5 Petite Exclusive Brands Over 40 | Petite Fall Finds - Nada Manley

I have good news and I have bad news. Which do you want to hear first? The good news is that we have way more options in 2022 as petites than ever before. From brands and sites that sell by inseam, to mainstream mall brands with large petite departments, our options are broader than ever. The bad news is that the options for petite exclusive stores and brands seem to be shrinking. With the demise of hip sites like Bomb Petite and mall faves alike (RIP Petite Sophisticate), the subject of petite-exclusive brands was definitely ready for a refresh following my first video on this topic a couple of years ago.

And while I do like to go on and on about the importance of tailoring and alterations, it is, to be frank, a pain in the patooty. I mean, who wants to get every pair of pants hemmed?

If it’s worth buying, it’s worth altering.
Me, in a better mood

Somedays I just want to go into a store where everything is the right length for me, like other people. And I don’t want that store to only offer dowdy designs in matronly patterns. (Again, RIP Petite Sophisticate).

As I have said in the past, you need to know where you are petite. Of course the Fashion Fit Formula will give you the exact info on the lengths you should wear, but for the purposes of this post, what are your proportions.

Do you have short legs and a long body? Long legs and a short body? Or are you vertically balanced?

Understanding the above can give you an idea of whether you need petite pants, petite tops, or both. For example, at 5’2 1/2″, I fall into every brand’s “petite” category. However, my legs are long-ish, with a 28″ inseam for an ankle length, and my torso is relatively short, so often petite pants are too short. This means I can shop by inseam for pants from conventional brands and stick to petites for tops and dresses, whenever possible.

Many brands have inseam details, and some (like Paige Premium Denim) have a wide selection of styles in shorter lengths. For help choosing the right length pants, consult a site like searchbyinseam.com.

You will also find deep selections for petites at favorite mall and mass stores, including H&M, ASOS, J. Crew. Talbots, Anthropologie, LOFT, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Target. But for today’s roundup, I chose to focus on brands that are designed just for petites.

And now, some of my favorite petite-exclusive brands, as well as some fab fall finds for petites.

Petite Studio NYC

High Fashion For Petites

Petite Studio carries a combination of classic and on-trend pieces at a higher contemporary price point. Clothing prices range from $79 for a pair of pants to $348 for a reversible coat. Founded by a petite woman in 2016 as the only online retailer offering trendy items for petite women, Petite Studio offers sizes ranging from XXS to L.

Petite Dressing

Classic Style For Petites

Petite Dressing was founded by a popular petite influencer with the goal of offering more options for fellow petites. It features fun, affordable styles in sizes XS to XL, with prices ranging from $49 for a knit top to $79 for faux leather pants.

Love, Bonito

Perfecting The Asian Fit

This Singapore-based line is designed specifically for Asian bodies, but their affordable and thoughtfully made pieces have won fans of petites from around the world. Prices range from $15.90 for a tank to $84.90 for a coat. They feature edits for work, bridesmaids and parties as well as padded styles to enhance the bust area. Sizes range from XS-XL.

The 16th Bar

THE WORLD’S FIRST LUXURY PETITE BRAND

The 16th Bar is not fully up and running yet, but I’m so excited about the concept that I had to post it in this roundup. Sign up for the mailing list to be notified when this collection of luxury leather outerwear offically launches. From the site: A collection of luxury leather jackets and outerwear built upon the philosophy of redefining fit for women 5’5 and below. Hand drafted patterns based on hand tailoring techniques, focusing on a proportionate design and fit, from the overall slimming silhouette, to style lines, lapels, pockets, buttons, and hardware details. Made in America, meticulously handcrafted from the finest leathers and fabrics, designed to make you look taller and slimmer, without compromising comfort or unapologetic style.”

Stature

A thoughtfully curated boutique for the vertically challenged

Don’t be scared away by this site’s young and edgy aesthetic. This is a great source of high quality staple pieces from established brands like Rachel Comey and Loub, some of which design Stature-sized pieces specifically for this store. They also stock shoes in sizes 35 and 36. Items sell out quickly, so bookmark the site so you can check back for restocks. Prices range from $78 for a pair of shorts to $238 for a dress. All of the models are under 5’4″ and the clothes all come with flat measurements, so you’re encouraged to measure yourself for the best fit.

Petite Subscription Services

Each of these services starts with a style quiz before a curated box of pieces that suit your style, body, and budget are sent to your home.

Short Story Box

Empowering petite women.

This subscription service exclusivley for petites sends a box of curated, well-fitting pieces to your door one time or on a regular basis, making it the perfect solution for busy petites who don’t have time to shop. Their clothing comes from a wide variety of brands and is offered at a variety of sizes and price points as well. I used this service to find my favorite perfectly proportioned black jumpsuit.

Petite Ave

Personal shopping for women under 5’5″

Founded by a 5′ tall entrepreneur who spent way too much time sourcing petite clothes, Petite Ave is a personal shopping service and subscription box for women under 5’5″.

Drape Fit

Personalized Petite Fit

With offerings for kids, men, petite, and plus, Drape Fit featurs a wide range of brands to pull from in their subscription boxes. From the site: “Tell us about your style, size, and price range. Let our expert stylist do everything for you to discover petite clothes that perfectly Fit your frame.”