I don't always need a petite-sized garment, but it does help especially when it's a blazer or dress. However, most retailers stop their petite offerings (if they even provide them) at a size 10. That makes absolutely no sense considering the average American woman is 5'3″ and a size 16/18! After last week's discussion on petite clothing over a size 10, I decided to do some research and make a list of where to find petite clothing over a size 10. Below is the list I gathered; names are linked to go to their petite offerings.
- Talbots offers not only petite up to XL/16 but petite plus up to 3XP/22XP. Don't discount Talbots as a place only for those who like a preppy or conservative aesthetic. I love Talbots for great-fitting dresses, chic suits, and they're one of my favorite places for well-fitting high-quality jeans. The best white jeans I own are from Talbots. You can see all my looks featuring Talbots, including the size I wore, at this link.
- Old Navy offers petites up to size 20. I have had mixed experiences with Old Navy petites; they are lower cost and I find the sizing inconsistent but at least they do have a selection.
- Gap also offers up to a size 20 in petite. I find them to be more consistent with their sizing and petite measurements.
- LOFT offers petites up to a size 16. I think LOFT is a great place for petite jeans and pants.
- ASOS offers petite up to size 22. I've had mixed experiences with ASOS; like Old Navy the quality and sizing are inconsistent. However, they are my go-to for things like what to wear to a bachelorette, a cruise, a trip to Vegas, and other times you want fun clothes without spending an arm and a leg.
- QVC offers petites up to size 28WP. I haven't ordered from QVC in a long while so I don't have any personal experience but I do appreciate their extensive size range not just for clothing but also for shoes.
- Catherine's offers petite plus size clothing up to a 34WP.
- Lane Bryant has a selection of petite plus size and short clothing up to size 28.
- Kohl's offers petites up to size 18.
- JC Penney offers petites and petites plus up to size 24
- Christopher and Banks offers petites up to size 16.
- Dress Barn is closing all of their stores but they still have an online presence and offer petites up to size 16
- Foxcroft makes great shirts (I find them very large bust-friendly) and they offer them up to a 16P
- Chadwicks of Boston offers petites up to a 16
- Nordstrom has a variety of petite brands with some offering up to a size 18.
- J. Crew isn't extensive, but they do have petites up to a size 12 and J. Crew Factory also carries 12 petite.
I really hope this list isn't exhaustive, and if new brands come on the scene I plan to update this list to keep it as a valuable resource for petites. I'd love to hear from you - are there any retailers I didn't mention who offer petites over a size 10? Leave their names in the comments. And if you have had positive or negative experiences with the petite offerings at the above retailers help another woman out by sharing your rave or warning as well!
