Zoe Anastasiou
As a 4ft11" fashion editor, I know first hand how hard finding great petite fashion can be. Particularly because, historically, petite clothing brands and petite-friendly ranges have felt very few and far between. Did you know however that 50% of the world's female population is under 5'4"? In fact, according to data the mean height of women in the UK is around 5'3". Sadly, what that means is, I'm sure I've not been alone in my struggle to find stylish, on-trend pieces that don't overwhelm petite proportions.
Luckily however, in recent years more and more brands have heard the call and they've began launching collections created specifically with women 5'4" and under in mind. From Reformation to Reiss as well as Rixo's newly launched range, petite women now have more choice than ever when it comes to their wardrobes. And it's not just everyday styles, you can now also find great petite workwear, activewear and swimwear too, all designed with shorter statures in mind.
Yet, with so many more petite clothing brands on offer, you may be wondering which ones truly deliver on great petite buys? Well, as someone who shops pretty much exclusively from petite collections, over the years I've had the chance to put many of the them to the test, and so, I've compiled an edit of the 9 petite clothing brands which come out on top.
Alongside where you shop however, it's also worth noting, that when it comes to petite dressing, there is so much more to think about than simply the clothes you buy — How you style a look also needs to be taken into consideration. So, we spoke to designer and petite expert, Liza Belmonte, to understand the tips and tricks petite women need to know to get the most from their wardrobe.
Keep scrolling for my favourite petite clothing brands, then head to the bottom of the page, for all of Liza's petite styling tips — as well as a few of my own, too.
Shop the best petite clothing brands, chosen by a fashion editor
1. Rixo
Let's start with the newest petite clothing line I've come across, Rixo. Launched in 2024, rather than creating new petite specific designs, Rixo have redesigned some of their best selling dresses and skirts to be better fitted for petite proportions. I'm a big fan of this approach to petite dressing as it means you won't simply find a collection of mini skirts and crop tops. Instead, these are pieces that still embody Rixo's signature DNA just on a slightly smaller scale.
V-neck style dresses are ideal for elongating petite frames to give the illusion of extra inches.
This floral printed style can easily be dressed up or down with an easy switch of shoes and accessories.
This lace trim slip skirt has just been restocked so you know it's got to be good.
2. Reformation
With one of the most comprehensive petite collections, Reformation is a great stop for both everyday petite buys and event and occasionwear. I highly recommend their silk and satin options for any upcoming summer weddings and events — they can even double as bridesmaid dresses if you're looking for petite friendly options for your bridal party.
An elegant satin dress in summers trending butter yellow hue? Yes please.
Not only are these linen trousers designed for petite heights but they also sit high on the waist, a huge plus for making legs look longer, while the vertical stripe print will create an elongated appearance.
Simply add ballet flats for a cottagecore inspired look.
3. Reiss
While it's by no means required, if you do want to appear taller, a longline waistcoat is ideal for elongating your frame.
Pairing with the matching trousers for a top-to-toe tonal look with further accentuate your appearance.
If Victoria Beckham taught us anything, it's that flared jeans work wonders on petite pins. This wide-leg style from Reiss channel her signature style.
4. ASOS
If you're looking for great affordable petite fashion, ASOS is a one-stop shop. Alongside their petite own brand offering, you'll also find a whole host of incredible petite brands including Topshop, 4th & Reckless and their activewear brand, 4505.
This open-back jumpsuit looks incredibly elegant. Simply add heeled sandals for a seriously chic look.
This polka dot co-ord feels polished and playful in equal measure.
If you're constantly plagued with too long gym leggings, I highly recommend checking out ASOS 4505.
5. Whistles
Whistles petite offering is small but mighty covering everything from petite denim to dresses and jumpsuits. Each of their pieces are available in sizes 4-20, meaning they cover all body shapes — a big plus as petite frames aren't just limited to smaller sizes.
This denim dress is a staple style you'll reach for for seasons to come.
I'm a big beleiver that when you find a great pair of petite jeans, it's worth buying them in every colour. That's why I currently own this pair in multiple washes as they offer a flattering fit and can easily be dressed for both day and night.
If you regularly find coats swamp your petite frame, opt for a style specifically designed for shorter proportions. This trench is a great option as it can also be belted to add further definition.
