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The 26 Best Jeans for Short Women, Tested and Reviewed by Petite Editors

Editor-tested, starting as low as $50

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

Best jeans for short women: 3 images of petite women wearing denim and a badge
Chelsea Candelario, Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images, Jillian Quint

As anyone who’s petite knows, it’s not easy finding a pair of jeans that fit your proportions. I'm petite (5’3”, to be exact), so I know that even when I shop savvy, say, by perusing the best jeans for women according to our editors, I can wind up with skinny jeans that leave me with pooled fabric at my ankles, or sagging fanny fabric because I didn't choose the best jeans for a flat butt. These and other woes—like fading and tailoring that hits at the wrong place on our legs—arise when slipping on denim that wasn’t designed for my frame. But I'm thinking, enough! Short queens like Sabrina Carpenter and Simone Biles would never accept such lackluster fits! So neither am I. My colleagues, PureWow's petite editors, tested and reviewed the best jeans for short women—as well as intel sourced from top denim designers.

Here's a quick rule of thumb for petites I learned from our experts: Focus on the inseam first, which is the actual length of the jeans’ leg itself. For those on the shorter side, an inseam of 26 inches or less is the most ideal. However, if you like to wear your denim with heels, you can go for a slightly longer inseam. “At Joe’s Jeans, we consider full-length petite to be a 31-inch inseam, which can be worn with heels without dragging on the ground,” says the brand’s senior women's denim designer, Lisa Aragon. She says Joe’s also makes “ankle-length petite sizes at a 25-inch inseam, which will hit right around the ankle bone for most.” Read on for more denim low-down, including the brand that custom-hems your jeans for free (Buck Mason), the curvy petites' go-to brand (Universal Standard) and a new silhouette that has turned one petite shopping editor into a barrel-leg jeans enthusiast (Abercrombie & Fitch).

11 Styling Tips All Short Women Should Live By


The Best Jeans for Short Women at a Glance

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Meet the Experts

•  Mary Pierson is Madewell’s SVP of Denim Design. Prior to that, she worked in design and denim production at other brands renowned for their denim, including J Brand and the Gap.

•  Lisa Aragon is a Senior Denim Designer at Joe’s Jeans. She has also worked in denim design for Frame, another spot well-known for their beloved denim styles.

What to Look for in Petite Jeans

• An inseam of 26 inches or less if you're planning to wear with flats, or a bit longer for heels
• A mid- or high-rise waist that helps to create the illusion of more height
• Shop for brands that carry “short” or “petite” sizes
• Avoid any styles with a wider cuff, which can make your legs appear shorter

How I Chose the Best Jeans for Short Women

To pinpoint the very best denim available for petites, I chatted with the experts above, and also polled the petite editors on our staff to get their top picks—and fit insights—on the best jeans for short women. I further corroborated our editor recommendations with customer reviews to ensure these particular styles are loved by other short women. Finally, I added some honorable mentions at the end of the story—a handful of jeans our editors haven't worn yet, but that come with rave reviews from petite buyers. The result is a robust list of jean options that every short gal should keep in her back pocket.

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Editor Favorites

best jeans for short women madewell wide leg
Jillian Quint

Best Wide-Leg Jean

1. Madewell Petite Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean

What I Like

  • slight stretch
  • accents curves
  • 19-inch leg opening

What I Don't Like

  • rear end is a bit loose

Madewell

Petite Reviewer: Jillian Quint, 5’1”

"I've been wanting zero-stretch jeans for a long time, but have been having trouble pulling the trigger since I'm short in the butt and hips department, and find that I often need elastic to give myself the illusion of curves," PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint says. "The Perfect Vintage Wide leg from Madewell are the perfect solution, since there's just a teensy tiny bit of stretch in the waist, but they're otherwise very structured. I love that the petite sizing isn't overwhelming on my small frame and that the 27.5" inseam hits right at my ankle (I'm 5'1"). I had read reviews that you should size up, which I sort of regret doing. I might have preferred a tighter fit for the old derriere."

