Petite-Friendly Retailers For Short Girls

When you’re petite, it can be hard to find the right clothes for your frame. Even if you’re not short, that doesn’t mean that you’re not petite. You can be tall, curvy, or even plus-sized and still be considered petite in certain areas. I am just shy of 5’4 and have a larger upper body (broad shoulders, large chest, and belly). My torso is short and I have trouble finding tops that aren’t overly long. I have the same problem with dresses and skirts because I have a short waist. My lower half is narrow, and I often go for pants that are ankle length, cropped, or skinny (worn cuffed) to avoid hemming.

Petite Misconceptions

This adorable top by Pleione is a Petite large. I tried a regular size large and it was too billowy and long. As mentioned before, you don’t have to be small all over to be considered petite. Being petite can be chalked up to a few things: length of limbs, shoulder width, bust size, and length of waist.

I styled this cute top with my favorite skinny jeans, sandals, and adorable cat purse (available in several colors). The bracelets and earrings are perfect for everyday since they are so easy to wear.

Tip for Shopping Petite

Shopping petite can be tricky depending on the retailer. When shopping at Loft I usually wear a size 4 or 6 in their pants. If I go for the petite option, I go up a size. For example, if the regular size 6 fits, I would be a size 8 p. More often than not, the petite option is small all over not just in length so that’s why it helps to size up. A lot of petite clothing is like this. I am narrow through the hips but that doesn’t mean that my calves and thighs are petite.

If you’re small all over, check out the the kids section. Depending on where you shop, you can sometimes get the same brands sold in the women’s department, but for a fraction of the price. Usually, sizes 12-16 will fit quite well; I used to do this all the time when I was a smaller size. The kid’s section is also a great alternative if your feet are small.

Petite Brands I love

Petite clothing has come a long way, and there is more available. If not in-store, then definitely online.

• Gibson
• Halogen
• Caslon
• Pleione

Retailers that sell Petite

• Nordstrom
• Anthropologie
• Banana Republic
• J.Crew
• J.Crew Factory
• Asos
• Ann Taylor
• Loft
• Macy’s
• Petite Studio New York
• Top Shop

No matter your size, you’re fabulous! For more body positivity, check out my feature on the Stitch Fix blog for their My Body My Style campaign.

Shop the post:

Top: Pleione (sold out/another cute option) | Jeans: AG | Earrings, and Bracelets: Sugarfix by Bauble Bar c/o| Purse: Ted Baker | Sandals: Josef Seibel (no longer available) | Lipstick: Lancôme Matte Shaker Lipstick  (Pink Power) c/o

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits