A petite woman’s guide to shopping online: The 13 best brands I’ve tried (2024)

There are a few things in life that are more challenging for those of us who are under 5’5 — reaching higher cabinets, turning off a fire alarm, and finding a pair of jeans that hits just right at the ankle.

Shopping as a petite is no easy feat. I’m 5’3, which I would say teeters between petite and regular, yet I still find myself frequently disappointed when I try on a dress that drapes across the floor, or the sleeves of a shirt fall past my fingers, or I succumb to rolling up the cuffs of a pair of jeans that would otherwise fit me perfectly fine. Such is the dilemma of many smaller people.

Hence, I have decided to scout out the best clothing brands for petites. Most of these brands have devoted an entire section to styling smaller-framed women — offering hemmed options of their best-selling pieces and some designed just for us. I’ve tested some popular styles from Reformation, Aritzia, Ann Taylor, and Good American, as well as some smaller brands that cater to the dainty ladies — like my new favorites, For Love and Lemons and Saylor.

For other specific fashion needs, be sure to take a look at our guide to shopping for the best plus-size brands, maternity clothes, and jeans for women of all sizes.

Click the links below to jump right to our top picks for each category:

Best overall: Aritzia

Shipping: Free standard, $10 for express, $15 for priority

Returns: You can receive a full refund within 14 days from the shipping date or merchandise credit on an eGift Card within 30 days from the shipping date. After 30 days, Artizia no longer accepts returns.

Enter my go-to destination for petite clothing over the years. Aritzia’s style has been described as “everyday luxury,” and that couldn’t be more accurate — their iconic sculpt knit tanks, relaxed work trousers, and trendy vegan leather pants, never seem to go out of style. Both the Wilfred and Babaton brands at Aritzia carry limitless options for work and play, but my favorite part of the store is that many styles come in different lengths, with petites included.

Some of my personal favorites include the Effortless Pants–If you’re looking for perfectly relaxed, tailored trousers that will become your everyday work pants. They come in multiple length options including short,regular,andlong. The same goes for their stunning, Melina Vegan Leather Pants, which are offered in 20 stunning colorways. The cropped length is ideal for women under 5’3. If you’re looking for a top to style these dressy bottoms with, I suggest one of their fitted crops — like the ultra-flattering Sculpt Knit Greek Tank.

Best for plus-size petites: Good American

Shipping: Offers Standard, Ground, and Expedited. Prices vary.

Returns: Good American accepts returns and exchanges of items purchased on goodamerican.com if they are requested within 21 days of the date your order was shipped.

We all need a good pair of jeans, and Good American’s Good Petite section was made just to help you find the pair that you never want to take off. It’s clear that Khloe Kardashian’s denim-focused brand has been committed to inclusivity from day one, offering styles in every size from 00-32 Plus. I also appreciate that Good American models represent various body shapes and sizes, and the petite section is modeled by true, petite women, so you can see exactly how it fits.

Full disclosure: Good American’s petite section is designed for the 5’4 and under squad. This is perfect for me (at 5’3) and automatically bumps the brand to the top of my personal list. But, I also love that there are a range of choices for those who like relaxed, skinny, straight, flared, and bootcut styles. I’m a huge fan of the architecture of the Good Petite Straight Jeans. These pants feature a unique high-low ankle cut that creates an illusion of some added height.

Best luxury: For Love and Lemons

Shipping: $10 for FedEx Ground, $25 for FedEx 2-Day, $45 for FedEx overnight. Free standard ground shipping on all U.S. ordersover $250 and free express shipping onall international orders over $300.

Returns: Orders may be returned up to 21 days after your order has shipped. Returns must be in new condition with original tags attached, unworn, unwashed, and free of any alterations.

For luxury petite style, I recommend you browse some options at For Love and Lemons. While the brand doesn’t offer a strictly petite section, I would say that smaller women have plenty of exciting options, especially from the Little White Dress section. You’ll find an array of one-of-a-kind, cut-out dresses, intricate patchwork, and asymmetrical cuts that really represent the free-thinking, women-led team behind For Love and Lemons.

