27 petite clothing brands that women under 5ft 4 should have on their radar
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Why is shopping for the best petite clothing brands so hard? Honestly, if you think browsing endless online clothing stores is tiresome, try being short at the same time.
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 'specialist' as some brands may have you believe. But as a freelance fashion editor who lands at exactly 5ft 4inches tall, or short, I would say it's my duty to help out my fellow petite women to find clothes that actually fit.
It's only too often that the ‘regular’ fit items in store or online ends up being perfect for taller women, so at this point, I've lost count of the times I've had to hack off the hems of a pair of trousers or use my styling skills to fake that a dress is the right length. And don't even get me started on the seamstress bills I've racked up over the years to get the right fit for my petite frame.
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Here I am (above) on a recent holiday wearing a pair of linen trousers that have indeed been attacked with a pair of scissors. Because there's no way I was paying the price of these high street trousers to get them turned up, just to be covered in sun cream. But I've had them for years, long before many of the actually good petite ranges even launched, so this seemed like a good idea at the time.
Now, I tend to either opt for brands that I know cater for those with shorter legs (shout-out to H&M) or buy from ‘specialist’ petite edits that know what us short queens need. And it's as simple as a maxi dress that won't be a trip hazard and trousers that don't have to be rolled over several times at the waist – or, as mentioned earlier, turned into a DIY job. And with my sewing skills not about to improve anytime soon, this is the best alternative.
And while I 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 – wearing clothes that fit is a shortcut to looking elevated.
And while I'm about to tell you all the petite clothing brands I actually rate (there's 27, would you believe) there are a few things you can do when shopping online to judge the fit. The first being to look in the product description to see the model's height, and make a more educated guess as to where the item will sit for your height. Another is to look at reviews. Often people will be very vocal about trousers are too long, too short or if they had to size up or down to get the right fit.
But anyway, back to the best petite clothing brands that will make sure your wardrobe only contains the items that actually fit you. And the items I have firmly on my spring/summer 2025 wish list.
1. ASOS
You already know that ASOS stocks almost every brand on the high street, but some people may not know that the brand's own label, ASOS Design, also has a petite section. With hundreds of pieces all in one place, it's the destination I often rely on for everything from maxi dresses that I won't trip over in to wide-leg trousers that won't need to be folded several times. Everything also runs 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 I would go as far as to say it's one of the best petite ranges out there, ever. 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. I've got this linen co-ord firmly on my spring/summer 2025 wish list – finally, a mini skirt that is actually mini rather than verging on knee-length.
3. Boden
Boden is one of those brands that I often overlook, but after having looked at the petite section recently, I'm unsure why. With nearly 300 items that can be bought in petite or regular – most in sizes 4-22 – I just know that so many fellow fashion editors (no matter their height) will be wanting to get their hands on this checked detail trench coat. And don't even get me started on these dreamy striped jeans.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these Boden discount codes at checkout.
4. Free People
Not just for those who like a bohemian vibe, Free People is also one of the best places to find denim, especially for petite women on the search for petite jeans. Whether it's a straight leg, barrel-leg or wide-leg, there's basically every jeans style you can imagine in either regular or short lengths – mainly in waist sizes 24-33 which is pretty good for the high street.
5. Topshop
Ok, talk about iconic. Topshop Petite is the ultimate one-stop shop that I've relyed on countless times – mainly because it's on ASOS so I can get that next day delivery. While I also always end up finding everything from a great mini dress to a new wedding guest look, it's the trousers, jeans and leggings I'll always rave about. Why? Because the leg lengths are always perfect, and they're in sizes 4-18.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
6. River Island
As a big fan of the great British high street, I will always back them by saying they have the best petite clothing options. Who else do I love? River Island is one of my faves for everything from occassionwear and wardrobes staples to on-trend pieces to elevate your wardrobe. If you need further proof, just look at these butter yellow barrel-leg jeans and this khaki barn jacket (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 my fashion habit, and now in my 30s, I still rate it when it comes to the best petite clothing. Which is why I'm glad 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 as someone who shops there frequently, I would say it's one of the best brands for trousers that won't swamp petite frames. Basically, I've bought so many pairs and haven't once had to have them turned up once. To know for sure, I recommend looking at the model image to see where the trousers sit on them, and check the description for their height so you can get a judge. With loads of cropped tops, jumpers and T-shirts, it's super easy to find the perfect fit for these, too.
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, but that's why it's so reliable when it comes to petite offerings. Head to the timeless denim edit and you're guaranteed to find some jeans that come in shorter lengths – look out for the ones with a 26.5inch inseam.
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. But as someone who is an inch taller than this, I can still confirm they'll also be the perfect length for those who are also slighly above the ‘average’ petite size guide.
