Looking for the best petite clothing brands that cater to smaller sizes and short frames? You’ve come to the right place. Here are 13 must-shop brands for your petite needs!
When one enters the keywords “size inclusivity in fashion” into a search engine, hundreds of articles come up, which shows the high demand for size inclusive fashion.
According to a 2016 study performed by the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education results revealed that the average size of an American woman was between 16 and 18.
While it is undeniably important to include sizes that accommodate for the sizes of the average American woman, it is also equally important to consider the other end of the size spectrum-those who are petite, which is generally accepted as clothing for women who are 5’4” and under.
What are the main differences between petite clothing and regular clothing, you ask? While I am by no means an expert, a quick search on the trusty Internet reveals that in tops cut specifically for petite folks can have a narrower body and shoulders, requiring shorter sleeves and a raised hemline. Similarly bottoms have a shorter inseam and a higher knee placement.
As a petite woman myself, I have struggled to find clothes that fit well and flatter my frame, especially in the United States. In Tokyo, where my mother is from, my 5’3” frame is considered average, but my sense of style is a far cry from what a young Japanese woman would consider fashionable thanks to my American ubpringing.
Prior to living in Japan, there was a time when I relied entirely on my family’s trips to Japan (and the Japanese tradition of exchanging souvenirs, which requires family members to bring gifts for one another) to stock my wardrobe full of pieces from Japanese Uniqlo locations because the cut of their jeans and dress pants are much better suited for my petite frame.
As I have moved into my thirties, I have made a concentrated effort to spend my money on clothing from brands that include petite sizing which saves me the effort of having to drop things off at the tailor’s on a weekly basis. This also means that I have to do more research into clothing brands to determine if they have my sizes in stock.
While this list is by no means the ultimate guide to brands that cater to those of us who are vertically challenged, they are brands that 1) I have purchased petite sizes from in the past or 2) offer petite sizing on their website.
The fashion industry can be hard to navigate as a petite woman, but the good news is that there are plenty of stores that offer a variety of styles and a petite range for those with shorter legs or shorter torsos.
This post may contain commissionable links. Thank you for supporting this resource.
13 Stylish and Trendy Clothing Brands That Offer Petite Sizes
Ann Taylor
First up is Ann Taylor Petite, which offers stylish pieces that are cut and tailored to flatter a petite frame. They have an array of classic-looking separates like blazers, trousers, skirts and dresses to choose from. Plus, their timeless designs make them perfect for any occasion.
I’ve purchased one of my most well worn work dresses from Ann Taylor in -you guessed it-a petite size. Although Ann Taylor’s offerings don’t always fit into my aesthetic, they do offer many great work pieces for petites.
Anthropologie
Although I haven’t purchased from this brand, they do have a great selection of petite clothing for a variety of occasions including tops, bottoms, skirts and dresses.
Abercrombie and Fitch
One of my favorite things about Abercrombie and Fitch is that they offer customers the option to buy pants in different lengths: short, regular and long.
The short length is, according to their website, “designed for customers between 5’0” and 5’3’.“
While I have enough work pants to last me a while, I won’t deny the fact that I have found myself casually browsing the site for petite-friendly work pants, especially their linen pants since I live in a part of the country where one could say there is really only one season.
Asos Petite
When I made the conscious decision to invest in well-fitting clothing and browsed the internet to see which brands are generally good for petites, Asos Petite was one of the first brands that showed up.
A friend of mine (and fellow petite) purchased something from Asos Petite, and she did mention that the product she ended up purchasing fit well.
Athleta
Athleta has become one of my favorite brands for my workout gear. Specifically their joggers and other athletic bottoms, which, depending on the product, are also great for commuting. I have found well-fitting athletic leggings and joggers from them in petite sizes. If you keep an eye on their website for sales, you can get these things at a reasonable price.
Banana Republic
Another excellent petite clothing brand is Banana Republic Petite. They offer everything from timeless wardrobe staples like trousers and blazers to trendier pieces such as jumpsuits and casual tops. With an emphasis on modern, on-trend styles, their collections are perfect for creating stylish all-occasion looks.
Banana Republic is one of the brands I have shopped from the most in recent years because their clothing just fits into my aesthetic. I’ve purchased several petite tops that I’ve worn for my work wardrobe from them.
LL Bean
Who doesn’t love quality, well-made clothing at reasonable prices that is also petite sized? Need I say more?
White House Black Market
White House Black Market Petite is an excellent option for petites in need of sophisticated and timeless pieces. They offer a wide range of stylish clothing items including trousers, blazers, dresses and skirts that are tailored to fit perfectly on smaller frames.
