Online shopping can be particularly challenging for petite shoppers. Droopy sleeves, sagging hems and the general feeling of drowning in your own clothing are common complaints among the short stature scene.
Defined as a height of 5 ft 3 in and under, you may be surprised to learn that according to the Office of National Statistics the average height of women in the UK is actually 5 ft 3.
This makes the petite population more common despite what clothing shops would suggest. For many years petite clothing remained a lucky-dip of basic styles and so-so pieces with the occasional diamond in the rough treasure that would eventually be worn into disuse due to it being the only item that properly fits and looks good. You are, however, in good company with the likes of Kourtney Kardashian at 5 ft, Lady Gaga at 5 ft 1 in and Emilia Clarke at 5 ft 2 in.
If you don’t have the Hollywood budget for bespoke tailoring - and who amongst us really does - High Street brands and online retailers like ASOS have seriously tackled the petite problem in recent years with dedicated sections for the smaller framed folk. Shorter torso measurements, appropriate trouser lengths and smaller waist options all on offer - and surprise surprise, you can actually shop the latest styles at a much higher volume online compared to brick and mortar shops often picked clean of petite options.
We’ve done the hard work for you and gathered the best High Street brands and online retailers with especially dedicated petite ranges to answer your fashion woes. These labels do not just shorten the length of the pieces but fully adjust the proportions to match your frame so you can skip the tailoring.
Let there be one less #shortgirlproblem.
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ASOS
With something for every taste, shape and size, ASOS has it all. The online retailers stocks over 1,500 petite pieces starting from size 2. On top of its own petite range, there are also a whole host of brands specialising in items designed for women at 5 ft 3 in tall. While it is a must-visit before any night out, it is not just the evening wear that ASOS excels in, the website has a vast selection of everyday pieces as well as items for petite mothers-to-be.
Topshop
Now part of the ASOS online shop, we love Topshop’s petite offering. Despite the end of physical Topshop stores, its petite range continues to grow online and there are plenty of on-trend pieces adapted to fit shorter women. From re-proportioned items from the main fashion range, to exclusively petite pieces, the Topshop selection is a must-visit for fashion lovers. We particularly love the petite variations of the Jamie and Leigh jeans that have a far superior fit.
Reformation
A cult favourite, sustainability focused brand Reformation now offers a range of petite clothes focused primarily on dresses and skirts with gorgeous bridesmaid dresses in smaller sizes, perfect for a summer of weddings.
Buy now, Reformation
Hobbs
If you’re looking for smart tailored pieces that are perfect for the office as well as smart events such as weddings then Hobbs has you covered. A Kate Middleton favourite, you’ll be looking effortlessly classy with Hobbs’ range of trousers, summer dresses and jackets.
J Crew
With almost 200 pieces in the J Crew petite collection including jeans and on-trend linen pieces you’ll be looking chic all summer. Although slightly pricier their clothes are well worth the investment and can be styled both smartly and casually, meaning you’ll be keeping these staples in your wardrobe for years.
Misguided
With over 400 styles available, Missguided’s range of petite pieces is extensive to say the least. In every colour and style, the online label offers fashion-forward pieces at a lower price tag. Whether you are looking for festival essentials or everyday wardrobe must-haves, you are bound to find something at Missguided. Major discounts available as well for the savvy budget shopper.
PrettyLittleThing
Tap into the catwalk trends for less at PrettyLittleThing. Inspired by the catwalk, the label has a short girl friendly collection with a whole host of party outfits as well as crop tops, flares and everything you need to look fashion forward no matter the season.
Boohoo
Fast fashion extraordinaire Boohoo has a range of clothing designed specifically for those at 5 ft 3 in and under. With more than 500+ styles on offer, the range of clothing is incredible, ensuring you will find what you are looking for without any additional tailoring necessary. We particularly love the mini dresses and logo tees selection.
River Island
From summery tropical prints to striped dresses, the petite selection at River Island has the pieces to seamlessly take your from summer to winter and back again. A recent addition to the label’s main fashion collection, let poorly-fitted clothes be a thing of the past with the on-trend pieces in perfectly petite sizes.
New Look
New Look has a wide selection of wardrobe staples designed for women under 5 ft 3 in. From floral print pieces, to the basics, the purse-friendly clothing range will allow you to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Debenhams
Debenhams boasts a large selection of both party and day wear especially designed for petites. But it’s not only the Debenhams petite range that is available to shop. You can also shop the following petite ranges all in one convenient location: Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Oasis, Warehouse, Boohoo and Nasty Gal. The online store has an extensive selection of sizes.
Wallis
Wallis is constantly adding new pieces to its petite selection and has a variety of different leg lengths on offer as well as prints for every occasion. There is even a special section for new favourites to make the shopping process that extra bit easier.
Boden
Boden offers proportionally created pieces alongside speciality pieces for petite women. Composed of delicately embroidered coats and jackets and classic summer dresses, the timeless selection of clothes are made of quality fabrics to wear season after season.
Marks & Spencer
If you are looking for well-made pieces that are also long-lasting, than look no further than M&S. The retailer offers shirts, cardigans and stand-out pieces that will be sure to fit without any additional tailoring necessary. In our opinion the stand-out items have to be the short and extra short trousers.
Oasis
If you’re looking for the perfect summer dress that doesn’t unintentionally look like a maxi dress then Oasis has you covered. With over 100 petite dresses you’ll find everything from workwear to bridesmaid dresses. They also have petite jeans and trousers in countless styles.
Miss Selfridge
Combining fashion-forward designs with bold colours and perfect fit, Miss Selfridge, now shopable through the ASOS website, has an impressive petite selection. The label has over 200 pieces and the collection boasts particularly stylish ranges.
Dorothy Perkins
Petite fashion lovers will love the large range of pieces on offer at Dorothy Perkins. With clothing for all ages, the label has a strong blouse and dress selection with around 500 items on offer.
Next
Next’s offering of petite clothes brings together office appropriate attire with stylish off-duty options. From its own brand as well as pieces from the likes of Lipsy and Glamorous, the range of choice is vast and varied.
Zalando
Zalando offers a specially curated selection of petite clothing from a range of brands; including Ralph Lauren and Chi Chi London. The online retailer has trendy catwalk inspired pieces in petite portions for seasonal on-trend looks.
Jeetly
Jeetly was created to fill a gap in the market of a brand specially designed for petite women. The label offers office appropriate ensembles that you can wear as soon as they arrive at your house, without having to make a pit stop at your tailors. From pencil and shift dresses, to tees with empowering logos and pussybow blouses, the label has office wear covered.
