Petite Style: Top Tips and Petite-Friendly Clothing
Finding clothing that suits our unique bodies is an important part of developing and maintaining personal style. It’s hard to feel stylish and confident when proportions are off, or we’re uncomfortable, or we feel like our clothing is wearing us. With most regular (and Plus) sizes designed with a women 5’6″ in mind, those of us who are shorter (or taller) may find it challenging to achieve a proper fit without alterations. At 5’1″, I do look for brands that offer Petite lines, but I’ve also learned how to suss out clothing in regular sizes that will work for petite women. So today I’ll be sharing some tips, as well as a few of my favorite petite-friendly picks.
Everything I’m wearing here is a “regular” size, un-altered.
My sizes: Cardigan – Small, Tank – XS, Jeans – 27
Defining Petite
While the fashion industry defines “Petite” as being 5’4″ or shorter, there’s a lot more to proper fit than just hem lengths. Waistlines and armholes may need to be cut higher. Details such as collar, lapel, and pocket sizes may need to be made smaller. (All of these adjustments can add to the price of producing an item, which may be why many brands have cut back on or eliminated their petite lines.)
And while some may think of “petite” as being small and delicate, petite women come in all shapes and sizes. (Another thing the fashion industry, with a few exceptions, often fails to recognize.)
Here are some of the brands I peruse most often, that do offer a decent range of styles in Petite sizes:
- Eileen Fisher
- J.Crew
- Madewell
- Talbots (also Plus Petite)
- J.Jill
- Ann Taylor
- Ruti
- Banana Republic
- Athleta
- Boden
- Lands’ End (great for Petite outerwear)
- L.L. Bean (also good for outerwear)
Tips for finding Petite-friendly styles in Regular or Plus ranges
However, the bulk of my wardrobe is comprised of Regular/Misses sized garments. Here are some of the tips and criteria I use to find items that will work on my petite frame.
Know your proportions and measurements. If you’re long-waisted with shorter legs, you may have an easier time finding tops that fit without alterations. Those of us with short waists and proportionally longer legs may find some pants styles in regular (but shorter) lengths can work. Knowing your best rise, inseam, sleeve length, and top length measurements will help when you’re shopping online.
“Cropped” styles can be our friends. Look for the word “cropped” in the description, which often means a shorter length or inseam. (But again, check measurements.) Likewise, “bracelet” length sleeves or ruched sleeves will often be good for petites.
Design elements in proportion. Even if a garment otherwise fits, if the collar, lapels, pattern, pockets, fastenings, or other design details are overly large, they can overwhelm a petite person.
Know what can be altered. If you’re unsure, have a tailor or seamstress take a look before you remove the tags. Sometimes just an inch off a hem makes all the difference. Shoulders and trouser rise can be the most complex (and costly) to alter.
Remember that most clothing is shown on models who are 5’10” (on average). So that dress that hits the model mid-thigh will probably be knee-length or longer on us. The “low calf-length” pants may hit us ankle length or longer.
👉 Petite styling tip: I find that showing even just a little bit of skin at wrists and/or ankles adds definition, and can help prevent the look of being swallowed by our clothes. This applies especially with more relaxed fit styles.
More of my tried-and-true Petite-friendly basics
I’m wearing them cuffed here with a closed shoe, but will wear them un-cuffed with a sandal or boot.
Frank & Eileen Mini Belfast cropped peacoat
Peacoat styling in a fleece fabric that’s as comfy as a sweatshirt! It’s no wonder these sell out quickly. Sizes XS-XL (I wear XS, and yes I jumped on this Latte color as soon as it hit the site!)
J. Crew shrunken cashmere crew
I own several of these and LOVE them. I size up for a slightly more relaxed fit. Several colors are marked down for a limited time, including this pretty soft Orchid color. Sizes XX-Small to 3X (some sizes in sale colors no longer available).
Everlane organic cotton box-cut tee
I’m a big fan of these tees and have collected several over the years. They’re lightweight but not flimsy, and fit well. (Take your regular size.) They wash well and hold up.
If you’re looking for a pair of classic slim-straight trousers in lightweight wool (great for travel!), give these a try! Sizes 00-18, inseam is 25-1/2″. Also in Charcoal and Blue.
This soft v-neck cardigan is great for travel, and a good length for petites. It’s also marked down for a limited time, and available in 4 colors. Sizes XX-Small to 3X. (I take X-Small.)
Vince wool blend crew neck sweater
In addition to the Vince elbow sleeve sweater I reviewed here, I ordered this one to try. I just received it, and it’s also a keeper! It’s better in person than it looks online. The wool blend fabric is incredibly lightweight, so this will layer well and be an excellent travel piece! Also in Black, sizes XX-Small to X-Large (I took a Small.)
