Question of petite vs reg EF sizing

AviaMariah

I decided this spring I was going to add some summer dresses to my wardrobe so I have of course totally bombed out! I am about to give up because then I might find some! Anyway...yesterday I received this EF dress in the mail. I have found that I am usually sized out on the lower end in EF dresses so I ordered a PP. This dress was absolutely perfect in most ways; drape, color (love!), fabric, fit.... except it was SO short! I am 5'2" people, this should not be a problem right? According to the description the regular size is 2" longer than the petite which may not even be enough length. My question is how does regular compare to petite in EF? Just shorter or overall smaller? If PP fit perfect, should I order a regular XS? XXS?

Nordstrom

Eileen Fisher Classic Collar Jersey Knee Length Dress

$178.00 $106.80

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

8 years ago

Shopping

8 replies

Latest reply was from Joy

carter

Veteran

I haven't tried comparing with dresses. but yesterday at Nordstrom I tried the crepe pants in a regular S and XS and a Petite Small. In the regular S vs XS, the length was really similar, but everything else was smaller. In the regular S vs petite S, everything EXCEPT the length felt the same. There was a huge difference in pants length..probably 3-4 inches. While the S were ankle length on me, the Petite S looked like a crop.

The website says there should only be a 2" difference. Not sure what that means for your dress, but at least it's a datapoint.

Nordstrom

Eileen Fisher Slim Ankle Pant (Regular & Petite)

$168.00

View Info

Top Pick

8 years ago

SandyG

Veteran

Eileen Fisher has lovely fabrics and colors but as a petite 5'1" the sizing is completely frustrating. I bought the Ballet Neck dress earlier this year in PP to function as my summer LBD, and it's true to size yet so short at 31" that I'd have to wear it as a tunic with leggings. Which is not going to happen in hot weather. Past summer EF dresses have always been a couple of inches too long so I don't know what caused this drastic change. For reference, my Calvin Klein fitted denim dress is 35" in PS and quite wearable.

The EF petite sizes are a better fit in shoulders and bust placement than a regular XS, but for length in a casual summer dress you can sacrifice the perfect fit to get the length you want. IRL the stores would be stocked with all sizes and we could try them on and choose the best, OR online shopping would list complete measurements including length for all sizes. I hope you find a great dress, good luck.

8 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I don't know the answer to this question so I am hoping others chime in to add their views. I am too afraid to try EF at all because of the sizing and the cost of returns to me in Canada.

8 years ago

AviaMariah

Veteran

It's got to be double frustrating to you Suz with the exchange issues. I'm not really keen on ordering multiple sizes in an item in this price range. I know it's kind of silly but I don't like seeing that much money tied up into one item.

8 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

This dress is on my wish list as well. Interesting that you got it... according to my "basket" it's backordered until the end of the month. So Ive been holding off ordering.

How do you like it? Does it have a preppyish vibe to it (this is my fear) I'm not too worried about fit as EF seems to work for me in this general style, but I really don't want a pricey return. I must do a length comparison though!

8 years ago

AviaMariah

Veteran

Elizabeth - I actually ordered it a couple weeks ago and it was on back order. I figured I may as well order it before my size went out of stock. I don't find it "too" preppy but then again I have a little bit of a preppy side to my style. But it didn't have a golf shirt vibe if that's what you're worried about. It seriously fit perfectly, draped nicely without showing any lumps and bumps, but still didn't look too big. I'm so bummed about the length. It hit me about mid thigh. I should have taken a picture but I immediately put it in the box to go back. Have you noticed EF can be inconsistent? Like could another dress in the same size be a better length?

8 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Whoa, mid thigh?! According to the Nordies site, the regular one is only 1/2" longer than the petite... now I'm worried :(. It certainly doesn't look anything like that short in the pic!

I can't answer the question, re inconsistency. I'd be surprised, they are generally pretty good quality. I guess I do have three of the drape front dresses and they are all the same.

Thanks for the info re golf shirt feel... yup, that's what I was worried about. I also love this dress (below), however it's not US made so I'd have to pay duties (there are none on the other one) and it's a linen blend that I don't "know", where I do know how wonderful and easy that jersey knit is.

And it doesn't appear to be backordered anymore Thanks for that. Measurement check tonight, then the buy button.

Nordstrom

Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Jersey Scoop Neck Tank Dress

$178.00 $71.20

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

8 years ago

Joy

Veteran

It is really hard to predict. I think that if the PP fit well, the XXS would be best. Before there was an XXS, I got XS. I am 5'3" and need the regular sizes for length most of the time. If there is a customer service phone number or email, you might ask for measurements to be able to compare.

8 years ago

Category