In Search of Clothes That Fit a ‘Tall Petite’

Dear Fashion Police: Is there such a thing as tall petite clothes? I’m 5-foot-8 and weigh 120 pounds. I’ve found petite clothes are more tailored and fit me better except, of course, sleeves and pants are too short. The clothes in the regular departments tend to be bulky and loose-fitting, and I feel like my figure gets lost. Where can I shop to find clothes that fit me?

--HAVING A FASHION IDENTITY CRISIS

Dear Having: Sorry, there is no such thing as a “tall petite.” It’s an oxymoron, like “jumbo shrimp.” A petite is a woman 5-foot-4 (or 5-foot-3, depending on the manufacturer or designer) and under, and you definitely don’t qualify. What you are is skinny, and we’re sure you’re the envy of all your girlfriends. Lucky you!

Except, it seems, when it comes to finding clothes. But we’re perplexed about the fact that you can’t find much that’s form-fitting. True, there are some boxy sweaters, roomy tunic-style blouses and wide-leg pants out there, but in a recent canvassing of stores and online shops we found loads of figure-flattering styles. In fact, a great deal of our mail comes from women who can find plenty of tight clothes but not enough loose-fitting styles.

So where to start? We’ve seen body-conscious clothes at national chains such as Banana Republic, J. Crew, BCBG, French Connection, Ann Taylor and, if you’re feeling funky, Betsey Johnson. There’s everything from tight cotton T-shirts to cashmere sweaters, skinny jeans to slim wool pants, pencil-skirt minis to rib-knit long dresses. To avoid dressing like a teenager, don’t wear belly shirts, pants that fall way below your navel or skirts that end just below your derriere.

You can show off your figure more by belting dresses and jackets, tucking blouses into pants and opting for tailored jackets that are nipped at the waist. Avoid a lot of layering, which will add bulk to your look. Tops worn under jackets and sweaters should be close-fitting, not voluminous.

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Dear Fashion Police: I have two children, ages 13 and 14, who use backpacks for school. The 13-year-old doesn’t even have a locker (there’s a shortage), so she has to carry all her books to and from home every day. I have weighed her backpack, and it is 35 to 40 pounds, way too heavy for her lug around all day. I got her a rolling suitcase, but she refuses to use it. She says she needs to be cool, but I’m afraid she’s going to do some lasting damage to her back. I also want something for my son, who says he has to be cool, too. I live in a small town so there are no malls or large department stores.

--FRANTIC MOM

Dear Frantic: This issue of students carrying half their weight or more in books and other items has been concerning parents for several years now. Starting in the 1970s, many school districts decided to either get rid of lockers or bar students from using them, fearing they were a hiding place for drugs and weapons. Lately, however, schools have been opening up those lockers, partly in response to this backpack crisis.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids carry no more than 10% to 20% of their weight in a backpack. Doctors say that carrying around excessive weight can lead to headaches, back and neck pain, muscle soreness and in, worst cases, can contribute to scoliosis, or curvature of the spine. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder is even worse, since the weight doesn’t get distributed at all. This fall, some companies have introduced rolling packs that might pass muster with your kids, since they’re a little less nerdy than their predecessors. Check out Lands’ End Lighthouse II wheeled backpack (https://www.landsend.com), REI’s Class Act (https://www.rei.com) and Lazar’s Luggage High Sierra (https://www.lazarsluggage.com).

Recently some ergonomic backpacks have come on the market that might help ease this burden. This fall Kipling introduced three styles of nylon packs that include features such as lightweight construction, a back panel that follows the contour of the spine, a waist strap and inwardly curving padded shoulder straps that help distribute weight more evenly. The Montana, the Skydiver and the Survivor models come in a range of colors, including deep purple, blue jean and cappuccino, and range in price from about $128 to $148. You can see the backpacks online at https://www.kipling.com, or for a store near you, call (800) KIPLING.

AirPacks were developed with chiropractors, according to company owner John Sturges of Sturges Sportswear Inc. in North Carolina. The backpacks’ critical features are air pockets running the full width of the lower back and along both shoulder pads. The wearer uses a small pump to inject air into the pockets, helping the pack to conform to the body and distribute the weight. They range in price from $30 to $149. Order online at https://www.evertize.com/airpacks, or call (252) 446-0096.

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Write to Fashion Police, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, fax to (213) 237-4888 or send e-mail to jeannine.stein@latimes.com.