Petite sweatshirts sound like they should be easy to find. They’re not.
Plenty of brands make petite jeans, petite pants and petite dresses, but sweatshirts and pullovers are a different story. Casual tops are one of the categories most likely to skip petite sizing altogether, which means a regular sweatshirt can run long in both the body and sleeves on a petite frame.
For this roundup, I looked specifically for sweatshirts available in petite sizing and paid attention to the measurements whenever retailers provided them. When length and/or sleeve measurements were available, I also compared the petite measurements with the regular version to make sure the proportions were actually adjusted for petites.
The result is a mix of crewnecks, hoodies, half-zips and more relaxed styles, with varying lengths and fits. I actually have sweatshirts in several different lengths and fits in my own closet. Some are more fitted for wearing with jeans or layering, while others are big and baggy—the kind I reach for when I’m relaxing around the house. I don’t think every sweatshirt needs to fit the same way, so I wanted this list to include different options for how you actually wear them.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article may become affiliate links in the future. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
A Note on Sizing Before You Shop
Measurements vary more between brands than you’d expect, and there’s no universal petite standard, so the label alone won’t tell you much. Where sleeve or body length isn’t listed, I’ve marked it “not listed” rather than guess.
Sleeve length is also measured two different ways: some retailers go from the shoulder seam to the cuff, others from the center back of the neck across the shoulder to the cuff (Lands’ End and L.L.Bean both use this method). I’ve noted the method when it’s given, but numbers between brands aren’t always directly comparable.
Before you choose a size, check our Petite Clothing Sizing Guide for how to measure yourself and your clothes.
A Note About Prices
For the sweatshirt picks, I use a simple price icon based on the regular/list price in our research: $ = under $50, $$ = $50–$99, $$$ = $100–$149, and $$$$ = $150+. Temporary sale prices are not used to set the icon, because sales and markdowns change.
Prices, promotions, shipping terms and availability can change, so check the retailer’s current information before ordering.
10 Petite Sweatshirts Picks for Fall
1. Style & Co Petite Floral Crewneck Fleece Sweatshirt — Macy’s
$ | Petite PXS–PXL | 60% cotton, 40% polyester fleece
This is a classic crewneck sweatshirt in a black-and-white floral print, made specifically for petite frames. It comes in at about 23 7/8 inches long; Macy’s doesn’t list a sleeve measurement for this style.
I also found two very similar versions from Style & Co: the Turkish Tile Floral (about 23.9″ long, in Turkish Tile blue and Brickberry burgundy) and the Nala’s Garden Floral (about 23 7/8″ long, same cotton/polyester fleece blend). Rather than taking up three spots in the roundup, I’m grouping them here so you can pick the pattern you like best.
Shipping & returns: Macy’s currently accepts most eligible returns within 30 days. Return fees and shipping promotions can vary, so check the current policy before ordering.
2. Style & Co Petite LuxLounge Fleece French Terry Half-Zip Sweatshirt — Macy’s
$ | Petite PXS–PXL | | 76% polyester, 19% modal, 5% spandex French terry
This sweatshirt swaps the usual crewneck for a mock turtleneck collar and half-zip closure, with a kangaroo pocket at the front — giving it a slightly dressier look than a basic pullover. It comes in Oatmeal Heather and runs approximately 22 4/5 inches long.
Shipping & returns: Macy’s currently accepts most eligible returns within 30 days. Return fees and shipping promotions can vary, so check the current policy before ordering.
3. Style & Co Petite Crewneck Long-Sleeve Fleece Sweatshirt — Macy’s
$ | Petite PXS–PXL | Cotton-polyester fleece
Sometimes a basic sweatshirt is exactly what you need. This Style & Co fleece crewneck is designed specifically for women 5’4″ and under and comes and runs approximately 23 inches long.
It has the familiar crewneck shape, ribbed cuffs and hem. With several colors available, it’s an easy everyday sweatshirt to wear with jeans, casual pants or leggings.
Shipping & returns: Macy’s currently accepts most eligible returns within 30 days. Return fees and shipping promotions can vary.
4. French Terry Sweatshirt — Modern Leopard — Talbots
$$ | Petite P–XL | Petite Plus available |70% cotton, 30% polyester French terry
If you don’t want every sweatshirt in your closet to be a solid color, this Talbots leopard-print option adds some personality without being difficult to wear.
It comes in Biscotti Heather and has a classic crewneck. Talbots lists the petite length as 23 inches on the product page.
Shipping & returns: Talbots currently has a 30-day return window for newer purchases. A $9.95 fee applies when using the prepaid return label. Store returns are available.
5. Karen Kane Petite Whipstitch Contrast Hoodie — Dillard’s
$$$ | Petite sizing | Acrylic/viscose/elastane jersey knit
This is one of the more distinctive sweatshirts in the group. The jersey-knit hoodie has contrasting whipstitch detail, raglan sleeves, a drawstring hood and a kangaroo pocket. It’s only available in black.
