Finding clothing that fits perfectly is simply more difficult for people shorter than 5ft 4inches – this is largely considered the “petite” threshold in the USA.

The market for petite fashion brands is relatively small. Good Luck finding an independently owned or female founded petite only brand. Logically it makes sense why the number of petite garments available in the market are fewer than their standard size counterparts. The petite market segment is smaller, so the revenue opportunity is smaller. Investors and large brands want to manufacture products that have the best chance to sell as many as possible.

A smaller market will generally mean more expensive marketing and more expensive costs to produce the products. In short (pun intended) – it costs more to play in the petite market, and profits are lower. Emotionally, however – people of all shapes and sizes deserve to love the way they look and have plentiful options to express their personal style.

There has been a huge uptick in size inclusivity in the fashion industry, but the champion brands within this movement have largely been on the plus side end of the spectrum. We want to talk about the other end – size inclusivity for the petite and small fit market.

Before we get there, let’s first explore why the petite market is so important.

Why Choose Petite-Only Fashion Brands?

Shopping with brands that specialize in petite sizes offers several advantages:

1. Perfect Fit: Petite-only brands understand the unique proportions of shorter frames and smaller features. They tailor their designs to ensure a perfect fit, eliminating the need for alterations.
2. Proportionate Designs: These brands ensure that every measurement of their designs actually flatter a petite frame. Dressing proportionate to your specific body shape’s proportions has been proven to make one look taller, leaner, and more polished. Some brands will try to serve their petite customers by shrinking every aspect of a garment by X percent – but this often doesn’t fit well. For example, the zipper shouldn't be any smaller for a petite pair of jeans, but the length should be. 
3. Better Quality: Independently owned brands often prioritize quality and craftsmanship, offering products that are built to last. This especially true of a direct-to-consumer independent fashion brand who cuts out the middleman to offer a higher quality product at a great value.
4. Unique Styles: There are certain silhouettes that tend to enhance a petite figure that don’t make as much sense in standard sizing. There is also a layer of exclusivity when a fashion brand offers something to only one segment of the market. Turning the tables on a person who likes your petite clothing but can’t get it in standard size can be a refreshing role-reversal.

 

Memorí: The Petite Fit Sunglasses Brand

Most petite people are used to needing to have items tailored… but what do you do when your sunglasses are too big? Since you can’t tailor sunglasses to be smaller, there are three options:

1. Pretend that the oversized look was your plan all along, and that you want to look like a bug.
2. Wear Kids or Teen sunglasses, that likely don’t fit behind the ears and are made with very basic design and materials.
3. Buy sunglasses that have been expertly designed with a smaller fit for smaller faces.

Memorí is the world’s only sunglasses brand that is 100% focused on petite/small fit. Every pair of sunglasses is handmade in Italy in small batches to fit and flatter men’s and women’s smaller faces.

According to Kari Dowiak, the founder of Memorí:

“I love when someone who has always struggled to find sunglasses for their petite face tries on a pair of Memoríes for the first time. The reaction is usually “Wow – this is how it’s supposed to feel?!” and it’s true – the eyewear industry has done a great job at brainwashing people into thinking that if a pair of sunglasses stay on their face, they must fit. Sunglasses are supposed to make contact above your ear for a few inches to properly be stabilized and supportive – and you shouldn’t be able to fit a whole hand in between your head and the temple arm! It’s the best feeling in the world to see someone look in the mirror and love the reflection staring back at them.”

What Sets Memorí Apart:

• Perfect Fit: Expertly designed to be about 10% more narrow than industry standard to fit and flatter small faces and small head shapes.
• Luxury Materials: Memorí uses only the finest materials, including handmade leather cases, to ensure each pair of sunglasses is a collector's item.
• Limited Editions: With extremely limited handmade production, generally of about 30 pairs produced per style, each pair of Memorí sunglasses is unique and exclusive.
• Ethical & Sustainable Production: All production is done by skilled craftsmen who are highly paid for their work, and factories have sustainable practices such as solar power and recycled water.

 

Abrand Jeans: The Petite Denim Brand

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of jeans, Abrand Jeans is the top choice for petite men and women. With a whole line specifically designed for those 5'4" and under, Abrand Jeans offers a range of stylish denim options that fit like a dream at an affordable price.

  

What Makes Abrand Jeans Special:

• Tailored Fit: Abrand Jeans are meticulously designed to fit petite frames, with shorter inseams and adjusted proportions to ensure a flattering fit.
• Proportionally Sized Denim: Say goodbye to alterations and rolling up your hems. Abrand Jeans are cut right, not cut off, with proportions tailored for shorter statures of 5'4" or 163 cm and under.
• Infamous Peach Hugging Fit: They make your butt look good
• Stylish Options: From wide leg to relaxed fits, Abrand offers a variety of styles that are on-trend and perfect for petite fashion lovers.
• Independent Focus: As an independently owned brand, Abrand Jeans prides itself on offering unique, high-quality products that cater specifically to the needs of petite customers.

The Benefits of Choosing Petite-Focused Brands

When you choose to shop with petite-focused brands like Memorí or Abrand Jeans, you're investing in fashion that is tailored to fit and flatter your unique proportions. Unlike brands where petite sizes are an afterthought, these companies prioritize the needs of petite customers from the very beginning. Sunglasses and Jeans are also wardrobe staples. If you nail these, it becomes much easier to maintain a capsule wardrobe for a petite frame, even if the other items are not made specifically for petites.

Benefits Include:

• Enhanced Confidence: Wearing clothes and accessories that fit perfectly can boost your confidence and make you feel your best. Your 6ft 5inch friend loves what you’re wearing and wants to buy the same? Sorry – these are just for you.
• No More Alterations: Save time and money by choosing brands that offer ready-to-wear items that don't require additional tailoring.
• Support Independent Brands: By supporting independently owned brands, you're helping small businesses thrive and encouraging the production of unique, high-quality fashion.

Conclusion

If you’re petite, investing in high quality wardrobe pieces that were expertly designed for your petite features are 100% worth it. Many brands, including the two independent brands above,  have dedicated their work to providing stylish, high-quality fashion that is perfectly proportioned for petite frames, ensuring you always look and feel your best. Why settle for anything less?