Sunny Suppa, who immigrated to the United States from Thailand as a teenager, is truly living the American Dream. With a bit of help from a non-profit group called CEO Woman, she started 5ft2in™, new line of pants especially for women 5’2” or shorter. At 5’2 ½”, Sunny definitely relates to these women. While she never thought it was an issue while she was in school, after graduation, it became apparent that the fashion world isn’t very petite friendly. Like most petite women, she had difficulty finding appropriate clothes for work. While yes, some clothing lines do have petites, the pants are often still too long. Sometimes, it took her hours even to attempt finding pants that didn’t sag, drag or were too long. It wasn’t all that kind to her self-confidence. It made her feel horrible. Currently, Sunny’s line consists of work-related full length pants and capris, from size 0-12 and with inseams that range from 26” to 29”. She fits the pants on an actual petite model, and will eventually make 00s and plus petites up to size 28.
On the challenge of speaking with buyers:
They need to understand that there is really a need for a petite market. Most of them do not think they have many petite customers, or they think carrying a petite line might change the image of their stores. And when they understood petite issues, their bosses did not.
On whether she thinks the fashion world would become more accepting of non-standard sized designers:
It will take some time, but eventually, yes. Fashion has always been about doing something new, and being the pioneer. Catering to a non-standard size is definitely new and pioneering. It will certainly take some time and effort, but it can happen and if we make enough noise it will.
On whether these designers can be successful:
Yes. Designers who are willing to see us for how we are different from the norm, yet realize that we are all so different at all, and cater their businesses to those markets will be very successful.
On whether she wants to change the world:
Changing the world is a big responsibility. What I want to do is add to it. I think people in the world deserve more options.
On where she would like to take 5ft2in™:
I’d love for the brand to become a household name. A trusted brand for all petite women where they know the clothes will always fit.
Sunny lives in California. 5ft2in™ is available for purchase online. The pants come in four colours: black, grey, brown and khaki.
