As a woman whose driver's license says she's 5 feet tall (but actually probably is just a little bit shorter than that), it's really difficult finding clothing that fits well. Skirts always fall a couple inches below where they are supposed to, pants drag on the ground, and sleeves cover hands. Don't get me wrong, sometimes all these things are nice (except the dragging on the ground part). Skirts can get a little too short or they look good below the knee. I like sweaters and sweatshirts to come down low enough to wrap my hands in. I just don't like these things all the time. Having your items fit makes a big difference in how you feel while wearing them.
I've found a few brands that are (mostly) affordable AND carry petite lengths. Shopping petite sizing can be a little tricky because sometimes it literally means just the length of a garment and sometimes the whole sizing changes. If you have been shopping a particular brand in regular sizing, I would double check the petite sizing guide just to make sure. Sometimes I will need to size up one size in petite sizing and other times my regular size works! As a good practice, I recommend checking size guides and keeping your measurements up to date as this is the best way to shop online (petite sizes are usually not in stores). Don't forget to read the reviews if there are any! And keep in mind: petite lengths are meant to fit people 5'4" and below. That's a wide range to fit.
My favorite places to shop for petite sizing are below:
- Abercrombie: Honestly, even if they didn't have petite sizing, I would probably still continue to shop here because they are killing it right now. A lot of my favorite dresses are from here. Abercrombie's petite sizing is strictly length (I wear my normal size). I have found the lengths are perfect for me.
- Old Navy: I'm not sure how long Old Navy has been offering petite lengths, but I actually noticed this year. Like Abercrombie, the petite actually means just length. I have found that I've had to alter more (pants wise) from here even with the petite length. Still a very strong option.
- J. Crew Factory: Not everything comes in a petite size here, but when it does, it's wonderful. I mostly shop for my basics here. I have found that sometimes I will need to size up in a petite, but not always. If it's a button front, then definitely.
- Banana Republic Factory: I haven't shopped here in awhile. Mostly because I keep forgetting it exists. But I love their petite section. I've only bought a few things from here and need to try more. Another basics rich shop. I would double check the sizing to make sure a size up or down isn't necessary.
- Loft: I wish everything came in a petite sizing option. I would definitely shop here more. I have two pairs of jeans from here that I love and fit nearly perfectly. I could probably have them hemmed slightly, but they aren't touching the ground, so I feel good about it. I have found that in tops I will need to sometimes size up in the petite option.
I stand by the saying that clothes are meant to fit you and not the other way around. Take your clothing to an alterations place to make them fit better. However, I also know that is an expensive option and not always feasible. Trying to find stores that fit a shorter (or taller!) length is not always easy or feasible as well, but even if you have a couple shops that work for you - it's helpful!
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