As a petite woman, I know the struggle of finding clothes that actually fit. It feels like everything is designed for someone much taller! Blazers and suits have always been particularly challenging. Sleeves are too long, shoulders are too wide, and the overall fit is just…off. For years, I dreaded shopping for professional attire, convinced I'd never find anything that looked polished and professional on my frame. But after a lot of trial and error, and countless returns, I've finally discovered some strategies and brands that work for me, and I want to share them with you!
I remember one particularly frustrating shopping trip. I needed a blazer for an important job interview, and I spent an entire afternoon in department stores. Every blazer I tried on looked like I was playing dress-up in my mom's clothes. The sleeves swallowed my hands, and the shoulders made me look like a linebacker. I almost gave up and considered wearing a sweater instead. That's when I decided there had to be a better way.
My biggest problem was the overall length. Standard blazers just overwhelmed my frame. I needed something shorter, with a more tailored fit. The sleeves were also a constant issue. I tried everything – rolling them up, hemming them (which can be expensive and alter the blazer's design), even just accepting that I'd always have ridiculously long sleeves. Nothing felt quite right.
After a lot of research and experimentation, I started to find some brands that catered specifically to petite sizes. This made a huge difference. Here's what I learned:
One of the first brands I discovered was Banana Republic. They genuinely seem to understand petite proportions. I've had really good luck finding blazers and suits that fit well right off the rack. I also check their factory and outlet stores for even better deals. I find that they often have classic styles that are perfect for work.
Another brand that’s been a lifesaver is Ann Taylor. I can always find something there when I need a more formal or conservative suit. They usually have a wide selection of petite blazers available online. For instance, you can see all options that might be a good fit for you.
For something a bit more fashionable and less traditional, I often turn to Aritzia. Their blazers have a more modern, trendy vibe, and they fit surprisingly well. Although not specifically a petite brand, some of their styles are cut shorter and work well on smaller frames.
I also love Love Bonito. I believe they're a Singaporean brand, and because they're an Asian brand, their normal sizes tend to run petite. The quality is pretty good for the price, and I don't have to hem their pants, which is a huge win! They list specific measurements for each piece, which are usually very accurate.
Don't underestimate the power of vintage shopping! I've had some amazing luck finding vintage blazers that fit perfectly. It's like women were smaller back then! I’ve had really good luck with vintage Pendleton blazer sizing. Plus, vintage blazers often have a unique, timeless style that you won't find anywhere else.
Recently, I came across a blazer online that I was really excited about. It's the Blazer Jacket Women Autumn Casual. I was initially drawn to its casual yet professional style. The notched collar and long sleeves looked perfect for the office, and the solid color made it versatile enough to pair with different outfits.
What really sold me, though, was the fact that it came in plus sizes. As someone who fluctuates between sizes, it's always a relief to find clothing that's inclusive. When I received the blazer, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. The fabric felt soft and comfortable, and the construction seemed sturdy. More importantly, it fit really well! The sleeves were the perfect length, and the blazer hugged my body in all the right places. I've worn it to work several times already, and I always receive compliments.
I've found a great selection of blazers at Gracequeens. They seem to have a good grasp of what women want in professional attire.
Here are some tips I've learned along the way that can help you find the perfect blazer for your petite frame: