Where to Buy Petite Clothing for Women Over 50
One of the most common questions I get asked by my readers is what are the best stores for petites. You want to look stylish and put together without the hassle of having to get things altered or hemmed. It’s incredibly frustrating to scroll through a brand’s website or walk through their storefront and discover that they don’t offer petites. At 5ā4ā³, Iām right on the cusp of the petite size range, yet I find myself searching for petite garments more often these days. I decided to go down the online rabbit hole and find the best places to buy petite clothing for women over 50. I’ve put together a full list of the best petite stores and brands. Many I frequently share on the blog, and a few that are new to me, and I’m excited to try.
P.S. – If you have any favorite brands that I missed, I’d love for you to share them with other AWSL readers in the comments.
What does petite sizing mean?
While this may seem like a no-brainer, I think it’s important to understand exactly what petite clothing is before you shop. Here are the main differences:
- Length: Petite clothing is designed for people of shorter stature, typically around 5’4″ (163 cm) and under, although this can vary by brand. As a result, petite clothing items like pants, dresses, and skirts are usually shorter in length.
- Proportions: Petite clothing is not just shorter in length; it also takes into account the overall proportions of a shorter person. This means that items like sleeves, inseams, and torso lengths are adjusted to better suit petite individuals.
- Waist and Hip Placement: The waist and hip placements on petite clothing may be higher than on regular clothing to better fit the shorter torso of petite individuals.
- Sleeve Length: In petite clothing, sleeve lengths are typically shorter.
- Shoulder Width: Petite clothing may have narrower shoulder widths to accommodate smaller frames.
- Rise: Petite pants and jeans usually have shorter rises, which is the measurement from the crotch to the waistband.
- Pockets and Details: The placement and size of pockets and other details may be adjusted in petite clothing to maintain balanced proportions.
It’s important to look at the size charts for each brand when you’re shopping petites. They may say what height they use to define their petites. I’ve learned that it can vary from retailer to retailer.
What height is considered petite?
Petite height is generally for women who are 5’4″ or shorter, regardless of weight. Think of it as a proportion designation, not a size difference.
Best Stores to Shop for Petite Clothing
1. Talbots (Available Online & In Store)
Talbots’ petite garments are proportioned for women 4’11” – 5’4″, in sizes 02-16. Their Plus petite is proportioned for women 5’4″ – 5’8″ in sizes 14W-24W. They also carry petite in their very popular T by Talbots casual line. Because I have a long torso, I go back and forth between the regular and petite categories to get the best fit. You can see my latest Talbots try-on here.
2. J.Jill (Available Online & In Store)
J. Jill carries a wide range of petite items, sized from 00P to 18P. They’re proportioned for women under 5’4″. However, if you have a short torso, no matter your height, you may find their tops a better fit for you than the regulars. I’m having lots of good luck at J. Jill these days.
3. Loft (Available Online & In Store)
Loft offers petite in regular cut (straight), and curvy cut for women 5’4″ and under in sizes 00P-18P. They’re an affordable go-to brand with modern styles for petite women, plus most brick-and-mortar stores carry petites in the store for you to try on.
4. Ann Taylor (Available Online & In Store)
While Ann Taylor is typically thought of for work clothes, I find that they have quality, classic, elevated pieces that can be worn for a casual lifestyle, too. Like Loft, Ann Taylor typically has a petite section in store to try on. Ann Taylor carries petite clothes proportioned for women 5’4″ and under sizes 00P-18P. They also carry regular fit (straight) and curvy fit for women with different body silhouettes.
5. Eileen Fisher (Available Online & In Store)
Eileen Fisher is all about sustainable and ethical fashion, and their petite clothing is no exception. With their often oversized esthetic, I found it more important than ever to have the correct proportions of a petite. They carry many pieces in petite sizes 2P-18P. Most store locations don’t carry many petites, so your best bet is to order online from the brand directly.
