If, like me, you love boys clothes but are pint sized, it can be pretty hard to find menswear available that fits you properly (unless you shop in the kids sections – post to follow!). A fair few items in my wardrobe have been tailored to fit and many I style oversized, but the majority of menswear items I own are sized XS.
There is little more aggravating than finding a gorgeous cutaway-collared, button-down shirt in paisley print that is only available in a billowing M. So to ensure you are searching in the right stores for your minute menswear items, here are the brands with great clothing and sizing to suit.
BEST OF THE HIGH STREET
Image: Topman
TOPMAN: As you know, I’m a fan of Topman for bright and patterned shirts. These high street heroes produce affordable fashion, large collections and exciting designer collaborations (check out their Agi & Sam line). It’s unlikely another girl will be wearing the same outfit as you, but you may be playing snap with a few trendy fellas – and hell why not? Shirts are available in S, XS, XXS and chinos/trousers/jeans start from W27.
RIVER ISLAND: Not too dissimilar to Topman, River Island is a fast fashion outlet producing trend-relevant pieces for a reasonable price tag. This high street old timer creates collections of brightly coloured shirts and tees ideal for petite ladies. Shirts are available in S, XS, XXS, and if you’re ultra slim you will squeeze quite happily into a pair of their trousers starting at W26.
ASOS: Calling all skinny minnies! Do not fret, you do not need to abandon your menswear dreams my darlings because ASOS own brand comes in super small sizing. If you are lucky enough to have a slim waist and little legs this could be the brand for you. Cheap and chic and delivered to your door, ASOS menswear provides upper wear garments in sizes as small as XXXS and trousers for W26 and up.
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
Image: J. Crew
WOOD WOOD: Wood Wood is a fresh and funky import from Denmark. This bad ass Scandinavian brand produces streetwear collections with a casual Copenhagen flavour. Expect threads that are eye-catching, with bold prints, dip dye shirts and vibrant colours throughout – XS for your tops and bottoms available.
LEVI’S VINTAGE CLOTHING: Think American Heritage brand and you think Levi’s. Drawing from their vintage archive in San Francisco, the Levi’s Vintage Clothing collection is a marriage of old and new, with all of the original detail and traditional craftsmanship but with a fresh, contemporary twist. Off duty cool straight from the other side of the Atlantic – sizes from XS and W28.
J CREW: J. Crew is the all American, off duty menswear brand producing high quality staples such as chinos, twill-cotton shorts and madras shirts. Like a breath of fresh Hampton’s air, the collections are always easy to wear with several key, catch your eye pieces. It’s a lovely East Coast brand if preppy is your thing (which it is!) and items are available from XS, with trousers starting from W28.
THE PROMENADE
Image: Acne
SLOWEAR: Italians are know for their laidback “domani, domani” attitude and never have we seen such fine results of this then in Slowear, stocked at Mr Porter. Slowear produces quality items that are designed to stand the test of passing trends. In their own words, their collections are exclusively smart/casual and are always meticulously crafted with artisan precision. Available in XS and W28.
ACNE: Swedish sweethearts ACNE have had the fashion pack hanging off their every word for some time now. Originally producers of well crafted denim, today they create wearable collections characterised by sleek, minimal and elegant lines, ACNE is a go to brand for Scandi-swagger. Available in XS and W28 – va kul!
BAND OF OUTSIDERS: This brand deserves a post of it’s very own because its quite frankly pretty damn banging. What should be a collection of preppy casual wear is given a refresh with bold, off-kilter pockets and bright patterns. Available in XS they are worth a look at if you want a laid-back look that will have you standing out from the crowd.
