The Ultimate Guide to Hobbs Petite Dresses: My Honest Review

Hey there, fellow petite fashionistas! If you‘re like me, you know the struggle of finding dresses that fit our smaller frames just right. It can be so frustrating to fall in love with a dress on the hanger, only to try it on and find that it‘s way too long, too baggy, or just completely swallows you up.

Over the years, I‘ve tried petite dresses from pretty much every brand out there – from high-end designers to cheap fast fashion. And while I‘ve found a few gems along the way, my absolute favorite place to shop for petite dresses is Hobbs. This British brand just gets it when it comes to designing for petites, with practically every dress I‘ve tried fitting me like a dream.

So, I wanted to put together this in-depth review of Hobbs petite dresses to share my honest thoughts and experiences with you. Whether you‘re a longtime fan of the brand or have never tried their petite line before, I hope this guide will help you find your perfect fit. Let‘s dive in!

Why Petite Women Love Hobbs Dresses

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Hobbs petite dresses, let‘s talk about why this brand has become such a go-to for petite women around the world. Here are a few key reasons:

1. Impeccable Fit: Hobbs‘ petite dresses are specifically designed and cut for women 5‘3" and under. That means no more hiking up straps, getting lost in extra fabric, or dragging hems on the ground. Hobbs dresses hug your curves in all the right places and make you look put-together and polished.

2. Quality Fabrics: One of the first things you‘ll notice about a Hobbs dress is how luxe the fabric feels. The brand uses high-end materials like silk, wool, linen, and premium cotton blends that drape beautifully and hold up wash after wash. You won‘t find any thin, scratchy, or cheap-feeling fabrics here.

3. Timeless Style: Hobbs is known for its classic, feminine aesthetic that works for any occasion. From the office to weddings to weekend brunch, Hobbs dresses have you covered with chic tailoring, pretty prints, and elegant details. These are the kinds of dresses you‘ll reach for season after season, not just wear once and retire.

4. Inclusive Sizing: Hobbs offers an impressive size range for its petite dresses, with options from UK 6P to 16P (US 2P to 12P). They also offer some styles in 18P and 20P online. No matter your size or shape, you can find a Hobbs dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful.

5. Excellent Customer Service: Shopping online can be tricky, especially for petites. But Hobbs makes the experience easy and stress-free with free shipping over $200, free 30-day returns, and a responsive customer service team. They also offer alteration services in their brick-and-mortar stores. And if you sign up for their email list, you‘ll get 10% off your first order!

What Real Customers Are Saying

Of course, you don‘t have to just take my word for how great Hobbs petite dresses are. The proof is in the glowing reviews from real customers. Here are a few highlights:

"I am 5 ft tall and 105 lbs, and the size 6P fits me perfectly! The dress is lined, which makes it feel more expensive. The length is perfect for me, hitting just below the knee. I can‘t say enough good things about this dress!" – Jane S. on the Petite Amelia Dress

"This is the best fitting petite dress I have ever purchased! For reference, I am 5‘1" and 115 lbs. I ordered the 4P and it fits like it was made for me. The material is stretchy but thick enough that it smooths everything out. I wore this to a wedding and got so many compliments!" – Maria T. on the Petite Brea Dress

"I love this dress! I‘m 5‘2" and the 8P fits me perfectly. The fabric is a nice weight and the dress is lined. The length is great – not too short or too long. I can dress it up with heels or wear it more casually with flats. Definitely recommend!" – Sarah K. on the Petite Eimear Dress

Across dozens of reviews, customers rave about the fit, quality, and versatility of Hobbs petite dresses. It‘s clear that this brand has earned its stellar reputation among petite women.

A Closer Look at Hobbs Petite Dress Styles

Now, let‘s talk specifics. Hobbs offers a range of petite dress styles to suit every taste and occasion. Here are some of the most popular:

Wrap Dresses

Wrap dresses are a universally flattering choice for petites, thanks to their waist-defining ties and adjustable fit. Hobbs‘ wrap dresses come in both jersey and woven fabrics, with pretty prints and solid colors to choose from. I especially love their long-sleeve jersey wrap dresses for cooler weather – they‘re so easy to throw on and instantly look put-together.

Shift Dresses

For a classic, minimalist look, you can‘t go wrong with a Hobbs shift dress. These streamlined dresses skim over your curves without clinging, creating a clean, modern silhouette. Hobbs shifts come in a variety of necklines (boat neck, v-neck, scoop neck) and sleeve lengths (sleeveless, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve) to suit your style. Dress them up with heels and a blazer for work, or keep things casual with flats and a denim jacket.

