The jury is still out on whether I'm actually petite but at 5ft 4 (the cusp according to official statistics), I'm definitely on the shorter side. That said, I know the frustration with length proportions all too well and many pieces in my wardrobe are on a waitlist for tailoring. For petite frames, a midi becomes a maxi and buying a winter coat becomes more complex. Over the past few years, there's been a significant shift towards the floor-length coat spearheaded by catwalk trends (and the refined sophistication it oozes), thus, fewer hip-to-knee-length styles. There's a key difference between the two. Shrunken hems feel relaxed whereas full-length coats offer a refined and enclosed look. Not to mention, the warmth.
As much as I welcome sleek maxi coats, deciphering proportions when boasting a petite frame takes much more dedication, intention and thought. Choosing a winter coat is task enough (it's the focal point of an outfit and armour against the cold). It can feel doubly complex when shopping for petite bodies, but fret not as I'm here to dispel common myths about dressing for height specifications. Thankfully this year, there are higher hems from which to take your pick. Although petite heights range, you needn't shop in petite ranges (which are few and far between) to find a well-fitting coat. Instead, assess the proportions and designs of outerwear. Boxier silhouettes feel powerfully androgynous on smaller frames and belted wrap or robe-style coats, offer a convertibility factor, as you can hoist fabrics up towards the waist tie. For a lengthy silhouette, opt for midi-length coats, however, don't be put off by coats titled, "maxi", as they are rarely intended to be worn floor-length. If you're tempted by that look, you'll be pleased to find a category with those styles in mind! Shopping coats for petites can be an overwhelming task, so I've taken the reign with a dedicated petite coat edit.
Continue reading to see and shop my edit of the best coats for petites. And if you're not petite but are just in the market for a gorgeous new coat... well, we won't tell if you won't. Happy shopping!
See the Best Coats for Petites, According to a Fashion Editor
1. Cropped Puffer Coats
Style Notes: Granted, we're approaching puffer jacket season and if you're unsure how best to approach this when petite opt for a shorter length. From belted variations that hit the hips, to knee-length padded coats, this season, there are plenty of styles from which to take your pick.
Shop Puffer Coats for Petites:
A throw-on number you'll wear for walks, work and beyond.
Opt for creamy hues and introduce more light colours into your winter wardrobe.
This shawl collar and midi-length offers something entirely unique.
A spirited take on this season's adored animal print.
2. Pea Coats
Style Notes: The pea coat is a timeless style and one you're likely to make a beeline for if you are petite. It offers the formality of a double-breasted maxi coat, albeit shrunken in length. Paired with jeans and ankle boots, it feels inherently French!
Shop Pea Coats for Petites:
A classic pea coat style awash with its typical hue, too.
The salt and pepper fleck adds a vintage inspired touch.
A slouched silhoutte in a considered length for petite bodies.
This boxy silhouette is timeless.
3. Short Shearling Coats
Style Notes: If you dare to experiment with styles (which I encourage), you'll notice the silhouettes you may shy away from making the most complimentary shapes on a smaller frame. Shearling coats are typically slouched, boxy and jacket length, so you needn't worry about the fabrication dragging the floor like with other styles.
Shop Shearling Coat:
M&S outerwear looks every bit as good as designer.
Complete with a very generous discount.
French brand Soeur knows a thing or two about what makes a truly great coat.
A deeper brown with contrast colour cuffs.
4. Midi-Length Coats
Style Notes: If in doubt, pay attention to length. Midi-length coats will likely fall like a maxi coat on petites, so it's a clever styling hack if you're looking for something closer to floor length.
Shop Midi Coats for Petites:
This throw-on style by Toteme is exquisitely nonchalant.
Featuring the perfect amount of swing and sway.
Whistles offers an overcoat you can dress up and down with ease. It's refined sophistication and comprises double-faced wool for optimal warmth.
Between the wool-blend fabrication, chocolate brown hue and sway, it's certainly one to bookmark.
5. Cape Coats
Style Notes: 2024's iteration of the scarf and cape hybrid is well suited to petite frames. With most designs intended to hit the waist, the petite among us can still enjoy the style albeit a bit longer. Many of the styles have versatile shapes, meaning you can belt and bundle up as you so wish.
Shop Cape Coats for Petites:
Classic, timeless and perfect for petites. Why not take it in with a belt?
The colour, scarf detailing and pocket detail sets this style apart from its competitors.
This fashion-forward M&S piece is one of the bestselling items on site.
This season, most scarf coats are offered in a woollen fabrication, making them apt for winter wearing.
6. Belted Coats
Style Notes: There's something incredibly timeless about belted coats, making it a recurring trend each winter. While some overcoats may swamp petite frames, the synched-in waist detail breaks the design up.
Shop Belted Coats for Petites:
Between the slightly puffed sleeves and nipped-in waist detailing, I'm blown away by this silhouette.
This style is the perfect example of non-petite but petite-friendly. It's also offered in various luxe (and timeless) colourways—from pistachio to powder pink.
This versatile shape is reintroduced onto the market every winter.
Another wool and petite-friendly offering, this classic silhouette will never go out of style.
