Understanding the Challenges of Shopping for Petite Bodies
When you’re considered petite, your shopping experience is quite different from those who are of average height or taller. For instance, I can’t just walk past a denim rack and buy jeans without considering adjustments like cuffing, hemming, or even changing the cut altogether. When the model on the website is 175cm tall, it’s hard to imagine how that garment will look on my body.
Finding pants that fit my waist and don’t pool on the floor is a miracle. And I’m 5’4″ — I can only imagine how challenging it is for even shorter gals.
This situation is all too common. Image: Supplied.
Despite the fact that the average Australian woman is literally my height (per a survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics), we’re still somehow considered a niche market — and drastically under-catered to. There’s some progress happening with more inclusive sizing, and a few emerging brands designing specifically for shorter bodies, but there’s a long way to go.
In an act of public service to the petite community, I’ve pulled together some recommendations of styles I wear on repeat. They’re from brands I turn to often… that I haven’t had to alter.
Recommended Brands for Petite Shoppers
Jeans from Feather + Noise
Wearing Feather + Noise Lola jeans. Images: Supplied.
Local brand Feather + Noise considers a broad range of women’s bodies when designing their beloved denim range. Their Lola Jeans are a cult buy for a reason — they come in a full and cropped length (I went for cropped, obviously), and are ranged from a size 6 to 18, including in-between sizes like 7 and 11.
They skim over curves, are made from the softest denim and have a slight barrel cut that’s stylish but not too exaggerated. I’ve worn my white pair to death this season and will continue to flog them through winter.
Feather + Noise Lola Cropped Barrel Jean, $89.95.
Image: Feather + Noise.
Tees from Assembly Label
Wearing an Assembly Label t-shirt. Image: Supplied.
When I’m looking for great basics, I always start with Assembly Label. I find the cut of their tees and tanks is just right for my shape. They’re also 100 per cent organic cotton, with a decent price point. The Base Tee comes in a myriad of colours. It’s relaxed but not too long, with a perfect fit across my shoulders.
Assembly Label Base Tee, $40.
Image: Assembly Label.
Jackets from Target
Wearing a Target blazer. Image: Supplied.
Target has always been a pioneer in petite fashion, thanks to its dedicated range, but I find their standard cuts work well for smaller proportioned bodies, too. Their current jacket range is outstanding — from on-trend funnel-neck jackets to faux suede bombers and cropped trenches.
I often shop in the ‘Preview’ workwear range for blazers. Last year I came across this chocolate brown style for $60. And while this specific cut is no longer in stock, there are chic alternatives.
Target Lily Loves Funnel Neck Jacket, $60.
Image: Target.
Target Lily Loves Oversized Blazer, $70.
Image: Target.
Knit Pants from Dissh and Nude Lucy
Wearing knit pants by Dissh. Images: Supplied.
One glance in my wardrobe will attest to my love of woven pants, but not all are created equal. Some are too long, tight or sheer. I find Dissh and Nude Lucy both do a gorgeous flared cut across a range of knit finishes, from slinkier styles to more heavyweight ones. I’ve compiled a collection and live in them across the seasons.
Nude Lucy’s do run longer, and I haven’t had success with all of their cuts, but try on a few pairs to see which ones fit you best.
Dissh Max Wide Leg Choc Knit Pant, $160.
Image: Dissh.
Nude Lucy Collins Knit Pant, $120.
Image: Nude Lucy.
Dresses from Kivari
Images: Supplied.
It can be hard to find dresses that work for petite proportions — between necklines and hemlines, there’s a lot to consider. I find local brand Kivari factors shorter frames into their designs; the maxi’s aren’t too long and the mini’s fall at chic lengths. A lot of their dresses also feature waist ties and buttons down the front, making them somewhat adjustable.
I’ve turned to their printed linen dresses for weddings and special occasions, and recently bought a boxy denim dress for casual wear.
Kivari Sophie Maxi Dress, $299.
Image: Kivari.
Oversized Tees
Image: Supplied.
The oversized trend has really served my wardrobe — rather than fighting it, I’ve leaned into roomier cuts and made them a part of my daily style. This especially applies to my favourite big printed t-shirts, from brands including Kinga Csilla, Jgr + Stn and Sabbi. They’re always on rotation and I find they really keep their shape in the wash. And while they’re not cheap, they’re worth the investment.
Jgr + Stn Haze Oversized T-Shirt, $89.95.
Image: The Iconic.
Kinga Csilla Amante Tee, now $112.
Image: The Iconic.
Sabbi The Skate Don’t Hate Tee, $79.95.
Image: Sabbi.
