I have the hardest time finding clothes that fit me like I see throughout campaigns and people on social media. I’m exactly 5 feet tall and most stores’s target audiences are your average 5’4-5’6 woman. In pants, I’m an XS + usually a size 4 in US sizes including jeans and in tops I wear size Small (sometimes XS).
I love stores like Zara but I have the hardest time finding pieces that don’t completely devour me with all the fabric, especially with their bottoms being super long and overly baggy on me. I mainly have a hard time with bottoms, but the struggle isn’t limited to just pants. I also struggle finding shoes in a true size 5 and tops that fit my bust and small shoulders.
So, my rule when shopping is that if I absolutely have to have it and will take the time + spend the money to get the item altered, I’ll buy it. However, I usually never take the time to get things altered, plus it can get super expensive. I’ve been doing a lot of searching for brands that work for petite women and I was super shocked to find brands that actually cater to petite and even tall women.
Size inclusivity is something most stores and brands will hopefully work toward eventually, but for now it’s like a game trying to find what’ll work for my petite frame. All the items I included in this blog have petite + short options.
Here are some of my favorite brands that are more size inclusive:
Asos
I’ve purchased so many things from ASOS because they have so many options for jeans and even shoes in my size. Their app always has sales going on and their shipping is pretty quick to Arizona. ASOS always has new styles and so many choices for clothing. Some of the brand I like are Bershka, Stradivarius, and Pull&Bear. ASOS also bought out Topshop which is a brand I love so now it’s on their site and is included in their sales.
I used to find so many pieces from Topshop at Last Chance in Phoenix, this is how I found out about their petite pieces years ago. Their jeans really fit amazing and Topshop does a great job of staying on trend. Over the years, I’ve purchased so many different pants & jeans, blazers, and cute tops so I love this brand!
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie has really made a comeback with the best quality (as always) and new styles. I have purchased so much from Abercrombie this year, including the Curve Love 90’s Straight Jeans that everyone asked me about! I also have the Super Skinny High Rise Jeans and absolutely love them. Their bottoms come in short and extra short, which is so rare. Also, everyone goes crazy about their Aritzia Melina pants dupe, the vegan leather pants which are a better fit and less expensive here.
I highly recommend all of their Curve Love bottoms because they hug your hips and waist perfectly and really do justice for your butt. Their new collection for A/W 2021 is amazing, with lots of vegan leather options, asymmetrical tops and dresses, and the best sweaters. While pricing is still on the higher end, Abercrombie always has sales and $10 off coupons.
Aerie
This is a new found favorite for me. I wandered into Aerie while I was out shopping once and fell in love with their soft fabrics. They had a sale going on when I stopped by and I ended up leaving with a few sports bras. I never stopped shopping here and have learned that Aerie has leggings in both Short and Long options!
I personally have two pairs of the OTT Fleece Joggers and multiple sports bras. I also recently purchased a brown sports bra and matching brown high waisted leggings in XS Short. There are so many cute colors and styles, especially for fall! I love Aerie’s Offline collection, this is my new favorite spot for athletic and lounge wear.
Boohoo
I recently started looking into Boohoo and noticed the wide variety of Petite options. There are so many cute pieces including jackets, dresses, and pants all in petite sizes. Previously, I’ve only had tops from Boohoo and I’ve loved them. It’s definitely worth looking through Boohoo’s site, especially with so many sales and coupons available.
Missguided
Missguided is one of my favorite online brands to shop from. Their styles are definitely some I love and their petite selection is amazing. I have many pieces from Missguided, my favorite being a faux leather blazer. I definitely recommend looking through the site because some of their regular sizes fit me well without alterations.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom has the best variety and carries some of my favorite brands like SKIMS, Naked Wardrobe and Topshop. I also love Nordstrom Rack and Last Chance (my fav). Majority of my shoes come from any of these Nordstrom stores. You can find everything you’re looking for at Nordstrom, no matter the budget.
Nordstrom’s inventory is always changing which makes it the perfect place to go for inspo. They also always have sales! Nordstrom also offers alterations, I believe you can use your points towards costs. Some of my favorite shoe brands that carry size 5 are Shutz, Jeffrey Campbell, Sam Edelman, and Vince Camuto. And of course, Nordstrom carries luxury brands that have my size, which is amazing.
Oh Polly
Oh Polly’s site has the cutest pants, sets, and jumpsuits that come in petite sizes. This is where I found my iconic engagement party set. I’ve purchased joggers and dresses from Oh Polly and loved them. I also have good luck with purchasing dresses from Oh Polly in regular sizes since their fits hug the body so well. I recommend possibly sizing up since their sizing is different, I usually get a UK 6. Their quality is great and long lasting at a good price!