11. Gap Petite
Loves for so many years, Gap will always be one of those brands that you just know has great denim, activewear you can wear for errand runs and the best basics. And when it comes to the petite range, everything from T-shirts, vest tops, joggers and jeans can be found in shorter lengths. Most jeans also run in five lengths – petite, short, regular, long and tall, ranging from a 29 inch inside leg to 35.5, in waist sizes 28-33. Round of applause for this high street gem.
12. Marks & Spencer
Well done M&S for remembering that women can be petite in height and plus size in dress size at the same time. The jeans (get them in short, regular and long lengths) and a lot of the dresses are available in petite sizes 6-24 – love to see it.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
13. RIXO Petite
I've always had a soft spot for RIXO ever since it launched in 2015, and I still feel the same 10 years later. From wedding guest dresses to mother of the bride dresses, summer dresses and all kinds of other eventwear, they've got you covered. Even if you're short. And, as the brand says itself; “They’re not just cropped – every seam and stitch has been refined so the proportions are exactly right,” so you know they're good.
14. Reiss
A go-to when I want looks that feel effortlessly put together, the Reiss's Petite offering – which is designed for women under 5'3" – just never fails to impress. In sizes 4-16, there's just nothing quite like the quality you get from the tailoring at the high street hero. And with shorter people in mind, there's something even better about buying suiting that you know will fit without a seamstress on speed dial. Hello, new spring workwear wardrobe.
15. Vila Petite
Sleek, chic and available in sizes 6-16, Vila is one of those brands on ASOS that you may not even know has a dedicated petite range. And I can confirm, it's very good for petite dresses and classic pieces such as shirts, wide leg trousers and even loungewear, all at an accessible price point.
16. Whistles
A fresh launch a couple of years back, I was beyond 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 I'd rather see an excellent edit of pieces – think petite frame outerwear (I have this leather jacket and can confirm it's incredible), well-fitting denim and dresses that'll suit every upcoming occasion.
17. 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, and I just love how the jackets sit at the right spot on your hips, the mini skirts are just the right length and jeans don't bunch at the bottom.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these New Look discount codes at the retailer checkout.
18. 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. I particularly love the tailored workwear, the sleek silhouettes of the maxi dresses and the co-ords that alwasy get me so many compliments.
Save when you shop for the best petite clothing brands with these Karen Millen discount codes at checkout.
19. Warehouse
One of my current favourite sites for *add to basket* appeal after just having a little refresh, Warehouse offers petite fashion cut for women 5'3" and under, in sizes 4-16. Everything onsite ticks off this season's trends and I already have this spot tasseled dress-of-dreams lined up for one of the many occasions I have in the diary for summer.
20. Abercrombie & Fitch
I'm so impressed by everything at Abercrombie & Fitch recently, and of course this includes the petites offering, too. The collection comes in sizes XXS-XXL and virtually everything comes in three lengths, catering to a wide range of body types and making sure dresses of all kinds will fit to perfection. Can we just take a moment for this pistachio drop-waist style that could easily be mistaken as a designer find?
21. Coast
For bridesmaid dresses, wedding guest looks, statement pieces and fancy 'fits in general, Coast is a must shop. The petite collection comes in sizes 4-18 and after trying on several dresses for upcoming bridesmaid duties, I can confirm that even the maxi dresses are the perfect length – no heels will be getting stuck in these beauties.
22. 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.
23. 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 denim is bound to be a TikTok sensation, 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.
24. Next Petite
The women's petite clothing section at Next is a sight to behold. With over 500 products, ranging from petite pyjamas and petite workwear to petite swimwear and petite activewear (my faves can be found below), you'll honestly struggle to leave the site empty handed. The best part is, they also carry so many other brands on site, so you can shop your whole new season wardrobe in one go.
25. 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 has said her favourite styles include the scoop neckline pieces, as they're perfect for making your torso look longer than it is, and after trying them out this year, I agree. Literally some of the best basics I've ever worn.
26. Never Fully Dressed
Known for its bold and bright prints and clashing colours, Never Fully Dressed will always be a maximalists' haven. And with a clear ‘petite’ section on the website (this is rare, often you have to dig deep) I see them as one of the best petite fashion brands out there right now. And I love how it's just the amazing dresses, jeans and co-ords that can be found in the regular section, but in a petite-friendly fit.
27. LK Bennett
Firstly, how good is that pink blazer? I'm all for a cinched waist for spring/summer 2025, so this LK Bennett style gets my vote. There's a very refined edit of petite clothing online, but still not to be overlooked. With shirt dressed, sleeveless dresses and a few great-fitting jeans, I'm impressed.
For more places to shop, browse the best clothing sites with next-day delivery, best plus size fashion brands, best tall clothing brands, and our fave 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.