The 11 best petite clothing brands that that saved me from constant tailoring appointments

Best overall: Petite Studio

There are tons of retailers that have a petite section. But lots of times, these are full of standard-sized garments that are simply shortened — which means you're getting garments that will be the right length, but aren't necessarily tailored to fit the petite body. Petite Studio solves this problem by fitting all of their garments on real petite fit models, so they're designed from start to finish for short folks.

"You can absolutely tell the difference. I've tried all the tricks for buying clothing, like looking for cropped cuts or hemming standard sized bottoms, but nothing fits better than a piece that was designed especially for someone my height.

I'm a huge fan of the brand's outerwear. There are tons of trendy coats that have been designed with a lot of finesse to be perfectly oversized on a petite person. I also love the petite basics, like jeans and white button-downs that are perfectly sized." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Business Insider Reviews.

Best for basics: Quince

I already knew I loved Quince — I've owned countless of this brand's high-quality, affordable, and sustainable pieces from washable silk skirts to merino sweaters and have consistently been impressed with how well they hold up over time. Until recently, however, I didn't know that Quince has a ton of petite-friendly clothing.

The first thing that impressed me here is the sheer volume: there are just under 100 different items suitable for petite frames, ranging from jeans and jackets to linen dresses and leggings. To be clear, these pieces aren't part of a dedicated petite line. Rather, the brand offers a curated selection of items that just happen to work well on petite frames — and pants and leggings in multiple shorter inseam options (26 and 28). These items are generally available in sizes 24 to 33, or XS to XL.

The Bella Stretch Straight Jeans may be the comfiest pair of jeans I've ever owned — thanks to the high percentage of elasterell-p (an eco-friendly version of spandex). They're also ultra flattering, hugging my hips in all the right ways, and the shorter inseam hits at the perfect length for flats, heels, and boots alike.

For workouts and casual errands alike, I can't stop wearing the Ultra-Soft High-Rise Leggings in the 25-inch inseam — the material has a buttery, almost suede-like feel against my skin.

Another winner is the Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pants in the 26-inch inseam — they feel like leggings, but they look polished enough to be dress pants, meaning I can dress them down with tees and sneakers or up with a blazer and pumps. (Plus, they come in nearly a dozen colors.) These ponte pants are also available in flare, boot-cut and wide-leg options, too.

Best for work: Ann Taylor

In my early 20s, I practically lived at the Ann Taylor in my local mall — but I'll admit that until recently, I hadn't shopped this brand in over a decade. But while hunting for the perfect blazer, Ann Taylor kept popping up in my search results, and I was reminded why this brand has stood the test of time: timeless silhouettes, top-tier fabrics, and reasonable prices. Another reason Ann Taylor stands out? The brand takes petite clothing very seriously, with a dedicated line that features shorter sleeves, torso lengths, rises, and inseams.

Since it launched in 1954, Ann Taylor has been synonymous with workwear. To that end, the company offers hundreds of clothing options that are suitable for the office, from silky patterned blouses and dressy trousers to classic shift dresses. Best of all, these items are available from sizes XXS and 00 up to XL and 16. And in my experience, most of Ann Taylor's pieces contain at least a hint of stretch, making all of them supremely comfortable to wear from 9 to 5 (or longer).

My go-to ensemble for professional meetings and events is the Petite Fitted Double Breasted Blazer in Bi-Stretch with the Petite High Rise Skinny Trouser in Bi-Stretch. This set fits like it was custom tailored, and conveniently, happens to be wrinkle-resistant, too. And thanks to the four-way stretch, it's not at all restrictive like a lot of suiting tends to be. I've even mixed and matched these for non-work occasions — dressing the blazer down with jeans and a concert tee, and pairing the trousers with a bodysuit and heels for date night.

Best for denim: Madewell

Madewell has long been one of my go-tos for jeans — they're extremely well made, look even better with time, and come in so many unique vintage-inspired washes. Not only that, but Madewell is famously size inclusive — and the brand just happens to offer dozens of petite styles made for those who are 5-foot-3 and shorter, spanning classic straight-leg and pencil jeans to stretchy flares and trendy barrel legs. (By the way, Madewell also occasionally has a few other petite offerings outside the denim category, including dresses.)

All of Madewell's petite jeans feature proportional rises and 2-inch shorter inseams (ranging around from 25 inches for crop and ankle styles to around 27.5 inches for regular styles). So far, I haven't had to get any of them altered, which saves me about $20 per pair.

