If you're 5'4 (162cm) or under, you know the frustration - dresses that fall too long, waists that sit in the wrong place and proportions that just don't feel quite right.

Our Under 5'4 collection is carefully adjusted to flatter petite heights without compromising on style, fit or comfort - with no tailoring required! And it's not just for smaller sizes. The collection is available in AU6–AU16, because great fit is about proportion, not dress size.

WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT UNDER 5'4?

These aren't simply shortened versions of our regular styles. Each piece has lengths reduced and volume carefully balanced in the design details, ensuring a more proportioned and effortless fit for shorter frames.

SHORTER LENGTHS
Adjusted dress, skirt and pant lengths to better suit a shorter frame.

BETTER PROPORTIONS
Key garment proportions are considered so the style sits where it's intended to.

THE SAME ONCEWAS DESIGN
The prints, fabrics and signature details you love, redesigned for a shorter frame.

SIZES AU6–AU16
Because being under 5'4 has nothing to do with being a smaller dress size.

easy returns and exchanges

We understand that shopping online can feel a little daunting, especially if you're used to trying things on in-store. But rest assured, we’ve made the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

We offer easy returns and exchanges on all full-priced items*. If your order isn’t quite right, you’ll have 14 days from the date of delivery to return or exchange your item via our online returns portal.

It’s quick, easy, and all handled through our website, so you can shop with confidence knowing we’ve got you covered.

*Please note: If you’re planning to purchase using Afterpay or Klarna, we recommend reviewing our Returns Policy prior to checkout, as conditions may vary with third-party payment providers.

REVIEWS FROM THE OW COMMUNITY

★★★★★

Wonderful, helpful customer service and, as always, the most beautifully designed and made garments.

Caroline D
★★★★★

I love the petite range, especially the pants , I’m 162cm and the length is always perfect for me. I especially love the prints and quality of the fabric.

Julie M
★★★★★

From the ease of purchasing online to the fast delivery, OnceWas has beautiful, well made, quality clothing that makes you proud to wear.

Trudy W
★★★★★

Love it!!!I Love the fabric it feels so beautiful on and adds a delightful texture. The detail is exquisite and I love the versatility of the dress.

JULIE C

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Under 5'4 Collection is thoughtfully designed for women 5'4 (162cm) and under. Selected OnceWas styles are re-proportioned for a shorter frame, so you can enjoy the same signature designs with a fit better suited to your height.

Not at all. Being under 5'4 is about height, not dress size. Our Under 5'4 Collection is available in AU6–AU16, with each size thoughtfully proportioned for women 5'4 (162cm) and under.

Our Under 5'4 styles aren't simply shortened. Key proportions are considered and adjusted for a shorter frame, helping the garment sit where it was designed to and reducing the need for alterations.

Yes. Our Under 5'4 Collection is designed for women who are 5'4 (162cm) and under.

You can use our Size Guide here to help you find your perfect size. We also provide all garment measurements on each product page under 'Size and Fit'. We recommend comparing these measurements to something similar in your own wardrobe to help with sizing.

For general enquiries, you can contact us through our online chat, by phone 0478 041 230, or via emailhello@oncewas.com.au. Our Customer Care Team is available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and we’re here to assist you!

Yes, we offer Free Shipping on all orders over $200 for a limited time only. Standard shipping is available for orders under $200 at a flat rate of $12 & Express shipping is available at a flat rate of $18

Our Head Office is located in Hawthorn East, Victoria, and every second Friday, we open the front of our office to the public as our 'Styling Studio'. This gives our customers the opportunity to try on all the OnceWas pieces available online. You can check here for the next Styling Studio open date.

Preorder means you are purchasing an item before we have the physical stock available. Our preorder items are marked with a preorder banner and will always include the preorder dispatch information in the product description.