17 Best Petite Jeans for Women, According to Experts
Say hello to jeans that actually fit.
Expert consulted: Amanda ConstantineHome & Apparel Reviews Analyst
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Shopping for clothes, especially jeans, can feel tiring or time-consuming at times, but for women below five feet four, it's a whole new ball game. And understandably, petite women at GH can relate: Many editors from 5' to 5'4" told us they either exclusively buy cropped or ankle jeans, always wear tall boots and heels or go straight to a tailor to get their jeans hemmed. That being said, the world of petite jeans — aka, jeans designed for petite women — has evolved.
Our top picks:
Still, even with more options in the market, petites come in a range of shapes in sizes, so how do you ensure you're buying jeans that will actually fit your petite body? According to MK McArthur, Styling Team Manager at Short Story, a personal styling service for petite women, and Amanda Constantine, Good Housekeeping Home and Apparel Reviews Analyst, it all comes down to knowing your inseam, proportions and what styles you personally feel good in.
To find the best petite jeans available, we worked with testers ranging from size 25 to size 33 (or 0 to 16) who are 5' to 5'4" tall with inseams from 23 inches to 28 inches to gauge how popular petite and short styles fit on real petite bodies. Plus, we interviewed fashion experts for tips on how to shop for your perfect pair of jeans. For more jean styles, consult our shopping guides to the best sustainable denim brands and the best jeans for tall women.
While straight-leg jeans may seem intimidating in the era of wide-leg pants and flares, they're some of the most versatile. In fact, Constantine describes the humble style as "universal and always in fashion." She adds, "You can wear them with any kind of shoes, and the inseam should hit near the ankle." This pair comes in petite sizes and regular short, plus you can choose between a button or zipper fly depending on which wash you prefer.
Sizes: 23-30 (Petite), 24-33 (Regular Short) | Lengths: Petite, Regular Short | Listed Inseam: 25.5" (Petite), 26" (Regular Short) | Rise: High
If you're not sure that you can pull off straight-leg jeans, this slim straight style might be just the answer: They're a little more fitted through the thigh and the knee and this pair is made with stretchier denim for added comfort. Old Navy's most popular slim straight style was the perfect solution for testers who weren't able to find a flattering straight cut, adding length with a stretchy yet snug fit. Note that the style is no longer offered in petite, but regular and short lengths are still available.
Sizes: 0-18 (Petite), 0-30 (Regular Short) | Lengths: Petite, Regular Short | Listed Inseam: 28.5" (Petite), 28" (Regular Short) | Rise: Mid
We get it — as stylish as wide-leg pants can be, there's always a fear they'll be far too long and engulf you. While many petite editors weren't sure if they could pull off the look, Loft's selection proved them wrong. One even commented, "Sometimes, wearing jeans can feel like a chore, especially after a long day, but [a Loft jean] is undeniably lightweight and comfortable." While we have not tested this specific style, it's similar to the wide-leg jean pictured to the left.
Sizes: 24-34 | Lengths: Petite | Listed Inseam: 28.5" | Rise: High
Universal Standard Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans Petite
Universal Standard Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans Petite
For women under 5 feet tall, it can be tough to shop for any kind of pants, let alone jeans. Some told us they frequently hem their pants, but this pair from Universal Standard is offered in an impressive 22 sizes and was even too short on some testers. One 5-foot-tall tester was instantly drawn to the pair, calling it "form-fitting" and "comfortable enough for daily wear." Note that while most washes felt stretchy, the black petite wash had little to no stretch in comparison. There is low inventory in each wash so make sure to monitor the site if you don't see your size in-stock.
Sizes: 00-40 | Lengths: Petite | Listed Inseam: 24" | Rise: High
Forget the "no white after Labor Day" rule: This white pair of Levi's is worth wearing year-round. It's got a versatile straight cut, and our testers loved dressing them both up and down for casual days in the office and running errands on the weekends. While it's technically an ankle-length jean and not specifically designed for petites, the white fabric impressed our experts, looking crisp and opaque. The high-rise style is also available in other colors.