I’ve always found For Love and Lemon pieces fit my small frame very well — many of the dresses accentuate leg and arm length, which is something so appreciated in the petite fashion space. One of my top picks is the hip Darlene Mini Dress which combines mixed fabrics that drape carefully around the body. It’s a tighter fit, but the tie at the center back allows you to adjust the length a tad. It can be tricky to find petite clothing that still has a punchy, wow factor, but you can surely find some at For Love and Lemons.

Most classy: Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor’s petite section has everything you can think of — from sophisticated pantsuits to trench coats and bold blazers. The brand’s petite section hosts some of their best-selling items, transformed into pieces tailored just for you. Designers have simply brought up the hemlines, but all other design elements remain unchanged. That means no more rolled-up cuffs and awkward tucking.

I adore Ann Taylor for high-end workwear, but the fact that they have an entire section dedicated to petites is really the selling point. Boxy blazers and trousers naturally look a bit awkward on petites. Fortunately, Ann Taylor’s slightly hemmed versions seem to hit every curve just perfectly. For first-time shoppers, I recommend looking at some of their staple pieces, like this Petite Refined Knit Square Neck Tank Top, which comes in three colors and is ideal for layering.

Best for occasion-wear: Show Me Your Mumu

Shipping: $6.99 for USPS Standard orders, $10.99 for FedEx Ground, $19.99 for FedEx 2-day, $29.99 for FedEx International

Returns: Show Me Your Mumu accepts returns within 30 days of the delivery date for a refund (minus a 5%return fee), exchange or gift card. Exchanges are always free!

It’s difficult to find a brand as youthful, playful, and energetic as Show Me Your Mumu. The store brings a combination of floral patterns, creative cuts and eye-popping colors that truly make every outfit a statement piece. I suggest stopping by the denim section designed just for shorter women, but I’m an even bigger fan of the mini dress collection — which I’ve found to really flatter smaller frames.

Anyone with a petite build knows it can be frustrating to find the right-fitting outfit for a special occasion. Fortunately, Show Me Your Mumu has a piece for every type of event — weddings, co*cktail hours, and Sunday brunch included. A couple of my top picks would be Western-inspired Outlaw Dress and the romantic Corset Mini Dress, which falls beautifully above the knee and offers wide, adjustable straps so women with smaller backs can contour the fit.

Best for mature women: Boden

Shipping: $5 or free standard shipping when you spend over $49, $15 for expedited, and $25 for express

Returns: If you return an item in its original condition within 45 days of dispatch, Boden will give you back the amount you paid for the item. For over 45 days of dispatch, Boden will give you an account credit.

For fashionable, quality, and professional clothing we suggest you head right to Boden. The high-end brand offers an extensive petites section that’s brimming withdresses,pants,coats, andtopsmade custom to fit smaller frames. If you’re on the fence, you can take their simple ‘which size fits me’ test to discover whether you fall into petite or regular. Another thing I love about this brand is its styling advice, the ‘make an outfit out of it’ section shows you exactly how to tie together an entire look.

When graduating from a mini dress to a longer dress, things get a bit complicated for shorter ladies. Finding a maxi dress that doesn’t drag on the ground, but also sits right at the waist, is a challenge. Boden has a solution. Their petites section is full of fantastic longer silhouettes with a bit of classy European flair, like this Alba Tiered Cotton Maxi Dress and V Neck Puff Maxi Dress that are designed just for you. You no longer need to worry about alterations — they’ve already been done.

Best for vacation: Saylor

Shipping: Free for Ground, $25 for US 2nd Day (Express)

Returns: To request a return visitsaylornyc.happyreturns.comwithin 15 days of receiving your purchase.

Saylor’s spirited styles are not exclusively built for petites, but the brand offers an abundant range of options that really seem to suit smaller builds. I think part of that is due to the style — the shop is filled with ruffles, fringes, layers, patterns, and textures that add dimension to make even the smallest pieces of clothing more interesting. The models’ heights are also listed underneath each product image, which provides shoppers with an idea of what they are buying.

