As pinays, we’re not really blessed in the height department. Although our country continuously breeds modelesque beauty pageant contestants, the average Filipina stands at a mere 5 feet. Because of our genetic shortness, there are a lot of things we’re told to avoid in order for us not to look any shorter than we already are, steering clear of things like maxis, as well as jumpsuits.

Well, I’ve proven in the past that short gals can wear maxis, and today, I’ll prove that they can also wear jumpsuits.

Style experts tend to forget that as long as you tailor an item to your body shape, there isn’t a trend out there that you can’t try.

To give you a little inspiration that petite women can do a jumpsuit justice, we looked through Instagram and saw a bunch of pinay celebs donning a one-piece, such as Coleen Garcia and Maja Salvador, who are 5’4 and 5’0, respectively. Although, you can’t really tell they’re that short, can you?

(INSTAGRAM // coleen)

(INSTAGRAM // iammajasalvador)

Of course, not all jumpsuits were made to fit a petite frame. There are a few things to be on the lookout for, but as long as you follow these style tips, you’ll find at least a couple jumpsuits that will hug you in all the right places, and elongate those legs.

1. When in doubt, go with dark solid colors

A black one-piece like the Sleeveless bodycon jumpsuit is always a safe bet, but let’s not limit ourselves. There are a range of darker hues you can go for, such as maroon, deep purple, navy, etc., so don’t think that black is the only color you can wear.

While a darker palette seems to work best for smaller girls, you can try on jumpsuits in other colors. Just remember that solid shades are much easier to work with, as prints tend to make your outfit more busy, which may in turn result in you being swallowed by the fabric.

2. Choose details that will elongate your stature

If you are in search for a jumpsuit with some kind of pattern, pin or any kind of vertical stripes lengthen your body, adding a couple more inches into your 5-foot figure. Other elongating details you can look for are high slits, or a diagonal sash that layers as slits like a Summer clubwear jumpsuit. The one-shoulder characteristic of the item also works to balance the amount of skin shown with the amount covered.

3. Opt for a deep v-neck

Whether you’ve got a larger bust or a flat chest, the deep v-neck is a good look on anyone. It works especially well for shorter sisters that are on the lookout for jumpsuits suited to their height, as again, it seeks to balance out the fabric versus skin exposed, elongating your neck. If the Deep v-neck floral jumpsuit is a little too sexy for your taste, one shoulder and tube jumpsuits also have the same effect of making you look taller than you actually are. 

4. Wear a belt

A lot of fashion bloggers might suggest you go for fitted jumpsuits, but if short girls can wear wide leg pants like tall ladies can, then there’s no reason why you have to squeeze into a body-conforming one-piece. The Summer wide leg jumpsuit may seem like there’s too much fabric for your entire body, but a waist belt breaks everything up. Feel free to try belts with different thicknesses to see what works for your waist, as well as your jumpsuit.

And if the wide leg is not for you, remember that there are various pant silhouettes you can experiment with. It’s all about what you look and feel great in. There are also loose cropped styles if that’s more your style.

5. Make adjustments

Not everything you buy will fit you perfectly, and that’s okay. If the jumpsuit is a little long, get it hemmed. If the jumpsuit has more of a sheath silhouette, wear a belt or have your tailor create some sort of elastic waist. As long as you have a good tailor, you can make the adjustments you nee in order for the jumpsuit to fit your body.