What I love about Madewell's jeans is that they strike a perfect compromise between providing enough structure while also packing plenty of stretch for the sake of comfort. With 2% elastane, the Petite Jules Slim-Straight Jean still feels like it holds me in without restricting my movement. The mid-rise hits right where I want it to — directly below my navel — and I totally get the hype now around Madewell's Magic Pockets. These reinforced front-pocket panels, which are cleverly sewn right into the zipper construction, have a super flattering smoothing effect..

The bestselling Petite Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean, meanwhile, is made with premium stretch ISKO™ denim and 3% elastane, giving these a leggings-like level of comfort and remarkable recovery to their original shape after stretching with wear. The Petite Longline Straight Jean has slightly less stretch — but still enough that I know I can enjoy a full meal without regretting my outfit choice.

Best for formalwear: Reformation

Years back, I first discovered Reformation when I kept eyeing the brand's effortlessly chic dresses at various weddings, and mustering up the courage to ask guests where they got them. Reformation has a reputation as a cool-girl brand, not only for its influencer army and sustainable practices but also its silhouettes that fuse vintage-inspired charm with modern appeal. And lucky for all of us who are under 5-foot-4, Reformation's petite collection features well over 100 different styles — including pants, dresses, coats, jumpsuits, blazers, and even maxi skirts (which are hard to come by for us shorties).

Where Reformation really shines, though, is dresses for special events — and their petite offerings don't overwhelm my shorter torso, arms, and legs or narrower shoulders. Luxe fabrics like silk, satin, and linen drape and move like a dream, and hold up well with many wears and washes. And there are styles for every body type and occasion, ranging from ankle-grazing satin bustier dresses to floaty floral midi dresses.

The Balia Linen Dress is one of my favorites. It's surprisingly versatile — I'm just as likely to wear this to an outdoor spring wedding as I am to a baby shower or backyard barbecue. I love that it's lined, doesn't need to be dry cleaned, and has pockets. Straps are almost always too long on me, so I also appreciate that these can be adjusted — and although it's very fitted at the waist, the stretchy back smocking makes it more comfortable to wear for long hours.

The Petite Gale Mid-Rise Bias Pant keeps selling out, and now I totally get why: When paired with the right jewelry, top, and heels, I've found it's a more practical alternative to a dress during the colder months. The heavyweight crepe fabric feels — and looks — oh so luxurious, yet these are far comfier than most dress pants due to the elastic waistband.

Best budget: Old Navy

With over 1,000 different items available in petite sizing, you could easily build an entire wardrobe with Old Navy. The best part? The prices generally range from around $16.99 to $54.99, making it a cinch to stay within your budget. Old Navy has petite clothing in casual basics like cotton tees and jeans, there are also plenty of cute going-out dresses and jumpsuits to choose from, too.

I've been super impressed with the fit and quality of Old Navy's petite clothing, especially considering the reasonable price tags. I've been reaching for the lightweight, versatile Seaside Cotton Open-Knit Raglan Sweater regularly — the mesh-like open knit design has an edgy feel, and it can be layered over anything from a nude tank to a black bodysuit.

Don't sleep on Old Navy's petite activewear sets, either. The ultra-cozy Bounce Fleece Half-Zip Pullover Sweatshirt is the perfect match for the High-Waisted StudioSmooth 7/8 Leggings — but it can also be mixed and matched with joggers and jeans for laid-back looks.

Best splurge: Eileen Fisher

Well before sustainability became trendy, Eileen Fisher was prioritizing these practices — but that's not all to love about this brand. The brand also boasts muted, earthy palettes that are seasonless, timeless, and flatter everyone; uses natural fibers that are as durable as they are comfortable; and offers unrestrictive silhouettes that work for a wide range of body types. Those are just a few reasons why Eileen Fisher is on our lists of the best luxury workwear for women, and the best women's basics clothing brands. We also named Eileen Fisher one of the best plus-size clothing brands, because pieces are available in sizes XXS to 3X.

With well over 100 different product options, this brand happens to have one of the most extensive petite lines. The Eileen Fisher petite collection encompasses everything from work-ready trousers and button-downs to casual tees and knit dresses.

I found that the Striped Cozy Brushed Terry Long Top lives up to its name — the fleecy terry feels like a warm hug. It's an ideal top to pair with leggings due to the slightly longer length, and I love that it fits closer at the shoulders (which is great for petites who tend to have narrow shoulders) and wider at the hem with added side slits to accommodate my hips.

The Italian Cashmere Crew Neck Top is the quintessential Eileen Fisher piece — it looks and feels expensive, with a relaxed fit that drapes beautifully, and it goes with everything from jeans and leggings to silk skirts and trousers. Another pick that's undeniably versatile is the best-selling Washable Flex Ponte Slim Pant — with a 26.5-inch inseam, these are truly the perfect length for petites, and they feel sturdier than leggings but far comfier than most dress pants.

Best activewear: Athleta

There's a reason why Athleta remains one of the most popular athleticwear brands: The company prioritizes sustainability, the environment, and ethics in production; many of the products are made with practicality-minded performance fabrics, and around 70% of the line is available in extended sizes (petite, tall, plus).

Athleta's petite collection features more than 300 items — including leggings, joggers, tees, sweatpants, sweatshirts, jackets, and more — which are designed with shorter rises, sleeves, and inseams.

Whether I'm taking a Pilates class or grabbing coffee with a friend, one of my go-to sets is the Elation Ultra High Rise Legging and Move With Ease top. What I love about these leggings is that the petite version is available in four different lengths: ⅞, full, capri, and crop. The fabric is buttery soft, and provides plenty of compression without compromising comfort or restricting my movement in the slightest. The top drapes nicely, hits right at the perfect spot on my hip, and is made with breathable fabric that wicks sweat away and keeps me comfortable in all climates. The Unstoppable Fleece Lined Full Zip Jacket in another one of my favorite products that comes in petite sizes. Hoodies almost always look too boxy on me, and I usually have to roll up the sleeves — but that's not the case with this one, which tapers in at the waist and has cleverly placed seams for an ultra-flattering fit.

Best trendy: Marcella NYC

Ever since I tested Marcella NYC's edgy basics last year, I've been a huge fan. All of the pieces are modern, minimalistic, and absurdly versatile. Did I mention that this brand also sources solely sustainable materials, employs mainly female production teams, and sticks to ethical and eco-friendly production practices? So, naturally, I was thrilled when I found out that Marcella also offers dozens of products in petite sizes. Marcella's petite collection includes jeans with shorter inseams, and an array of trendy yet timeless dresses, tops, tunics, and pants adjusted for petite proportions.

Lately, my Petite Waverly Pants are getting a lot of wear. Truthfully, a skirt with built-in leggings is the essential cold-weather piece I didn't know my closet needed: I still get style points from the open midi skirt with a double-ring buckled sash belt, while the leggings underneath offer coverage to keep my legs warm and cozy. Plus, it's made with ultra-soft and stretchy sustainable European jersey, so I kind of feel like I'm cheating looking so chic while feeling so comfy.

(Read more about my experience testing this brand's bestsellers in this Marcella review.)

Best plus-size: Universal Standard

With an impressive size run that ranges from 00 to 40 (and 4XS to 4XL), Universal Standard has quickly become known as the most size-inclusive brand in the world. The company also developed its own sizing model — since the average woman in America wears a size 18, Universal Standard calls that a Medium. So, it should come as no surprise that we named Universal Standard one of the best plus-size clothing brands, best plus-size jeans for women brands, and best brands for plus-size work clothes. It also happens to be an excellent option for petites: In fact, Universal Standard has a dedicated petite-friendly collection for people 5-foot-4 and under. And the brand didn't just shorten inseams on these pieces — the fit on tops and dresses are adjusted proportionally to accommodate the petite frame.

In our Universal Standard jeans review, we noted that the brand's denim is "surprisingly sturdy and stretchy," offers quite a confidence boost, and is actually comfy enough to wear on an airplane. The Petite Cigarette Pants are what won me over: These have the stretch level of leggings but look like work pants and they're wrinkle-resistant, so they're a godsend for traveling — when I need to arrive looking polished and professional but also don't want to sacrifice my comfort on a long flight.

V-neck tees are ideal for petites because they visually elongate the neck and overall silhouette — and the Petite Tee Rex is by far the best-fitting option I've ever owned. T-shirts often look awkward on me, with sleeves that are too long, and hemlines as well as shoulder seams that fall below where they should. But this tee — which is made from Peruvian cotton that gets softer and softer every time I wash it — features a stovepipe sleeve that doesn't look too bulky, and a cleverly curved hem that hits at the perfect spot.

Best for elevated basics: Modern Citizen

In our guide to where to shop for women's workwear, Modern Citizen won the award for best elevated basics. Take one peek at the line's impressive selection of high-quality, universally flattering pieces — at fairly accessible price points no less — and you'll get why.

"Whether you're a self-proclaimed wardrobe minimalist with a penchant for fashion, or you're just looking for an affordable place to shop for workwear that isn't boring, I cannot recommend Modern Citizen enough," writes Business Insider Reviews Executive Editor Sally Kaplan in her Modern Citizen review.