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 33; petite, standard, plus, tall
  • Material: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 27.5 inches
Best jeans for short women: Levi's culotte jeans
Dana Dickey

Best Culotte Jeans

2. Levi's XL Culotte Jeans

What I Like

  • sturdy denim
  • wide leg is breezy for warm weather
  • non-stretch

What I Don't Like

  • detachable denim belt is unnecessary
  • need to size down

Levi's

Petite Reviewer: Dana Dickey, 5'3"

Every time I wear these jeans, I get compliments, which is a total shock because the style pretty much goes against every tenet of petite dressing, which favors body-con styles instead of masses of fabric. But somehow these jeans, which are basically so full that they resemble a maxiskirt when you aren't walking, look super fresh and fashiony. I wear them with flats and a t-shirt, though they'd be cool with heels and a blouse, too. The heft of the denim makes these look like much more expensive designer denim—way to go, Levi's!

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 34
  • Material: 95 percent cotton, 5 percent recycled cotton
  • Inseam: 23.5 inches
Best jeans for short women: Quince jeans
Jillian Quint

Best Value

3. Quince Luna Stretch Slim Jeans

What I Like

  • very slight stretch
  • no sagging
  • great price

What I Don't Like

  • thin fabric isn't super warm for winter

Quince

Petite Reviewer: Jillian Quint, 5’1”

"I tried the Stretch Mid Rise Slim Straight Jeans in a 26-inch inseam, and they fit like a glove," says Quint. "I find myself wearing them everywhere. They’re comfortable enough for airplanes and dressy enough for dinner out. Among the things I like: the very slight stretch, which means they have give in the butt and thighs, but don’t sag in the knees; the straight ankle-length leg, which is a nice balance between an old-fashioned skinny jean and a more modern silhouette; the dark indigo wash, which makes them work and evening appropriate. After washing, they still look good as new—no fading and no puckering."

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 24 to 32
  • Material: 94 percent organic cotton, 5 percent elasterell-p, 1 percent lycra
  • Inseam: 26, 28, 30

Best Curvy Petite Jean

4. Universal Standard Joni High Rise Curve Jeans

What We Like

  • standard inseam fits petites
  • doesn’t gap at the waist
  • they have ‘give’ in all the right places

What We Don’t Like

  • sizing between washes can vary

Universal Standard

Petite Reviewer: Chelsea Candelario, 5’0"

The cut of the denim matters when it comes to getting the right fit and the Joni jean from Universal Standard delivers. “I hate wearing jeans, but this pair has changed my tune,” says PureWow Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario. “I'm 5’0” and the slim leg cut falls right by my ankles without any fabric bunching up, which is the worst for petite gals. They're also high-waist and fit comfortably all day long. Oh, and they have deep pockets!” That’s not all: The Joni style is ideal for those who have over a 10-inch waist-to-hip difference. By accounting for that, it means you can have a tailored fit without sacrificing flexibility and comfort—critical when choosing the right pair of denim.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 00 to 40
  • Material: 90 percent cotton, 8 percent polyester, 2 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 27 inches
Best jeans for short women: Abercrombie & Fitch barrel leg jeans
Stephanie Maida

Best Barrel Shape

5. Abercrombie & Fitch Mid Rise Barrel Jean

What I Like

  • side seam extra fabric
  • rigid denim

What I Don't Like

  • need to balance with snug top

Abercrombie & Fitch

Petite Reviewer: Stephanie Maida, 5'1"

"I was really nervous to try the controversial barrel silhouette but these A&F jeans sold me on it upon first wear," Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida writes in her detailed story about wearing barrel jeans as a petite. "I love the slightly slouchy fit and the feel of the denim—they’re very sturdy as they’re 100 percent cotton, but they’re not too stiff. In addition to the fact that the short size comes in at the ideal length (right at my ankle), my favorite thing about them might be the unique front seaming that not only works to subdue the shape somewhat, but also helps to elongate the leg—the more vertical lines, the better!"