As a petite, I’ve always struggled to find deep V-neck dresses that make a statement, but aren’t so low-cut that they risk a fashion mishap. The Saylor Rooke Dress is one of the few options that show off my neckline without revealing too much. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, sexy, and tailored. I also suggest taking a look at Saylor’s rompers, which veer on the shorter side and would make a perfect addition to your spring break wardrobe.

Best for jeans: Mother

Shipping: Domestic orders over $50 receive free ground shipping. FedEx Ground, FedEx 2-Day, and FedEx Standard overnight are also available.

Returns: You may return items within 30 days for a full refund.

Shopping for jeans can be particularly tricky for shorter women, but Mother makes it easy. The L.A denim brand’s Petite Section is stocked with best-selling styles — all of which are meant to complement bodies under 5’4. Pieces from this collection offer higher knee placement and shorter inseams and rise, so the pants hit in all the right places. It’s worth mentioning that Mother also makes some lovely spring dresses and tops that are just as flattering for those with smaller frames.

Mother’s petite section has a pair of jeans for everyone — whether you like a flared look, a straight cut, or a timeless pair of mom jeans. Personally, I’m a huge fan of the Lil’ Hustler Ankle Jeans which offer an ankle-length inseam and clean hem. The denim has a tad of stretch and comes in a cool, dark-blue wash that is perfect for dressing up or down. For someone who appreciates a more laidback, yet clean style, I would head to Mother.

Best for dresses: Reformation

Shipping: Free shipping.

Returns: Returns must be dropped off and scanned by carrier or returned to a store within 30 days after the delivery date.

If you haven’t caught on the Reformation bandwagon, it’s about time. This celebrity-loved brand offers a wonderland of lovely dresses for every occasion. We’re talking stunning sweetheart necklines, lined bodices, back smocking — pretty much all the good stuff. There are styles for every type of shopper: something edgy, sophisticated, modern, or hipster. And, the best part of the deal — Reformation offers a full collection for petites in sizes 0p to 12p. These dresses are designed just for smaller frames, but if you’re still unhappy with the fit for any reason, Reformation will take care of the alterations.

I tested out a few favorites from the petite collection at Reformation — and to no surprise at all — they felt like they were tailored to fit me. My top pick is the iconic Nadira Dress, which features ultra-lightweight 100% viscose fabric, a back zipper, and thick, adjustable straps for custom bust support. The way this dress falls on a smaller frame is stunning. There’s no bunching and the relaxed skirt hits just below the knees. For another fun Spring style, I suggest the Kendi Denim Dress. Yes, in most scenarios, a denim dress sounds like a nightmare for a petite. This one is a dream — it has a bit of stretch, there’s an airy back slit that shows a slice of the calf, and the flattering dark wash makes a statement with any sort of accessorizing.

Best budget-friendly: Showpo.

Shipping: Free standard shipping to the US on orders over $100.

Returns: You can return your items to Showpo. within 21 days of receiving your order and get a full refund to your original payment method within seven days of delivery. Store credit is also available.

It’s no wonder that Showpo. quickly went from a small Australian start-up to a global fashion brand. The store is well ahead of the trends — even offering edits for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, Big Boss Energy workwear, and a Bridal Shower collection. Showpo. was one of the first online retailers to offer inclusive sizing, ranging from size 0-16. While they do not offer a specific petite section, I adore the fact that the brand provides specific details on whether items fit true to size, run larger, or small.

For the petites, I recommend heading to Showpo.’s crop top collection, cropped jean section, and mini skirt edit. These sections are filled with romantic, feminine styles for every type of occasion. I’ve noticed many pieces are fully-lined which adds some shape and structure — ideal for women on the smaller side. If I had to choose just on piece to recommend to the petite ladies, I’d tell them to try the stunning Wren Mini Dress, a shorter, slim-fitting garment that elongates the legs and hugs every curve.

Best splurge: Faithfull the Brand

Shipping: Free standard shipping on all U.S. orders over $150. DHL Express shipping for international orders to countries outside of the U.S.

Returns: Full refunds or store credit available on items not worn within 21 days of the purchase date.

