Loft vs. White House Black Market: Which Brand Works Best for Petites?

As a petite woman, you know how frustrating it can be to find clothes that actually fit, let alone pieces that feel stylish, flattering, and age-appropriate. Two brands that consistently offer petite sizing are Loft and White House Black Market (WHBM). But which one is better for you?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide, and why both are featured in the Petite Fashion Directory.

1. Petite Selection

Loft:

Loft has one of the largest dedicated petite sections of any mainstream brand. Their petite line is thoughtfully proportioned, not just shortened, and includes workwear, denim, dresses, and casual separates.

White House Black Market:

WHBM offers a solid petite collection - especially for work-to-evening styles, but the overall selection is smaller than Loft’s. Their petite line is more curated, often emphasizing dresses, blazers, and pants with tailored silhouettes.

 🛍️ Winner for Range of Petite Options: Loft

2. Style & Aesthetic

Loft:

Loft leans towards casual-chic and feminine. You’’ll find soft florals, flowy fabrics, and classic silhouettes that work in both casual and professional settings.

WHBM:

WHBM skews more sophisticated and structured. Their signature look is sleek and polished with a little bit of edge - think monochrome palettes, blazers, and body-skimming dresses that can go from day to night.

🛍️  Winner for Elevated, Polished Looks: WHBM

3. Price Point

Loft:

Mid-range pricing (tops around $50, pants $70–80), with frequent sales that make it very affordable.

WHBM:

A bit more expensive than Loft (tops around $70–90, jackets $150+), but the quality and construction often reflect the higher price. WHBM also runs sales, though less frequently than Loft.

🛍️  Winner for Affordability: Loft

4. Quality & Fabric

Loft:

Quality is good, especially for the price point, though some seasonal items may be hit-or-miss in fabric or durability. Great for everyday wear.

WHBM:

Generally higher quality, especially for suits, dresses, and knitwear. The fabrics tend to feel more luxurious and structured, perfect if you’re dressing for work, events, or travel.

🛍️ Winner for Premium Quality: WHBM

5. Fit Consistency

Loft:

Once you know your size, you can shop confidently. Their petite sizing is consistent and reliable.

WHBM:

Fit is also consistent, but silhouettes tend to be more tailored and fitted, which can be a plus or minus depending on your preferences. If you like your clothes with a little structure and shape, WHBM is a better option.

🛍️  Winner for Structured Fit: WHBM

🛍️  Winner for Easy Everyday Fit: Loft

Which Brand Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for versatile everyday pieces with comfort, softness, and on-trend details, Loft is your go-to. It’s especially ideal for casual work environments or relaxed weekend wear.

But if you’re after polished sophistication, whether for work, events, or just everyday elegance, White House Black Market is for you. Their petite options offer tailored, high-impact looks without sacrificing fit.

Of course you don’t need to choose just one. Loft is great for staples, while WHBM elevates your wardrobe with timeless, structured pieces. Mix and match to build your best wardrobe.

What I Wore On My Trip to France as a 4’11” Petite: The Struggle to Find Clothes That Actually Fit

Packing for a trip to France should be exciting—and it was—but for me, it also came with the usual challenge: finding clothes that actually fit my 4’11” frame. If you’re short, you already know the struggle. Sleeves are too long, pants drag on the ground, and cropped jackets often aren’t cropped enough. I knew I didn’t want to spend my vacation fidgeting with my clothes or feeling overwhelmed by fabric. So I got to work—shopping both in-store and online until I found pieces that felt just right.

As you can guess, this was not a one-stop shopping trip. It took patience, trying on countless things. But in the end, I put together a travel wardrobe that made me feel stylish, confident, and most importantly—comfortable. Here’s what made it into my suitcase:

Cropped Tees, Three Quarter Sleeve Boatneck Tees & Cardigan from Old Navy

Old Navy was one of my first stops, and I was pleasantly surprised. I found cropped and 3/4 sleeve boatneck tees that hit at just the right spot for tucking or not, with no awkward bunching, and they worked with every pair of pants I packed. I also grabbed a cropped cardigan that quickly became my go-to layer. It was light, versatile, and actually looked like it was made for someone my height.

Petite White Wide-Leg Cropped Pants & White Jean Jacket from White House Black Market

White House Black Market has been stepping up their petite game, and these white wide-leg cropped pants were a total win. They looked chic with sneakers, didn’t need to be hemmed, and the rise sat perfectly at my waist.

I also picked up a cropped white jean jacket that pulled so many looks together. It gave structure and worked beautifully with both casual outfits and dressier looks.

Joggers from Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix surprised me with the perfect pair of rose-colored joggers (see above photo). Lightweight, soft, and with a flattering tapered leg, these were a perfect for walking all over Paris. The color was feminine and fresh, and they easily dressed up with a jacket or down with sneakers.

Cream-Colored Rain Jacket From Short Story

One of my favorite finds was an adorable cream-colored rain jacket from Short Story. Not only was it stylish, but it was also tailored specifically for petites. The sleeves didn’t need to be rolled up, and the length was ideal for layering. It was perfect for chilly Paris mornings and added a polished touch.

Pink Adidas Platform Sneakers from Amazon

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for any trip to Europe, and these pink Adidas platform sneakers from Amazon were a perfect choice. They gave me a little height, paired well with everything, and were surprisingly comfy—even after miles of walking.

The Takeaway: Petite Women Deserve Stylish, Easy Travel Fashion Too

This trip reminded me of how much effort we petite women have to put into building a wardrobe that others can throw together in one shopping trip. But it also reminded me that it is possible to find stylish, well-fitting pieces—you just have to know where to look, ask the right questions, and lean into silhouettes that actually suit your frame.

I felt confident, chic, and most importantly—like myself on this trip.

If you’re a petite planning a trip soon, I hope this gives you a few outfit ideas—and reminds you that your ideal fit does exist. You just might have to hunt a little harder to find it.

My Second Short Story Box Review

My first Short Story box came in December and it was a success. I received five items and kept three. If you're a fellow shortie, you know that finding three items of clothing that fit at the same time is like hitting the lottery. Now that spring is here, it is time to try it again.

For this box, I requested spring jackets. A raincoat or a short jacket or both. I also requested lightweight spring pants. Finding pants for spring has always been an issue. I like lightweight material and light colors and for some reason it is impossible to find.

Once again, the box arrived in a beautful package wrapped in a ribbon printed with "good things come in petite packages". I always feel like it's my birthday when I open my subscription boxes. I was so excited when I saw the raincoat from Vero Moda and knew that I would love it. It is coated, so it will be rain repellant and has extra snaps around the wrists to make the sleeve openings more snug. This is the first time I've had a true raincoat that fits me.

The second jacket by Thread & Supply is short and lighweight with a zipper and cute snaps. It looks great open or closed.

The first pair of pants are from my favorite brand Liverpool. They are pull on and stretchy with very thin black stripes. My favorite part is the slit in the back of the legs. They are a little frayed and slightly short, but I won't be wearing them with heels. They are supposed to be cropped on someone a little taller.

The second pair of pants by Bayeas are more of a relaxed fit in a springy lavendar color which I love. The length is perfect for wearing flats or heels.

I didn't keep the third pair of pants because they were too big and I already have something like them. Four of five items is a total win for me especially since both jackets fit. I would suggest giving it a try and remember that there are different price levels. I chose the $50 - $100 range but there is one range lower.

Give it a try and et me know how you do!