I’m always looking to try new petite-friendly brands, since variety is the spice of life! I’ve come across Boohoo petites several times before, but was hesitant to order since they’re internationally-based (was unsure of customer service policies), and also because their name makes me a little sad. I finally pulled the trigger on some pieces recently and figured I’d share my shopping experience!
In short: Boohoo is a UK-based brand that offers a range of regular and extended sizing down to petite size UK 4 / EUR 32 / US 0. Sizing runs pretty small compared to American brands. Quality is very fast fashion and the price points reflect that. There’s free, trackable shipping to the US on orders over $50. Returns are accepted (customer pays return shipping) within 28 days for a full refund, and there is a US-based return address available.
So I’ve been on the lookout for a waterfall-style drape coat for some time now. Why this simple yet elegant style is not more prevalent beats me – I’d be more than willing to splurge on a high-quality drape coat! I stumbled across a few thin-looking options from Boohoo along with other fast fashion brands, but held off as I wanted more of a heavier coat weight. Such a piece has not yet been found, so here I am giving in…
Quality: When “coats” are $40 and dresses are around $20 or less, I’m not expecting high quality materials and workmanship. There are many zoom-able photos from multiple angles of each product, so before purchasing I could see the wrap thingy is made of a felt-like material, is unlined, and has serged stitching around all the edges. The actual item received is pretty close to what I expected – not a true coat but more so a Snuggie blanket in the silhouette of a chic waterfall wrap. That being said, I did like the cut & fit enough to keep it and already got compliments the first day I wore it out. The red poly dress below was nothing to write home about, but the denim quality on the other hand did not feel bad at all.
Sizing: Consistent with my experience with other European lines (ASOS, H&M;, Topshop), the sizing that they’ve converted to “US sizing” still runs at least one to two sizes smaller compared to most US brands. For reference, I usually wear a 00p in most American brands, but take between a UK 4 (US 0) or UK 6 (US 2) with these European brands. For Boohoo I found that the wrap jacket to fit well on me throughout in UK 4, however the dress & jeans I ordered were much too tight in the same size.
The Loren skinny jeans above were beyond snug on me – just showing you guys as a fit reference! It’s tough to find distressed jeans with larger patches hitting at the right spots, with actual patches of white “threading” instead of just a basic slit cut at the knees. The only part I did not love was the back butt design, but I see myself wearing these with longer & flowier tops that’ll likely cover part of that. I liked these enough to order a size up (UK 6P) to try. UPDATE: A size up was baggy in some areas on me, so these jeans were just not made for my body type.
Customer Service: Free shipping over $50 with $4.99 shipping for orders under, with Boohoo paying all international taxes & duties. I got the expedited shipping for $15 and it did arrive in 3 business days to Boston from Europe, which is not bad at all. Return shipping is the customer’s responsibility but I definitely appreciate a US-based returns address. We’re spoiled by ASOS’ free international returns but I know not every retailer can offer that. Customer service-wise, I had a question on my order and it took me a while to locate a contact form on their site, but after sending a message I did get a response within 24 hours.
I had ordered this dress to show as a dupe for my red ASOS one from many years back! Its more “busting” (and I’m wearing my least padded bra here) than I expected and a head-turning piece for sure. Please excuse the fact that it is sausage-casing tight on me, but I just wanted to share it for reference before returning. There is no zipper. and I would not recommend this particular dress for bustier ladies due to the minimal coverage in that area.
Measurements:
– Loren Jeans sz UK 4 petite: 12″ across top opening (keep in mind where this hits, so don’t compare against your natural waist measurement), 16″ across hips, 6.75″ rise, 28″ inseam, 4.5″ across ankle opening. 96% cotton, 4% elastane. I think UK 4 may fit someone who typically wears size 22 – 23 in designer denim sizing.
– Nisha dress sz UK 4 petite: 12.5″ across armpit, 9.5″ across waist, 12.75″ across hips. 95% poly, 5% elastane. Material has some stretch to it.
– Wrap jacket sz UK 4 petite: 14.5″ across the shoulders, 21″ long sleeves, 4.25″ across the sleeve opening at the wrist (love that it isn’t too wide!), and approx. 36″ total length. The rest of the jacket is very free-size due to the open wrap style.
All in all I was happy to try this new (to me) brand and appreciate that they cater to the extended petite sizing market! For an internationally-based brand, the shipping cost & speed is very fair and I’ll hope my returns will go as smoothly. Of course I wish the items were not fast-fashion quality, but you get what you pay for. Another very similar option I had tried for the wrap is this Misguided waterfall jacket starting in petite UK 4 / US 0. Similar to the Boohoo version, this is unlined & lightweight, with stitching all along the edges. Sizing felt bigger, including quite a bit longer in the overall length and a tad longer & wider at the sleeves. I would still say it fit comparable to a 00P – 0P in most US brands, though. I love all things camel but thought the Boohoo wrap material was less wrinkle-prone so kept that one instead.
