I stand tall at 5’1, and I’ll be the first to say that it’s taken me years to find the best petite jeans that don’t have drag or have to be hemmed. As Glamour's shopping writer I'm always testing the most popular jean styles. Between gaping waists and inseams that don’t hit quite right, finding that magical pair is the ultimate sartorial challenge. I’ve tried them all: petite sized wide-leg jeans, classic straight-leg jeans, vintage-inspired flares, and cropped lengths. Well, after years of testing and polling our network of petite reviewers, I'm bringing you the very best petite jeans for different sizes, shapes, and styles. I even threw in some fall denim trends like barrel-leg jeans that petites can confidently try this season.
The best petite jeans, at a glance
- Best High-Waist Petite Jeans: Levi’s Ribcage Ankle Jeans, $98
- Best Straight-Leg Petite Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise Relaxed ’90s Jeans, $80
- Best Wide-Leg Petite Jeans: We The Free Tinsley Baggy High-Rise Jeans, $98
- Best Petite Skinny Jeans: Rag & Bone Nina High Rise Skinny Jeans, $198
- Best Plus Petite Jeans: Good American Bootcut Jeans,$159
- Best Curvy Petite Jeans: Madewell The Petite Curvy Crop Jean $128
How to shop 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 you’re petite and searching for bottoms with the perfect length, most of the in-store “regular” inseams require pricy hemming, which can take away from the silhouette or bottom detail (say, a cool raw finish or cuffed hem). To visually elongate the leg, look for details like front seaming or high-waist fits. While “normal” cropped styles can be worn as full-length pair of jeans, it’s much easier to shop online for styles that are specifically proportioned for petite sizing. Reading the inseam length in product descriptions can help you get a better sense of what may work for your height.
An inseam is the length between your inner thigh to ankle, which if you're short is likely around 25-31 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 soft tape measure so you can know your exact measurements when shopping online.
How to style petite jeans
According to Gofman, there are a few ways to style petite-leg pants. If the jeans are a big 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 depending on 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.
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