With a 25-1/2″ inseam and lower rise, these are great for many Petites. Take your usual size for a slim fit, size up for a more relaxed fit.
Building a petite-friendly wardrobe
Finding the right fit and proportions when you’re not a standard size may take a little more work, but it can be done. And building a cohesive wardrobe with timeless, quality pieces means you won’t have to re-invent the wheel every season. See more of my outfits here for more clothing ideas for petite women.
What fit challenges do you have, and have you found any particular brands or styles that consistently work for you?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
OK, this post is not for me .
Greetje
LOL, no. One of my favorite pictures is the one when we first met, and were having a good laugh over our height difference.
I’m 5’3″. One of my pet peeves is tops that are too long. Some cropped styles can work but most are too boxy for my taste.
Years ago I discovered that Eddie Bauer has a well made 3/4 sleeve cotton t shirt in petite sizes that became a staple in my cool weather wardrobe – great for layering! They are a bit snug so I size up one size.
Lately I’ve been searching for simple button down shirts in shorter lengths (~ 23 inches.) Apart from online and IRL thrift stores, I haven’t had much luck. Any suggestions would be most welcome!
Caroline, have you tried L.L.Bean? They sell some button down shirts in petite, though I’m unsure of the lengths. They are one of the few places I’ve been able to find shirts to fit my petite XL, but small-busted figure. I will say that I think they run a bit large.
I find button up shirts too long too. I’m 5’4 with long arms. Often petite’s arm lengths are too short and the shoulders too narrow. Usually I have shirts hemmed. That’s a hassle which is a story for another day.
I agree I find the cropped styles too boxy too.
I am also 5’3″. Try JCrew Factory, although I found the sleeves a bit short so gave one to my 5’1″ daughter. (JCrew may work, other tops do, I’ve just not tried button-downs.) Also check out Kohls, I think it’s Croft and Barrow. Lands End is also available there to try on, but I dislike their buttons (the actual buttons).
Hello! Dear Susan, many thanks for your great ideas and insights! What I have been wondering is that you do not seem to emphasize the importance of a column of colour, especially as you are a petite lady. It is refreshing but could you comment on that? Have a lovely day, kind regards, Kristiina
Hi Kristiina, thanks! A column of color is one of my go-to outfit formulas, which I posted about most recently here: This Easy Outfit Formula Works Year Round. Here Are 3 Summer-Ready Outfit Ideas….
Got it thanks! But in many of your pics you wear different coloured bottoms and tops and I think it is also just fine and jeans (I love jeans) look lovely with a classic white shirt. But then it starts to look too boring or common combined with a navy or blue jacket….BR Kristiina
My 5′ 2″ self thanks you for these tips, Sue! Although I’m long waisted, I find that petite tops fit my narrow shoulders and shorter arms better. I do occasionally buy misses tops, but they are usually just a little too big in the shoulders, or the sleeves are just a little too long. I primarily stick to petite bottoms as well to avoid the super high rises that aren’t comfortable for me. Because I’m a bit apple shaped, my biggest challenge is finding pants that fit my waist but don’t slide down and/or aren’t too big in the hip area. I appreciate your knowledgeable advice and look forward to your posts!
Thanks so much, Barb!
I’m so glad you mentioned proportions. I’ve learned that a petite top is not just shorter in torso and sleeves — it is proportionally different. The same applies to Tall clothing, which is often called Long clothing in pants (12L, 14L, etc) — leaving one to wonder if the inseam was just lengthened, or were the pants reconstructed for tall proportions everywhere. As a tall person, I sympathize with the plight of petite women, but also want to point out, you have options in many lines of clothing — I have almost none. It is super frustrating.
Thanks for the tips – always good to be reminded. One of the things I pay attention to (5′ 2″) is the waist fastening. I hate hook-and-bar closures, and they are especially difficult if you need to take in the waist a little. Moving a button is so much easier. You make an interesting comment about why some retailers do no offer Petites. I would counter that they might want to know that the average height in the US is 5′ 3″, although, of course, younger women are somewhat taller.
Hi! I am 4’11” and, as a teen and young adult, I made a lot of my own clothes. It is really challenging to find “quality” materials now, and patterns for petites. Had a black tie event and it was months of looking/working with a seamstress. Cropped is great for us, right now, to be traditional in looks, but not exactly helpful with being stylish or elegant! I have gobbled up some cropped sweaters but, then, I do not wear them as crops. I appreciate your discussion. Thanks
Exactly, the average woman is not 5’9 or 5’10 inches. So ridiculous!
I think tops are the biggest issue. Retailers like JJill and Talbots deliberating make the top long to cover the rear, per discussion with them. If you are petite in height, despite your weight, you don’t want a longer fitting top!
