Every wardrobe needs a winter coat to keep you warm during those cold days, and every fashion-forward woman needs an equally fashionable winter coat in their closet. Now, if you are in the smaller end, it gets a little intimidating trying to avoid all the fabric overwhelming your figure. But fret not, we are here to share with you different types of petite winter coats and where you can buy them.
Winter coats are essential, especially if you live in areas where temperatures hit below zero; however, you can still look your best while trying to brave the weather. And a winter coat can be the difference between staying warm or freeze to death. Petite ladies may feel intimated to use one as it’s easy to appear even shorter in an attempt to avoid the cold. We all want a garment that protects us from the cold weather but, in turn, highlights our femininity, our figure, and our curves. But keep in mind that you are entirely covered, which does not mean that you have to look bad.
Petite ladies may have to look a little harder; you’ve probably struggled in the past with sleeves that are too long or too wide, so you may want to look for brands that carry specifically for Petites; this is your best shot at a proper fitting. But this isn’t the end of the world. There are many choices out there for petite chicks, so peel your eye and check out different types of winter coats suited for smaller frames.
Types of Petite Winter Coats
Petite Stroller or Single Breasted Winter Coat
Double-breasted jackets can always be tricky for a petite; a double-breasted coat can create thickness and reinforce shortness.
By far, the most flattering coat a petite woman can wear is slim cut and hip length and is sometimes called a stroller coat. Even for a plus-sized petite woman, a single-breasted slim coat is preferable as it will give you the illusion of length.
We like this Petite Single-Breasted Coat; it is designed with a removable hood and buttoned pockets. Find it at Macy’s.
Petite Belted Winter Coat
As a petite woman, you should know that a belt is the friend that’s always there for you to make you feel better.
Cinching in the waist, particularly with a thicker coat or jacket, makes a lot of difference and wonders for a smaller frame.
We like this cute and feminine short wool and cashmere jacket, which will help you stand out with its robe-like shape and kimono sleeves. Find it at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Petite Trench Winter Coat
Every woman, no matter how short, will not go wrong with a classic trench coat. Trench coats are super versatile and are never out of style, so you can quickly style them and be out the door.
The classic trench coat offers a clean, sleek shape, perfect for smaller women; you can also wear it with your favorite heels and look divine. Petites could also wear cropped designs that look even better.
We like this Cropped Trench, which is shrunken and belted, a foolproof combo for Petites with elegant taste. Find it at Banana Republic.
Petite Fur Winter Coat
A woman’s closet is not complete without some fur; these fur coats offer a cute, feminine, and sophisticated look, perfect for a night out in town. These scream comfort and style.
A bit of faux fur will surely keep you warm; petite chicks should opt for one on the fitted side to avoid looking like a teddy bear. Cropped designs are highly recommended.
We like this Faux Fur Coat, it is cropped and collarless for a chic look. Find it at Asos.
Petite Puffer Winter Coat
A puffer coat is a quilted coat, originally called a down jacket, insulated with either duck or geese feathers. These can be tricky for Petites, making them look bulky and can easily swallow a tiny frame.
You can choose between a puffer that hits at the hips -which is always a great move for Petites; or a lightweight puffer. Now, if you need more coverage, go for one that’s slim-cut and hits above the knee, so you don’t venture into marshmallow territory.
We like this Everlane’s slim design. This is a sleek coat thanks to the 100 percent recycled PrimaLoft insulation. Find it at Everlane.
Petite Duffle Winter Coat
The duffle coat is pretty popular during winter; it gets its name because it is made from duffel, a coarse, thick, woolen material.
Just like the puffer, a duffle coat can be intimidating territory for Petites due to its thick material. But fear not, Petites should opt for one that perfectly stops above the knee. A fit-and-flare silhouette will also help accentuate the waistline.
We like this Petite Skirted Duffle, it hugs smaller frames in all the right places. Find it at Asos.
Related Story: Different Types of Petite Raincoats
Petite Long Winter Coat
Another great option for petite girls searching for the right winter coat is coated on the longer side. So, smaller chicks shouldn’t be afraid of extra length, especially in the cold.
If a coat goes down to your ankles, it creates one elongating line down your body, giving the illusion of being a few inches taller rather than chopping you up into two shorter halves.
We like this Middlebury Coat; it is a double-breasted, midi length coat with notched lapels and front pockets; you can add your favorite botties and be out the door. Find it at Reformation.
Petite Sherpa Winter Coat
A Sherpa coat is made from polyester, acrylic, or cotton and is sometimes called ‘faux shearling,’ These are fun to wear and make for a bold fashion statement.
Sherpa mimics the bumpy texture of sheep’s wool. To avoid Petites looking too bulky, try to keep yours at hip-length, so your figure is not overwhelmed.
We like this MIROL Women’s Sherpa Fleece Jacket; it is a bomber jacket design, great for a casual look. Find it at Amazon.
Petite Winter Coats Buying Tips
- Stay warm and avoid the bulk
Puffy or bulky coats are popular and practical, thickness, however, can make you look shorter, so petite women should try to stay away from looking for something that has a slimmer cut. Look for coats made of a wool-cashmere blend or another wool blend, which tend to be extremely warm without adding unnecessary bulk.
- Keep it Monochromatic
While, as you can probably gather, it is good to keep it dark, this trick works for any shade. Monochrome outfits create the visual of one color from head to toe, making you appear lengthier and lending to an overall more put-together look.
- Choose Slenderizing Lines
Some styles work better on petite frames than others if you have your heart set on a puffy coat for days in the snow. When you shop for styles that feature down lining designed to offer as much insulation as possible with as little bulk possible, you can get the same warmth and flattering fit that the wool blends provide.
- Accent your waist
A decorative belt or other feature that highlights the waist will keep you just as warm but also create a sleek silhouette. A bit of a flare below the belt or waistline also works in your favor, but try to avoid over-the-top A-line styles. Designs that hug your silhouette will provide those extra inches.