Petite Dress Length Guide: How to Find the Right Fit for Your Height
Shopping for dresses as a petite woman often means guessing where the hemline will fall—and hoping for the best. At Lanamoore, we believe that petite dresses should fit you, not the other way around. That’s why we created this easy guide to help you choose the perfect dress length based on your height and personal style. Whether you prefer maxi dresses, midis, or minis, we’ll help you find a flattering fit that requires no tailoring.
Petite Dress Length Guide: Mini
Mini dresses are typically the shortest dress style, falling at mid-thigh or higher. For petite women, a mini dress usually measures around 26–30 inches in length and offers a playful, youthful look. Minis are ideal for showing off your legs and are perfect for casual outings or nights out.
| Height | Ideal Dress Length (in.) |
| 4'10" | 26–27 |
| 4'11" | 26.5–27.5 |
| 5'0" | 27-28 |
| 5'1" |
27.5–28.5 |
| 5'2" | 28-29 |
| 5'3" | 28.5–29.5 |
| 5'4" | 29–30 |
Petite Dress Length Guide: Knee Length
Knee-length dresses hit just above, at, or just below the knee. For petites, this means a length of approximately 31–38 inches. This classic silhouette offers a versatile, polished look that works well for work, weddings, or everyday wear without overwhelming a shorter frame. Mini dresses are great for petites, but make sure the hem doesn’t cut too high above the knee or it might feel too short.
| Height | Ideal Dress Length (in.) |
| 4'10" | 31-32 |
| 4'11" | 32-33 |
| 5'0" | 33-34 |
| 5'1" |
34-35 |
| 5'2" | 35-36 |
| 5'3" | 36-37 |
| 5'4" | 37-38 |
Petite Dress Length Guide: Midi
Midi dresses fall to the mid-calf area, usually between the bottom of the knee and the lower calf. On petite frames, this corresponds to lengths around 35–43 inches. They strike a balance between modest and stylish, but petite wearers should look for styles with a slit or defined waist to avoid looking swamped. Midi dresses that hit mid-calf can be tricky—look for ones with a slit or fitted waist to avoid looking overwhelmed by fabric.
| Height | Ideal Dress Length (in.) |
| 4'10" | 35.5–36.5 |
| 4'11" | 36.5–37.5 |
| 5'0" | 37.5–38.5 |
| 5'1" |
38.5–39.5 |
| 5'2" | 39.5–40.5 |
| 5'3" | 40.5–41.5 |
| 5'4" | 41.5–42.5 |
Petite Dress Length Guide: Maxi
Maxi dresses are characterized by hemlines that reach the ankle. For petites, this is typically 46–53 inches long. Maxi dresses offer elegance and drama while remaining comfortable. Choosing the right length ensures your dress doesn’t drag or require hemming. Maxi dresses should hit just above the floor. Anything longer can make you look shorter and often needs hemming. Consider heel height when measuring—if you often wear 2-3" heels, adjust your ideal length accordingly.
| Height | Ideal Dress Length (in.) |
| 4'10" | 46-47 |
| 4'11" | 47-48 |
| 5'0" | 48-49 |
| 5'1" |
49-50 |
| 5'2" | 50-51 |
| 5'3" | 51-52 |
| 5'4" | 52-53 |
Petite Dress Length Guide: Gown
Gown-length dresses are designed to hit the floor (or slightly beyond) and are usually reserved for formal occasions. For petite women, these dresses fall around 50–57 inches in length. They are ideal for galas, black-tie events, or formal weddings and often come in luxurious fabrics with added volume or embellishment.
| Height | Ideal Dress Length (in.) |
| 4'10" | 50-51 |
| 4'11" | 51-52 |
| 5'0" | 52-53 |
| 5'1" |
53-54 |
| 5'2" | 54-55 |
| 5'3" | 55-56 |
| 5'4" | 56-57 |
Finding the perfect dress as a petite woman doesn’t have to mean guessing where the hemline will fall. With the right measurements and an understanding of how each dress length fits your height, you can shop confidently knowing your clothes will flatter—not overwhelm—your frame. At Lanamoore Petite, we’re committed to designing dresses that fit beautifully right off the rack. Whether you're dressing for everyday elegance or a special occasion, you deserve styles that are made for you.