The petite clothing market has a reputation for being short on fashion, but a retail shift is underway. Back in 2006, American department chains, like Neiman Marcus, Saks and Bloomingdale’s, started to quietly downsize or eliminate their petite departments (sized for women 5 feet 4 inches and under) and switch to an online-only model. The move was bold and illuminating.
Executives explained to The New York Times that their decision wasn’t based on sales floor space or height variances over time (the average American woman still hovers around 5 feet 4 inches), but on a low sell-through. Petite women were no longer interested in the buttoned-up workwear popularized in the 80s by brands like Liz Claiborne or Jones New York — and that was largely all that was available. They wanted “more youthful, skin-baring and tighter-fitting clothing in the contemporary departments.”
And speaking of youthful, according to new research from the NPD Group, nowadays teens are moving away from the junior segment in favor of plus, petite and tall sizes. In a 2016 survey of adolescent shopping habits, 49 percent of respondents said they were shopping petite clothing as compared to 40 percent in 2012. Further evidence that a “one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most clothing, and it doesn’t work for marketing to consumers either,” in the words of Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at NPD.
Slowly but surely, brands are stepping up to fill the void. In 2012, for instance, Anthropologie debuted its first petite clothing collection featuring approximately 70 styles. Today, the retailer offers a selection of more than 600 pieces and has exclusive petite-friendly designer collaborations with the likes of Tracy Reese and Whitney Pozgay of WHIT under its belt. But it’s not only mass-market retailers that are beginning to capitalize on the underserved category. In 2015, Los Angeles cult brand Reformation premiered a petite clothing line titled “Don’t Call Me Cute,” featuring jumpsuits, flirty skirts and breezy dresses that don’t need to be hemmed. And guess what? There wasn’t a button-down in sight. We’d say that’s a step in the right direction.
For a rundown of the 22 best petite clothing stores and brands right now, click on the gallery above.
Best Clothing Brands for Petites 2015
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ASOS
ASOS is a favorite for the petite set on a budget. The high street retailer stocks everything you could think of, including hard-to-find items like swimwear, capes, crop tops and jumpsuits.
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Topshop
We love Topshop for the ultra trendy pieces that you won't get anywhere else. Think glitter bomber jackets, patchwork dresses and faux fur chubbies.
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J.Crew
J.Crew's petite section is legendary. Here you can find fashion-forward separates, outerwear, suiting and even (for the moment) wedding gowns for women 5 feet to 5 feet 4 inches.
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Anthropologie
Since Anthropologie was a pioneer in the modern petite market in the U.S., you'll find a wide-ranging selection of ready-to-wear with form-fitting arm holes, higher knee breaks and tailored sleeves.
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The Little Bra Company
Emily Lau, self-identified “late-bloomer” and former TV producer, created The Little Bra Company in 2007 after years of struggling to find the perfect bra for her petite frame. You’ll come for the hard-to-find band and cup sizes and stay for the comfortable fit, feminine details and, above all, natural-looking lift.
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Theory
In theory, all luxury brands would acknowledge the petite market. At Theory, they do. To those seeking cool sophistication and clean silhouettes, look no further. All of Theory's well-crafted, wearable designs come in petite sizes. Yes, even that coveted Coveteur and La Ligne collab.
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Express
If you haven't set foot inside an Express for years, give it a shot. You may be surprised to see a plethora of petite skirts, trousers and tops under $100.
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Boden
Boden, a pocket-friendly retailer hailing from the U.K., is a great resource for finding J.Crew-style clothes for half the price.
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Paige
If you're tired of faking it with cropped jeans and kiddie clothes, visit Paige. You can stock up on a variety of jeans here that were actually made for you.
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American Eagle Outfitters
Looking for distressed denim, boyfriend jeans or bell-bottoms? Head over to American Eagle Outfitters. Online, there are options with shorter inseams for under $50.
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Dorothy Perkins
Dorothy Perkins, the U.K.'s equivalent to Forever 21, offers cheap knitwear, jackets, dresses, jeans and more for women 5 feet 3 inches and under.
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Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor's petite line has been around for years. It's particularly useful when you need plus-size petite clothing since options go up to a size 16P.
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Eileen Fisher
Back in the day, Eileen Fisher used to skew toward an older clientele. Now if you're scrappy, you can buy La Garçonne-style silhouettes for petites who lean minimalist.
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Miss Selfridge
For petites who love to shop at ASOS and Topshop, check out Miss Selfridge. It's nice to mix it up every once in a while plus the site offers student discounts year-round.
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LOFT
LOFT isn't all work and no play. We shop here for faux leather leggings (that don't look cheap), oversized sweater dresses and even scuba pencil skirts.
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Citizens of Humanity
You can never have too many pairs of jeans! Check out Citizens of Humanity for a smaller collection of premium denim, from high-waisted skinny jeans to 70s flares.
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Gap
Gap isn't just for basic petite tees and denim. Dig a little deeper and you'll come across the occasional one-hit wonders, like tailored herringbone shorts.
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Banana Republic
Midi skirts, cocoon coats and denim shirtdresses? Trust us, this isn't your mother's Banana Republic.
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The Limited
When you need sheath dresses and suit blouses that won't let you down, The Limited is still a go-to. But don't overlook the outerwear. Often, an affordable moto jacket or swing coat is hanging just around the corner.
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Old Navy
Walk three feet in an Old Navy store and you'll likely bump into a petite plaid top or toggle coat. We're partial to the insanely cheap workout clothes.
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LAUREN Ralph Lauren
You can always count on LAUREN Ralph Lauren for three things in the petite department: Turtlenecks, black trousers and one solid statement piece.
