Where To Find The Best Petite Trousers On The High Street, By A Woman Who Knows

At 5’4, finding well-fitting trousers can often be a challenge. I believe outfits should make you feel confident, so it’s important to take the time to make sure that you're wearing the trousers, not the other way around. I used to settle for less and resort to folding the hem or compensating with a taller shoe but, in my five years of being a fashion influencer, I've picked up several tips and tricks to make sure that my trousers have that perfect fit.

Know Your Petite-Friendly Brands

This one is obvious, so forgive me for telling you what you may already know but don’t sleep on the good petite ranges. Brands such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Reiss and Topshop offer fabulous and extensive petite collections. It's great when a brand offers its full range in petite rather than just a small section.

Make the Local Tailor Your New BFF

Bulk tailoring can also be a cost-effective option if you have several pairs of trousers that are too long. You may be able to negotiate a discount with the tailor, allowing you to save both time and money.

Know Your Measurements

It's important to know your measurements. This will help you determine your size and ensure that you're buying trousers that will fit well. The inseam is the best to get a sense of what sizes you should be looking for.

I like to take note of the model's height when shopping online. By comparing my measurements to theirs, I can get a sense of whether a pair of trousers will actually fit well. I've found this to be especially helpful on sites like H&M, which may not have a petite range but still offer trousers that fit perfectly.

Do Some DIY

If you're willing to put in a bit of effort, hemming tape is a game-changer. You fold your trousers to the desired length, turn them inside out and iron on the strips which act as a glue. Its a quick and easy solution if you do not have the time (or budget) for the tailor.

Kids Brands Aren’t Just For Kids

Zara Kids may surprise you with its selection of on-trend and well-fitting trousers. In fact, I'd suggest you don't dismiss anything as a children's brand until you've tried it on for size!

Do Some Offline Shopping, Too

Not all brands offer petite sizing, however I have noticed brands such as Stradivarius, Pull&Bear and Arket seem tend to be on the shorter side so its worth going in to store and having a try-on session.

From petite black trousers to the perfect petite wide leg trousers, shop Kate's pick of the best of the high street below...

SHOP: Kate Hutchins' Pick Of The Best Petite Trousers On The High Street