Fit and Flare Dresses

If you‘re looking for a dress that nips in at the waist and flares out over your hips, Hobbs has plenty of pretty fit-and-flare options. From party-ready lace dresses to breezy cotton sundresses, these styles are perfect for petites who want to show off their curves. I find that Hobbs fit-and-flare dresses run true to size, with just enough stretch to feel comfortable all day long.

Shirtdresses

Shirtdresses are a chic, versatile choice that can take you from desk to dinner with ease. Hobbs‘ petite shirtdresses come in crisp cotton poplin, silky viscose, and even denim, with tailored bodices and gently flared skirts. Roll up the sleeves, add a belt, and you‘re good to go! Pro tip: If you‘re petite and curvy, look for Hobbs shirtdresses with princess seams for a more fitted look.

Occasion Dresses

Got a special event coming up? Hobbs has a stunning selection of petite-friendly occasion dresses, from sleek cocktail sheaths to flowing maxi dresses. I recently wore a Hobbs lace dress to a friend‘s wedding and got so many compliments on the fit and quality. Their occasion collection also includes chic jumpsuits and separates you can mix and match.

Hobbs Petite Dress Size Guide

One question I always get from petite women is how Hobbs sizing compares to other brands. In general, Hobbs petite dresses run true to size, but they do use UK sizing which can be confusing for US customers. Here‘s a quick conversion chart:

UK Size	US Size
6P	2P
8P	4P
10P	6P
12P	8P
14P	10P
16P	12P

If you‘re unsure of your size, I recommend referring to the specific measurements listed on each product page. Hobbs provides detailed garment measurements for the bust, waist, and hip of each dress, so you can compare them to a well-fitting dress you already own.

It‘s also a good idea to read the reviews and look at the customer photos for each dress, as some styles may run slightly large or small. And don‘t forget that Hobbs offers free returns, so you can always order a couple sizes to try on at home and send back what doesn‘t work.

Styling Tips for Petite Dresses

Once you‘ve found your perfect Hobbs petite dress, it‘s time to style it! Here are my top tips for petite women:

1. Define Your Waist: Petite dresses can sometimes make us look shorter if they don‘t have waist definition. Luckily, Hobbs dresses often come with built-in waist seaming or belts. If not, try adding your own skinny belt to cinch in your middle and create an hourglass shape.

2. Keep Accessories Proportional: When you‘re petite, it‘s easy for accessories to overwhelm your frame. Stick to dainty jewelry, like small hoop earrings or a delicate pendant necklace. If you‘re carrying a bag, choose a mini or medium size that won‘t look too large against your body.

3. Elongate Your Legs: The right shoes can make a huge difference in how tall and lean you look. Nude heels are a great choice for elongating your legs, especially if they match your skin tone. If you prefer flats, look for pointed-toe styles that extend the line of your leg.

4. Play with Layers: Don‘t be afraid to layer over your Hobbs dress to create different looks. A cropped jacket, shrug, or cardigan can add warmth and style without hiding your dress completely. Just make sure the hemline of your outer layer hits at your natural waist or above to avoid cutting you off visually.

5. Show Some Skin: Petite women often benefit from showing a bit of skin to balance out shorter hemlines. Try a dress with a v-neckline, off-the-shoulder silhouette, or keyhole back to elongate your upper body. If you‘re wearing a longer dress, consider a thigh-high slit or sheer overlay for added visual interest.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Hobbs

At the end of the day, there are lots of great petite clothing brands out there. But for me, Hobbs is the one I keep coming back to again and again. Not only do their petite dresses fit me perfectly, but I also love what the brand stands for.

Hobbs has a long history of supporting British craftsmanship and slow fashion principles. Many of their dresses are made right in London, with a focus on quality over quantity. They also use eco-friendly fabrics like Tencel and recycled polyester in some of their collections.

But beyond that, I just love how confident and put-together Hobbs dresses make me feel. When I slip on one of their impeccably tailored dresses, I know I can take on anything the day throws at me. And that‘s a feeling every petite woman deserves.

So, if you‘re ready to upgrade your dress collection with some truly special pieces, I can‘t recommend Hobbs petite dresses enough. Trust me, your closet (and your confidence) will thank you.

Happy shopping, petite fashionistas!