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 24 to 34, short, regular, long
  • Material: 100 percent cotton, pocket bag: 70 percent polyester, 30 percent cotton
  • Inseam: 26 inches
best jeans for short women: Editor Rachael Bowie testing Mother jeans
Rachel Bowie

Best Splurge-Worthy Jean

6. Mother Denim The Lil’ Hustler Ankle Fray

What I Like

  • buttery soft
  • proportions hit at all the right places
  • stretch denim

What I Don’t Like

  • wish there were more washes to choose from

Mother

Petite Reviewer: Rachel Bowie, 5’2”

Mother Denim is beloved for their buttery-soft denim (it feels like it beautifully melds to every curve on your body), so we were thrilled to see them add a petites line late last year. “They’ve taken all their best-selling styles—like the Hustler Ankle Fray—and tweaked the proportions for the under 5’4” set,” says PureWow Senior Director of Special Projects Rachel Bowie. “I was blown away by how well they nailed the fit, from the higher knee placement to the shorter rise. Also, the ankle length. I’m so used to taking denim to the tailor for adjustments, but this particular style was one I was able to wear right out of the box. And I live it in.”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 34
  • Material: 94 percent cotton, 5 percent polyester, 1 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 25 1/2 inches

BEST POCKET DETAIL

7. Maeve Colette Denim Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans

What I Like

  • 24-inch inseam
  • front pocket detail
  • good weight to the denim

What I Don’t Like

  • zipper occasionally falls a bit

Maeve

Petite Reviewer: Jillian Quint, 5’1”

This form-fitting high-rise jean offers a mod sort of look. The fabric delivers the perfect combination of structure and style. It also features two front-facing pockets that make for a surprising detail, and is free of any side seams. PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint wears hers to the office with walkable heels. "The Colettes are my secret weapon, because they appear high-waist (but actually come up to just below my belly button)," she says. "And thanks to a 24-inch inseam in the petite sizing, they hit right above my ankle.”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23P to 34P
  • Material: 81 percent cotton, 11 percent lyocell, 6 percent elastomultiester, 2 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 24 inches

Best White Jeans

8. NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jeans

What I Like

  • waist hugs without bulging
  • not at all see-through
  • easy stain-removal upon washing

What I Don’t Like

  • inseam length is borderline for petites

NYDJ

Petite Reviewer: Dana Dickey, 5’3”

This problem doesn’t only apply to petites: Finding a non-see-through pair of white jeans is like uncovering the holy grail. This option fits the bill and more. No pocket flaps in sight! I appreciate how these jeans hug my curvy booty without being too tight, or showing any visible panty lines. They are that perfect crisp white—the brand calls it optic white—that really signals summer. And they stay crisp—even after I've endlessly washed out all the little stains that white jeans get. The inseam is on the longer side for petites, but the fit still was good for my 5’3” fame.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 00P to 18P
  • Material: 88 percent cotton, 10 percent polyester, 2 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 30 inches

Best Free Hemming

9. Buck Mason Rider Jeans

What I Like

  • free hemming at purchase
  • versatile 12 oz. weight
  • five colorways including bright white and black

What I Don't Like

  • pricey

Buck Mason

Petite Reviewer: Natalie LaBarbera, 5’2”

Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera enthuses about her Buck Mason Rider jeans. "I love these for just a totally classic jean option that you can really wear anywhere. The 29-inch inseam leaves me with options for wearing them with heels or I can cuff them with sandals, too," she says. "I would say they run a bit small (though they have a little bit of stretch), so you might want to go up a size, especially if you're usually in between sizes."

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 24 to 32
  • Material: 12 ox. cotton twill, slight stretch
  • Inseam: 29 inches with free hemming

Best for Heels

10. AYR The Secret Sauce

What I Like

  • Soft cotton
  • slightly stretchy

What I Don't Like

  • shortest inseam is 29.5 inches

AYR

Petite Reviewer: Jillian Quint, 5’1”

"I'm really glad I sized down with these jeans, because they're quite wide, and I wanted them to really hug in the hips and butt area. Overall, the quality feels high--I could really dress them up for dinner or the office. Although, at 5'1" I find I can't wear these jeans (which, in "short" have a 29.5" inseam) with anything other than heels."

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 24 to 34 in short, regular and long
  • Material: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 29.5 inches

Best Cargo Style

11. Paige Carly Cargo Jeans

What I Like

  • side pockets
  • supersoft denim
  • stretch

What I Don't Like

  • hangs best with heels
  • label says dry clean only

Paige

Petite Reviewer: Dana Dickey, 5'3"

In a happy accident, I machine-washed these jeans and they became an inch shorter, so now I can wear them with sandals. They didn't get any tighter though, so they're still super soft and stretchy. I get compliments from strangers on the unusual styling, which is a little bit Gen Z cargo pant (the big pockets) and a little bit classic denim (the wide straight leg). I like how these low-key jeans bring a little extra style.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 34 side pocket
  • Material: 93 percent cotton, 5 percent polyester, 2 percent spandex
  • Inseam: 28 inches
best jeans for short women: We the Free Risk Taker jeans
Natalie LaBarbera

Best Stitching

12. We the Free Risk Taker Jeans

What I Like

  • raw hem
  • soft but retains shape
  • subtle top stitching down leg

What I Don't Like

  • mid-rise

Free People

Petite Reviewer: Natalie LaBarbera, 5’2”

"I'm obsessed with the straight cut of these jeans. They feel so comfortable, even when I wear them out for a full day, plus they feel trendy without being too overwhelming," LaBarbera says. "The denim is soft, too, which definitely adds to their comfort, and the short length hits perfectly right at my shoes (though I did trim some of the frayed hem after I washed them). The only thing I don't totally love is that they have a mid-rise, (I prefer something higher) but that's totally a personal preference)."

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 24 to 33, short, regular and long
  • Material: 68 percent cotton, 31 percent Lyocell, 1 percent Elastane
  • Inseam: 29.5 (checking)

Best Straight Leg

13. J. Crew Slim Straight Jean

What I Like

  • dark denim wash
  • chic minimalist styling
  • well-priced

What I Don't Like

  • they're a little big—no need to size up

J. Crew

Petite Reviewer: Dana Dickey, 5’3”

While I love the look and feel of rigid denim, I don't really have the patience to wear them long enough to soften the fabric. These jeans, made in certified organic denim with a teensy amount of stretch, feel as though they are already broken in, but retain the crisp look of noon-stretch denim. Straight through the hips and thigh, the petite size's inseam hits me right at my ankle, perfect for showing off sandals or a pair of heels. And the high waist means I can wear these with a cute crop top without worrying about baring my midsection.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 32, classic, petite and tall
  • Material: 99 percent regenagri-certified cotton/1 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 27 inches

Sleekest Fit

14. Banana Republic Petite Straight Jean

What I Like

  • easy to dress up for the office
  • stretch fabric
  • sag-free knees

What I Don’t Like

  • button fly can be hard to do and undo

Banana Republic

Petite Reviewer: Jillian Quint, 5’1”

The stovepipe-style fit, the darker wash—these jeans are sophisticated, stylish and ready for the office or a night on the town. Note: The cut is slim, especially through the hip and thigh, but this pair is almost entirely made from organic and recycled cotton, which means that comfort is guaranteed. “As a 5’1” lady with no hips to speak of, I’m always looking for that elusive casual, high-waist, classic jean fit,” says Quint. “I love that these offer just a teensy bit of stretch, but are a thick enough denim to a) create the illusion of hips and b) not sag in the knees (which, p.s., actually hit at my knees).”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 24 to 30
  • Material: 94 percent organic cotton, 5 percent recycled cotton, 1 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 25 1/2 inches

Best Wide Cropped Leg

15. Everlane Cropped Mariner Jean

What I Like

  • 11.75-inch rise
  • flat front

What I Don't Like

  • 27-inch inseam might be too long for shorter legs

Everlane

Petite Reviewer: Natalie LaBarbera, 5'2" 

"Everlane jeans have quickly become my favorite this year," LaBarbera says. "They're so perfectly comfortable to wear all day and don't end up sagging, plus the cropped length hits right at my ankles, which I love. This style's fun, too, because it's not so flared that I feel like they're taking over my short frame, but they definitely have a trendy, stylish look to them."