Meet Faithfull The Brand — one of the most Instagrammable brands in my book — that also happens to offer a range of fashionable pieces that look stunning on petites. The founders of this sun-seeking brand collaborated with Bali’s best artisans to create hand-made garments, and you can certainly see the attention to detail in all of their pieces.

While this brand does not have a dedicated petite section, they do offer specific details on models’ measurements to help shoppers find the right fit. Notes are made on whether each piece fits true to size, as well as recommendations for sizing up or down. I’ve also noticed that many of their pieces are designed with adjustable straps, tie-backs and halter tops that allow a more tailored fit which is ideal for anyone under 5’5. The Regina Midi is a great example of that.

Best for special occasions: Ramy Brook

Shipping: Ramy Brook offers free standard shipping for all US orders and multiple premium shipping services.

Returns: Ramy Brook offers a 30-day window for returns. Returns on orders placed within the US will incur a $10 restocking fee.

I’ve been converted. Shopping for special occasions can be tricky as a petite — which is why I had to try Ramy Brook’s line of celebration-worthy styles that are offered in numerical sizing starting at double-zero to flatter petites. The brand is stocked with an assortment of colorful mini dresses, dainty skirts, cropped denim, and even a best-selling ankle-length jumpsuit made to flatter your smaller frame.

Here is one thing I know: This is the place to go for party dresses. Ramy Brook’s Juanita dress “promises to command attention with every wear” and that is exactly what it does — complete with sparkling silver sequins and neon florals. Ramy Brook styles carry a confident, high-class, inspiring elegance while flattering a variety of body types with expansive sizing, adjustable straps, and spandex to allow easy moving.

Best for work: Kasper

Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders $99 or more, $6.95 flat-rate standard shipping on all other orders. Expedited two-day shipping is $19.95, and expedited one-day shipping is $29.95.

Returns: Accepts returns of new, unworn, and unaltered merchandise, with original tags. Returns must be received within 30 days of the original purchase date with a $7 shipping and processing fee.

Get ready to go to work in style. Kasper’s devoted petite section is filled with an unmatched assortment of professional and business-casual-aligned You’ll find a range of trousers, blazers, twee skirts, and crepe jackets. These fabrics are thoughtfully selected to avoid wrinkly for a classy, polished work-ready look. Styles lean more mature, and modest, but you’ll still find plenty of bright colors and creative prints.

For those of us under 5’3, finding suitable work clothing can be a struggle. The fact that Kasper has three size categories (regular, plus, and petite) is a major green flag to anybody who is looking for something that has that more ‘tailored look.’ The Harlow Pants, which cut off right above the ankle, might be among the comfiest work pants I’ve tried. The viscose is loose and breathable and falls elegantly for a slight slimming effect. Blazers usually look bulky and long on me (especially in the shoulders), but the Holly Jacket hit in all the right spots, and the button closure adds a touch of style that layers beautifully over any simple shirt.

How we tested

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To provide a comprehensive review of the top brands for petite women, I’ve assessed each brand based on a few different elements — petite sizing options, comfort and durability of material, and the brand’s range of styles.

Fit:It’s not as simple as trying on clothes to tell you whether they fit true to size. Considering this review is focused on clothing brands for petite women, I’ve made note of whether each brand has a dedicated petite section or offers specific styles in different lengths or specifically smaller sizes for women under 5’5. I also evaluated how the brands support shoppers in finding the right fit — including whether they highlight petite models wearing the clothing on the websites, if there are measurements listed, and whether customer reviews were provided for each product.

Style:Style is unique to its beholder, so for this review, I’ve focused on the variety of styles provided by each brand, versus the quality of the style that the brand offers. However, I also highlighted any brands that are entirely geared towards a specific style — such as ones that specialize in clothing specifically for more mature, professionals or others that offer a variety of trendier looks for younger shoppers.

Material: Most clothing brands I reviewed offer a variety of fabrics, from cotton and chiffon to silk and denim. I’ve tested these brands firsthand to review the comfort of the materials used in the clothing as well as the quality — specifically how long I expect them to last without ripping seams, stretching, and snags. Additionally, I’ve highlighted some brands that are committed to recycling materials and reducing environmental waste in the production process.

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