Banana Republic launched its petites line online in 2001 and experimented with a petite selection in three stores starting in 2003. In August of 2004, Banana Republic petites came to Canada, at the Toronto Eaton Centre's women's store. Currently, Banana Republic has several petite-only stores, but none is in Canada.

In Toronto, petites are available at two stores-the recently renovated Bloor St. store as well as the Eaton Centre. In both stores, selection is rather small, compared to what is available online and the main stores. Selection seems to be limited to the basics, such as sweaters, pants, some skirts and dress shirts. Most dresses trendy items seem to only be available in regular sizes. There is more selection online, but unfortunately, none of the GAP Inc stores deliver north of the border. If you are petite, live in Canada and want to buy trendier items, a US address is a must. However, younger petites will be able to find clothes that would actually fit their lifestyle, since Banana Republic seems to cater to a 20 or 30-something crowd.

Size-wise, petites at Banana Republic range from 00P (a new size and available online only) to 12P. Since many petite women tend to be on the slim side, the smallest sizes will be the first to go, so if you are slim and see something that you really like, grab it! Banana Republic sizes tend to be on the larger side, so if you are not a usual Banana shopper, you may find that you're trying on something that is a size or two smaller. While Banana Republic cuts its petite lines not only a little shorter, but a little slimmer, they still recommend that you buy your regular size in petites. The inseam length for Banana Republic pants is 29 1/2" compared to 31" for short, 33" for regular and 35" for long.

At most stores, salespeople are friendly and very helpful in what a shopper is looking for. If the shopper is looking for a jacket that will best match a pair of pants or skirt they already have at home, salespeople will gladly help. However, some don't seem to be very knowledgeable about upcoming Banana Republic trends, such as new sizes or when certain items that have appeared on their website will launch in stores. But all in all, Banana is a great place for young petites to find clothes that fit without alterations.

Banana Republic is part of Gap Inc, which includes Old Navy, Gap and Forth and Towne (currently in the US only). There are currently 43 Banana Republic stores that sell petites, including those in the US and Puerto Rico. In Canada, petites are available in the following stores:

Banana Republic , Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby, British Columbia

Banana Republic, Richmond Centre, Richmond, British Columbia

Banana Republic, 1098 Robson Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

Banana Republic, Rideau Centre, Ottawa, Ontario

Banana Republic, Eaton Centre, Toronto, Ontario

Banana Republic, 80 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario