Plus, fit tips from a 5’2” designer
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Babaton, Dana Dickey. it: Zbynek Pospisil/Getty, Natalie LaBarbera, Gap
I’ve always envied the slouchy cool of women wearing trench coats—it seems so “French capsule wardrobe“—however as a 5’3” woman, I’ve always been afraid the loose-fitting design of the garment and all the flaps, buttons, pockets and belt will look too busy on my small frame. However the look has been everywhere this year, from on the backs of influencers at fashion shows to the wardrobe of Selena Gomez on Only Murders in the Building (at 5’5” she’s just a scooch taller than a petite, which usually caps at 5’4”). To help me choose the right petite trench, I asked the advice of Jenny Wang Howell, the 5’2” founder of Petite Studio NYC, the first indie clothing brand focused on creating high-quality clothing specifically for petite women. Here’s her advice, as well as my curation of today’s best trench coats for petite women.
Traditional Trench Coats
This material felt and looked high-quality, and I appreciated that it wasn’t too long in the body or arms, even though it comes only in regular, not petite, sizing. I’d wear this coat open with the collar up on chilly early spring days or even chilly midsummer evenings at elevation. Very chic!
- Size Range: XS to XXL
- Length/Style: 38-inch length, narrow silhouette
- Material: Shell: 57 percent cotton, 43 percent polyester. Lining: 100 percent polyester.
- Special Features: right chest and rear storm flaps
Crisp fabric that holds its shape is the draw here, along with the traditional details like buttons on the slash pockets. I like how when you cinch the belt on this coat, it really accents your waist. Finally, this coat’s shoulders run a bit narrow, so as a petite, I didn’t feel like I was playing dress up in Dad’s suit jacket the way I do in wider-cut coats.
- Size Range: XXS to XL, regular and petite
- Length/Style: below the knee, slim fit
- Material: 66 percent cotton, 34 percent polyester
- Special Features: water repellent, detachable tie belt
J.Crew is bringing back all its greatest hits, and this is a bestseller from 2011 that’s been reissued with a few updates, including a detachable hood and a more relaxed silhouette—so now I can wear this as a spring coat over my dress or jeans as well as a rain jacket. There’s a belt buckle, but I like to wear this in the more editorial style, with the belt tied in a knot with the belt hanging down at one end. (It’s also a lazy person’s style shortcut, since there’s no need to bother to thread the belt through the buckle.) It comes in khaki, black and a cool Miu Miu-channeling vintage green.
- Size Range: 00 to 12, classic and petite
- Length/Style: 39 inches long in regular sizing, hits at knee
- Material: cotton
- Special Features: water-repellent fabric, poppable collar, adjustable belted waist
Minimalist Trench Coats
What We Like
- machine washable
- affordable
What We Don’t Like
- limited colorways
- arms run long
Gap
Simple and understated, this trench coat gets my vote for having just what you want in a simple topper, and no more. A double-button front, a couple of button cuffs, a notch collar and a smooth lining, it’s the MVP of any petite capsule wardrobe. Note: It comes in both regular and petite sizing, so if your size is sold out in petites, reviewers report good results ordering one size down in regular sizes.
- Size Range: XS to L; regular, tall and petite
- Length/Style: below the knee, slightly oversize fit
- Material: 65 percent cotton, 35 percent polyester
- Special Features: water repellent, tie belt
Sezane can’t keep this coat in stock, since it keeps selling out to cover the backs of influencers posing outside Euro fashion shows. I get it—this is the Platonic ideal of the Françoise Hardy French girl cool look, with its groovy shirt collar and single-breasted silhouette. It’s on the long side, so size down, and be sure to wear it open with the sleeves rolled up once, to show off the sharp interior checked lining.
- Size Range: 0 to 16
- Length/Style: 44.9 inches, oversize
- Material: Body, all organic cotton; Lining, 60 percent organic cotton, 40 percent recycled polyester
- Special Features: water repellent, attractive checked lining
This ‘90s-throwback design—lean and leathery—is a super glam iteration of the trench trend. Petite wearers recommend sizing down since this slightly oversized design doesn’t come in any petite-specific sizes.
- Size Range: 2XS to XL
- Length/Style: mid-calf, belted
- Material: 100 percent polyurethane; back: 100 percent polyester; body lining: 100 percent cupro; sleeve lining: 100 percent polyester
- Special Features: UnReal leather fabrication, topstitch detailing
The shirt collar of this trench, along with the beltless silhouette, makes it look tailored rather than stiff, and the polyester fabric has nice movement. The length is on the short side—great for petites—and the back vent gives you a nice airy feeling, without losing warmth.
