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By Julie Tong and Talia Abbas Rectangular Pipe Flange
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As someone who stands five feet two, I can firmly attest it’s been a challenge to find the best jeans for petite women to fit my short frame. I’ve often been let down when ordering a pair online (in the hopes it would magically fit me) or when I would take a pair to the dressing room, only to find the jeans far extended past my ankles. Of course, a trip to the tailor is always an option, but when it comes to something as practical and universal as denim, it’s neither cost-effective nor efficient to do so each and every time. The key? Paying attention to the inseam length and rise.
If you’re like me, stick to inseams between 25 and 26 inches and under; if you’re five feet three, you can go up to 27 inches. Madeleine Cohen, founder of Nelle Atelier—a newly launched petite clothing brand that debuted with denim—echoes this.
“Women should look for inseams between 25 and 31”, focusing on the shorter end of that range when wearing flats and the longer end when wearing heels,” she says. Additionally, Cohen recommends “rises that hover around 11” for high-rise; anything above that will feel constricting around the ribcage.” To summarize:
Whether you’re searching for a style that is high-waisted, boot cut, flared, or distressed—the perfect pair of jeans awaits. Ahead, shop the 22 best petite jeans for women I’ve found over the years.
The Crop mini boot jeans
Why It’s Worth It: Ask any fashion editor, and you’ll find Frame is often at the top of their denim list. Offering supreme style, quality, and a seamless fit, it’s no surprise I love Frame’s cropped bootcut jeans. They hit at the perfect mid-rise height, falling neither too low nor too high, right before my ankles. (They also come in a variety of washes, from true black to a faded blue-grey.) I like to pair these with my Proenza Schouler x Birkenstocks during the summertime and look forward to swapping them out for a pair of lug sole boots in the fall.
The Insider cropped step fray jeans
Why it’s worth it: Naturally, this pair by Mother says it all in the name. Not only does it put an extra pep in my step when I slip these on, but I love that they have a frayed hem for a bit of extra edge too. Shop it in seven different shades and 12 different sizes.
Why It’s Worth It: If you haven’t tried Everlane’s denim yet, now’s the time to take the plunge. The label is known for creating timeless pieces at an accessible price point and their Way High jeans are a great option for those searching for a classic pair of straight-leg jeans for petite women. Even better, the style includes a bit of extra stretch for all-day lasting comfort.
Why it’s worth it: Levi’s Wedgie jeans have been a wardrobe staple of mine for years. Not only do they hit my ankles perfectly, but they’re comfortable for all-day wear. Shop them in a variety of shades, from classic blue and washed black to white and more.
petite Perfect Vintage wide-leg jeans
Why It’s Worth It: These wide-leg Jeans feel sleek and modern, despite the retro silhouette. Style these up for the office with a cinched blazer and kitten heels or for a night-out in town, an asymmetrical tank and silver baubles.
The Vivian jeans in black rinse
Why It’s Worth It: Khaite may be known for its RTW and handbags, but don’t sleep on the brand’s denim line. Its Vivian jeans in black rinse are one of my favorite pairs. They give a tailored trouser feel (minus the trousers and tailor) but all-around jeans comfort.
Why It’s Worth It: Another editor favorite, Tove’s Sade jeans are straight off the runway. They come in a crisp white and have a finished hem. They’re more full-length than cropped, with a tapered leg and high-rise waist.
Why It’s Worth It: There are many versions of Slvrlake’s Mica jeans—with a double waistband, with raw hems, in light and dark washes, etc. There’s also a cropped version with a 29-inch inseam. They fit slightly oversize, so size down if you want a closer fit—the waist is also low-rise; note the 9-inch rise. If a 34-inch inseam feels too long for you and you don’t want to upturn the cuffs as I often do, I’d suggest opting for the cropped version instead.
Why It’s Worth It: Baggy jeans might not be the best office clothes for women for everyone, but if your work dress code is relaxed (or more fashion-forward), you’ll find these baggy, low-rise jeans a versatile women’s wardrobe essential. I have two pairs already—this light wash which I love for summer, and a black for winter!
Why It’s Worth It: Inspired by vintage fits, Toteme’s twisted seam jeans are a failsafe choice. They have a tiny bit of stretch but are made of 100% cotton (if you don’t love super rigid denim, you’ll appreciate these). I’m partial to this faded blue wash, but if you prefer darker or lighter, there’s black, grey, and white to choose from. Some fit guides say they run large, but I find them true to size; I also like the mid-rise as some high rises can be quite suffocating when your torso isn’t super long.
petite Kick Out crop jeans
Why It’s Worth It: Madewell makes a really good pair of white denim. Its Kick Out Crop jeans in white are my go-to summer pair. But you can wear them all year long, because the no white after Labor Day rule is not one we like to follow here at Vogue.
high rise '70s flare jeans
Why It’s Worth It: Gap’s denim collection is a fan favorite of our own accessories director and their petites collection is one of the best in the market. We especially love their ‘70s flare jeans, available in a jet black, which provide a more sophisticated take on traditional flares. We like to style these with a pair of boots or high heels for added height. Note, the inseam on these jeans are on the higher end of the spectrum ( 30”).
