Why do most clothing 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! As someone who is 5'3″ and has been a size 12-16 for all of her adult life, I decided to do some research and make a list of where to find petite clothing over a size 10. Below lists what I gathered; names are linked to go to their petite offerings and what size they go up to. I was pleased to find so many retailers offering plus size petites, and at a range of pricepoints and styles as well.
- Alice Alexander is an ethical and sustainable clothing brand based in Philadelphia that goes up to a 4X/30 and offers petites (as well as tall!).
- 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 party, a cruise, a trip to Vegas, and other times you want fun clothes without spending an arm and a leg.
- Catherine's offers petite plus size clothing up to a 34WP.
- Cato Fashions carries petite up to size 28 WP.
- Chadwicks of Boston offers petites up to a 16.
- Christopher and Banks offers petites up to size 16.
- Foxcroft makes great shirts (I find them very large bust-friendly) and they offer them up to a 16P.
- Full Beauty offers petite plus sizes 12-44.
- Gap also offers up to a size 20 in petite. I find them to be more consistent with their sizing and petite measurements.
- HSN also has several styles available in petite up to 24 Plus Petite.
- JC Penney offers petites and petites plus up to size 24
- J. Crew isn't extensive, but they do have petites up to a size 12.
- J. Crew Factory also carries 12 petite.
- J.Jill offers petites up to 18P; not only that almost every single one of their styles is available in petite.
- Kohl's offers petites up to size 18.
- Lane Bryant has a selection of petite plus size and short clothing up to size 28.
- L.L. Bean offers some of their selections in petite up to size 20.
- LOFT offers petites up to a size 16. I think LOFT is a great place for petite jeans and pants.
- Madewell offers a good portion of their collection in petite sizes up to 20. Madewell is known for their jeans and are really loved by those of all shapes and sizes.
- Nordstrom has a variety of petite brands with some offering up to a size 18.
- 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.
- 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.
- White House | Black Market carries petites up to size 16P.
It is amazing that in this day and age, with the average height and clothing size of the American woman, that this list isn't longer! Especially now as retailers are struggling to stay open, I am surprised more haven't made an effort to embrace the variety of women's sizes so they may remain successful. And I know those of you who are tall also struggle to find clothing in your size. I can only hope that this year inspires retailers to stop looking to the past for what works and look to the current population and the success of those brands that have embraced a broader range of sizes and heights of customers.
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!
