Best Petite Stores
One of the most frequently asked questions I get asked is “what are the best petite stores?” and I finally realized it was crazy that I don’t have a whole blog post about it! So many of you are around the same height as me – but honestly, even if you aren’t, the majority of these stores also have regular and even tall sizing to choose from. We LOVE a store that has options 🙂
At 5’2″, the biggest issue I have when it comes to finding petite friendly clothes is proportions. The waist of a regular dress will hit me too low. Or the holes in jeans will sit on my shins instead of knees. Or the shoulders and sleeves on coats?! We all know that struggle!
But at the same time, I definitely have some curves. I have hips and a booty! So many people think that petite just means small… but it doesn’t! Petite sizing is usually made specifically for women 5’4″ and under, including a wide range of sizes within that category.
So if you are petite and have trouble finding clothes that fit you correctly, keep reading for the best petite stores to check out!
Best Petite Stores
Abercrombie
I have been such an Abercrombie fan over the past few years. The offer petite sizing on a HUGE portion of their merchandise, but even if they don’t – a lot of their stuff is still petite friendly. The dress I’m wearing in these photos is actually a regular size but it still fits me great.
Favorite Abercrombie items
I actually wrote all about my favorite petite-friendly items from Abercrombie here. They also have great denim in short and extra short inseams. I have a few pairs from previous seasons! I am usually an XS or S in tops/dresses/sweaters and a 27 in denim at Abercrombie, but I always read the reviews for sizing insights on each particular product.
J.Crew
I SWEAR by petite J.Crew coats. They are truly the best quality, best value, and best fit. The rest of the store can be hit or miss for me, but they never let me down in the outerwear department! I usually get a Petite 2 or a Petite small, depending on what the reviews say.
Favorite J.Crew items
I own this puffer coat (seen here), this lighter cocoon puffer (seen here), this wool coat (seen here), and this rainjacket (seen here). HIGHLY recommend all of them!
Loft
I mean… duh. Few brands have been making petite styles for as long as Loft has, and few do it as well as they do! Their sweaters and dresses are usually my favorites, along with super soft pieces from Lou & Grey.
Favorite Loft items
A lot of the items I have aren’t available anymore, but I always swear by Lou & Grey’s signaturesoft sweatshirts and sweatpants. They are hands down the best sweatsuits of all time. I wear an XS in both top and bottoms. I’m also crushing on these corduroy pants, this checked skirt, and this plaid coat!
Ann Taylor
Speaking of Loft, let’s talk about their big sister Ann Taylor! If you are looking for a more sophisticated selection and/or workwear, this is a great place to look.
Favorite Ann Taylor items
I haven’t purchased anything from Ann Taylor in a while, but my Mom got a bunch of REALLY cute dresses from them over the summer – and I love this one for Thanksgiving. I also think this coat and this coat are gorgeous!
Everlane
Even though Everlane doesn’t have a specific petite section, they have a TON of petite friendly items, including jeans in “ankle” length… aka a shorter inseam. I really appreciate the quality of their clothes as well their commitment to sustainability.
Favorite Everlane items
You can read all about the best petite friendly items from Everlane here!
Reformation
Speaking of sustainable companies, it’s no secret that Reformation makes my favorite dresses. And while they have a small petite section, it amazes me that I’ve never needed to purchase a petite size! For some reason, their regular sizing in a lot of styles just fit me really well. It’s so nice – and a huge reason why almost all of my bridal-event dresses were from there!
Favorite Reformation items
I wrote the Lauretta Dress to my pre-wedding family party (seen here), the Belgium dress to my rehearsal dinner (seen here), I changed into the Roarke dress when I got too hot in my wedding dress (seen here), and I wore the Michaela dress on our mini moon (seen here)! I also have and love this simple cropped top (seen here). Such a good staple! I find that I’m usually a size 2 in their linen dresses, a size 4 or small in other dresses, and a size small in tops (unless it looks like it runs big!).
Lululemon
I know Lululemon doesn’t have a section specifically for petites, but the fact that you can choose from multiple different lengths on pretty much all of their leggings? THANK YOU LULU!
Favorite Lululemon items
You can read my full guide to Lululemon leggings here! It covers fabrics, lengths, rises, and more!
Madewell
There’s no denying that Madewell makes really great jeans – and it’s so awesome that they carry most styles in petite sizing! They also carry a few dresses and skirts in petite each season, too.
Favorite Madewell items
These petite perfect jeans are one of my favorite pairs of straight leg jeans that I own. They’re tied with another pair from Madewell that I got 3 or 4 years ago now. Proof that they hold up well!
Nordstrom
Did you know that Nordstrom carries brand that offer petite sizing? They can be hard to find because there isn’t a specific section dedicated to those items – but they’re there! Topshop has a lot of fun trendy pieces, Lauren Ralph Lauren has a few great petite coats, and Michael Stars has some wardrobe staples!
Gap / Banana Republic / Old Navy
If you’re looking for basics, Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy are great places to start!
Petite Studio
I’ve actually never ordered anything from Petite Studio, but they have REALLY beautiful clothes! I particularly love this camel coat, this black and white sweater, and these trousers!
PS. You might also like Petite Friendly Items from Everlane, Guide to Lululemon Leggings, and Petite Friendly Items from Abercrombie.