Have you guys ordered from either Boohoo or Misguided? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Ordered this jacket per your recommendation and so disappointed. I'm petite and size larger than you. The arm holes are cut so big it throws the whole jacket off. 😔
I think the dress looks amazing on you but it's a different story if you can't move! I've ordered from boohoo a few times and it's very hit or miss. Some things I've wanted to return because the quality is just that horrible or sizing so off…but the cost to return just didn't make sense. I'm tempted to order this dress and was so excited to see your blog about it. I think I'm going to do it…they're offering 40% off right now so $23 bucks isn't too much to risk…although if I add up the things I have from them now that I have no use of???? Mmmmm….yeah, but I'll give it another shot.
OR Frame Denim in waterwood. This pair contours and are amazing. Le Skinny Jeanne Crop.
Hi! I love love your blog. You are the cutest and just so classic and elegant. For petite friendly distressed denim…have you tried the legging ankle by AG? They work and are a nice fit too! Although, each wash does have a slightly different fit, they are very similar and are a trusty go to.
I second Soia & Kyo. Their wrap coats fit beautifully.
Thanks for reviewing UK brands! I'm from the UK and there are always a lot of adverts for Boohoo and Misguided, however I've always been dubious about ordering from them, so always have to stick to H&M; size 6/8 UK sizing. I ordered a Boohoo dress for a wedding back in 2010 in a size 8 (US 2) which came up large on me, and they didn't have petite sizes (or size 6) back then. Will be giving Boohoo another shot after your post!
I think that size 4 clothes in UK are more like a size 00 in the US, and tend to only be sold at retailers that gear their adverts towards teenagers.. Also, the shoe sizes are different from US. I wear UK size 4 in shoes, which is size 6 in US.
Another retailer that runs really small from UK is Miss Selfridge – would appreciate reviews from there too!
i just purchased the jeans from boohoo in size 4 and i cant get it to go up any further than my thigh.. i usually wear a size 23-24 / 0. Also bought a shoe in size 5 but it fits like a 6.5. Returning both items….
Do you ever re-sell outfit pieces from your posts? If so, can you please provide sites that I should check for your listings? Thx!
Awww sold out in mocha size 6 (us 2). If anyone has one I'd be so grateful
Lucyberries at gmail
Aww sold out in mocha petite 6 (us 2). If anyone has one I'd be so grateful 🙂 lucyberries at gmail
I love the outfit – casual but classy!For those interested in a better quality coat that has the waterfall/drape style, try SOIA and Kyo or Mackage (although this brand is too expensive for me). Styles change during the season but they have good ones right now. Sizing will depend on how petite you are so check the size charts.
I have a petite 4 (us 0) for sale. I jist got mine but its a little tight in the arms for me. If interested, email me at ivegotspunk @ gmail.
Just FYI – the coat is in stock right now in black and mocha and they're having a few sales which take the cost down to $33 including delivery. Just bought mine but they're going quick!!
I second this! Well Aritzia in general if you're looking for a higher quality waterfall coat. 🙂
This coat is all sold out:(
They refunded my card immediately
I LOVE that dress!!
Blonde in Cashmere
Thanks for the recommendation! I studied abroad in the UK and found it was much easier to shop for clothes there being petite b/c the sizes already seemed to run smaller to me (… maybe not the best discovery for my wallet haha!). I took advantage of the sale they are having and ordered a top to see how it goes. I appreciate your appraisal of the quality, too. I was obsessed with another fast fashion chain over there, Primark, that has just started to cross over to the US. Again not amazing quality, but definitely some pieces that were worth the cheap prices!
ALLSAINTS. I have and love the Hace trench (size 0US/4UK). Of course the sleeves were too long, but the shoulders and body fit well. Allsaints usually has a few waterfall style coats and I think they've actually started carrying size 00US!
such good feedback!! Love that red dress even though its a little smal for you as you say…it still looks amazing! Xo
@stylemelauren
http://www.stylemelauren.com
Hi Jean,
I was wondering what you would wear on a weekend ski trip? I'm going with a few friends and will mostly be staying in the cabin but plan on going out sledding maybe. Could you do a post on what to wear for this kind of a trip? Thanks!!
I've never ordered from Boohoo before, or even browsed their site, but I'm so glad to know that they are petite friendly and I have a new brand to check out whenever I'm looking for something!
Julia // Little Miss Haute Couture
Love Boohoo, they have some really good pieces and I got the same coat but in camel!
Lauren
http://www.shoeandsashimi.com
I can see how the drape coat's quality can be a bit worrisome, and it's so thin! But the drapy-ness and flowy-ness of it is undeniably covetable.
•.•°•.• savorytouch •.•°•.•
Nice outfits, you look great!!!
xo Alessia
http://www.fleurdhiver.com
I caved and ordered the jeans posted here from boohoo in the 6p based on your feedback. The style and price with discount code made it to hard to pass up. Fingers crossed.
Even this dress looks great on you 🙂 Thanks for the sizing info, I usually get burnt… 🙁
I order from Boohoo all the time. Great pieces at even better prices. Sizing seems the same as H&M; or Asos
I actually order from Boohoo quite often. It's great for getting basic style items or trendy items that you want to experiment. I am 160cm tall and I find their regular range fits me fairly well. 🙂
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
I have been wanting to order stuff from Boohoo for a while. Thanks for the sizing information.
http://www.citybelleblog.com
The length of the jeans is perfect. Always hesitant to try out international fast fashion brands but your review was helpful. Good to know! I'll definitely check them out 🙂
-Mei
http://www.piecesofmei.com
Love how you paired the coat with jeans and heels. So chic yet casual. Lovely post 🙂
xoxo
http://www.kellylookbook.com
Even though the fit of the red dress may feel like a sausage casing to you (laughed so hard!) you look STUNNING in it! Just don't sit down and you'll be fine!
Jean, do you have any recommendations for inexpensive work out clothes? I have no clue where to look and I usually go to the gym in leggings and old tees.
Have you seen the Cormac coat at Aritzia? It's a waterfall style coat! It's on the expensive side and only the sleeves are lined – but it's quite warm since it is a wool coat. I bought it this past fall and absolutely love it! I'm a bit taller than you (5'2) and didn't need to alter it at all. You might need to shorten the sleeves a bit though. Just thought I'd share 🙂
Ooh those jeans look like they would fit me perfectly (pre-pregnancy though, lol!) Great review! I'll have to check them out soon! 🙂
I'm not petite, but I still really like this review. That waterfall coat is very cute–almost the kind of thing I'd consider wearing indoors during the Chicago winter.
Lifestyle by Joules
I've been seeing a lot more bloggers plugging BooHoo and was always super hesitant since the quality never looked that great to me. I like that your review is very honest and addresses the quality of the items. I've had bad experiences where I saw something a blogger wore and bought it because it looked great but the quality (it was from Shein) was HORRIFIC and I was super disappointed that she didn't disclose that. I think with these cheaper sites, it's super important to read reviews. It's something that I also do with Forever 21.
Even though that red dress is tight, I think you look amazing in it! And love it paired with the nude shoes.
coffeeslag
COFFEESLAG Current Healthy Habits
"…and also because their name makes me a little sad." Ha! That made me laugh. 🙂
I've been considering a similar jacket from Missguided, so I'm glad to know your thoughts on that and the Boohoo!
I absolutely love the coat! And the shoes as well!
http://www.llindatt.blogspot.com
Wow the sizing is tiny! I haven't ordered from them before but will keep your size recs in mind if I ever do
Xo
Joyce
http://www.teawithmd.com
A doctor's guide to health and beauty!
Hi Jean!
I think those jeans look AMAZING, even if they are super snug 🙂 In the jeans and "coat" outfit it's almost hard to believe you are 5' tall. The outfit has a very slimming effect, which can be hard in such a longer coat.
Do you have a recommendation for a pair of jeans (besides these in this post, trying to stay in US) that are reasonably priced for petites. I'm a 24, in designer jeans, and 4'11", but have a tough time dishing out close to $200 for a pair. At least since having kids 🙂
Any advice would be great! Thank you!
Club Monaco has some beautiful waterfall drape coats and trenches that are lined and on sale! Although, they may require some shortening in the sleeves. Great picks from Boohoo!
I haven't shopped from Boohoo myself but have seen others who have, and you basically described what I'd expect. I'm not sure I'd get something unless I absolutely love it due to no free returns and quality. Thanks for this!!
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Great style!! Awesome outfit!
Xoxo,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
I have not make any purchases from both shops before but have definitely heard of them. The coat does look good on you although the quality is not the best, thanks for sharing!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
You picked up some really gorgeous pieces from Boohoo! Pity the sizing wasn't quite right.
Avanti
xxx
Avantigarde.wordpress.com
The idea of a comfy snuggy-like coat is kind of tempting!
Jemily Life
amazing coat! really love it!!!
ChocolateFashionCoffee
ChocolateFashionCoffee Facebook Page
Love your wrap jacket! It looks great<3
Shall We Sasa
I have ordered from boohoo before and I've also found their sizing to be quite small!