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 33
  • Material: 98 percent organic cotton, 2 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 27 inches

Best Stretch

16. L’Agence Kendra Jean

What I Like

  • flare is just right
  • stretchy material
  • vintage-feeling wash, especially at the waist

What I Don’t Like

  • can look a bit stretched out after a few wears, but resolves with a wash

L'Agence

Petite Reviewer: Rachel Bowie, 5’2”

The range of petite-friendly denim options at L’Agence surprised our editors. “Yes, the Kendra is a bit of a cropped style, but the fit and feel is total perfection,” Bowie says. “After trying on in-store, I wanted this style in every wash. I love how the stretch in the material really molded itself to my frame. I also think the sanding at the waist, which gives a vintage look, is also quite flattering. I get the most compliments when I wear this particular jean.” Also worth mentioning: the fit of the flare and the cool factor that comes with the raw hem.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 34
  • Material: 94 percent cotton, 5 percent polyester, 1 percent spandex
  • Inseam: 26 inches

BEST BOOT CUT CROPPED JEANS

17. Frame Le Crop Mini Boot

What I Like

  • curve-hugging stretch
  • wide range of washes (eight in total)
  • bootcut fit flares right at the knee

What I Don’t Like

  • can feel a bit tight in the belly, so you may need to size up

Frame

Petite Reviewer: Destinee Scott, 4’11”

So many petite gals mentioned this style from Frame as their favorite denim option. From the stretch cotton blend to the form-fitting silhouette, not to mention the bootcut kick at the knee, it’s a style that really does it all—and with the right inseam, no less. “I love that this style doesn’t bunch up too much at the bottom,” says PureWow Associate Sales and Deals Editor Destinee Scott. “They also have the perfect amount of stretch. I cannot stand stiff jeans and feel they do nothing for the figure, but these really hug every curve.”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 34
  • Material: Made from 44 percent cotton, 42 percent lyocell, 13 percent polyester, 1 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 26 1/2 inches
Best jeans for short women: DL1961 jeans on an editor
Rachel Bowie

COOL RAW HEM FINISH

18. DL1961 Bridget Boot High Rise Instasculpt Crop Jeans

What I Like

  • structured and smoothing fabric
  • material also comes with flexibility and stretch
  • near-perfect fit

What I Don’t Like

  • belly area can look a bit blousy after repeated wears

DL1961

Petite Reviewer: Rachel Bowie, 5’2”

DL1961 is another star in the petite denim department—especially when it comes to their cropped styles. Yes, the “crop” hits like a regular jean here, but the fit is *chef’s kiss*—especially for petites who are used to visiting the tailor. “I also love the structure and contouring that’s inherent in the fabric with this particular style,” Bowie says. “I was stunned by how well this style lifted my tush, but also smoothed out my tummy and hips in a way that felt natural and comfortable, too.” Additional benefits: This jean has a nice “broken-in” feel—credit to the raw hem—but still is structured enough to dress up.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 34
  • Material: 93 percent cotton, 6 percent elastrell-p, 1 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 27 inches

Runners Up

SHORTEST INSEAM

19. A&F Curve Love Ultra High Rise Ankle Jean Straight

What I Like

  • short (and extra short) inseam offerings
  • adjustments to account for the waist-gap
  • wide range of washes

What I Don’t Like

  • waist is a touch high

Abercrombie & Fitch

Petite Reviewer: Rachel Gulmi, 5’0”

True story: This Abercrombie & Fitch petite silhouette tends to fly off the shelves. Why? It’s made with an extra two inches through the hip and thigh to help eliminate waist gap, a common problem when you’re on the shorter side. The style also sits right at your natural waist and feels vintage, depending on the wash. “I love the extra short offering and its 23-inch inseam,” says Gulmi. “The medium wash is perfection and it’s a bonus that there is no detailing on the back pockets. They are a bit too high on the waist for me, but nothing that would make me not want to wear them.”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 37
  • Material: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 23 inches (extra short), 25 inches (short)

Hottest High Rise

20. Levi’s Straight Ankle Jeans

What I Like

  • soft material
  • snug and loose in all the right places

What I Don’t Like

  • not as stretchy as other Levi’s styles

Levi's

Petite Reviewer: Katherine Gillen, 5’2”