5. Athleta
Athleisure continues to be trending, but it’s important to find the perfect fit, or else you just look sloppy. Athleta is one of the few places I’ve found that offers petites for athletic wear. If you’re looking to try the brand, I highly recommend these Brooklyn Ankle pants or my new favorite, the Endless pants. The petite is 2ā³ shorter than this and too short for me but great for gals who have shorter legs than I do.
6. J.Crew (Available Online)
J.Crew is known for its preppy and classic styles, and its petite line is a great option for women over 50 who appreciate a polished look. Their petites are recommended for women 5’0″-5’4″. They offer a reduced sleeve and torso length to fit smaller frames. Your best selection will always be online for petite, but especially at J.Crew.
7. Anthropologie (Available Online)
If you’re looking for more boho and eclectic pieces to add to your wardrobe, Anthropologie is a fantastic choice for petite women who appreciate unique and artistic designs. They are specially designed to fit smaller frames for women 5ā4ā and under with shorter sleeve lengths, tailoring at the waist, and better-fitting armholes. From flowy dresses to statement accessories, Anthropologie’s petite collection is only found online. The nice thing is that you can order online and return it to your local store if you have one.
8. Nordstrom
If you only wear petite, Nordstrom will be a challenge for you. They removed the petite section from their brick-and-mortar stores several years ago, but if you type “petite” into the search bar on their website, a nice selection will come up. They do carry several different petite-friendly brands, and I find they usually have a great selection of denim and special occasion dresses.
9. Local Boutiques and Tailors
Don’t overlook the potential of local boutiques and tailors in your area. These places may offer petite clothing and alteration services to ensure a perfect fit.
More Stores With Great Petite Options
- Banana Republic Factory has a great selection.
- Gap has lots of basics at terrific prices.
- Madewell carries a large selection for women 5’4″ and below.
- Boden carries lots of petite options that “put a smile on your face”
- J.Crew Factory is a great source for classic, preppy styles at terrific prices.
Do you have other favorite brands to share?
I’ve tried just about every place on the list without much luck. Petite doesn’t mean what it used to. A woman who is 5 ft or under can’t wear much that is designed for someone who I 5’4″
Hi Jennifer!
I stumbled across your wonderful blog during my (YEARS LONG) search to replace my favorite black cardigan which has a high, stand collar. I had no idea what a unicorn item it wasā¦until I did, lolz. Do you think starch on the āCoolmax Johnny collar knit jacketā or similar style of jacket/sweater would keep the collar upright?
Welcome! It might but I would test a small spot at the back hem first to check how the fabric handles it.
Jennifer, I have read your post for three years now. I enjoy your comments and advice. I have changed my wardrobe and shopping habits. I just wrote down all of the places mentioned to add to my online shopping for petite clothes. I have a request. Could you please do a post on where to shop for shoes for small feet? I wear a 4 or 4.5 size foot and I struggle finding my size. I am ordering all my shoes now but sometimes I need to try them on before buying especially if I failed to plan ahead. I find a few in children’s size, but most of their shoes are not wide enough or cushioned enough for older feet. I did find a couple of shoes after you posted the info on comfortable shoes for over 50. I would greatly appreciate any advice on this problem. I know there are many more women out there with this problem because if I do fine my size 4 or 4.5 shoes 80% of the time they are sold out! Thank you for reading my post.
Iāll see what I can source for you. That is a tough size to find!!
I am a senior citizen and and I am 5′ 1″. I am retired and my style these days is very casual. Being on a very limited income, many of these stores mentioned in having petite sizes are expensive. So hard for me to find pants that fit in the length. sleeves too long or don’t fit right on my narrow shoulders. I can’t afford to have these clothes altered as I live on Social Security. Try finding much choice looking for size or 5 1/2 shoes.
That is a challenge!
Try Alfred Dunner petites you can get them on sale at very reasonable prices! Macy’s, JC Penney, Boscov’s! Hope this helps!