6. ME+EM
Rather than a specific petite section, ME+EM have an edit of pieces which they describe as 'Petite Flattering'. This means you'll find mainline designs which feature cropped lengths, tailored fits and figure hugging details which won't overwhelm petite heights.
This boxy leather jacket is slightly cropped making it ideal for petite heights.
The shirred detailing on this dress will ensure a snug fit no matter your size.
The rugby shirt trend is going nowhere so snap this up ASAP.
7. Nobody’s Child
Looking for update your summer wardrobe? Nobody's Child petite offering has you covered. While they're known for their floral dresses and bold prints, they also do some great basics too that can form the basis of your spring and summer looks so you'll be covered no matter your style.
This asymmetric dress is a great example of a more simple style. Just add sandals for instant chicness.
Get ready to live la dolce vita in this lemon printed set.
This crochet dress deserves pride of place in your suitcase for any summer trips.
8. Paige
Paige are known for creating great denim yet what you may not know is that they also offer many of their cuts in petite length. Keep an eye out for styles with a 29" inseam for full length or a 25" inseam for cropped fits.
The Sasha cut are a classic style that will allow for maximum wear.
For a great pair of white denim jeans, try this cropped style.
For dressed-down days, I'm a big fan of this turn-up style.
9. M&S
Lastly, one of my favourite high street brands for petite clothing is of course M&S. Whether you're on the lookout for wardrobe staples or more trend-led styles, they have something to suit all tastes — at an incredible affordable price point too.
Enter your boho era in this lace floor-grazing maxi skirt. Pair with cream knits now and ribbed tops on warm days for endless outfit options.
Polka dot print is a huge trend right now and this spotty mini is the perfect way to wear it.
I predict this floral print dress will be a true hero piece this summer.
Petite Dressing Tips You Need To Know
We tapped petite expert, Liza Belmonte, for her top tips for styling and dressing as a petite woman. Here's what she had to say...
1. Prioritise Fit
"The most powerful thing you can do for your wardrobe is prioritise a good fit," Belmonte explains. "Invest in clothes that fit well or get clothes altered to fit you," she adds.
"Slim and tailored fits will always be easier to style if you are petite but that does not mean you always have to wear fitted clothes. If you want an oversized look, don’t just go for a size up, choose clothes that have been engineered to be oversized on your petite proportions," Liza recommends. "I always recommend getting your oversized clothes from a petite brand to avoid that frumpy look."
2. Accessorise strategically
"Your accessories have the power to really transform how tall you appear so make sure you use them in your favour," Liza explains, suggesting that a large handbag can shink your frame, while smaller handbags will work to make you appear taller.
She continued, "A belt, depending on where it is placed, can dramatically affect your proportions. I use belts on pretty much everything (dresses, blazers, etc.) to mark my waist higher than it is and give the illusion of longer legs."
In addition to this, Liza also said that jewellery, hair accessories and even scarves, have the ability to draw the eye upwards, while in the footwear department, nude tones and pointy-toe court heels can work to elongate your legs.
3. Show some skin
While many say that ankle-length trousers will work to elongate your frame, Liza argues that it is actually more valuable to show off your wrists and neck. "Show skin around your wrists and forearms by rolling up your sleeves, and your neck by styling your hair up. They are the daintiest parts of anyone’s body and help create a balance of proportion," she explains. "This is especially key when you are wearing oversized clothing. The Olsen Twins who are very petite use this styling trick regularly. As part of their signature minimalist style, they wear a lot of oversized clothing, yet their sleeves are almost always rolled up or pulled up."
4. Go for monochrome or a colour gradient looks
"A tried and proven way to use colour to give the illusion of height is to wear a monochromatic look," Liza says. "It creates vertical lines and elongates the silhouette."
Liza continues that adding accessories is a great way to ensure your outfit still looks interesting. "If you are petite and love combining multiple colours or neutrals in your outfits, it is a good idea to create a colour gradient—for example, beige, to taupe, to brown—rather than wearing “blocks” of highly contrasting colours (like a white top and black trousers). The gradient will streamline the whole look and avoid creating harsh lines and blocks that cut across the silhouette."
