Building on my recent post featuring petite-friendly linen dresses, I wanted to highlight a few linen pieces I love from Athleta. The Retreat Linen collection is made from a soft, medium-weight linen that isn’t see-through (with the exception of white, which is see-through) and, while it wrinkles like any linen fabric, I find it doesn’t crease as heavily as some other 100% linen pieces.

I’ve reviewed the Retreat Linen pants and shorts several times over the years, but recently I started getting questions about the Retreat Linen dress. So I ordered it to test the petite fit for myself, and in today’s post I’m sharing my review of the dress along with updated fit notes on the pants and shorts.

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Athleta Retreat Linen Review for Petites: Dress, Pants & Shorts

My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.

Any measurements provided are taken from the exact size and color I’m wearing in the post. Fit and measurements may vary by size and may differ from what you see on the brand website.

Retreat Linen Dress

Made from 100% soft linen and fully lined, this dress has a roomy swing fit that feels lightweight and comfortable for summer. If I’m honest, I didn’t expect it to work on my petite frame based on the online photos, but I was pleasantly surprised once I tried it on.

The dress is definitely voluminous, but the shorter length helps balance the shape on a petite frame so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. You will need a strapless bra with this style because it’s wide and dips a little low in the back, but it’s an easy, breezy dress for hot summer days. I could also see myself wearing it as a lightweight cover-up over a swimsuit for the pool or beach.

For size reference, I’m wearing the dress in Petite XS. If you prefer a less relaxed fit, sizing down would give you a slightly closer fit overall.

Dress Petite XS | Bag | Earrings | Sandals tts

Retreat Linen Shorts

Athleta’s Retreat Linen Shorts are a longtime favorite of mine. They have a polished look, but the drawstring waist keeps them feeling casual and easy to wear for everyday outfits, travel, or weekends outdoors. I personally love to wear these to theme parks! The linen fabric is soft with a medium weight that feels substantial without being heavy, and I don’t find them overly sheer.

I find these shorts to fit true to size overall. I’m wearing them in XXS and like the comfortable, slightly roomy fit.

Shorts XXS in undyed | Top XXS | Sandals tts

Retreat Linen Pants

The Athleta Retreat Linen Pants have been a favorite of mine for quite some time. What keeps me reaching for them year after year is the fabric. It’s substantial enough that the pants don’t feel overly sheer (with the exception of the white color), but still lightweight and breathable enough for warm weather.

I recently included these in my linen pants wash test. Before washing, the petite size measured with a 28″ inseam and an 11″ rise. After washing, the inseam shrank to 27″ while the rise stayed the same. I didn’t notice any major shrinkage through the hips or overall fit.

Over time, I’ve found the Retreat Linen Pants and Shorts soften nicely with washing and wear. They do wrinkle throughout the day, as most linen does, but the slightly heavier fabric helps keep them from looking overly crumpled.

One thing I especially appreciate about these pants is that the fabric doesn’t cling to my hips or show undergarments easily, which makes them very comfortable to wear. They do have a higher rise and a thicker waistband, which may not be every petite’s preference depending on proportions. I also find they run a little roomy overall, so if you’re between sizes or prefer less volume, sizing down may be your best bet.

Pants Petite XXS in undyed | Top XXS | Sandals tts

Overall, I continue to be impressed with Athleta’s Retreat Linen collection for petites. The fabric feels more substantial than many linen pieces I’ve tried while still being breathable and comfortable for hot weather. I also appreciate that the collection offers petite sizing across multiple styles (dresses, pants), making it easier to find proportions that work right off the rack. Whether you’re looking for an easy summer dress, casual linen shorts, or relaxed wide-leg pants, these pieces are versatile staples you can wear throughout the season.