Lands End and JP Penny have petites (and petite plus) and they always have significant sales (online and in-store),
especially November, December, January.
Hi Linda….I had the same problem as you and a friend suggested we shop at Goodwill and other nearby thrift shops. I was shocked to find many of the brands mentioned here and many are just our size for a small fraction of the cost. I am now addicted and always enjoy thrifting as I feel like a wealthy girl on a shopping spree…come out spending less than 100 dollars and have a new wardrobe. It’s win win!!
I was going to add Old Navy as a great resource for petite sizes. They are owned by the same conglomeration as Banana Republic, Gap and Athleta and offer many styles in tall, regular and petite. Including activewear. Great for those on a budget. Lots of good sales. I do like the factory version of these stores as well. Hope you are having fun on your trip!
Yes, they do have a great selection and you can’t beat their prices!
Coldwater Creek and Soft Surroundings have a great petite section on-line.
Some of us are larger than size 18. I wear a size 20 on pants because of my hips. Depending on the cut some pants, when I can find them, are too short. When are designers going to show real people in their clothing. I don’t consider a size 6 or 8 a plus size. Maybe that is why I don’t shop for clothing, in stores or on line.
Though not a petite myself, both my mother (and father) as well as my sisters were all petites so can relate to those who are and their mission of finding clothing to work for their body type. With that being said ; super lineup Jennifer of retailers who carry such.
-Brenda-
P.S,: Hope you are enjoying your holiday and Mother Nature in Portugal is being kind weather wise.
Thank you Brenda. It’s such a great spot and yes, we are enjoying ourselves
I get the shortystory.com. The box is filled with items consistent with response about style and proportions. My last box had a pair of jeans that fit perfectly. The inseam was fitted to my short legs. I kept the jeans, and returned the other pair of pants and 3 shirts. Easy to return per instructions in the box. Pay for only the item(s) kept. I did not keep more items in that I am trying to control my purchasing. Prices are not inexpensive, but how wonderful to receive clothes tailored to your size and interests.
That’s brilliant Donna. Thanks for sharing that resource!
I used to buy all my petite clothing at Nordstroms, but have stopped since they have such limited selections. I love wearing dresses and have a few from Boden which are budget friendly. I just started purchasing items from Hobbs of London. It’s on the pricey side like what you would find at Nordstroms. I have purchased their petite clothes from Bloomingdales.com or the Hobbs of London website. It has upscale quality apparel that is modest. I find their clothes to be quite fashionable.
Thank you Nellie!
I have bought a raincoat and three dresses from Hobbs in Petite sizes. Selection is limited but the quality is superb!
As a petite 5ā2ā elder that went from hourglass to apple, I found Landsend Relaxed fit petite fit the best. Madewell and Chicos brands fit my disappearing waist. I am 141 pounds but need a 2P at Chicos or a 12P everywhere else to fit my waist. I try to dress similar to you Jennifer only on a tight budget.
I am a petites-only shopper – they just fit so much better with rare exceptions. Iām 5ā2ā and evenly proportioned. Nic & Zoe is a line I like – petite sizes are sometimes available at Nordstrom, but also available on their own website.
I do love Nic+Zoe!
First off. I really appreciate websites that include actual garment measurements. Generic size charts just aren’t that helpful when shopping online. I am super picky about fit, fabric and color so free shipping both ways is crucial for me. I still prefer in store shopping. Online shopping has been mostly disappointing. The shipping/packaging seems wasteful too.
Chicos!
I’m 5′ 2″, an apple-shaped size 12 with narrow shoulders and shorter arms. Tops in misses sizing rarely work. I can sometimes wear regular misses sizes in bottoms, though, especially in “cropped” styles. I buy a lot at Talbots and find petite t-shirts that suit my thicker middle at LL Bean. (I get free shipping and returns at LL Bean with their credit card.) I need to get in the habit of checking some of the other stores you’ve mentioned. Thanks for the suggestions!
Free shipping and returns is amazing.
