Resources for Petites--Brands that work

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Posh Posey

Posh Posey

Member
Aug 9, 2018
14
7
#1
I just wondered if the petite ladies would be willing to share brands that work for them. Especially for higher quality clothing. I am trying to buy fewer, better garments but it is really difficult to find them. Even in the best of circumstances alterations are risky and I always prefer to have them done by the shop where I buy the garment, just in case the alterations are done poorly. I have been looking at coats and petite sizes fit so much better, its just that there is so little selection.

It seems that few designers have petite lines, and when they do the style and quality are sort of dumbed down. I am thinking of Ralph Lauren for example. Some of the Lauren pieces are on par with the Polo line but some are just awful.

Ralph Lauren--some Polo styles are petite friendly--Lauren line is petite sizing
Ann Taylor--I find the fabrics are disappointing a lot of the time
J. Crew--some styles offered in petite, sometimes with limited color options--quality is all over the place
Anthropologie--petites go fast, styles are more boho, artsy not much in classic styles
Eileen Fisher--again, this is a very particular look--quality is good I think but its not my look
Banana Republic--haven't shopped there recently
Kate Spade--some styles are petite friendly but I think this brand is super feminine in its style
Tory Burch--I have a few things from here, mostly the Tory Sport line
Theory--some petite friendly styles, jackets usually have high armholes
Fleurette--for coats--they make a few styles in petite
 
#2
Boss Black by Hugo Boss
Highly recommend for office wear, esp if more conservative industry. Their quality & fabric have carried me through many years, tho some designs can be mature leaning, but it's how you style & accessorize. Nord carries some of their collections in petite.

For casual, love Caslon jackets from Nord. Discovered during NAS and they have some nice pieces.

I always get both brands on sale, so no need to spend extra unless you absolutely have to.
 
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#3
I think your list pretty much covers it. I too, could use petite clothes, except I don’t like the styles or fabrics of most. I find the fit of Theory clothing is perfect for me. It’s on the pricey side, but well worth it, as the styles are classics that do not age. They also always go on sale. My problem comes with dresses. Fortunately for me, I sew clothing and am able to get the dresses to fit. It’s hit or miss otherwise. Sites today seem to focus on larger sizes instead of petites.
 
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#5
I'm with you I don't fit in anything. I look for European brands that make a 32 or 34, although Chanel, Armani, and Red Valentino are still too big.
Agree with your list - I'd elaborate that Theory makes an XXS and a 00 and Tory Burch also makes an XXS.
Veronica Beard is cut small and they make a 00 although it's hard to find.
Rag and Bone make an XXS and a 00 and cropped lengths.
Sometimes Joseph cuts small, but it varies wildly.
The Row, same thing.
Rick Owens is cut close to the body but may need hemming.
SEA is a brand that runs small and I haven't had to alter anything.
Acne Studios also runs small but the quality is very spotty.
 
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#6
QuelleFromage said:
Acne Studios also runs small but the quality is very spotty.
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Surprised by this! As practically the only brands I have problems with now are Scandinavian brands... Acne Studios is one of my favorite brands, but what, with them being Swedish and favoring the oversized look, I often have trouble with their RTW. Just two days ago my local shop called that they got the XS size I was hoping for in one of their jumpers, and when I tried it the SA was like, you cannot wear that... Have quite a few of their scarves, shoes and hats though :P.

Otherwise, I think the situation for petites has vastly improved over the years. Granted, I am less petite than I used to be, but I feel the growth of the Asian market has really pushed brands to cater for the petite frame. As for hemds having to be shortened, I find this only logical, as it is much easier to cut than to add... I rather buy the exact pants I want and alter them than go sourcing for pants specifically branded for petite.
 
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#7
All great info. I have a pair of Dolce & Gabbana pants that I love. They were cropped so didn't even need hemming. Also have Rag & Bone but haven't found Veronica Beard to work. I like her jacket/hoodie combo but the body is cut very long. I don't mind hemming pants or plain sleeves. And taking up the shoulder in sleeveless dresses usually works well. But I bought a dress once at Escada where they had to so some significant alterations (size S was the smallest) and the alterations were very poorly done. Not even the thread color matched the original. I was horrified and a little worried but when I showed the manager she agreed right away and refunded me for the dress. I opted not to reorder and try again.
 
#8
Another brand to mention is Victoria Beckham (including the Victoria Victoria line). She likes some oversized styles but the small sizes are cut for a small frame. Adore her shirts and blazers.
 
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#10
Posh Posey said:
The Row, same thing.
...The Row surprises me as MK&A are petite but they so often wear things oversized. Some petites can do this but it is not for me.
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Yes, it is tricky to wear oversize when you are petite, as you can end up looking like a child in their grandpa clothes. So the thing is when the clothes are oversized but cut for a small frame, which is not the same as just oversized, with the underarms in the right place and so... I think Victoria Beckham and the Row kind of manage this better than other brands.
 
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#13
stephc005 said:
On the more affordable side, Express has petite sizes.
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They do! My favorite LBD is from there. I get most of my jeggings from there. They also have a short fit in their pants and those are supposedly even shorter than the petite fit.

I don't think it was mentioned but, TopShop has a petite range.
 
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