We named the Modern Citizen Fei Tie-Front Organic Cotton Dress the top "business casual" option in our guide to the best work dresses — because it's shockingly comfy, the flattering tie-front detail cinches the waist, it's versatile enough to dress up or down, and it comes in a range of classic neutral and earth tones. And here's the good news: There's a petite version of the Fei that's a couple of inches shorter. For anyone who's 5-foot-3 and under, this dress will hit right where it's supposed to — at the mid calf.But beyond the Fei, there are lots of other options in the Modern Citizen petite collection. A couple of my personal favorites are the Cass Front-Split Ponte Stretch Pant and Manon Asymmetric-Neck Ruched Dress. The Cass pants, which come in a 29-inch inseam for the petite sizes, feature flattering split hem and center seams which visually elongate the legs — a major pro for those of us who are shorter. And the petite Manon Dress is one of those pieces I'll have in my rotation for many years to come — not only because it's well made, but also because it'll never go out of style and can easily transition from the boardroom to the cocktail bar. The wrap front, ruched sides, and midi length ooze sophistication while the asymmetric gives this dress a distinctly modern edge.

How to shop for petite clothing

1. Know your inseam, rise, and torso length.

As a general guideline, 26 inches is the best inseam for petites — that said, this can depend a bit on your height and the style of the product you're buying. If you're on the shorter side (5-foot-1 and under) or you're buying ankle length pants or jeans, 25 inches may be a better bet — whereas if you're closer to 5-foot-4 or plan to wear heels, you might opt for a 28 inch inseam. A mid-rise is the most universally flattering and versatile, because you don't have to worry about it hitting at an awkward place on your shorter torso. That said, as long as you're buying a petite-specific piece, you can rest assured that even high-rise and low-rise options have been adjusted to accommodate the proportions of your frame.

Torso length is worth considering, too: Petite-sized tops and dresses are generally designed with higher waistlines and raised hems, but knowing your exact measurements can help you select styles that are more appropriate for your body. For instance, long, tunic style tops may not work for those with particularly short torsos — even in petite sizing.

2. Know when hemming makes sense and when it doesn't.

Sometimes, all you need is a good tailor to make a piece of clothing fit your petite frame flawlessly. Assuming that the only fit issue is that a piece is too long, hemming makes sense for:

• Straight-leg/skinny pants and jeans
• Shift dresses, sheath dresses, and other simple silhouette dresses
• Straight miniskirts and midi skirts, as well as pencil skirts

However, taking up certain styles at the hem — like flared and boot-cut jeans, structured wide-leg trousers, dresses with belts or multiple ruffled tiers, and A-line dresses — can throw off the overall proportions. For example, the flare might not start at the right spot on the leg, or the belt on the dress might not sit at the natural waist.

3. Use tricks when there is no petite sizing.

Just because you're petite doesn't necessarily mean you have to wear clothes that are specially designed for petite frames. If your favorite brands don't have petite lines, you can still use smart shopping strategies to find clothes that fit well. Cropped sweaters and jackets, ankle-length leggings and jeans, and ¾-length or "bracelet" sleeves are usually a safe bet.

FAQs

How do you know if you're petite?

As a general rule, many people who are 5-foot-4 and under are considered petite. That said, petite doesn't just mean short. Some people can get away with just hemming pants and jeans, but you'll know you need to buy petite clothing if tops also run too long in the torso and sleeves, rises are too high, dresses and outerwear tend to overwhelm your figure, and straps and shoulders often fall off. If you often find yourself rolling up or cuffing your sleeves and pants, that's another good sign that you could benefit from buying petite clothing.

Keep in mind, too that you can be any size and be petite — because petite isn't about your body size, but your body proportions.

Does petite sizing mean the garments run small?

Petite sizing doesn't necessarily run smaller. So, if you always wore a medium in traditional clothing, you'll likely find that a medium petite fits perfectly. That said, this can vary a bit from brand to brand, so always check the size chart for more guidance on the specific item you're buying.

How should petite clothing fit differently?

With petite clothing, you'll find that everything lines up better — seams hit right where they should on your shoulders and waist, and sleeves fall at the perfect spot on your wrist. With pants, there should be no bunching or sagging in the crotch or knees, and the length should graze your ankle (or lower calf for cropped styles) without having to be hemmed. You'll probably find that overall, petite clothing is just more flattering — dresses, skirts, sweaters, blouses, and jackets don't overwhelm your frame.