Sizes: 23-33, 14-24 (Plus-Size Listing) | Lengths: 27", 29" | Listed Inseam: 27", 29" | Rise: High
When we asked petite editors for their favorite jeans brands, Joe's Jeans was one of the most coveted, earning praise from women across different age groups. After trying this popular bootcut style, it's easy to see why: They proved more flattering than any other style we tried. Testers loved the soft, buttery fabric, leg-lengthening look and "lifted" cut. Several even received compliments from friends and strangers. This pair comes in several washes, but note that the 30-inch inseam may be too long for some.
Sizes: 23-34 | Lengths: Petite | Listed Inseam: 30" | Rise: Mid
Everlane is known for its sleek professional basics, and its jeans are one of the most popular styles available, thanks to their clean-cut design. This style has an ultra-high rise with a sleek, structured silhouette that testers loved pairing with oversized blazers and white T-shirts. Several noted that the fabric felt rigid and substantial and highlighted the modern cut. Those with 26-inch to 27-inch inseams can opt for a shorter ankle cut or a longer length to pair with boots.
Sizes: 23-35 | Lengths: 25.5", 27.5" | Listed Inseam: 25.5", 27.5" | Rise: High
Oversized, baggy jeans are all the rage, and, when they hit the right length, they create an effortlessly chic look. Testers highlighted how trendy yet comfortable this pair felt, calling the denim material breathable and lightweight. Several struggled to find anything they disliked about the pair, but some noted that they were low-rise despite the high-waisted name.
Sizes: 2-14 (X-Short), 000-20 (Short) | Lengths: X-Short, Short | Listed Inseam: 29" (X-Short), 31" (Short) | Rise: Low
Madewell's Perfect Vintage Jeans have no shortage of admirers. The popular style comes in regular, petite, tall and plus sizing. Beyond that, the brand is known for its petite selection, carrying many flattering silhouettes. When testers tried out this pair, they were surprised by just how much they liked them but noted the Kepler wash ran small. One exclaimed, "Several people complimented me on my jeans. One friend even said they looked tailored for my body!" Note that the pictured style is currently sold out, but you can peruse other petite sales in the meantime until inventory is replenished.
Sizes: 23-33 (Petite) | Lengths: Petite | Listed Inseam: 26.5" | Rise: High
Cropped and ankle jeans are in style, but don't fret — if styled correctly, they won't make your legs look shorter. Constantine advises shoppers to look for ones that hit anywhere from mid-calf to above the ankle. Pair them with open-toed shoes or a shorter top to help your legs look longer. This straight pair was even cropped on testers shy of 5 feet tall and structured enough to wear with a tucked-in shirt and blazer. The bestseller is out of stock in some sizes and washes.
Sizes: 23-30 (Extra Short), 23-37 (Short) | Lengths: Extra Short, Short | Listed Inseam: 23" (Extra Short), 25" (Short) | Rise: High
Flare jeans are some of the most popular and trendy styles — especially cropped flares — but they're also one of the hardest to find in a petite-friendly variety. Unlike a bootcut, which subtly flares out below the knee, this style flares out around the knee. Hudson is a popular, luxury brand that we love for its quality materials. While the 31-inch inseam is long, there's no denying how stylish this pair looks.
Sizes: 23-34 | Lengths: Petite | Listed Inseam: 31" | Rise: High
Most bootcut petite jeans we tried were still too long for some of our shorter petite testers (unless they wore heels), but this pair has a 27-inch inseam. While we typically shy away from cropped options for bootcut or flared styles, this style fit well on testers from 5 feet to 5 feet 3 inches tall. Several described the fabric as "buttery" and "stretchy yet not flimsy." One even said, "I love how they look on me — they add length in a subtle way without feeling too overwhelming." Inventory is low so grab these bootcut jeans while you still can!
Sizes: 24-34 | Lengths: Crop | Listed Inseam: 27" | Rise: High
Mom jeans are one of the most polarizing types of jeans — our petite editors either love them or hate them — but there's no denying their popularity. Constantine describes the style as "fitted at the rear, with a loose, tapered leg and high rise." She explains that they're intended to "accentuate your hips," and suggests tucking in your shirts to help emphasize your waist. This pair from AE is rigid in the front and stretchy in the back for both structure and comfort.
