Any petite woman knows how difficult it can be to find clothes that flatter and fit our proportions. Whether it’s trousers that are too long, oversized fits that swamp petite frames or simply a size range that doesn’t cater to those of us who are shorter, there’s so much to consider when updating our wardrobes, aside from simply whether an item taps into new-season trends or if it’s right for an upcoming event.
Standing at 4'11" myself, I know this struggle all too well, and so, over the years, I’ve built up a list of go-to petite fashion brands which I know I can rely on, not just to deliver chic, stylish pieces, but also cuts and sizes that fit petite proportions. And, because we petite girls need to stick together, I’m here to pass that list on to you.
Of course, I recommend checking out brands with dedicated petite sections as your first port of call, and so many of the brands on this list fit into this category. Alternatively, however, there are also some great size-inclusive brands, which, although not specifically designed for petite heights, can work perfectly with a few clever petite styling hacks.
It's worth noting that petite fashion can cross all different body shapes and sizes, so you’ll also find curve ranges perfect for petite heights as well as petite swimwear and activewear, too.
Keep scrolling to see my favourite petite fashion brands. Happy shopping!
The Best Fashion Brands for Petites
The Best Petite Fashion Brand for Everyday: Whistles
The Best Petite Fashion Brand for Workwear: Reiss
The Best Petite Fashion Brand for Occasionwear: Rixo
The Best Petite Fashion Brand for Trend-Led Buys: ASOS
The Best Petite Fashion Brand for Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch
Shop the Best Fashion Brands for Petites:
1. Whistles
Size specifications: UK 4–20
Style Notes: For stylish daywear, I’d highly recommend checking out Whistles' petite offering. Available in sizes 4–20, you’ll find everything from sleek tailoring to trend-led denim and easy-to-wear dresses, all perfectly proportioned for petite heights. What I love most about Whistles' offering is that the brand doesn’t alter the overall designs for the petite section, like some do, meaning each piece still feels elevated and grown-up, just on a slightly smaller scale.
Shop Whistles Petite Picks:
Pair with dark denim or a slip skirt.
I'd argue that this white denim jumpsuit is totally timeless.
Invest in the season's hottest denim shape: the barrel-leg jean.
2. Reformation
Size specifications: UK 4–16
Style Notes: One of the few mid-range brands that caters for petite sizes, Reformation’s offering is hard to beat. Alongside a large selection of tailored trousers and midi skirts, you’ll also find a great choice of petite occasionwear, making it one of my go-to browsing spots when it comes to wedding and event dressing. They’re also a great option if you’re looking for petite bridesmaid dresses, as many of their silk styles will look totally at home as part of the bridal party.
Shop Reformation Petite Picks:
This satin maxi dress would be perfect for bridesmaids.
These chocolate-brown striped trousers feel vintage-inspired.
Slip skirts will elongate petite frames.
3. Faithfull
Size specifications: XS–XXL
Though not specifically designed for petites, Faithfull has so many petite-friendly styles that I had to include it on this list. From shirred detailing to elasticated fabrics, many of its designs hug the figure for a snug fit, whilst stripe prints will cleverly lengthen to make petite frames appear taller (if that's what you desire).
Shop Faithfull Petite Picks:
This striped dress has adjustable straps so you can alter the length as you require.
This shirred minidress is super petite-friendly.
The chevron stripes on this top will draw the eye downwards to elongate petite frames.
4. Reiss
Size specifications: UK 4–16
Style Notes: Reiss's petite collection is one of the most diverse, covering everything from office-approved tailoring to occasionwear and summer-ready pieces. For that reason, you’d be hard-pressed not to find something that catches your eye. Personally, it's the printed maxi dress (below) that's made its way into my basket; the graphic print and sunset shades will be perfect on my next beach holiday.
Shop Reiss Petite Picks:
A candy-coloured take on tailoring.
The full look is so good.
Just add brown suede sandals.
5. H&M
Size specifications: UK 4–30 (Size range varies by product line)
Style Notes: H&M may not have a dedicated petite section, but on the whole, it's great for women 5'4" and under. Take its selection of cropped jeans and trousers, which will fall full length on petite heights, whilst many of its dresses and skirts come in sizes 4–30 (or XXS–XXL), meaning both slimmer frames and curvier body shapes are catered for.
Shop H&M Petite Picks:
As well as indigo denim, these cropped jeans also come in multiple blue washes as well as white, black and beige.
If you like the voluminous look, a top and skirt combo is a great alternative to a dress, as you can make sure your petite frame isn't swamped.
This column dress will elongate smaller proportions.