Why It’s Worth It: I wrote about Tibi’s Sid pants in a gray chino for a different story on petite trousers, and just had to include the denim version here as well. It’s that good! Barrel legs can be overwhelming when you’re not blessed with super long legs, but when the proportions are right—as they do here—it works! Senior market editor (and fellow petite!), Madeline Fass, has the dark denim wash of these that she loves and styled in a recent Vogue Club episode.
Why It’s Worth It: And because one pair isn’t good enough, Gap’s skinny jeans are a pair I can rely on all year long. For the best petite jeans for women at the best price point, look no further than Gap.
Why It’s Worth It: If you’re eyeing something with a vintage feel, Re/Done is a denim line that offers a wide mix of cuts and styles. I especially like this light-wash vintage version. Just remember to pay close attention to inseam lengths, as they do vary by style.
70s high rise Stove Pipe jeans
Why It’s Worth It: These tried-and-true blues from Re/Done are made for slipping on for a weekend stroll, heading to lunch, or running errands. Style it with your favorite striped sweater and loafers for a no-fuss weekend formula.
Why It’s Worth It: If you’re like me and already a fan of La Ligne’s covet-worthy striped knits, their newest foray into denim will not disappoint. I’ve been wearing La Ligne’s Meredith jean non-stop. The ink-colored jeans have a slight flare and cropped hem, which fit my 5’2” frame easily, despite being ½ inch longer than my usual 27” rule. Style it with a pair of loafers and a blazer for the office or a pair of slides and a white tee for a winning weekend ensemble.
Why It’s Worth It: Citizens combine the best of both worlds in their Emerson jeans— which blends a boyfriend style with a cropped length. These jeans are made for wearing during long weekends with a classic white T-shirt and Birkenstock Boston clogs. Need we say more?
Why It’s Worth It: I love this Agolde jean so much I own it in multiple washes; it’s easily also one of my most cherished wardrobe essentials. It’s technically a cropped “regular” style, but on my frame it fits like a full-length. It’s made of 100% cotton—a.k.a. rigid denim that gets better and softer over time. A word of caution: Size down. The light blue wash has stretched almost a full two sizes over the last few years. (FWIW, the dark and white ones have kept their shape more. )
Why It’s Worth It: Petite jeans for women can be hit or miss, but Nelle Atelier delivers with its tailored-to-fit off the rack denim offering. The Emily in Sapphire, is an editor-favorite, a straight-leg “mom” jean for petite women with a mid-rise that doesn’t cling to the thighs or knees as well as The Claire, which gives a slouchy, relaxed fit that feels adjacent to a boyfriend jean.
Lil' Hustler ankle fray jeans
Why It’s Worth It: Mother is one of the best labels to shop petite jeans and recently, the storied denim brand took it one step further to optimize their petite collection for the most flattering fit for women 5’4” and under. They’ve raised their denim’s knee placement and adjusted their denim proportions with even shorter rises and inseams.
Taylor high-rise wide crop jeans
Why It’s Worth It: If you’re looking for a set of wide-leg jeans that have the added benefit of a cropped hem, look towards Veronica Beard’s Taylor jeans. The cropped hem offers a shorter inseam at 27” which is helpful when paired with flats. The light-wash is equally perfect for summertime when styled with a set of espadrilles and a breezy white blouse.
Peyton mid-rise slim ankle jeans
Why It’s Worth It: In a crisp white, Rag & Bone’s Peyton jeans are comfortable and slimming to wear. The label is known for its downtown New York style, and these jeans can take you from the city to a vacation anytime of year. I suggest pairing them with Alaia’s mesh flats and a striped jumper.
Why It’s Worth It: For a tried and true pair of straight leg jeans, this style from J.Crew is a wardrobe essential. Available in several washes, from dark indigo to light blue, white and black, it's a seasonless staple in the closet. You can take extra comfort knowing the cotton used in these jeans have sustainable roots (certified by Regenagri).
Why It’s Worth It: New to Buck Mason: jeans for women! The brand recently introduced denim into its women’s assortment and I tried this pair on that I was immediately sold on. They have a high-waist, come in a few washes, and hug the bum very nicely, which helps give definition to wider legs. The inseam is on the longer side, but the brand offers free alterations online and in-store, which is a major plus—you can go down to 28 inches!
“Petite jeans are shrunken down versions of regular size jeans,” Madewell’s SVP of Denim Design, Mary Pierson tells Vogue. “This means the jean is taken in at every major measurement point— slightly on the circumferences but a little more in the lengths. We don’t just make the inseams shorter; we make the rises slightly shorter and change the placement of the knee to accommodate for a smaller petite frame.” This approach ensures a balance of proportions; it’s also why a “quick snip” of the hem rarely works out.
When it comes to specifics to look out for, Pierson says that rise and knee placement are crucial to keep in mind. “Even if it is a high-rise jean, it still needs to hit at your natural waistline at/or slightly above your belly button. The knee placement needs to align so that the leg shape of the jean stays true to its intent,” she says. (I can concur—nothing throws the overall proportion off quite like when the knee caps hit the shins or when the rise’s all the way up at the ribcage.)
As for which styles suit best for short women, any silhouette can be flattering as long as the proportions are aligned. “Wide leg and flare jeans are so hot right now, but this style can be overwhelming for a petite frame if it’s not done right,” Pierson says. Cohen adds that anything leg-lengthening will be a win: Think high-waisted styles, plus inseams that either skim the floor or hit right at the ankle bone.
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