Great list, Jennifer. I need petite for anything on top as I have short arms. Iām 5ā5 1/2ā and my legs are slightly long. Ankle pants can look like high waters if Iām not careful. Hope you are enjoying your trip!
We are so differently proportioned. I am thank you!
Last year I visited Nordstomās and couldnāt find the petite section. The sales person said, āGood news! The petites are now spread throughout the store!ā I could not hide my dismay. Last week I went to Macyās only to learn that they no longer have petites in the store.
I appreciate your list of stores that still want our business!
Thank you!
Thank you for the petite size resource list. I have found that Coldwater Creek has the best petite sizes in styles I like. Our local Coldwater Creek store closed its doors during Covid, so ordering is a must.
That’s a great one! I used to shop at CWC a lot. I love their catalogue.
Jennifer, thank you so much! Great roundup and info! Two things: department stores can be a good source of Petites: Macy’s and Dillard’s. It’s still a challenge getting wide-leg pants in Petite sizes. Wide legs and boot cut are longer – 29″ or more, which means most petite women can’t wear them even with heels. Again, great post.
I’m so glad this was helpful, Maeve
At 5’1 I know the struggle is real for petites. Thanks for this great list! I always depended on Nordstrom for petite clothing. I was so disappointed when it went away. I always feel the need to try things on so all this online shopping is not very fun for me but a necessary evil.
I really miss the Nordstrom Petite section too. I can find them online but it was nice to have them all in one place.
Check out Chicoās for petites. Some stores have a limited selection, online offers petite sizes too. Iāve even found some petite pieces at my local Chico’s outlet store.
Thank you for this post. Landsend has been a go to for many years for me for petites. I discovered Talbots a few years ago and have good luck with them. My body proportions are a hot mess. 5ā tall, broad shoulders with a long torso, add in very short arms and legs š¤
Iāve found in the last several years the rise on petite pants are longer. I can now wear most of them but the length is a whole other story. I really have to watch the inseam length. Crops are ankle length, ankle length are full length. This has saved a lot of money on alterations. Long sleeves OMG, regular sizes you may be able to see my finger tips and petites hit half way down my hand š« Iāve never met a sleeve I couldnāt turn up. With my long torso anything with a defined waist will hit 2-4 inches above my waist. So I have as many regular sized as petite sized clothes in my wardrobe.
My long torso, and arms along with broad shoulders mean most long sleeve tops and jackets need to be regular. Short sleeve ones or things with no waist shaping mean I can wear a petite.
Von Maur has a great petite selection plus free alterations.
Thanks Nancy
I enjoy your article and like your style and thank you for the list on petite clothing Iam 4ā8 have a blessed wonderful day
My pleasure Nancy.
I fid petite outerwear particularly hard to find. Lands End has been my go-to for years for petite jackets and coats. Affordable and good quality.
Yes, Lands End is a great source
As a 5’3″ petite with short arms, finding outerwear is a struggle for me, too. I have had good luck with Eddie Bauer and recently bought a very nice raincoat with button-in lining that works well for everyday as well as for travel.
Love this list! Seems like Eileen Fisher is reducing their petite selection. . Also donāt forget Lands End and LL Bean, Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and the Factories: Banana, Gap and J Crew. Iām the reverse of you with a short torso and proportional legs. Petite pants are often too short in rise and length, but I need a petite in anything hitting the waist (jackets, dresses) or with long sleeves (I have short arms).
You should do a try on at BR Factory. They have modern, simple cuts in mostly neutrals without the crazy prices of āregularā BR.
LE infuriates me with their high shipping and returns (even ti exchange sizes), but you can get a lot of it through Kohls online and then return in store if necessary. They are a great source for winters needing brighter colors. Does having a petite long sleeve tshirt make a difference? Yes it does!
I love BR Factory! I do have one I could visit. Thatās a great idea! Sleeves are tough for me too because my shoulders are so wide, sleeves are usually too short.