Where to shop the best winter coats for petites - how to layer up without overwhelming your frame

Shopping for a new coat can be a tricky task, and finding the best winter coats for petites can be even harder. A heavy cover-up can be a pricey investment so you want to make sure you find the perfect fit that won't swamp your shorter frame.

Although it may take a little more consideration, finding the best winter coats for you doesn’t need to be too troublesome with expert tips from our 5ft Fashion Director, Paula Moore. She's had plenty of experience shopping for the most flattering pieces on shorter women, and explains, “Petite ranges are for those 5ft 3in or shorter and are about height, not dress size.”

If you fit into this height category, you probably find that some of the coats from the regular collections at the best British clothing brands are too long or sit with comically long sleeves, to leave you overwhelmed in fabric. Thankfully there are plenty of silhouettes, designs and lengths to boost your winter capsule wardrobe and flatter a petite frame.

Best winter coats for petites - the rules to follow

1. Go for structured styles

"I always go for a structured style so it doesn't overwhelm my frame," says Paula. "Anything too boxy, shapeless, or heavy-weight faux fur is a no-no." The best parkas are a good bet for wet weather as they often come with a drawstring waist that can help to add shape to the baggier silhouette.

Look for coats with waist ties or belts, a cinched waist shape, or double-breasting that can create a more hourglass illusion. As Paula notes, you will also want to pay attention to the fabric of your petite winter coat. Although heavy fabrics can feel luxurious, they often add bulk that can swamp petites.

2. Avoid full length coats

"Full-length doesn't work for my height either, so go for styles that stop above the knee - or jackets in main collections," explains Paula. This is a rule that is also worth following when shopping for things like the best wedding guest dresses - short and midi fits are much better than maxi.

Since a lot of brands don't offer a petite range, you will want to pay attention to measurements to ensure that the midi style you invest in doesn't end up being too long for you as a petite. If you stick to jackets and above-knee coats, you won't have to be as careful about how you style your outerwear as these styles won't cut off your height in an awkward place.

3. Less is more

"Less is more when it comes to petite dressing as anything too fussy can be overwhelming," says Paula. "Classic shapes and designs can give a more streamlined silhouette, which in turn makes you look taller." Fans of a minimalist wardrobe are likely already following this rule, but for those who are drawn to vivid patterns like this season's leopard print trend, it may be time to rethink.

But this doesn't mean you have to avoid statement patterns altogether. You will just want to incorporate them into other aspects of your outfit, like through one of the best designer bags. Stick to classic fits and neutral hues if creating the illusion of extra height is your goal.

4. Have a tailor on speed dial

"My arms and legs are shorter than 'average', so petite ranges and having a tailor on speed dial ensure that my clothes fit me perfectly," says Paula. Of course, petite ranges are the first and best place to shop, as they are designed for shorter frames and they mean that you get the perfect fit on items like the best trench coats without the need for any alterations or inconvenient returns.

However, if you want to shop for the best M&S coats or you're browsing the John Lewis sale and fall in love with a style that isn't specifically petite, having a great tailor on hand means that you can purchase pieces you love and alter them to fit your frame flawlessly - a must for all petites.

5. The best brands for petite coats

Want to save yourself time and go directly to stores that have plenty of coat options to suit your height? These days, loads of the best high street stores have dedicated petite ranges that are all cut and designed to sit well for those measuring 5"3 and below. I am 5"2 and often head to the petite collections first to find hero pieces - I love stores like ASOS and Karen Millen for stylish buys, and i've rounded up some other winning destinations for shorter-than-your-average shoppers.

How to choose your coat

There are so many coat options available on the high street, that it can feel a little overwhelming when it comes to choosing. Before you hit the shops, its worth thinking about some key things:

• Your Personal Style: When it comes to investing in your winter coat, i'd say the key thing to consider is finding a piece that you genuinely like, and that will work with your own personal style rather than worrying too much about trends. Look for colours that suit you, as well as details and cuts that you know will work with your current wardrobe, so you'll get plenty of wear out of it.
• Browse Wisely: When buying for petite frames, it's always best to browse from the Petite collections in stores, or look for cropped and shorter lengths from the regular ranges. Petite designs will be designed to fit shorter women, so you'll find that the sleeves and hems sit where you want them to.
• Think About Fabrics: If you want your coat to see you through the deepest and darkest months of Winter, opt for thicker, heavier and wool-rich fabrics that will keep you toastie. Lightweight fabrics on trench coats and blazers can still work, but you'll need to think about layering them up over jumpers and cardigans to keep them practical.
• Look for Classics: Bold prints and modern shapes are great for making a statement, but they can date quite quickly and will be harder to match with everything in your wardrobe. Opting for classic cuts and neutral tones like camel, grey and black will mean you can wear your coat with endless outfits, and can keep rewearing for years to come.
• Consider the Size: Whether you're petite or not, sometimes its worth sizing up in your winter coat, as you'll want to be able to wear it over everything, including heavier cold-weather layers, chunky knits and oversized sweatshirts. If a coat has more structure and a snug fit, try a bigger size and see if its more comfortable to move around in.

FAQs

What is the perfect coat length for petites?

"There are so many different coat lengths that can work perfectly on petite frames," explains Jazz Harris, petite journalist and stylist. "For a relaxed style, a cropped puffer coat will make the ideal everyday coat and the short length will ensure it doesn’t swamp your shape. If you’re opting for a tailored style, both knee length and maxi lengths can work great on petite frames depending on the occasion," she says.

However, "don’t be afraid to try different styles and see what works for you rather than sticking to hard and fast rules." Although shorter lengths tend to be most flattering on petites, there are plenty of styling hacks, like cinching the waist or dressing up your look with heels, that can help any coat look good on petites.

Can petites wear long coats?

"Yes, definitely," says Jazz. "Long coats not only look great on petite frames, but they also create an optical illusion that can make you look taller too." However, "if you’re petite, opt for a long coat that finishes at the calf or ankle in a tailored cut to streamline and elongate your figure." Floor-skimming styles should generally be avoided if you want to ensure you don't end up looking shorter.

Our experts:

Paula Moore

Currently Group Fashion Director at Future Publishing, Paula Moore has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years. Overseeing the fashion pages for Woman and Home, Simply Woman and Home, Woman, Woman’s Own, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines.

Jazzria Harris

Jazzria is a journalist and stylist specialising in fashion and beauty. After starting her career at ELLE UK in 2014, she went on to work as part of the style team at heat Magazine for 6 years before going freelance in 2022. Jazzria is an advocate for diversity within the fashion industry and previously wrote the column Jazz’s Short Stories, developing a voice for petite style.