Madewell Petite vs. Standard: Which size is right for you?

The core difference between Madewell Petite and Standard sizing is not about being thinner or smaller, but about proportion. Petite styles from Madewell are expertly tailored for frames 5'4" and under with shorter inseams, adjusted sleeve lengths, and scaled-down details, while the Standard collection is designed for average-height women.

Here's everything you need to know to find your perfect fit and finally stop paying for alterations.

Madewell Standard Sizing

Madewell's Standard sizing is the collection the brand is built on, known for its effortless, denim-forward aesthetic that caters to women of average height. These pieces are designed with classic proportions that fit a wide range of body types well, offering the brand’s signature blend of timeless style and modern comfort without specialized tailoring.

• What it is: Madewell’s primary clothing line for women of average height and proportions (typically above 5'4").
• Key features: Includes the brand's full range of high-quality jeans, casual tops, dresses, and outerwear in styles designed for standard body proportions.
• Price: The same as the Petite collection, jeans typically range from $98–$128.
• Materials/Construction: Made from premium materials, including sustainable cotton blends and durable stretch denim, with a focus on quality craftsmanship.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed with standard inseam lengths, sleeve lengths, and torso proportions. Fits true to size for a wide variety of customers with average height.
• Pros: Wide selection of styles available online and in physical stores. Fits most average-height women well off the rack. Represents the brand's most extensive product catalog.
• Cons: Often requires hemming or tailoring for customers under 5'4". Proportions like knee placement and rise can be awkwardly long on shorter frames.

This collection is perfectly suited for women of average height who want high-quality, versatile wardrobe staples that fit well right out of the box.

Shop this product: https://www.madewell.com/womens/clothing

Madewell Petite Sizing

The Madewell Petite collection offers the same styles and quality as the standard line but is created specifically for women 5'4" and under. These garments are not just smaller versions, they are re-engineered with adjusted proportions - from inseams and rises on jeans to sleeve lengths and waist placement on dresses - to provide a flattering fit without a trip to the tailor.

• What it is: A dedicated clothing line featuring Madewell's signature styles, proportionally scaled for women 5'4" and under.
• Key features: Shorter inseams on jeans (often 26-28"), adjusted torso lengths, higher knee placement, and shorter sleeves to complement a petite frame.
• Price: Identical to the Standard collection, with no price markup for the specialized fit.
• Materials/Construction: Uses the exact same high-quality denim, fabrics, and sustainable construction methods as the standard line.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size but is designed with petite proportions in mind. The goal is a perfect fit off the rack, eliminating the "drowning in fabric" feeling some petites experience.
• Pros: Eliminates the time and cost of alterations. Provides a more flattering, proportional silhouette. The same great style and quality as the main collection.
• Cons: Available exclusively online, so you cannot try pieces on in-store. The selection can sometimes be more limited than the standard range.

This collection is the ideal solution for petite women who love Madewell's aesthetic but are tired of clothes that are too long or ill-fitting.

Shop this product: https://www.madewell.com/womens/clothing/petite

Madewell Petite vs. Madewell Standard Comparison

Fit & Sizing

This is the most significant point of difference. Standard sizing is built for an average height, with longer inseams and sleeves. A pair of standard full-length jeans might have an inseam of 30" or longer, which will bunch or drag on someone with a shorter inseam.

The Petite collection adjusts these measurements directly. A comparable pair of petite jeans will have a shorter inseam (around 26-28 inches) and often a slightly adjusted rise to better suit a shorter torso. These careful adjustments ensure that details like distressed knees actually fall on the knees and cropped styles look intentionally cropped, not just awkwardly short.

Style & Selection

Both collections share Madewell's signature aesthetic: casual, timeless, and effortlessly put-together. You'll find the brand's most popular jean fits, classic tees, cozy sweaters, and versatile dresses in both lines. The style doesn't change, only the proportions do.

However, the Standard collection, being the main line, generally has a broader inventory and may feature a wider variety of seasonal items or niche styles. The Petite collection focuses on offering the best-selling and most essential pieces, ensuring petite customers have access to the styles Madewell is known for.

Price & Value

Madewell prices its Petite and Standard collections identically. A pair of high-rise skinny jeans will cost the same regardless of which fit family you choose, usually around $98-$128. This commitment to equal pricing ensures petite shoppers aren't penalized for needing specialized sizing.

The true value of the Petite line lies in saving money and effort on alterations. Hemming pants can cost $15-$25 a pair, and more complex tailoring on sleeves or torsos can be even more. For petite shoppers, buying styles designed for their frame from the start provides significant long-term value.

Shopping Experience

You can shop the Standard collection both in Madewell's retail stores and on their website. This gives you the flexibility to try items on in person before making a purchase. The Petite collection, on the other hand, is an online exclusive.

While this means you can't try petite items in-store, Madewell's website provides detailed size charts, fit guides, and helpful customer reviews. The brand also has a user-friendly return policy, making it easy to send back anything that doesn't fit perfectly.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both collections offer the same great Madewell quality, but your right choice depends entirely on your body proportions.

Choose Madewell Standard if:

• You are taller than 5'4" and have average proportions.
• You rarely find that sleeves or pant legs are too long for you.
• You prioritize trying clothing on in a physical store before you buy.
• You want access to the absolute widest range of styles Madewell offers.

Choose Madewell Petite if:

• You are 5'4" tall or under.
• You are consistently frustrated with standard pants, jeans, and sleeves being too long.
• You find that the rise on standard jeans feels too high or the torso on dresses is too long.
• You want to save time and money by avoiding post-purchase tailoring and alterations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Madewell Petite and Standard?

The primary difference is proportion, not overall size. Madewell Petite is designed for women 5'4" and under and features shorter inseams, shorter sleeve lengths, and adjusted proportions to fit a shorter frame correctly, while Standard fits average heights.

What height is Madewell Petite for?

Madewell designs its petite clothing specifically for customers who are 5'4" and under.

Does Madewell Petite sizing run small?

No, Petite sizing is proportioned differently but is not designed to run smaller in terms of width or waist size. You should order your regular Madewell size, for example, if you wear a size 27 in Standard jeans, you would likely wear a 27 in Petite.

Can I find Madewell Petite clothing in stores?

No, the Petite collection is sold exclusively on the Madewell website.

Are Madewell Petite jeans just shorter?

They are shorter, but the fit adjustments are more detailed. In addition to a shorter inseam, Petite jeans often have a modified rise and proportionally adjusted knee placement to ensure a more flattering and accurate fit.

Is the Petite collection more expensive than the Standard collection?

No. Madewell prices its clothing consistently across both Petite and Standard lines. There is no extra charge for petite sizing.

How do I know if I need a Petite size?

A good indicator is if you consistently have to hem your pants or roll up your sleeves. If standard-fit clothing often feels too long in the torso, legs, or arms, trying the Petite collection could be a perfect solution.

Do both lines use the same materials?

Yes, both the Standard and Petite collections are made from the same high-quality and often sustainable materials Madewell is known for. The quality and craftsmanship are identical.