Reformation Petite vs. Regular: Which size is right for you?

The primary difference between Reformation Petite and the brand's regular line isn't just about shorter hems, it's about proportion. Regular sizing is designed for women over 5'4" with standard body proportions, while the Petite collection is specifically scaled for frames 5'4" and under - featuring adjustments to torso length, sleeve length, and inseams for a fit that rarely needs tailoring.

Here’s a clear comparison to help you choose the right fit from Reformation for your body type.

Reformation Regular Sizing

Reformation's main clothing line offers its signature vintage-inspired, feminine aesthetic for women with standard height and proportions. Known for its commitment to sustainability, this collection features on-trend dresses, tops, and jeans made from eco-friendly fabrics, designed to fit women who are 5'5" and taller without adjustments.

• What it is: Stylish, sustainable clothing designed with standard proportions for women over 5'4".
• Key features: Trend-forward styles, eco-conscious materials like deadstock and organic fabrics, and a fit profile tailored for average to tall heights.
• Price: Dresses typically range from $150–$300, and tops and jeans from $80–$200.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed for frames 5'5" and up, with standard torso lengths, full-length sleeves, and regular inseams. Sizing is generally true to size, but it's always best to consult the size chart.
• Pros: A slightly wider selection of styles, high-quality sustainable construction, and an ideal fit for those with average or tall proportions.
• Cons: Garments often require expensive alterations for shorter women, proportions can be off for petite frames (e.g., waistline hits too low), and it's not ideal for those with shorter torsos or limbs.

This is the go-to line for anyone of average or taller height seeking sustainable, high-quality pieces with a chic, modern feel.

Shop this brand: thereformation.com

Reformation Petite Sizing

The Reformation Petite collection offers the same beloved styles and sustainable ethos but rescaled for smaller frames. Created for women 5'4" and under, every detail - from the placement of the waistline to the length of the sleeves - is proportionally adjusted to provide a flawless fit right off the rack, eliminating the common frustrations petite women face with standard-sized clothing.

• What it is: A dedicated collection of Reformation's clothing specifically tailored for women 5'4" and under.
• Key features: Patterns scaled for smaller bodies, including shorter inseams, adjusted waist placement, and shorter sleeve and strap lengths.
• Price: Priced similarly to the regular collection, dresses range from $150–$300 and tops from $80–$200.
• Sizing/Fit: A precise fit for petite proportions, designed to prevent clothes from looking misshapen or overwhelming on smaller frames.
• Pros: A perfect 'out of the box' fit for petite women, eliminates the need for costly alterations, correctly flatters shorter proportions, and uses the same great materials as the main line.
• Cons: A slightly more limited selection of styles compared to the regular line, and some pieces may be too short if you're on the cusp of petite sizing (around 5'4” to 5’5”).

This collection offers significant value by providing a near-custom fit that saves both time and money on tailoring.

Shop this product: thereformation.com/collections/petite

Reformation Petite vs. Regular Comparison

Fit & Proportions

This is the biggest differentiator. Regular sizing uses a standard fashion industry fit model, typically around 5'9". This means dresses will have a certain torso length, sleeves a standard length, and inseams designed to fit a taller person. While a shorter person can hem the bottom of a dress, it won't fix a waist that sits too low or shoulders that are too wide.

Reformation Petite re-engineers the entire garment. The whole pattern is scaled down, not just shortened. For a petite person, this means the waistline on a dress will actually hit at your natural waist, the straps on a camisole won't be too long, and the knee break on a pair of jeans will be positioned correctly for your leg.

Style & Selection

The style and aesthetic are consistent across both lines - both offer that same effortlessly chic, feminine vibe. The main collection naturally has a broader range of styles available at any given time. However, Reformation does an excellent job of offering its best-selling dresses, tops, and pants in the Petite Collection, ensuring that shoppers with smaller frames don't miss out on flagship pieces.

Price & Value

The prices for Petite and Regular items are virtually identical. This might seem odd, as petite garments use slightly less fabric. The value, however, is in the fit. For petite shoppers, the price of a Reformation piece often includes what you *would* have spent on alterations to shorten straps, adjust a waistline, or hem pants, which can easily add $30-$80 to the cost of a garment. Ultimately, the perfectly proportioned Petite pieces are more economical in the long run.

For those who don't need alterations, the Regular line offers fair value for the brand's commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical production.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both collections offer the same beautiful clothing, they are engineered for different body types.

Choose Reformation Regular if:

• You are 5'5" or taller.
• You have average or longer proportions in your torso, arms, and legs.
• Clothing from most brands fits you well off the rack without major length adjustments.
• You want to browse the largest possible selection of Reformation styles.

Choose Reformation Petite if:

• You are 5'4" or under.
• You consistently find that clothing is too long in the sleeves, hems, or torso.
• You are tired of waistlines on dresses sitting too low on your hips.
• You value a perfect, tailored fit straight out of the package and want to avoid alteration fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Reformation Petite and Regular?

The primary difference is overall proportion, not just length. Regular clothes are made for a taller frame with standard proportions. Petite clothes are scaled down everywhere - shorter torsos, higher knee breaks on pants, shorter sleeves, and correctly placed waistlines - to fit a frame 5'4" and under.

I’m exactly 5'4” - which line should I choose?

If you're exactly 5'4", consider your proportions. Do you have a long torso and shorter legs, or vice versa? If you often find sleeves and hems too long, start with Petite. If your proportions are fairly average and you just need occasional hemming, you could try Regular, but Petite will likely offer a better overall fit.

Is Reformation Petite sizing smaller overall?

Petite sizing is about proportion, not width. You should take your usual numeric size (e.g., 4 or 8) in the Petite line. A size 4 Petite is scaled for someone with a smaller frame height-wise but still has the same bust/waist/hip measurements as a size 4 Regular.

Are Reformation clothes true to size?

Reformation sizing is generally considered true to size, however, some fabrics have less stretch than others. It's always best practice to read the site's size guide and any fit notes on the specific product page before purchasing.

Can I wear Petite tops if I have a short torso but I'm taller than 5'4"?

Absolutely. Many women over 5'4" with shorter torsos find that Petite tops and bodysuits fit them perfectly, as torso length is a key adjustment in the Petite collection.

Is the Petite collection more expensive?

No, the prices are comparable to the regular collection.

Are there fewer styles in the Petite collection?

The selection is slightly smaller than the main line, but Reformation includes its most popular and iconic styles in the Petite collection, so you won't miss out on their hero pieces.

What is Reformation's return policy?

Reformation typically allows returns within 30 days of the purchase date, as long as the items are in their original condition. Always check their website for the most up-to-date policy details.