Fit for shorter people

Short answer: Choose the size by your shoulders and have the length taken up. A jumper that is too long always looks wrong, however well the rest fits, but length is fortunately the easiest thing to adjust afterwards.

The shoulders decide the size

If the shoulder seam sits in the right place, the size is right. The shoulder is the hardest part of a jumper to alter, while the length can be changed later. So it makes sense to start with the shoulders. Look at the fits in the bamboo sweatshirt for women and note where the shoulder seam sits.

The length can be shortened

A tailor can shorten a jumper at little cost, and on knitted fabric the change is not visible afterwards. If you have found a style that fits across the shoulders, this is the cheapest way to get the rest right. It applies to every style in the women's range, from sweatshirts to trousers.

Avoid going down a size

A smaller size fixes the length but makes the shoulders too narrow and the chest too tight. The fabric pulls when you move your arms, and the jumper loses its shape sooner. It is rarely a good trade. See the chart for the bamboo sweatshirt for men, where the same principle applies.

Check the sleeve length

When you are short, the sleeves are often the first thing that is too long. A sleeve covering the hand can feel cosy on a loose sweatshirt, but on a smarter top it quickly looks too big. Sleeves can be shortened just like the body. Alternatively, a ribbed cuff can be pushed up a little.

Trousers and leg length

Trousers and sweatpants are often too long in the leg when you are short. Measure the inside leg of a pair that fits and compare with the chart. If the trousers have a ribbed hem, a little extra length can gather without looking wrong. Without ribbing, it is better to have them shortened.

Proportions in the cut

A cut designed for a taller figure can place the waist and pockets somewhere else on you. Small shifts are rarely noticeable, but if the pockets end too low or the waist sits on your hips, the style is too long for you. Then a shorter style may be a better choice than alterations.

Loose or close fit

A loose sweatshirt can be worn a little long, as long as it ends above the hip rather than mid thigh. A closer fitting top should end at the hip to look right. Think about how you will wear it. For relaxing at home, extra length is often fine, while for going out a shortening may be worth it.

Build on what fits

Once a style fits across the shoulders and the length has been adjusted, stick with it. Buy the same style in several colours and use the same tailor who already knows your measurements. That way you get a wardrobe where everything sits the way you want, without starting over each time.

Frequently asked questions

How much can a jumper be shortened

Five to ten centimetres is usually no problem without changing the proportions of the cut. Talk to the tailor if you want more than that.

Can sleeves be shortened too

Yes, it is a common alteration, especially on long sleeve styles. If the sleeve has a ribbed cuff, the cuff can be moved up so it still sits correctly.

Are there styles for short people

Some brands offer shorter lengths. Otherwise alteration is the safe route, because you keep a style that fits you well across the shoulders.