Fit guide
Where to Buy Petite Dresses in Australia (and What to Look For)
If you're 157cm / 5'2" or under, you probably know the routine: a dress looks right online, arrives, and the waist sits on your hips, the hem drops to your ankle and the whole thing needs a trip to the tailor. Finding petite dresses in Australia shouldn't mean planning around alterations.
This guide covers what actually makes a dress petite, what to check on a product page before you buy, and how we approach petite sizing at MAYE.
What makes a dress petite?
Petite sizing is about height and proportion, not dress size. A petite dress is cut for a shorter frame, which usually means changes in more than one place:
- Bodice length. On a shorter torso, a standard bodice puts the waist seam too low. A petite bodice is shortened so the waist sits at your natural waist.
- Skirt length. A midi designed to fall just below the calf on a taller frame can land near the ankle on a petite one. A petite skirt is shortened so the hem lands where the designer intended.
- Skirt width. Simply cutting a full skirt shorter can leave it looking wide and boxy. Re-proportioning the width keeps the silhouette balanced.
A dress that is only taken up at the hem fixes one of these. A dress that has been re-proportioned addresses the whole shape.
What to look for when buying petite dresses online
- A clear height guide. Look for a stated height range (for example, 157cm / 5'2" and under) rather than just the word "petite".
- What has changed. Good petite product pages tell you which proportions differ from the regular style and by how much.
- Which version is in the photos. Many brands photograph the regular version only. Check the product notes so you know what you're looking at.
- Your usual size. Petite is about length and proportion, not size. You should be able to buy your usual size in petite.
- Fit notes and reviews. Reviews from customers of a similar height are often the most useful guide to length.
- Fabric and ease. Natural fibres such as cotton poplin and soft-wash denim, a relaxed waist and pockets make a dress easier to wear every day.
How MAYE approaches petite sizing
MAYE is an Australian label known for considered shirtdresses, denim dresses and midi dresses. Our petite styles are designed for women 157cm / 5'2" and under, and they are re-proportioned rather than simply shortened:
- The bodice length and skirt length are adjusted for a petite frame, and on fuller styles the skirt width too.
- Depending on the style, petite dresses are around 9 to 11cm shorter overall than the standard version. The Montana Denim Shirtdress Petite, for example, is 11cm shorter than the standard Montana.
- Petites use the same size labels as our standard range, starting at 3XS (AU 4), so you order your usual size.
Read more in our guide to petite vs regular sizing.
Petite styles to start with
- Denim shirtdresses: the Montana Denim Shirtdress Petite and the Rumi Denim Shirtdress Petite, with an A-line panelled skirt.
- Easy midi dresses: the slip-on Greta Midi Dress Petite and Mimi Midi Dress Petite, with a jersey bodice, cotton poplin skirt and pockets.
- Cotton shirtdresses: the Minette Shirtdress Petite, with an elasticated drawstring waist.
- Petite skirts: the Cara Denim Midi Skirt Petite, 11cm shorter than the standard Cara.
Shop all petite dresses and clothing, or go straight to petite midi dresses.
Frequently asked questions
What height is petite?
Each brand sets its own height guide. MAYE petites are designed for women 157cm / 5'2" and under.
Do I need to size down in petite?
No. Petite changes the lengths and proportions, not your size. Order the size you would normally wear in MAYE, and check each product page for style-specific fit notes.
Can I wear petite if I'm a little taller than 157cm?
It depends on the style and where you like your hem to sit. Check the length notes on each product page; if you prefer a shorter midi, a petite may suit you.
