Merrell Readman is an experienced journalist, with bylines in mindbodygreen, Women's Health, and SheFinds. Always looking for ways to make life easier, she covers commerce content within the travel vertical.
At 5-foot-3, I've struggled for most of my life to find clothes that don't trail along the ground or overwhelm my small frame. But over the years I've reached a better understanding of the styles that are most flattering on me -- and right now, so many of those pieces are discounted during Amazon's Labor Day sale.
With fall right around the corner, I've scoured Amazon to find the best petite styles to spice up my wardrobe for a new season, and the retailer has not disappointed. Read on to find the 12 best petite deals worth snagging from brands like Hanes, Lee, and Gap, and bid farewell to dragging hemlines and ill-fitting clothing once and for all.
Being petite, I've learned that shopping for cropped pants is the best way to find bottoms that fit me length-wise without tailoring. These cotton and linen blend capris fit the bill since I know they'll end up being full-length, and the waistband is lined with elastic and a drawstring for easy adjusting. I love the cutout detailing down each leg that gives the pants a little more flair than others in my closet, and the lightweight fabric will keep me cool during travel days when I tend to overheat.
I will always opt for a sweatsuit or lounge clothes for long flights, but I hate when my pants are so long that they end up dragging along on the ground behind me. Fortunately, these petite Hanes sweatpants are the ideal length for my short legs while providing a cozy, relaxed fit -- and they're on sale for $15. The elastic waistband won't dig into my stomach when I'm sitting in-flight, plus they're not so baggy that they'll be unflattering. I'm looking to snag the navy heather shade, but they come in 5 other colors as well (with the slate heather option available for 64 percent off).
Jumpsuits and dresses are some of my favorite pieces to pack while traveling since they instantly look polished and require little effort to dress up. This jogger-style jumpsuit is my top pick for my petite frame since it won't touch the ground -- plus it'll look just as stylish with heels as it will with my favorite pair of sneakers. The stretchy fabric is made for staying comfy during travel days and sightseeing excursions, not to mention the jumpsuit has pockets. Plus, the slim fit is great for layering as we head into the fall.
These cotton pants are everything I look for when building a travel outfit -- cropped, loose fitting, and have a stretchy elastic waistband -- and they also happen to be perfect for petite shoppers. Their relaxed construction is casual (and a step up from sweatpants), and since they're so simple I trust they'll pair well with most footwear options in my suitcase. Other shoppers have also confirmed they're ideal for shorter folks, with one customer who's my height noting that they're "great for petite people" and "fit wonderfully."
The difficulty with buying matching sets as a petite shopper is that the pants are often too long, but this knit set comes with joggers that have a gathered hem that makes them the "perfect" length for petite shoppers. This versatile set can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with sneakers. Its elastic waistband pants and loose, breezy top marry comfort and style, making it the ideal travel day outfit, and both pieces are made from 100 percent cotton, ensuring high-quality construction.
I really have to dig to find clothing specifically marked as "petite," so I was thrilled to find these mid-rise Lee jeans that are tailored just for shorter heights on sale at Amazon. The cotton and polyester/spandex blend keeps these pants stretchy and forgiving (a must for travel), and they fall right at the ankle so you can show off your favorite footwear and avoid drowning in fabric. They're even available in three different washes, so we wouldn't judge if the flattering fit and $34 price tag tempts you to add more than one pair to your cart.
As much as I'm drawn to oversized, baggy clothing for the comfort they provide, I've learned that cropped, fitted pieces are far more flattering on my petite body. Fall is right around the corner and the weather is already starting to cool off, so I'm adding this fitted cardigan to my shopping list for my upcoming trips. The hem falls right above the hips so it won't make my torso look short, and I love the knit detailing and large tortoiseshell buttons.
Stylish, well-fitting basics are some of the most important pieces on my packing list because they match with practically everything, and while searching for a new top for fall I found this boatneck long-sleeve cropped shirt that won't look frumpy or overwhelming. Since it cuts off above the hips I won't have excess fabric making my torso appear shorter than it is, plus it's made from a stretchy material that'll move with me while I run for my flight or shove my suitcase in the overhead compartment.
Maxi dresses are still wearable well into the fall (especially underneath a cozy cardigan), so in order to find one that doesn't have excess fabric at the hem, I typically go for a slightly cropped option like this stunner from Grace Karin. Not only is the warm color palette perfect for the upcoming season, but the flowy, breathable drape of the skirt, paired with a fitted bodice, is the ideal style for layering. The dress even comes in 35 patterns, so you should have no trouble finding a combination that best flatters your skin tone.
Tennis skirts are my favorite way to rock a mini without worrying about feeling exposed, and this high-waisted pick with built-in shorts has already made it into my Labor Day shopping cart. Shoppers have verified that it's "nice for petite women" since it's "not too long," and the stretchy nylon and spandex blend will remain comfy and sweat-wicking during active travel days. I'm still deciding between khaki and black, but this skirt is also available in brighter shades like neon green and purple.
As a longtime Gap fan, I was thrilled to find some pieces from the brand in petite sizes and marked down at Amazon, including this smock waisted maxi dress that'll be easy to dress up and down throughout the season. Fluttery sleeves and a slight V-neckline look charming when paired with the high, gathered waist, and a straight skirt with pockets finishes off this simple, elevated black dress. It ranges in size from XS petite to 2XL, and it's made from 100 percent cotton.
Versatility is key when it comes to building a travel wardrobe, and these petite dress pants will be a go-to for casual sightseeing and nicer dinners during my upcoming trips -- plus, the stretchy waistband ensures they're actually comfortable. The stretchy, woven fabric is flattering and forgiving, and one shopper noted that they "traveled well" and were "almost wrinkle free." Best of all, they come in petite sizes from 6 to 16.