- Size Range: S to XL
- Length/Style: 38 inches, no belt
- Material: polyester
- Special Features: cuff details, back yoke
Fashion-Forward Trench Coats
8. Maeve Bow Toggle Trench Coat
What We Like
- comes in petite sizing
- creative bow design
- great short length
What We Don’t Like
- hard to quickly tie
- dangling ties can look unruly
Maeve
This trench is a favorite of 5’1” Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera. She tells me, “This trench caught my eye because of the adorable bow details and of course the fact that it comes in both standard and petite sizes. The trench has a slightly oversize fit, which I love because that means I can layer sweaters under it easily once the weather gets a bit cooler. It’s also lined which adds some weight to it and has spacious pockets.” The only downsides she’s noticed are that this pick isn’t waterproof and the bows can be a bit difficult to get to lay nicely, but she admits she’ll definitely be wearing this all fall and winter long.
- Size Range: XXS to XL, petite and plus sizes
- Length/Style: 31.25 inches, car coat
- Material: polyester
- Special Features: bow ties, shirt collar
9. Tankaneo Womens Ruffle Long Trench
What We Like
- comes in four neutral shades
- distinctive ruffle front
What We Don’t Like
- ruffled shoulders may be too bulky on some petites
Tankaneo
“Many people recommend knee-length or above-the-knee trenches for petite frames, but personally, I prefer long pieces,” says Howell. “I love the powerful look of a long trench coat. In my experience, as long as you choose one with a flowy fabric, rather than something stiff, it works.” This trench fits the bill—it’s a little longer than mid-length coats and has a nice swing to it.
- Size Range: S to XL
- Length/Style: 41.7 inches, cinched waist
- Material: polyester
- Special Features: water resistant, ruffle details
This one reminds me of the Selena Gomez coat I fell in love with on season four of Only Murders in the Building, a $790 Sandro trench. This affordable iteration has the same great movement when it’s left open or left untied, and lets you define your waist with the detachable tie belt.
- Size Range: S to XXL
- Length/Style: 32 inches, cinched car coat
- Material: polyester
- Special Features: rear pleats, detachable hood, machine washable
Frequently Asked Questions
How I Chose the Best Trench Coats for Petite Women
How I Chose the Best Trench Coats for Petite Women
To determine the best trench coats for petite women, I tested coats from some of the designers I know can be counted on to make trenches in petite sizing or some close-fit styles that can be ordered one size smaller to fit a petite. Fellow petite editors tested coats, too, and we shared our opinions on fit, quality, and yes we took pictures. Finally, I researched buyer reviews to determine how a range of petite women liked or didn’t like each coat, and when I could find exact measurements or recommended lengths on garments, I took those into account.
What Should You Look for in a Petite Trench Coat for Women?
While I’m hesitant to throw on a trench coat without looking like I’m a spy out of an old Euro movie, Howell says, “Petites can absolutely wear a trench coat without looking like they are cosplaying a detective.” She suggests following three tips:
- Go for a slightly oversized look, but not too much. “A trench coat that’s reasonably oversized can create a chic, modern look without overwhelming your frame,” she says, and recommends searching for the correct proportions in clothes from petite brands or brands that have petite lines.
- Use the belt to cinch the waist. “This is key to defining your silhouette,” per Howell. “The belt helps add shape and ensures the coat flatters your figure instead of looking too roomy.”
- Opt for lighter, flowy fabrics. “Fabrics that are more flexible and less stiff will drape better on a petite frame. They’ll move with you and feel less bulky, keeping the look elegant and effortless,” Howell suggests.
What Are Ways to Style Petite Trench Coats for Women?
I played a speed round of “let’s make an outfit with a trench coat” with Howell, giving her cues on how I’d like to create whole vibes around a trench coat. She really brought the styling mojo, so here are her suggestions on getting four different looks from one trench coat.
- French Girl Style: “Pair your trench with timeless staples like a striped Breton shirt or blue-striped blouse, straight-leg, high-waist jeans and ballet flats or Mary Jane shoes,” Howell says. Further, accessorize with a silk scarf, a crossbody purse and a touch of red lipstick.
- Edgy Creative Professional: Howell likes to layer a trench over a black turtleneck and sleek tailored trousers. She adds, “Choose ankle boots or kitten heels and accessorize with statement jewelry, like bold earrings or layered necklaces.” Finish with a structured tote or a unique handbag.
- Minimalist Chic Style: Stick to neutral colors like black, white, beige or gray. “Pair the trench with a monochromatic outfit, such as a well-fitted top and wide-leg trousers or a midi dress,” Howell says. “Simple loafers keep the look clean and refined, along with understated jewelry and a minimal leather handbag.”
- Sporty Pumpkin Patch Car Trip: Want casual and cozy? That’s going to work “by pairing the trench with a chunky knit sweater, straight-leg or baggy jeans and comfortable sneakers. Add a baseball cap or a cozy beanie for a sporty touch, and carry a large, practical tote or canvas bag to complete the laid-back vibe,” Howell says.