Sizes: 2-14 (X-Short), 000-20 (Short) | Lengths: X-Short, Short | Listed Inseam: 24" (X-Short), 26" (Short) | Rise: Mid
While skinny jeans certainly aren't as popular as they were in the 2000s, for a long time, they were the go-to option for petite women and still have an audience today. Constantine cautions that skinny jeans should "hit around the ankle," and says, "You don’t want them to bunch up at the bottom. Roll up the bottoms if you notice bunching." We like that this pair fit a wide range of body types but some testers found them too short.
Sizes: 00-26 | Lengths: Petite | Listed Inseam: 25.5" | Rise: Mid
In between your traditional straight jeans and loose wide-leg or baggy styles, this high-rise pair has a relaxed look reminiscent of the 90s. We like that it's loose, yet not too baggy or wide, with a comfortable yet flattering fit that testers loved. The denim has a heavier feel, so it's best for fall and winter weather.
Sizes: 23-30 (Extra Short), 23-37 (Short) | Lengths: Extra Short, Short | Listed Inseam: 29" (X-Short), 31" (Short) | Rise: High
Boyfriend jeans, Constantine says, are "straighter in the hip and the butt, with a boxy fit." She recommends leaning into the oversized look with a blazer or untucked shirt. Choose your regular size in Old Navy jeans to achieve that baggy look, or size down for a more fitted feel. While we haven't tested this particular style, the top-seller has almost 200 online reviews from shoppers who praise how comfortable the pair is.
Sizes: 0-18 | Lengths: Regular, tall, petite | Listed Inseam: 28" | Rise: Mid
If you're intent on making your legs look longer, the right pair of wide-leg jeans can make all the difference. Testers were shocked by how long their legs looked in this pair, especially when styled with shorter or tucked-in tops. One especially appreciated the thick bottom cuff but noted the fabric felt rougher than other pairs she's owned.
Sizes: 23-30 (Petite), 24-33 (Regular Short) | Lengths: Petite, Regular Short | Listed Inseam: 29" (Petite), 30" (Regular Short) | Rise: High
What is the difference between short jeans and petite jeans?
Some brands may carry both short and petite jeans or offer one over the other. "Short," "Regular" and "Long" often refer to the inseam or length of the jeans. Petite jeans are specifically designed for the proportions of petite women. Irene Cheng, Head of Merchandising at Short Story, says, "Many brands can look at jeans and take out 2 inches from the inseam, but that doesn't make them petite. Petite clothing is also about proportions. For example, the leg size opening on wide-leg jeans and knee placement on flared jeans will be different for petite bodies."
Note that this includes all sizes: In our tests, some plus-size styles were only offered in a short inseam rather than a petite cut and didn't fit well as a result.
Do I need to wear petite jeans?
McArthur says that some petite women (typically around 5'3") can get away with wearing regular jeans if they need a long enough inseam or wear tall shoes. But more often than not, petite jeans offer a better fit, as they're designed with petite bodies and proportions in mind. While there are no true rules — we won't stop you from buying ankle jeans or cropped styles to wear as normal-length bottoms — the non-petite options can be limiting. McArthur notes that as a result, "Petite women are often settling for what fits instead of what they feel good in." Plus, pairing all of your jeans with boots or heels gets tiring.
What kind of jeans are most flattering on petite women?
According to the fashion experts we spoke with, there's no one style that stands out amongst the rest for petite women. McArthur says, "Once you find jeans that fit your body, the right style is down to individual preference." She adds, "Many women struggle with finding what looks good on them," and suggests "thinking about your proportions and what you're comfortable with." McArthur also says, "I’m very big on women wearing what they feel the most confident in and what makes them feel most like themselves." Constantine agrees, saying, "There are no rules. Fashion is like a pendulum swing. We go from one extreme to the other."
That being said both McArthur and Constantine recommend looking at size charts and knowing your inseam measurements (the distance from your crotch to your ankle bone) when shopping for jeans. Constantine is tall and often relies on knowing her inseam and the height of her shoes to shop for pants. When looking for cropped jeans, she suggests opting for inseams that hit 2 inches above the ankle. For wide-leg jeans or flared styles, you can opt for inseams that hit 2 to 4 inches below the ankle. Make sure to account for the height of your intended shoes, especially platforms.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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