I am 5’3″ but have a long torso, so anything boxy or cropped usually doesn’t look great because I also a good size chest. For the most part, crewnecks don’t look good on me, so I try for v-necks or v-shaped cardigans. Wondering if you could share more about your glasses in relation to your Spring palette! Looking for HOC spring palette, too. Thanks! Love your style & site!
Hi Susan! I wrote a long reply and then lost it to the ether 😉 You’ve helped me a great deal with the tips about petite sizing! I can take a petite top (short waisted) but need the regular length for pants. My original height was 5’5″ but at 77 yo I’m more 5’4″ now. I size up petite tops for my shoulders (which are broad and angular). Pants can be challenging for me because I never had much of a waist–so mid rise pants suit me better. Another odd thing I recently discovered: cardigans (generally speaking) tend to make me look frumpy. I haven’t really figured out why this is. Also new discovery: varying textures, especially in same value or monochromatic outfits. Who knew?? As always, thanks for your ‘finds’, especially brands.
Hi Sally, I suspect that as a Dramatic Gamine, you need more structure than most cardigans probably provide. You might try a collared knit jacket (with set-in sleeves) if you prefer knits.
I am not petite but sometimes I buy petite sizes in sleeveless tops and dresses because of the arm holes. Petite sizes do indeed have higher arm holes. I need to pay close attention to size charts when I do this, if shopping online. My bone structure is small and gaping arm holes seem to be a feature of many regular-size sleeveless items.
I would love to see a similar post for taller women. I know it is not your personal experience but maybe you have tips anyway. I especially have a problem finding full length pants. I am 5’6″ so not especially tall yet I need at least at 32″ inseam but most of the regular mall-store brands are making their full length misses pants with a 30″ inseam (ankle length on me). Cropped pants are fine in the summer but not in winter when I need to wear socks.
Hi Cathy, I am seeing is a trend in the last few seasons away from cropped and ankle lengths and toward more full-length pant styles. Such that even one pair of “petite” length trousers I was looking at had a 31″ inseam! So you may find more options in the coming collections, just keep checking those inseam lengths.
I’m 4’11” so obviously a petite. My issue is I have l low waist, so dresses are so hard to find. The current crop of jus slightly high waists sit ( uncomfortably) on my rib cage. And, because my waist is somewhat thick, I look so dumpy in a shift dress.
I am fortunate that the cropped pants are full length on me. I love not having to hem everything. Usually evern petite pants have to come up a couple of inches!
I have a pet peeve about jackets/blazers: in the past few years the sleeves have cut through button holes. Impossible to shorten! Whithout the buttonholes being cut, I could always pick out the threads .Now I have very few options. The tops of my arms are not thin enough to lift the sleeve from the shoulder. Suggestions?
When I shorten arms, I usually simply eliminate the cuff. I prefer a rolled cuff on most jackets, so this works.
When a jacket has a functioning button cuff, I tend to unbutton the first couple of buttons and then just turn up to cuff. Or push up the sleeves (you can use a hair tie to hold in place).
At 5’2″ (eyes of blue), I so appreciate this post. Lots of great suggestions! I find that buying ankle or crop pants in a regular size works, they end up full length on me, with no need to alter anything. I also find fit matters – can’t wear anything too loose or voluminous, or it looks like my clothes are swallowing me alive. Of course I appreciate any retailer that carries petites, like Talbots. But stores that carry petites are farther and fewer between these days. Anyone remember Petite Sophisticate? I used to love that place. But it is no more.
I loved Petite Sophisticate! Fantastic for work clothes.
Hi Susan,
I consistently find Eileen Fisher pants hit just the right length for me whether tapered or loose. Jeans from JJill and Chico’s work without alterations.
I am 5’4” and curvy with short legs and long torso. However, I find a lot of regular women’s tops need alterations of some sort , unless they are elbow length. I have shop carefully to get just the right length.
I had forgotten about thence crew shrunken sweater. It was on my wish list last year. A sweater that has a large waist band and define waist works best for me. The JCrew cardigan was too. Once it cools down I’ll revisit them. Thanks for the reminder.
I am 5’1 also with a short waist and longer legs. I find it easier to find pants but have a difficult time with tops and sweaters. Anywhere I can look for petites is great.
Love this post, saves me a lot of hunting for ankle/cropped pants. I kind of have a thing for jeans, and those Ruti barrel leg jeans keep popping up on my radar. I’ve never spent quite that much on jeans. Do you still love them? I did not see petite sizing, it looks like the inseam is 27, which is unique. May work for me after going thru the dryer a time or two.
Hi Janice, thanks! Yes, I really still love the Ruti jeans and wear them often.