A common question I get is, “where do you like to shop for petite clothes?” The answer is always evolving, because I’m always on the hunt, but I do have a handful of places that I go back to time and time again.
Sizing and Fit
To start, I’ll share my sizing. I’m 4’10” and around 106 pounds, I’m curvier on the bottom than I am on the top (you can technically say I’m pear shaped, although it’s not dramatic). I typically wear the smallest size most places (XS/XXS, Petite XS/XXS, 24, 00 and 0). In general, petite tops fit me better, but I don’t have to have petite tops. So, I will shop around for them. I look for petites specifically when I’m looking for jeans, pants, skirts or dresses.
My Favorite Places to Shop for Petite Clothes
LOFT
No surprise this one is first on my list. LOFT does a really great job with their petites. The dresses fit well, the arm holes fit well and I go back over and over again. I tend to buy mostly tops, skirts and dresses from LOFT as their pants and jeans tend to be a little too long for me. If the style is ankle or cropped length, I can wear them.
What I buy most: Tops, Skirts, Dresses
J.Crew & Madewell
When it comes to jeans, Madewell and J.Crew are IT! They make the best fitting jeans around for petites. Although they are not the most affordable in the world, if you invest in a pair, you will love them, trust me! I also really love J.Crew’s blazers and coats – they’re not only great quality, they also have a really great fit.
To note, J.Crew Factory does not fit me as well as J.Crew, most things seems to run large on me from J.Crew Factory.
What I buy most: Jeans and Blazers/Jackets
American Eagle & Aerie
American Eagle and Aerie are marketed toward a younger crowd, so not everything is a love for me, but they make jeans that come in cropped petite, and xx short that I love. They also have great fitting dresses and skirts. Their tops are also a good fit, in the regular sizing I can wear an xs.
In my experience, their dresses and skirts run short. You’re better off ordering the regular fit rather than the petite for a better length.
What I buy most: Jeans, Tops, Dresses and Skirts
Abercrombie
When I was in high school, Abercrombie was my jam. Their clothes ran small then, and they run small now – which is perfect for me! Abercrombie runs so small, I typically go up one size from my regular size for a good fit. (If you’re wondering that would be 25, 0, and XS at Abercrombie). For me, the tops, skirts and dresses are a good fit. The jeans tend to still be a little too long on me.
What I buy most: Dresses, Skirts, and Tops
Old Navy
Old Navy does not have the best petites, in my opinion, but I often will still shop here. The fit is not spot on, but it’s small enough that it works, and you can’t beat the pricing at Old Navy. Some items that don’t need to be petite specific work really well for me, like these shorts. In general, I mostly buy tops and jacket at Old Navy, but occasionally find pants and jeans that fit well.
What I buy most: Tops and Jackets
ASOS
ASOS is affordable and despite being based in the UK, the shipping is typically really fast. I’ve only purchased dresses from ASOS, but they have an entire petite line to try.
What I buy most: Dresses
Nordstrom
Nordstrom carries several petite brands, as well as tiny shoes (under size 5). Some brands that tend to be my favorite there are: Caslon, 1901, and Gal Meets Glam. You can’t beat the customer service and the ease of making returns at Nordstrom.
What I buy most: Pants, Tops, Dresses, Jacket, Shoes
Boutiques
Boutiques can be hit or miss, with some only going down to a size small. However, I think because many of the boutique clothes are geared toward juniors, the sizing is smaller, so I have luck! I tend to stick to tops, dresses and skirts when I shop boutiques simply because pants tend to be tricky. A few boutiques I have good luck with are:
What I buy most: Dresses, Skirts and Tops
Other Retailers
The above are the places I shop at the most, however, there are great places to look for petites, that I will occasionally shop:
Since many of the petites are strictly online, I recommend knowing your measurements to find clothes that will fit you. I personally know my waist, bust, inseam, and I also know the measurement from my shoulder to knee and shoulder to ankle. If you have those on hand, you’ll be able to choose anything from tops, to pants, skirts and dresses online and know where how the length will fall on you.
I hope this list helps you find lots of petite friendly things to love!
-Brooke
Abercrombie and asos are my favorite!
Briana
https://b-wear.org/
Great roundup of your fav petite retailers!