6. Nobody’s Child
Size specifications: UK 4–18 (Size range varies by product line)
Style Notes: Petite-dress lovers, make your way to Nobody’s Child asap. From mini shift dresses to midi shirred styles and elegant bandeaus, there are so many options. Plus, if you’ve spotted its exclusive collection with Poppy Delevingne on your favourite influencer, you’ll be pleased to hear you can also find a few pieces in petite sizes, including the cute crochet mini below, which will be perfect for festival season—just add cowboy boots.
Shop Nobody's Child Petite Picks:
Hello, perfect festival dress.
This dress can easily be reworked for spring events and summer holidays.
This co-ord is so Sofia Richie Grainge-coded.
7. ASOS
Size specifications: UK 2–16
Style Notes: Many petite brands focus on timeless styles, but if you want pieces that tap into the season's biggest trends, ASOS is your spot. From lightweight linen to dropped-waist dresses, these are petite pieces that feel endlessly cool yet considered. I also love that ASOS's petite collection extends to its gymwear brand, ASOS 4505, too; as any petite person knows, trying to find leggings that don’t bunch around your ankles is no mean feat.
Shop ASOS Petite Picks:
This jumpsuit looks so elevated.
Your wedding-guest dress, sorted.
I have these flared leggings, and they're seriously good.
8. Rixo
Size specifications: UK 6–14
Style Notes: Another brand excelling when it comes to petite dresses is Rixo. Launched last year, what started as a concise edit of the brand's best-selling styles has grown, and there's now an array of chic dresses transformed for petite proportions. Rixo says the styles in its petite range aren’t "just cropped—every seam and stitch has been refined, so the proportions are exactly right." It’s this attention to detail that I love to see from a petite selection.
Shop Rixo Petite Picks:
This printed midi is so pretty.
Something a little moodier.
Whilst Rixo does prints well, this broderie anglaise style is chic and simple.
9. Me+Em
Size specifications: UK 4–16
Style Notes: Me+Em has a selection of pieces which are signposted as "petite flattering". These are pieces which, although not specifically designed for shorter heights, feature shorter lengths, cropped cuts and fitted styles which work well for smaller proportions.
Shop Me+Em Petite Picks:
The most perfect denim shorts I've come across.
The shirred detailing on this dress will mould to your shape for a snug fit.
This slightly cropped vest will fall at the perfect length for petites.
10. Abercrombie & Fitch
Size specifications: XXS–XXL (Size range varies by product)
Style Notes: Abercrombie’s petite section flies relatively under the radar, so you’d be forgiven if you didn't know the brand had one at all. Rather than signposting it on the website or in store, instead, you'll notice that nearly all of the dresses, skirts and trousers can be shopped in a short length (and in some cases, extra short). In addition, A&F sizes from XXS–XXL in most pieces and also offers short lengths in its Curve Love range, so there are plenty of options for all petite bodies of all shapes.
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch Petite Picks:
Abercrombie's denim is ideal for petite heights.
Comfort meets style.
This will be perfect for sunny days.
11. River Island
Size specifications: UK 4–16
Style Notes: It should be pretty obvious by now that the high street has some of the best petite fashion brands, including River Island, which has a petite section that not only features everything from denim to dresses and tailoring but is also updated regularly with new drops. The linen co-ord set (below) is currently top of my wish list, as it’ll be great for wearing to the office on hot, sunny days with ballet flats and sandals alike.
Shop River Island Petite Picks:
Can you tell I have a thing for linen sets?
These petite wide-leg trousers are so chic.
A twist on the waistcoat trend.
12. Never Fully Dressed
Size specifications: UK 4–18
Style Notes: Looking to update your holiday wardrobe? Never Fully Dressed is my favourite petite brand for chic summer looks. Known for its one-of-a-kind prints, unique designs and playful styles, the brand is great for statement pieces you won’t find anywhere else. This usually means, however, that the most popular pieces aren’t around for long, so if you see something you like, be prepared to snap it up quickly.
Shop Never Fully Dressed Petite Picks:
An example of Never Fully Dressed's incredible prints.
This V-neck dress will look so great on petite frames.
This poppy-print style regularly sells out, so snap it up whilst it's in stock.
13. Marks and Spencer
Size specifications: UK 6–24 (Size range varies by product line)
Style Notes: Whether you’re on the lookout for simple wardrobe staples or more unique pieces, M&S's petite collection has you covered. Having recently placed two very large orders myself, I can wholeheartedly vouch for both size range and quality, plus, I received so many comments on how expensive the barrel-leg trousers look (below), that they practically paid for themselves.
Shop M&S Petite Picks:
If you prefer a darker tone, these also come in khaki.
Pair this with black heeled mules for a chic spring/summer wedding guest look.
An elevated take on the shirred dress trend.
