
I shop at Nordstrom's and the shirts that I am thinking of that are to short are the Foxcroft 'fitted' button down and the Caslon tee for layering. I just want to stretch them down a few inches.

Oh my gosh, I feel like such a freak. I measured to the longest possible interpretation of crotch point and it's only 21"! I am at work so all I have is a straight ruler though. Maybe a measuring tape will add an inch or two. I hope so!

I have a few sweaters that are too short for pants though. Wonder what they would fit like on all the 26-27" torsos here. Maybe they were meant to be cropped for layering.

I measured from shoulder to crotch - the tape measure angled so it ran between my breasts and did keep straight. That was 26-27. I also measured from nape of neck straight down, that was closer to 23-24.

I think the right way to measure - the way a tailor would - is to take the tape measure from one shoulder, loop it around the crotch, up the back, and make a complete circle with it. This is how Lands End for example determines whether you need a regular or tall or short bathing suit. I actually *just* make a regular bathing suit.

Which would make you think I'd have no problem finding tops in regular sizing, but it never works out that way. Petite tops definetly fit me much better. I think because I'm very short from shoulder to bra band.

My DH is 5'10" and when we're sitting, I'm nearly his height!!

I would think that you would want the measurement to account for curves, since the top has to go around these too.