We all know that it's very difficult for young, petite career women in their 20s and 30s to find decent work clothes. But what about the high school crowd? It's even harder for them. Not only are petite clothes generally for an older crowd (even "younger" stores like Banana Republic and Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Loft cater mostly to the office crowd), but pants have increased in length since the 1990s and have also increased in girth. Tops and dresses are also fit for a taller body. And not everyone lives areas with Asian malls like Pacific Mall (and since many of the looks there are imported, it doesn't necessarily "mesh" with what's cool here.) As for GAP? Petites available online only (i.e. you can only get petites if you have a credit card AND if you live in the US), and in any case, GAP isn't as cool as it used to be (i.e. the way it was in the 90s.) Sure, many brands have ankle/petite/short length pants, but there's little selection and usually limited to classic/timeless pieces. Tops, skirts and dresses in petite sizes are almost non-existent.
You may say that today's young people are taller, and therefore do not need petite sizes. However, clothing length is increasing at a similar, if not, faster rate. How many 5'6" girls have a 34" inseam? Not everyone wears heels all the time. I really don't like it when critics of petite activists go on and on about most women not fitting clothes right off the rack. Do they realize how much one spends on alterations, especially if the alterations aren't simple? Teens can't afford that, and with today's "in" look being what it is, petite, especially slim and petite youth, will NOT be cool. If we want teenage girls to be happy and confident about the way they look, we need to cater that. And sadly, few in the beauty industry are listening.
