Top 3 Petite Clothing Brands in South Africa
Shopping for petite clothing in South Africa has long been a challenge for women like me, standing at just 1.45m, I know the struggle all too well. For years, I found myself wandering Zara's children’s section, not out of choice, but necessity. As I matured, I craved pieces that were sophisticated, stylish, and perfectly proportioned for a petite frame: deep-neck dresses, tailored blouses, elegant trousers, and feminine silhouettes that made me feel confident.
Thankfully, the fashion landscape is evolving. Today, petite women have access to brands that truly understand their needs. Here’s a guide to the top three best petite clothing brands available in South Africa.
1) House of Arti: South Africa’s Premier Petite Brand
House of Arti is a game-changer. As South Africa’s first fully dedicated petite clothing brand, it caters exclusively to the mature, modern woman. Their collections feature timeless blouses, elegant trousers, and feminine dresses, all designed to flatter shorter frames.
- Tailored Fit: Bespoke sizing for extra-petite (1.4m–1.49m) and petite (1.5m–1.59m) women. Sizes range XS–XXL within height categories.
- Luxury Quality: A mid-to-high price range featuring exceptional fabrics and craftsmanship.
- Convenience: Free shipping across South Africa and an entirely online shopping experience.
- Global Recognition: Petite Clothing Brand of the Year 2023 (South Africa) and Petite Womenswear Designer of the Year 2024.
2) Forever New: Try Petite Pieces In-Store
For those who prefer to try before they buy, Forever New is a reliable choice. While not exclusively petite, their dedicated petite section offers a curated range of feminine dresses, chic tops, and polished workwear.
- In-Store Experience: Standalone stores in major malls and small collections in Woolworths and Edgars.
- Feminine Styles: Perfect for work, special occasions, or adding a polished touch to everyday wear.
- Curated Selection: Small but thoughtful range that works well for petite frames, though options may be limited.
- Prices: R 1000 +/ item
3) Next: Affordable Online Petite Clothing
Next offers a practical, budget-friendly option for everyday petite pieces. Comparable in style and quality to South African high-street retailers like Mr Price, their petite range includes casual dresses, tops, and trousers starting around R300.
- Affordable & Accessible: Online shopping with a wide variety of everyday staples.
- Minimal Adjustments: Petite garments are usually 5cm shorter than regular sizes, which may not provide a fully flattering fit for shorter frames.
- Style & Function: Great for casual wear but less tailored than House of Arti or Forever New.
Shopping for petite clothing in South Africa no longer needs to be frustrating. From luxury tailored pieces at House of Arti, to in-store chic finds at Forever New, to affordable everyday essentials at Next, petite women now have options that celebrate their unique frames.
