23 petite clothing brands that women under 5ft 4 should have on their radar 2024
It keeps us up at night… why is shopping for the best petite clothing brands so hard?
Petite is defined, albeit loosely, as anyone below the height of 5ft 4 inches. So, you might be surprised to know that according to the Office of National Statistics the average height of women in the UK is actually 5ft 3in. With the average woman in the UK actually considered ‘petite,’ petite women aren't as 'other' as you may believe. So why, then, does shopping for petite clothing brands feel like such a lucky dip? It's just not good enough to have buy something of ‘average’ fit only to have to chop off the hems or visit a seamstress for alterations.
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Kate Hutchins is a content creator who is 5'4" tall. She knows the struggle is real. “It is so important for petite women to have access to petite clothing ranges - typically our proportions are different to the standard model sizes brands will use. It's the things you wouldn't necessarily think about – the length of a sleeve or how a top or blazer fits on a shorter torso. For example, a regular size blouse may look drop waisted on a petite woman if the sizing isn't adjusted to fit.”
And while we love an oversized fit when it's intentionally done, clothes that swamp a smaller body just don't look chic. No one wants cuffs that hang awkwardly over your hands, fitted shirts that just don't fit and knee-rips in jeans that sit over your shins – wearing clothes that fit is a short cut to looking chic. Kate says: “I often have to get my clothes tailored to ensure pieces fit properly. I would love to see more petite ranges – well-fitting clothing is a small detail in an outfit that makes a huge difference. Not only visually making the look seem more expensive, but also for me, making me feel more confident and comfortable.”
If you stand with Kate, rest assured we've got you. Ahead, find the best petite clothing brands that we really rate.
1. ASOS
Our go to site for pretty much everything, you already know that ASOS stocks almost every brand on the high street and their in-house range, ASOS Design, is completely chic. ASOS' own Petite line has over 1000 pieces online RN with everything from baggy cargo pants to sequin trousers, wedding guest-worthy dresses to simple slips. They run from sizes 2-16.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
2. Reformation
An admirable brand when it comes to sustainable fashion, Reformation has a dedicated hub for all things petite tagged “goodbye tailor.” They get it. And while it's lovely to have things made semi-bespoke, sometimes you just want to buy the thing and wear it immediately! Reformation Petite runs in sizes 4-16 and is a dream destination for considerately made garments that think about the planet in their production as well as the perfect fit.
3. Boden
There isn't a huge array of petite pieces at Boden but we've found some excellent items that will become wardrobe staples if you're shorter than average height. Available in sizes 6-16.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these Boden discount codes at checkout.
4. Free People
We're currently all over Free People for their retro bohemian vibe that's ideal for helping us live out our Daisy Jones and The Six fashion fantasies. The denim section is where you'll find our favourite pieces for women looking for petite jeans and petite denim brands. Look out for the items that come with choices of inseam length. Denim goes from size 24-33 with a short inseam perfect for petite women.
5. Topshop
Ok, talk about iconic. Topshop Petite is the ultimate one-stop shop for all things cool. The denim offering is legendary but from swimwear to party dresses, whatever you're looking for Topshop will have it, in sizes 4-18.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
6. River Island
In our investigations, we've found the most established British high street brands are some of the best at offering petite clothing options. They've long known the stats about the average height of the UK woman, obviously. River Island is one of our faves for dressy pieces, in sizes 4-16.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these River Island discount codes at checkout.
7. Miss Selfridge
The classic high street brand from the noughties was a gateway to our grown-up fashion habit. Miss Selfridge is back on ASOS serving super sweet, trend-led pieces, and the dedicated petite offering comes in sizes 4-16.
8. H&M
H&M doesn't have a dedicated petite line but their sportswear/activewear, which comes in sizes XS-XL, does come in petite cuts. The length of sleeves on the tops and jackets mean your hands won't be flapping under excess fabric when you're trying to swing a kettlebell.
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Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
9. Everlane
Best for sustainable basics and classic wardrobe builders, you won't find any crazy trends at Everlane (that's a good thing.) What you will find are some jeans that come in shorter lengths - there is a 26.5inch inseam on some styles.
