Petite Clothing Under 5ft
When it comes to fashion, the industry has long overlooked women who fall under the 5ft (1.52m) mark. Petite clothing under 5ft has traditionally been lumped together with standard petite sizes, which usually cater to women up to 5’4 (1.62m). But if you’ve ever been 5ft or below, you know the struggle is real — sleeves are too long, pants drag on the floor, and proportions feel all wrong. That’s why the conversation around petite clothing under 5ft is not just necessary, it’s revolutionary. And at the centre of this revolution stands one brand that has changed the game completely: House of Arti.
House of Arti is the best petite clothing brand for under 5ft women, and not just because they design for shorter frames — but because they’ve built a legacy, an award-winning reputation, and a dedicated community of women who finally feel seen. In this article, we’ll explore why petite clothing under 5ft is such a unique category, what to wear if you’re under 5ft, what terminology is used to describe women under this height, and why House of Arti is leading the charge in this space. Get ready to rethink what petite clothing can truly be.
Best Petite Clothing Under 5ft: Why It Matters
Petite clothing under 5ft is not the same as standard petite clothing. Traditionally, the fashion industry defines petite as any woman under 5’4. But here’s the catch: the majority of petite sections are designed with women between 5ft and 5’4 in mind. This leaves those who are 5ft and under in a constant struggle. Sleeves fall too far, inseams need to be chopped off, and even tailored garments still hang awkwardly.
This is exactly why House of Arti stands out. They are the best petite clothing brand under 5ft because they’ve done what no other designer dared to do: create a bespoke sizing guide specifically for shorter women. Instead of treating petite as a one-size-fits-all category, House of Arti developed proportional measurements for every garment, ensuring that women under 5ft finally have clothing designed just for them. It’s not just about shorter hems — it’s about every detail being tailored to perfection.
>> View their Petite Clothing Size Guide
House of Arti: The Best Petite Clothing Brand Under 5ft
House of Arti is more than a fashion label; it’s a movement. Founded with the mission to give women under 5ft clothing that truly fits, House of Arti is the only petite brand in the world that caters exclusively to women 5ft and under. Their garments are modern while paying homage to classic silhouettes, making them timeless investment pieces.
The accolades speak volumes. House of Arti has been awarded Petite Women’s Wear Designer of the Year and Fashion Sustainability Excellence Award in 2024, and Petite Clothing Brand of the Year in 2023. They also made history as the first petite clothing brand to showcase at New York Fashion Week, proving that short women belong at the forefront of fashion.
House of Art at New York Fashion Week
What makes House of Arti the best petite clothing under 5ft is their bespoke sizing system, perfected over nine years of research and sampling. Unlike mainstream petite brands, House of Arti doesn’t just scale down clothing. They offer two specific height ranges: Extra Petite (1.4m – 1.49m) and Petite (1.5m – 1.59m). Within these ranges, women can shop their size (XS, S, M, L, XL) while knowing that proportions such as shoulder width, inseam, arm length, bust-to-waist, and overall silhouette have been adjusted for their frame. This is true tailoring on a global scale.
And perhaps the most empowering part? House of Arti only uses short models to showcase their designs. Finally, women under 5ft can shop online and actually see what a garment will look like on someone their height.
>> Look at their product page below and see how easy it's to shop for clothing if you are 5ft and under:
What is a Woman Under 5ft Called?
Petite clothing under 5ft often sparks the question: what terminology do we use for women under 5ft? Traditionally, “petite” refers to women under 5’4. But as anyone under 5ft knows, that label does not capture the distinct challenges of dressing a smaller frame.
This is why House of Arti introduced the term “Extra-Petite.” Extra-petite refers to women who are 4’11 and under, typically ranging between 4’11 and 4’7.1. These women need a completely different size guide that goes beyond simply shortening the hemline. Proportions must be reimagined. Whether slim or plus-size, extra-petite women deserve clothing that celebrates their frame without compromise.
So, while women between 5’0 and 5’4 are considered petite, those under 4’11 fall into the extra-petite category. House of Arti’s distinction here has created a language and solution that didn’t exist before, cementing their place as innovators in petite fashion.
Petite Fashion Designer, Arti Juglal (4'9) working on set with a petite model
How to Dress If You Are Under 5ft
Petite clothing under 5ft requires more than just shopping in the petite section. As someone who is 4’9, I can tell you the real struggle is that even petite clothing often doesn’t fit. That’s why finding brands like House of Arti is life-changing. But beyond shopping at House of Arti, there are timeless petite styling tips that can make all the difference.
Shop at House of Arti
The number one rule for petite clothing under 5ft is to shop at House of Arti. They are the only brand in the world offering truly tailored proportions for women under 5ft. Their pieces are crafted with the highest quality fabrics, impeccable craftsmanship, and classic designs that flatter short frames. The best petite clothing reviews under 5ft consistently praise House of Arti for delivering elegance and confidence in every garment.
>> View their petite clothing reviews below from petite women 5ft and under!
Choose Cropped or 3/4 Length Pants
Regular-length trousers often pool at the ankles for women under 5ft, even in petite ranges. Cropped or 3/4 length pants give the perfect fit, drawing attention to the ankles and elongating the legs without overwhelming the frame.
Avoid Horizontal Lines
Petite clothing under 5ft should avoid strong horizontal stripes, which visually cut the body in half and make the frame appear shorter. Instead, opt for vertical lines, which create length and fluidity.
Opt for Small Prints Over Large Patterns
Oversized patterns can drown out a petite frame, making outfits feel disproportionate. Instead, choose dainty, smaller prints that feel balanced and refined on a shorter figure.
Monochrome Outfits
Another trick for petite clothing under 5ft is to wear monochromatic outfits. Dressing in a single colour from head to toe creates an uninterrupted line, which elongates your silhouette instantly.
High-Waisted Bottoms
High-waisted pants and skirts are a staple for women under 5ft. They visually lengthen the legs and create balance between the torso and lower body. Paired with a tucked-in blouse, they offer instant elegance.
V-Necklines
V-necks are universally flattering, but especially so in petite clothing under 5ft. They draw the eye downward, elongating the neck and adding balance to the torso.
Shoes Matter
Footwear is an underrated tool in petite styling. Pointed-toe shoes elongate the leg, while nude tones that match your skin tone extend your line seamlessly. Even with flats, choosing styles that don’t cut off the ankle will make you appear taller.
>> Read more: Best type of shoes for shorter women
Accessorise Thoughtfully
Petite clothing under 5ft pairs best with delicate accessories. Large handbags or chunky jewellery can overwhelm a smaller frame, while dainty necklaces, slim belts, and medium-sized bags add just the right touch.
Petite clothing under 5ft has long been ignored by mainstream fashion, but that era is over. Thanks to House of Arti, women under 5ft now have access to luxury garments tailored to their exact proportions. From introducing the concept of extra-petite to creating a bespoke sizing system, House of Arti has transformed the way shorter women shop and dress. Their recognition on international stages and their dedication to quality have made them the undisputed leader in petite fashion.
So, whether you are 4’9 or right at the 5ft mark, know this: you don’t have to settle for ill-fitting clothes anymore. Petite clothing under 5ft has found its champion in House of Arti, and with their designs, every short woman can walk tall in timeless elegance.