The approximately 21 1/2-inch petite length makes this one of the shorter choices in the roundup, which may be helpful if you routinely find that tops are too long through the body.
Shipping & returns: Dillard’s accepts eligible online returns within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping charges may apply.
6. Serious Sweats Relaxed Quarter-Zip Pullover Sweatshirt — Lands’ End
$$ | Petite XS–XL | 84% cotton, 16% polyester
A quarter-zip gives you an alternative to the usual crewneck sweatshirt. This relaxed Lands’ End style has drop shoulders and a cotton-rich fabric blend.
Lands’ End gives a detailed petite sleeve measurement: 27 3/4″–30 3/4″ across sizes XS–XL, about 1 1/2 inches shorter than the regular version. Like L.L.Bean below, Lands’ End measures from the center back of the neck, across the shoulder and down to the cuff — so the two are directly comparable with each other, even though the numbers won’t line up with retailers that measure from the shoulder seam.
Shipping & returns: Lands’ End accepts eligible returns within 90 days. Return methods and fees vary depending on how the return is made.
7. Women’s Double L Soft Donegal Sweatshirt, Funnelneck
$$ | Petite XS–XL | 75% cotton, 25% polyester
The CloudSoft Funnelneck is a slightly more polished take on a casual sweatshirt. It has a relaxed fit that falls at the hip and has a super-soft brushed interior.
L.L.Bean provides detailed garment measurements and explains how it measures sleeve length. Its measurement runs from the center back of the collar, across the shoulder and down the arm to the cuff. See the size chart as the petite measurements vary by size.
Shipping & returns: L.L.Bean’s guarantee allows eligible returns within one year of purchase. Return methods and shipping charges depend on the circumstances.
8. Bounce Fleece Half-Zip Pullover — Old Navy
$ | Petite XS–XL | 66% polyester, 29% rayon, 5% spandex
This is a casual option with a half-zip collar, drop-shoulder sleeves and on-seam pockets. The loose fit hits around the waist, giving it a more relaxed shape than some of the other sweatshirts in this group.
It is available in several colors and matching petite sweatpants are available. Old Navy doesn’t list a length or sleeve measurement for the petite version.
Shipping & returns: Old Navy offers free basic shipping on qualifying orders of $50 or more. Eligible online returns and exchanges are generally accepted within 30 days.
9. SoComfy Oversized Tunic Sweatshirt — Old Navy
$ | Petite XS–XXL | 93% cotton,7% recycled polyester
If you prefer a little more coverage, this oversized sweatshirt has a longer tunic silhouette while still being offered in petite sizing. It has a crew neckline and drop-shoulder sleeves and comes in several colors.
It is available in several colors and matching petite sweatpants are available. Old Navy doesn’t list a length or sleeve measurement for the petite version.
Shipping & returns: Old Navy offers free basic shipping on qualifying orders of $50 or more. Eligible online returns and exchanges are generally accepted within 30 days.
10. Coaster Luxe Recover Sweatshirt — Athleta
$$ | Petite XS–L | 78% TENCEL™ Lyocell/19% Polyester/3% LYCRA®
This sweatshirt has a crew neckline, side slits and thumbholes, giving it a little more detail than a basic sweatshirt. The relaxed design provides some room without relying on an especially long body.
There are several colors to choose from. Athleta doesn’t list a length or sleeve measurement for the petite version.
Shipping & returns: Athleta offers free shipping on qualifying orders for Rewards members. Eligible returns and exchanges are generally free.
A Few Things I Would Check Before Ordering
Length — check the actual number and think about where you want the sweatshirt to fall.
Sleeve length — when the retailer provides it, compare it with a sweatshirt you already know fits you well. Keep in mind that retailers don’t always measure sleeves the same way.
Fit — decide whether you want a fitted, relaxed or oversized sweatshirt. Petite doesn’t have to mean fitted.
Fabric — think about whether you want fleece for warmth, French terry for a lighter feel, or a softer fabric with more drape.
How you’ll wear it — consider whether you’re looking for something to wear with jeans and layers or a roomier sweatshirt for relaxing around the house.
Return policy — especially when you’re trying a new brand or deciding between two sizes.
The Bottom Line
If you find a sweatshirt you like, compare its measurements with one you already own before ordering. It can make the difference between a sweatshirt that simply comes in petite sizing and one that actually feels right on you.
I don’t think petite women need to limit themselves to one sweatshirt style. I have sweatshirts in different lengths and fits in my own closet. Some are more fitted and work well with jeans or as a layer, while others are big and baggy—the kind I reach for when I’m relaxing around the house.
Pair one of the fitted styles with the right denim and you’ve got an easy fall outfit. My Petite Jeans for Fall picks are a good place to start. If you’re looking for something more athletic, check out my 13 Petite Activewear Picks: Performance To Everyday Comfort for petite-friendly options built for movement.