Petites, rejoice! This style delivers a leg-lengthening effect that makes you look a little taller somehow. The classic straight leg also hits right at the ankle, another win for petites. “I have the Levi’s ribcage straight ankle and the 27-inch inseam is the perfect just-above-the-ankle-bone length for me,” says PureWow's former Food Editor Katherine Gillen. "They come in a plethora of washes and are very waist-defining, which is ideal for someone with no waist like me.”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 33; 14L to 24M
  • Material: 84 percent cotton, 15 percent organic cotton, 1 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 27 inches

BEST MADE-FOR-PETITES ONLY

21. Nelle Atelier The Kate Jean

What I Like

  • inseam that caters to petites
  • straight-leg silhouette
  • looks tailor-made, sans tailor

What I Don’t Like

  • might feel a tiny bit baggy behind the knee after a few wears

Nelle Atelier

Petite Reviewer: Rachel Bowie, 5’2”

The founder of Nelle Atelier is 5’1, so she definitely knows what petites want. Nelle Atelier designs a limited collection of denim styles that caters to women who are under 5’4”. “The Emily is one of those unicorns in the petite denim space that fits perfectly straight out of the box,” says Bowie. “They hit at my natural waist, fell right at my ankle bone and looked quite cute, too. I could easily wear them with flats without an issue.” Another bonus: the silhouette. Bowie raves, “I loved the straight-leg fit.”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 32
  • Material: 98 percent cotton, 2 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 25 3/4 inches

Honorable Mentions

good american petite flare
Good American

Cutest Flare Jeans

22. Good American Petite Flare Jeans

What I Like

  • flared leg
  • stretch fabric
  • can dress up or down

What I Don’t Like

  • might need to add a heel for inseam to hit right

Good American

Petite Reviewer: Kathy, 5’2”

The flare of this leg hits just right, according to reviewers who swear by the petite fit of this style. “I am so glad that Good American offers petite sizes,” Good American customer Kathy says. “The rise is just right, and they have the perfect amount of stretch with very soft fabric. They’re also so comfy. I can wear these out and lounge around the house in them.”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 00 to 32 Plus
  • Material: N/A
  • Inseam: 30 inches

Best Maternity Jeans

23. Old Navy Rockstar Super Skinny Maternity Jeans

What I Like

  • dark color of the waist panel
  • stretchy material provides full coverage
  • comfortable

What I Don’t Like

  • legs can feel a bit snug

Old Navy

Petite Reviewer: Sally, 5’2”

Pregnant women rave about this maternity style for its fit and comfort—especially when it comes to the all-stretch waist panel—but also for its affordability. “I'm 21 weeks pregnant, 5’2” and 115 pounds before pregnancy,” reports Old Navy shopper Sally. “Now I’m 126 pounds. I ordered a size 2 regular, and they fit just right. The fabric is soft and the color is dark, just as I wanted. The belly support makes me feel secure and isn’t too tight.”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 0 to 20
  • Material: 93 percent nylon, 7 percent spandex (panel); 64 percent cotton, 19 percent recycled polyester, 11 percent rayon, 5 percent recycled cotton, 1 percent spandex (denim)
  • Inseam: 27 inches

Best Hourglass Jean

24. Everlane Cheeky Hourglass Jean

What I Like

  • lots of structure provided by the material
  • extra fabric in the hips
  • hits right at the ankle

What I Don’t Like

  • runs small so reviewers recommend sizing up

Everlane

Petite Reviewer: Hannah, 4’11”

This straight-leg style is cropped at the ankle, but fits just right for petites. The material is 100 percent cotton, so expect a structured fit. “I’m curvy and quite short and I feel like these jeans were made for me,” petite reviewer Hannah says. “While they fit quite snug, they loosen up a bit with wear since they’re a stiff cotton jean. They feel exceptionally well made and, after purchasing, I will never look back!” Other reviewers note the great fit on curvier bodies as well as the minimal waist gap. This pair of jeans is cut narrower given the straight silhouette, but there’s extra fabric in the hips to optimize how it hugs your frame.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 23 to 35
  • Material: 98 percent organic cotton, 2 percent elastane
  • Inseam: 26 1/2 inches

Best Variable Length Jeans

25. Lauren Ralph Lauren Petite Mid-Rise Jean

What I Like

  • available in four dark washes and white
  • sits at the natural waist
  • comes with slimming interior panels that help shape

