I’m 5’1″ and it’s taken me years to find the best petite jeans that don’t drag or have to be hemmed. I’ve tried all types of women’s jeans: petite-size wide-leg jeans, classic straight-leg jeans, vintage-inspired flares, and all sorts of cropped lengths. Well, after years of testing and polling our network of petite editors, I’m bringing you the very best ones in different sizes, shapes, and styles. Plus, tips from a stylist on trending denim styles and how to decipher inseam measurements. Ahead, jeans that will give your shorter stature the confidence you deserve.
The best petite jeans, at a glance
- Best High-Waist Petite Jeans: Levi’s Ribcage Straight-Leg Ankle Jeans, $98
- Best Straight-Leg Petite Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise Relaxed ’90s Jeans, $80
- Best Wide-Leg Petite Jeans: Pistola Lexi Distressed Ankle Wide Leg Jeans, $168
- Best Petite Skinny Jeans: Rag & Bone Nina High Rise Skinny Jeans, $198
- Best Plus-Size Petite Jeans: Good American Bootcut Jeans, $159
- Best Curvy Petite Jeans: Madewell The Petite Curvy Crop Jean, $128
- Best Petite Jeans on Amazon: Amazon Essentials High-Rise Skinny Jean, $28
Your petite jeans questions, answered
What should you look for when shopping for petite jeans?
First things first: How exactly does one shop for petite jeans? In short, it can certainly take a lot of trial and error. “When it comes to jeans for petite women, it’s all about finding pairs that offer the right fit and proportion, especially in terms of inseam and rise,” says celebrity stylist Sonja Christensen. But this might prove to be a challenge, as most of the in-store “regular” inseams require pricy hemming, which can take away from the silhouette or a bottom detail such as a cool raw finish or cuffed hem. Reading the inseam length in product descriptions can help you get a better sense of what may work for your height. (More on measuring inseams below.) And while “normal” cropped styles can be worn as a full-length pair of jeans, it’s much easier to shop online for styles that are specifically proportioned for petite sizing, as with high-waist pairs that come in short or petite.
What about inseams and the rise?
Mastering the technique of finding the right inseam and rise will go a long way when it comes to shopping for petite jeans. First, the inseam. That’s the measurement from your inner thigh to ankle; if you’re short, that’s is likely around 25 to 31 inches. “Normally when styling petite people, I measure the inside of a client’s leg to their ankle, but it’s important to note that everyone’s bodies are different, so everyone will have a specific inseam, depending on their body,” says fashion stylist Zoe Gofman. We recommend buying a fabric tape measure so you can know your exact measurements when shopping online.
Inseams are important because the wrong length can make your legs look shorter or require alterations, says Christensen. And something else to note: You’ll want to look for different inseams based on the style that you’re going for as well. Her advice: “If you want cropped jeans, look for inseams between 24″ and 26″, as they’ll hit around the ankle or slightly above, which elongates the legs. For classic full-length (wide-leg or bootcut) jeans, opt for 27″ to 29″ to prevent the jeans from dragging on the ground. Finally, if you’re shopping for skinny jeans, look for a 26″ to 28″ inseam that will fall just above or at the ankle for a streamlined fit.”
The rise of the jean will also make a difference when it comes to how flattering your petite jeans are. “High-rise jeans are especially flattering on petite frames, as they create the illusion of longer legs and a defined waist,” says Christensen. But mid-rise jeans can also work on petite bodies, especially if you prefer a more relaxed fit. Christensen recommends avoiding low-rise jeans if you’re on the petite side, as these can make you appear shorter.
How to style petite jeans
Styling petite jeans comes down to what kind of look you’re going for, and what areas of your body you prefer to accentuate. “Opt for high-rise styles to lengthen your legs and accentuate your waist. You can do this by tucking in tops or wearing crop tops with high-rise jeans to elongate your frame,” says Christensen. She also notes that vertical elements draw the eye up and down, which will make you look taller, so choose jeans with vertical seams or a center crease to create a streamlined effect. Fitted tops are another way to accentuate your waist while wearing petite jeans, and Christensen recommends trying a French tuck (slipping only the front of your top under the waistband) or tying the bottom of a button-down shirt. And when in doubt, a slight cuff might just do the trick in giving your petite jeans a little more style, but proceed with caution, says Christensen. “Keep cuffs small and neat, just one or two folds, or opt for a raw hem for a trendy look that won’t add bulk.”
According to Gofman, the shoe you pair your pants with can also make a huge difference. If the jeans are a bit longer, you can style them with a platform or pointed heel, if they’re shorter (or ankle length), you can pair them with a ballet flat or slim sneakers. “I also think that the purpose of the jean—and what type of shoe you plan to wear it with—can determine what kind of petite jeans to shop for,” she says.
How we tested petite jeans
We tested petite jeans on a variety of body shapes and heights, all 5’4″ and under. We looked for a few key elements. First we made sure the jeans didn’t drag on the ground (even in flats) and that they didn’t create gaps at the small of the back. We also looked at the flexibility of the material, accessibility of their fit (if they felt too snug or just right), and how comfortable the jeans were throughout a day of wear. We also made sure to test a variety of inseams and rises, and these were the very best petite pairs that dominated.
Meet the experts
- Zoe Gofman, fashion stylist who works in New York and Los Angeles
- Sonja Christensen, celebrity stylist and fashion expert for Losano