With their sleek designs and modern silhouettes, their collections are perfect for creating work-ready ensembles or chic evening looks. They also offer trendy accessories such as jewelry and shoes to complete any outfit. Whether you’re looking for something sophisticated or casual, White House Black Market Petite has it all.
Topshop Petite
Topshop Petite is the perfect destination for petite women looking to find stylish clothing items. Their collections feature a range of fashion-forward pieces including dresses, jeans, skirts and shirts that are designed to flatter smaller frames. With their modern silhouettes and vibrant colors, their pieces add an edgy touch to any outfit.
Plus, they offer an array of accessories such as bags and jewelry to complete any ensemble. Whether you’re looking for something classic or trendy, Topshop Petite has something for everyone. Like many places on this list, this brand seems to carry everything. Tops, jeans, dresses, you name it, they probaby have it.
Reformation
This is definitely one of the pricier brands on this list, which has kept them out of my clothing budget. That doesn’t mean that there’s harm in looking at these pieces though. They use sustainable materials and you can often find Reformation on second-hand websites like Poshmark and Mercari for a good price.
Reformation Petite is the perfect place to find stylish yet sustainable clothing in petite sizes. Their collections feature everything from casual staples like jeans and tops to sophisticated dresses and jumpsuits.
With an emphasis on timeless silhouettes, their pieces are designed with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly materials that will last for years to come. Plus, they offer a wide range of accessories including shoes and jewelry to complete any look. Whether you’re looking for something stylish or sustainable, Reformation Petite has it all.
Old Navy
Although I am firmly a Uniqlo fan, I sometimes mix things up a bit with my basics by purchasing things from Old Navy, which unlike Uniqlo, has petite sizing. I also appreciate Old Navy for being on the more affordable end of the price spectrum.
Old Navy Petite is the ideal place to find fashionable clothing in petite sizes. Their collections feature everything from timeless wardrobe staples like trousers and blazers to trendier pieces such as jumpsuits and casual tops. With their classic designs and vibrant colors, their pieces are perfect for creating stylish all-occasion looks that will flatter any figure.
They are also great no matter what your price range is. They have an amazing set of petite options. This combined with their affordability makes them one of the best petite clothing brands for petite ladies.
Petite Studio NYC
This brand isn’t what I would consider my personal style, but I appreciate the fact that all the clothes are modeled by petite models, which gives shoppers a great idea of what a piece will look like on them before they purchase it. This is one of the more expensive brands on the list, slightly out of my budget, but I appreciate how the brand works hard to cater to their target customer.
Petite Studio is a great choice for women who are looking to find fashionable clothes in petite sizes. Their collections feature everything from office-ready trousers and blazers to casual dresses and skirts. With their modern designs, they offer a variety of options that flatter any figure while still being stylish.
They also carry an array of accessories such as shoes, jewelry and bags to complete any look. Petite Studio is the perfect place for petites looking for fashionable clothing in their size.
Madewell
Definitely one of the pricer brands on this list, but if you appreciate classic pieces, Madewell may be for you.
Madewell Petite is an excellent option for petites looking for stylish and modern clothing. Their collections feature a wide range of pieces including jeans, shirts and dresses that are designed with petite frames in mind.
With their timeless silhouettes and quality craftsmanship, their pieces are perfect for creating comfortable yet fashionable looks.
Plus, they offer a variety of accessories such as shoes and jewelry to complete any ensemble. Whether you’re looking for something casual or dressy, Madewell Petite has something for everyone.
Why We Need Brands with Petite and Inclusive Sizing
Petite sizing is essential for finding the perfect fit. People of smaller body sizes often have difficulty finding clothes that fit their shape properly, and this can be especially true for petite women.
Petite clothing offers customers clothing with proportionally-designed cuts and hemlines that flatter the petite figure. It also takes into account the special needs of smaller people, such as smaller armholes and shorter sleeve lengths.
With petite sizing, women can find clothes that fit properly and feel comfortable. By offering petite sizes in their collections, brands are providing a valuable service to customers of all body sizes who are looking for clothing that fits them well.
Petite sizing is important in other ways too. It helps brands offer a greater variety of clothing, allowing customers to find something that suits their needs. Petite sizing can also enable brands to target a specific customer base and offer them items that they’ll love and want to keep coming back for.
Ultimately, petite sizing is about providing customers with the best fit possible – whether it’s for an everyday outfit or a special occasion. Petite sizes can help customers find clothes that fit their body type and make them look and feel great. By offering petite sizing, brands are helping to empower petite customers by providing them with clothing that is designed to flatter their figure.
In short, petite sizing is an important tool for both customers and brands alike. It helps customers find clothing that fits them well and looks great, while also enabling brands to target a specific customer base. By offering petite sizes in their collections, brands can ensure that everyone is able to find the perfect fit for their needs.
Ultimately, petite sizing is about empowerment – it’s a way for petite customers to feel confident and beautiful, knowing that they have clothing tailored to their specific needs.
What Else You Need To Know About Shopping The Petite Selection of Different Brands
What height is considered petite?
The term “petite” typically refers to clothing sizes designed for women of shorter stature. A general guide is that if a person is 5’4” and under, then they are considered petite in terms of clothing size.
With respect to brands, petite brands will have their own unique sizing specifically tailored to this demographic – offering them the perfect fit for their body type. Petite brands are designed for women who want to feel confident and look stylish in clothing that fits their body perfectly.
They offer a wide selection of apparel for everyday wear, special occasions, business attire, and more – all carefully crafted with petite women in mind. By shopping at petite brands, you can be sure to find pieces that will flatter your figure, fit you comfortably, and make you look your best.
Petite brands are revolutionizing the fashion industry – no longer do petite women need to worry about finding clothing that fits their body type. With petite brands, they can have access to stylish, well-fitting clothing that makes them feel confident and comfortable.
How can I look classy as a petite woman?
There are many ways to look classy as a petite woman – the key is finding pieces that flatter your figure and give you an elegant silhouette. Start by investing in quality fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere – they will make sure your clothing looks luxurious and timeless.
Stick with classic colors such as black or navy – these shades never go out of style and will always make you look classy. When shopping for clothes, focus on items that are tailored to the petite figure – this will ensure they fit your body perfectly and flatter your curves.
Finally, accessorize with minimal jewelry such as a simple necklace or bracelet – these subtle touches can take any outfit from meh to amazing. With these tips in mind, you can look effortlessly stylish and sophisticated every day.
What clothes should a petite woman wear?
As a petite woman, it’s important to pick the right clothes for your body type. Avoid loose and oversized items as they will make you look swamped – instead, look for pieces that hug your figure in the right places. High-waisted bottoms such as trousers or skirts are great options as they help create an elongated silhouette.
Fitted blazers, jackets, and structured dresses will also look great on you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles – just make sure that whatever you wear fits your body type perfectly. Petite brands are the perfect place to shop for clothing as they specialize in making pieces specifically tailored to petite women’s bodies – so you can be sure that what you buy will fit you perfectly.
Does TJ Maxx carry petite clothing?
They do but it can depend on the TJ Maxx you visit. However, more and more TJ Maxx stores are now beginning to carry petite clothing. Some of the brands that they typically carry in petite sizes include Calvin Klein, DKNY, Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren.
When shopping at your local TJ Maxx store, be sure to look for a sign or section specifically marked “Petites” – this will usually be where you can find the petite sizes. However, it’s always a good idea to try on clothing before purchasing – even if it is marked as a petite size. This will ensure that the item fits your body perfectly and you get the best value for your money.
Why is inclusivity important in clothing sizes?
Having a range of clothing sizes is important for inclusivity. It allows people with different body types to find clothing that fits them comfortably and makes them feel included in the fashion industry.
It helps create a more inclusive environment for shoppers of all sizes by showcasing how people with different body types can look great in the same item of clothing. By including petite clothing sizes, brands can ensure that everyone is welcomed and included in their fashion community.
Including petite sizes also helps customers find the perfect fit for their body type, as not all items are one-size-fits-all. Brands that offer petite sizing understand this and provide petite shoppers with more options to choose from when shopping for clothes that will fit them right.
They also provide more detailed information on their products to help customers make an informed decision about what size is best for them. This helps petite shoppers avoid the hassle of returning items that do not fit, saving time and money in the long run.
By providing inclusive clothing sizes that cater specifically to petite body types, Petite Brands helps ensure that everyone feels welcomed and included in the fashion industry. Inclusivity is essential for creating a positive customer experience. Shop with brands that strive to create clothing that fits all body types, shapes, and sizes so that everyone can feel great wearing their clothes.
Final Thoughts on Brands Carrying Petite Sizes and Petite Clothing Stores
If you are petite, it can definitely be challenging to find clothing that you like. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have options. There are also brands like American Eagle, Free People, and Universal Standard that offer short sizing and petite clothes at more affordable prices.
While I’m sure we would all like to see all clothing brands catering to customers of all shapes and sizes, there are options for those of us vertically challenged out there!
About the Author
Alisa Tanaka graduated with a Communications degree from Lewis & Clark College in 2012. She hopes to develop a career that allows her to make a measurable impact on the world while doing something that she loves. Her interests include psychology, linguistics, and mental health. She can also be found reading, watching documentaries, and writing her blog.
Website: alisatanaka.com/