What I Don’t Like

  • dyed with true indigo so may rub off on hands and other materials

Lauren Ralph Lauren

Petite Reviewer: Sharon, 5’2”

This particular style is a favorite thanks to its shape-memory denim, which easily molds to your frame the more you wear it. But it’s also known for its variable lengths, an innovative fit option whereby you can opt for petite, which has a 29-inch inseam, or petite short, which has a 27-inch inseam. According to 5’2” shopper Sharon, “I got both the light denim and black and they are both beyond perfect. The straight leg is especially flattering. At 5’2” and 130 pounds, I ordered the size six petite and this style is a perfect fit and a great length for low heels.” It’s also worth noting that the dark washes are dyed with true indigo, a natural process which may rub off onto fabrics, leather and upholstery before multiple washings.

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 2PS to 14P
  • Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane
  • Inseam: 27 inches (petite short), 29 inches (petite)
HM mom jean high ankle jeans
H&M

Best Mom Jean

26. H&M Mom High Ankle Jeans

What I Like

  • affordable price
  • non-baggy mom jean fit

What I Don’t Like

  • runs a bit small in the waist

H&M

Petite Reviewer: Sarah, 5’3”

The price, the mom jean silhouette, the range of washes! This is a petite style that’s a must-add for your closet. “I’m 5’3 and bought a size 4 and the length is good,” petite shopper Sarah reports. “I’m always looking for a mom jean that doesn’t feel too baggy and these were perfect.”

Fast Facts

  • Size Range: 0 to 20
  • Material: 99 percent cotton, 1 percent spandex
  • Inseam: 27 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Type of Jeans Is Best for Short Women?


The short answer is this: Petites can wear any style of jeans, they just might have to search a little harder to find the right pairs. After checking out the inseam, opt for a size denoted “P” or “Petite,” whenever possible, so you can snag denim with the right proportions and scale for your body. According to Pierson, shorter inseams are just the beginning. “We analyze the sizing of a petite frame and adjust points of measurement and proportion to ensure the fit intent is specific,” she says. “This includes everything from knee placement to length. Whether that’s taking in the leg opening or adjusting the rises, our end goal is to always make the fit proportional while also nailing that leg shape our customer is seeking.” Thanks to increased body inclusivity at companies including Madewell, now petites can wear just about any (yes, any) style of jeans.

What Cut of Jeans Are Best for Short People?

“There should be no reason to shy away from or feel limited in fit assortment on account of being petite,” says Aragon, who uses the wide-leg jeans trend as an example. “The way most wide-leg jeans are cut in the market make it a tricky fit for those who would require hemming. Alterations can be costly and modify the fit when the wide leg opening is cut off at the bottom.” As long as you can find a version of this style that’s marked petite, you should be golden.

What’s the Difference Between ‘Short’ and ‘Petite’ Sizes?

Typically, “petite” sizes don’t just apply to the length of the jean, but to the rest of denim's features as well. (Think: the cut, pocket sizes, cuff lengths and trim styles.) Normally, you’ll see these labeled with a “P” and, in short (pun intended), they’re made to be proportional to your smaller frame. This means that the leg length will be the right fit, in addition to where the waistband hits on your torso (aka the rise). The size and shape of the pockets and the placement of the pockets are also taken into consideration.

According to the blog Petite Dressing, “Petite jeans are made with the assumption of petites having a shorter rise as well as shorter legs” but in some cases, “petites may have longer rises than average petites, so what they really need is just jeans with [a] shorter inseam.” In those instances, look for “short” sizes that have abbreviated leg length, while the rest of the jean's proportions will be the same as the brand's standard sizes.


dana dickey

Senior Editor

  • Writes about fashion, wellness, relationships and travel
  • Oversees all LA/California content and is the go-to source for where to eat, stay and unwind on the west coast
  • Studied journalism at the University of Florida

rachel bowie christine han photography 100

Senior Director, Special Projects and Royals

  • Writes and produces family, fashion, wellness, relationships, money and royals content
  • Podcast co-host and published author with a book about the British Royal Family
  • Studied sociology at Wheaton College and received a masters degree in journalism from Emerson College

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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