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If you’re on the shorter end of the scale and are looking for trousers that fit and sleeves that don’t extend too long, scroll on for our round-up of brands making clothes with shorter in-seams and “petite” ranges.

Most clothes aren’t designed for shorter frames

When fashion brands draft new garments, they’ll often make them to a standardised height for the market they’re selling in, and base the shape on the body of a fitting model who’s usually around 5’9” for womenswear, and 6’1” for menswear, for clothes sold in the UK, US, and Australia. Those of us with any drastic variation on those heights, then, will end up with a garment that doesn’t fit quite as intended, and at worst, makes us feel uncomfortable. Sizing is often inconsistent between brands too, which emphasises just how subjective the so-called “average” body shape is.

We already covered the brands making clothes for tall people, so what to do if you’re on the shorter end of the scale?

Many brands today make “petite” ranges—a word that has often been misused to describe weight, rather than height, and in the context of fashion, means clothes for people of any size or body shape who have a shorter frame, usually under 5’4”.

Until recently shorter ranges have been harder to find amongst more sustainable brands. That’s partly because of the extra production work involved in creating clothes with different proportions. Garment patterns must be graded (or, scaled) and samples made to ensure they still look and fit with the same proportions, and that sleeve lengths, waist and hemlines fall in the right place. Same goes for tall ranges too. And if you’re a small brand operating on tight margins, this kind of work can be a big cost with lower consumer uptake than a one-length-fits-all approach.

'Petite' ranges are for those of any size who have a shorter frame, usually under 5’4”

One solution is to work with made-to-measure garments, and you’ll find some brands offering this service in our round-up of brands for petites below. Other options include brands with shorter in-seam lengths (usually 28 inches instead of 30), and tried-and-tested petite ranges.

It’s also important to take a moment to celebrate our different body shapes, and acknowledge that if a brand’s clothes don’t fit when you try them on, it’s not a cause for concern. In fact, this is the reality for many shoppers.

More sustainable brands with ‘petite’ ranges and shorter height options

Christy Dawn

Christy Dawn is a minimalist showroom for vintage-inspired women’s clothing and footwear, locally made with surplus fabric. The US brand rates “Great”, making it a fabulous option for your wardrobe.

Find the clothes in standard sizes XS-XL, or shop the Extended and Petite collections.

See the rating.

Shop Christy Dawn.

Citizen Wolf

Citizen Wolf uses revolutionary technology to give you high quality custom-fit t-shirts that it guarantees will be the best you’ve ever worn. After capturing your customisations, the brand handmakes each tee in Sydney using certified lower-impact fabrics like cotton, hemp, and Merino wool milled in Melbourne.

See the rating.

Shop Citizen Wolf.

WILDA.ECO

WILDA.ECO makes vegan fashion focusing on minimalism, timeless design, and inclusive sizing. Its clothes are personalisable for different heights.

See the rating.

Shop WILDA.ECO.

Reformation

LA-based Reformation creates “killer clothes that don’t kill the environment.” The brand ensures that a proportion of its suppliers pay a living wage, and provides training to its suppliers to improve working conditions for workers in its supply chain.

Its range is available in sizes XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Reformation.

Opera Campi

Founded in 2017, Italian brand Opera Campi creates premium quality garments from locally-sourced raw materials. By using a balanced approach to sustainability, the brand makes conscious choices throughout its supply chain and donates 4% of its profits to social causes.

The brand is inclusively sized from 3XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Opera Campi.

Baukjen

Baukjen is a London-based womenswear brand, with a focus on more ethical and sustainable style. Its clothes are designed for you, and designed for good. The brand uses lower-impact materials including recycled materials, which helps limit the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater used in production.

Find the range in sizes XS-L.

See the rating.

Shop Baukjen.

Shop Baukjen @ Immaculate Vegan.

SeamsFriendly

Offers

SeamsFriendly – Reversible and Convertible Clothing

The most sustainable wardrobe is a smaller one. These pieces flip, convert, and transform. Multiple looks from one garment. Handcrafted in natural fabrics. Exclusive 15% off with code SF-GY15 (Sale items excluded.) (Ends: 28 MAR)

Checkout code: SF-GY15

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SeamsFriendly – Most Loved Designer Styles

These styles have been custom-made for hundreds of women, each to her exact measurements. Not off-the-rack. Made by artisans, made when you order, made for you. Exclusive 15% off with code SF-GY15 (Sale items excluded.) (Ends: 28 MAR)

Checkout code: SF-GY15

Shop now

SeamsFriendly – Jumpsuits and Rompers for Women

Jumpsuits are impossible to fit off the rack. Tell us your measurements. SeamsFriendly will make one that actually fits your body. Finally. Exclusive 15% off with code SF-GY15 (Sale items excluded.)   (Ends: 28 MAR)

Checkout code: SF-GY15

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SeamsFriendly creates beautiful tailored pieces for all body types. It focuses on function and utility in its designs and uses lower-impact materials like organic cotton and linen. What’s more, shoppers can customise the brand’s designs to their exact preferences—change the neck style, depth, sleeve length, garment length, fabric, and more on anything in its array of clothes.

The brand’s product sizing is customisable (for womenswear: bust size range 26″-70″, waist size range 19″-63″, including petite, regular, and tall heights; and for menswear: chest size 34″ to 76″ and above with free custom sizing) to ensure you always find the perfect fit.  There’s a kids range (bust: 18″-28″, waist: 19″-26″) available too.

See the rating.

Shop SeamsFriendly.

Editor's note

Feature image by Christy Dawn, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands