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Thread about petite sized clothing and brands - please join in if you are vertically challenged!

53 replies

Notcontent · 20/04/2023 17:52

I am a slim 5’2”. In the past I had no trouble finding clothes to fit me but recently everything is so oversized that I am struggling. Shirts and jumpers are ok but it’s bottoms and jackets that I struggle with most. Would love some suggestions!

I have just ordered a blazer from the new Whistles petite range so will see what that’s like.

I need some joggers for around the house. Has anyone ordered from love leggings? They seem to have a petite range.

OP posts:
Niftythrifter · 20/04/2023 18:24

I am shorter than you and have found for jeans that Boden are good. I recently got some wide leg jeans from them and they are good length wise for me. Size wise both a six and eight are a good fit but the six is better.

TwinMum89 · 20/04/2023 18:27

I’ve recently ordered jogging bottoms from Love Leggings. I like them so much I just got a second pair. I’m 4ft 11 and the length is perfect.

Notcontent · 20/04/2023 18:58

Thanks for the tips! My wardrobe at the moment is full of things that don’t fit well so I am trying to remedy that.

OP posts:
GoShorty · 20/04/2023 19:11

Oooh can I join please? I’ve also found it difficult with everything being oversized at the moment - I just look like I’m playing dress up. I’m 5’2.5 and usually a 6 depending on where I’m shopping and how much I’ve been eating 🤣 I like Abercrombie and also Hobbs for petite coats, and used to stick to Oasis jeans but am struggling to find anything that works for me that’s not just skinny jeans (which are what suit me best). Have tried various straight leg and wide leg jeans but they just make my legs looks really wide and dumpy.

Niftythrifter · 20/04/2023 19:16

@GoShorty Can I recommend that you try Primark slim straight jeans which have an unfinished hem and are £16.

GoShorty · 20/04/2023 19:18

Niftythrifter · 20/04/2023 19:16

@GoShorty Can I recommend that you try Primark slim straight jeans which have an unfinished hem and are £16.

Oooh thank you! I’ve never thought to look in primark for jeans! Will give them a go next time I’m in town. I’ve been ordering and returning all the different styles of M&S jeans but nothing has worked so far, so definitely up for a different option.

Notcontent · 20/04/2023 23:15

I actually find it odd that there are not more clothes made to look good on shorter women. Brands aimed at teenagers and very young women are often a better fit - my tall dd often finds things too short/tight - but not other more “grown up” brands.

OP posts:
MaryQueenOfSwots · 20/04/2023 23:22

The oversized trend is really not helpful for
me (5’ 3 sz 12). I want work jackets that are fitted, not massive blazers which are so unflattering.

ComputerWifeKaren · 20/04/2023 23:51

Platform boots/shoes have always been perfect for dealing with anything too long for me. Game changer if you want to wear full length skirts when it's raining. 5ft goth life Grin

Addictedtohotbaths · 21/04/2023 07:11

Hello - I’m 4’11 and shrinking can I join!
it’s very frustrating being reduced to a handful of shops that fit.
Varley leggings are good so their joggers might be worth a try.
Some if the Boden Petite is ok, if you avoid the frumpy bits.
I agree about everything being oversized then drowning you.
I’ve recently been buying Zara kids jackets. They have some lovely girls stuff and the age 13-14 is perfect!

Littleguggi · 21/04/2023 07:20

I am 5ft 1 and wear love leggings, they are true to size and fit amazing! I have washed them a million times and they are still a true black colour. If also rate Boden and Mint Velvet petite range

Chocchip11 · 21/04/2023 07:22

Next petite jeans are perfect length for me, I'm 5'2

notvsure · 21/04/2023 07:42

I can completely agree with this!
I'm a tiny 5ft and I tried on a suit in Primark and I looked like I was playing dress up in Mummy's clothes! Anything like workwear I've resorted to buying in the right size then taking to a tailor and having it taken in and up!

sugaringthecrumpet · 21/04/2023 07:46

Hurrah for this thread!

Love Leggings - I have tried their joggers. Excellent quality. But I found the legs very wide, and I'm not skinny. They converted me into a square. The customer service was good when I wanted to return, however

JudyBlumesBlubber · 21/04/2023 07:56

Be very careful with Next Petite which was always my staple.
I bought jeans and the leg was the same inside leg as my DD’s 33 inch tall ones.

sugaringthecrumpet · 21/04/2023 10:42

@JudyBlumesBlubber I've found that's a problem with a few retailers - e.g. M&S - claim to offer petite, but I would have to take them up (inside leg 27.5)

Carusa123 · 21/04/2023 13:15

Hi everyone, I'd like to join in please..am 5'1 and in between 10 & 12...definitely a size 11 if there was such a thing 😶
I'm looking at the Love Leggings joggers...should I size up or down I wonder?
I've recently bought a couple of midi dresses from M&S petite, size 10 and I'm happy with the fit. Also some jumpsuits from New Look petite, size 10 and again fit is good. Totally agree with the oversize look...am swamped and look ridiculous in blazers etc :-(
Am on the lookout for new jeans so will try some of the suggestions here, thank you.

CornishGem1975 · 21/04/2023 13:18

I've struggled with the midi-dress trend because even a petite is too long and I just feel frumpy, like it's drowning me. I was hoping it would have pissed off by now but it looks like we have yet another season of it!

Niftythrifter · 21/04/2023 16:19

New Look’s petite range is definitely worth a look. I have some nice cotton dresses from there that I’ll be dragging out this summer.

Pigeon31 · 21/04/2023 16:21

This is the issue I also have with midi dresses @CornishGem1975 - also I don't really like wearing heels.

michaelmacrae · 21/04/2023 16:23

Notcontent · 20/04/2023 17:52

I am a slim 5’2”. In the past I had no trouble finding clothes to fit me but recently everything is so oversized that I am struggling. Shirts and jumpers are ok but it’s bottoms and jackets that I struggle with most. Would love some suggestions!

I have just ordered a blazer from the new Whistles petite range so will see what that’s like.

I need some joggers for around the house. Has anyone ordered from love leggings? They seem to have a petite range.

I'm just under 5'1 and always struggle with bottoms. I have Love Leggings joggers and leggings in petite and they are perfect.

I also recommend M&S jeans which come in petite and they are brilliant, so much better than I expected from them. They also do Extra short too.

CurbsideProphet · 21/04/2023 16:25

I'm 5ft and bought 2 pairs of jeans from Sainsburys recently. The length is perfect 🙂 I tried M&S mom jeans but they were massive in the leg and small on the waist.

I really need a soft casual blazer but statutory maternity pay doesn't leave me much for shopping!

Notcontent · 21/04/2023 16:28

Thanks @michaelmacrae

As mentioned above, I have ordered some stuff from Whistles petite and plan to order from love leggings - so I will report back once I get my haul!

OP posts:
holidayinghelen · 21/04/2023 16:59

Marks and Spencer short length joggers are good but their trousers are ridiculously long. Ditto Wallis petite and Next petite at the moment. I've had a bit of luck with Seasalt dresses and trousers. It's so frustrating that not only is the sizing not good on petite ranges but there's such a limited choice.

Cleethorpes · 21/04/2023 19:38

Love Leggings work well on this 5' 50 something. Mint Velvet fir perfectly but they seem to be making their leggings out of paper now, very thin material that you can see your skin through. I'm so gutted!!