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10. Nobody’s Child
Known for their flirty, fun dresses and cheerful array of prints and patterns, Nobody's Child focuses on sustainability in their fabric choices. Their petite dresses come in sizes 6-18 and are cut for women 5'3" and under.
11. Y.A.S. Petite
A gem of a brand we spotted on ASOS, the vibe is fancy, dressy and occasion-worthy. Although it's obviously up to you how you style each trendy silhouette, the patterns and embellishments feel ideal for date night, weddings and cocktails with the girls. Available in sizes 6-16.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
12. Marks & Spencer
We applaud the fact that M&S has remembered that you can be petite in height and plus in dress size at the same time. The jeans and trousers are available in petite sizes 6-24 – we love to see it.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
13. Reiss
Our go-to when we want looks that pull us together, sartorially, Kate is also a fan of Reiss's Petite offering, which is designed for women under 5'3". “Reiss also has an extensive range of petite options which is fab because at a higher price point you want to have that good fit.” Available in sizes 4-16.
14. Vila Petite
Sleek, chic and available in sizes 6-16, Vila has a similar mood to Y.A.S (these are special pieces you'll wear to show off in) but at a more accessible price point.
15. Whistles
A fresh launch last year, we were thrilled that Whistles decided to bring its contemporary, cool styling to petite women – in sizes 4-20 (yes!) made from considered fabrics. There isn't a vast range but we'd rather see an excellent edit of pieces – think petite frame outerwear and perfect t-shirts) we absolutely want to wear than pages of overproduced garments that could never be sustainable.
16. New Look
New Look's petite clothing range comes in size 4-16 and while they tick off all the trends, they carry some useful foundation pieces too. The prices are some of the lowest on the high street where petite styles are concerned.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these New Look discount codes at the retailer checkout.
17. Karen Millen
Designed for women under 5'3", Karen Millen Petite carries the same luxurious and sleek mood from it's mainline through to the petite options, available in sizes 4-16. We particularly love the tailored workwear and smart trench coats that are signatures of the brand.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these Karen Millen discount codes at checkout.
18. Warehouse
Our current favourite site for *add to basket* appeal, Warehouse offers petite fashion cut for women 5'3" and under, in sizes 4-16. Everything onsite ticks off this season's trends and we are particular fans of the sparkly, metallic fabrics and on-trend floral print dresses that feel extra special.
19. Abercrombie & Fitch
Kate Hutchins relies on petite brands, and rates Abercrombie & Fitch. “They are *great* for including petite sizes on the majority of their bottoms and even dresses too - it really is a game changer.” The collection comes in sizes XXS-XXL and virtually everything comes in three lengths, catering to a wide range of body types.
20. Coast
For bridesmaid dresses, wedding guest *lewks*, statement pieces and fancy 'fits in general, Coast is a must shop. The petite collection comes in sizes 4-18.
21. Live Unlimited
Looking for a plus size clothing brand that also caters to shorter heights? Live Unlimited is the place to browse. They cater to sizes UK 12-28 and everything in their petite section is designed to fit shorter torsos, legs and more.
22. Bershka Petite
Beyond basics, this petite clothing brand runs from sizes 4-16 and caters to a more weekend-y, casual vibe. This Spring the cargo trousers became a viral hit on TikTok last year and the size guide on their site shares exactly how long the leg lengths are for each size item. The jeans are available in petite, regular and tall, making them an instant hit on the high-street.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these Bershka discount codes at checkout.
23. KLAYD
Championing every body, KLAYD's founder Paula Anselmi is actually petite herself – so you know she's got you covered with a range of basics. Paula's favourite styles include the scoop neckline pieces, as they're perfect for making your torso look longer than it is.
For more places to shop, browse the best online clothing stores, best plus size fashion brands and fashion rental services. We've also got the best jeans for women (including tall jeans, petite jeans and plus size jeans), because, let's face, it they're by far the hardest to shop for.
