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Quality petite basics - do they exist?

5 replies

Fabricandthread · 06/09/2026 10:23

Ok so I appreciate this may not be the most exciting style challenge but I do need some help.

I desperately need to replenish basics like t shirts, vests, camis, long sleeve t shirts. But I have no idea where to buy. I'm 5 ft and around a size 8 so I've recently been buying at lands end as they do basics in petite sizes but really not finding the quality great. Not terrible but id really just like o buy something that lasts. Would be willing to pay up to say 70/80 per piece for quality that will last. I prefer more boxy styles to slim fit but tbh being petite it's a very fine line between boxy and looking like you've stolen someone else's wardrobe.

Would really appreciate advice on brands or specific pieces.

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Fabricandthread · 06/09/2026 10:27

Sorry should have said that I'm early 40s so lands end is not my style but have been struggling to find anything cut well for my frame. In terms of brands I like but buy carefully from due to sizing are: baukjen, cos, Massimo Dutti. Though haven't tried their basics yet apart from Massimo Dutti where the quality wasn't great

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AutumnLeavesTurning · 06/09/2026 10:33

Fellow 5ft er here , so I feel your pain as often even the petite range are too long in trousers ! M & S extra short trousers are 27 inch which is too long for me sadly . Their short which are the ones in the stores, are 29" , so crazy .

Fabricandthread · 06/09/2026 10:37

First world problems I know but when buying a t shirt feels like a project it does make me despair. I expect I'll end up buying about 20 and keeping 2. For trousers I've really leant in to the cropped (aka just about ok not to get shortened) trend

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llamashoe · 06/09/2026 10:47

The Shortlist is a lovely independent brand for petite women. It is more expensive but they sometimes do sales. Worth a look. Reiss Petite I find to be quite good too and also does sales.

Fabricandthread · 06/09/2026 10:56

Thanks for the suggestions.i don't think reiss or shortlist do petite basics though unfortunately. Anyone found specific items or brands cutting smaller for basics?

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