- Size range: 24-36
- Rise: High
- Material: 59% modal, 39% polyester, 2% spandex
- Inseam length: 26.5 inches
- Price on publish: $98
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Whether you remain committed to skinny jeans or have embraced the styles TikTokers are currently favoring (think wide-leg or “mom jeans”), short women know one thing to be true: Shopping for women’s jeans can be a real challenge.
I’m just over five feet tall and I know the struggle. Jeans are right up there with yoga leggings, dress pants, and sweatpants on the list of items that are wardrobe staples…yet they don’t often work well on a shorter frame, at least not without alterations. The good news? Right now, short women have more options than ever. More brands are rolling out styles with shorter inseam options, for one thing.
Additionally, cropped jeans are having a moment, which means we can wear these jeans right off the rack even if they don’t come in a short length—we just may have to accept that these cropped styles won’t necessarily have a cropped fit on us. Regardless of the style, wash, or price point you prefer, a good option is out there. These picks all work particularly well for short women. And if you choose well, you won’t even need to shell out for tailoring.
Many brands offer jeans for curvy women and petite options with shorter inseams, but few allow you to get a pair of jeans in both a curvy and petite fit. LOFT’s curvy jean offerings, which are cut to flatter women with larger hip/waist ratios, are also available in petite inseams for shorter women. This type of fit eliminates the gap in the waist that many curvy women experience when buying jeans that fit in the hip area, while also offering a shorter inseam to better suit a short frame.
A sleek skinny fit that looks amazing on shorter women, while offering a fit made for curvy body types.
Like most items from Levi’s, these jeans boast a classic fit and a wide range of wash options, from pure white to light blue to pitch black. What sets this pair apart, though, is the shaping feature throughout the tummy area. These offer a bit of support in the midsection, a stretchy fit, and a mid rise. The best part? There are four inseam options, so short women can choose the 26-inch or 28-inch length to better suit their leg length.
A range of washes and inseams to suit anyone’s preference, with some additional shaping through the midsection.
The brand known for having a ton of options when it comes to jeans (especially jeans for curvy women, plus-sizes, and petites) has plenty to love for short women, but this pair stands out. With its trendy roll-cuff hem and distressing throughout the leg, this pair feels casual and slouchy, yet won’t overwhelm short women thanks to its cropped inseam. While the length likely won’t leave a lot of ankle exposed on shorter women, if you’d like a more cropped look, simply cuff it a little more to suit your proportions.
While not the most versatile option, these trendy jeans are priced right.
While many brands are making great plus-size options these days, Universal Standard’s approach is centered around creating clothing for all bodies. To that effect, the brand uses a size 18 (the size the average American woman wears, according to the brand’s site) as its sample size. Rather than segment products into “straight” and “plus” sizes, this brand creates everything in a size-inclusive range. This particular pair of jeans is a classic skinny style that comes in a petite inseam, and you can choose between a mid or high rise.
The most size-inclusive pick of the bunch.
Agolde has emerged as a darling in the world of designer denim in the past few years, with consumers raving over the brand’s fit and sustainable practices. The high-rise, straight-leg Riley style is among the brand’s most popular. While Agolde does not offer a short inseam option, this particular style is cropped, and many short women (myself included) love the fit.
A splurge-worthy straight-leg jean that works especially well on short frames.
Low-rise jeans are polarizing, to say the least. But if you like the style, this pair offers a nice streamlined boot-cut silhouette, a classic dark blue wash, and nice snug fit throughout the thighs. They’re available in a petite size, making this an excellent choice for shorter women who want to give the low-rise look a go.
A low-rise jean that doesn’t scream “‘90’s era pop star.”
The brand best known for its shapewear also makes jeans. As you might imagine, these come with a bit of tummy control. What’s great about these jeans is that they don’t have a button or zipper along the fly, meaning there’s less bulk around the midsection (and more overall comfort). These jeans are an easy pull-on style and come in a petite inseam.
If you’re nostalgic for the days of jeggings, this is the pair for you.
Pricey? Absolutely. But the distressing on these jeans is so tasteful. As for the fit, these jeans combine a leg-lengthening high-rise with a slightly tapered leg, the ideal shape for someone looking to move away gradually from skinny jeans toward more current straight-leg styles. These are made of 100% cotton and won’t lose their shape over time.
A pricey pair with a great fit, beautiful light wash, and subtle distressing.
When it comes to maternity jeans, here’s my take: Versatility is key. Buy one pair of maternity jeans that’ll look great in any season (because your pregnancies will span a few, especially if you’re pregnant multiple times) and can be dressed up or down. When I was expecting my twins, I opted for a pair of black skinny ankle jeans, as they worked year-round and for almost any occasion. This pair fits the bill: The skinny style may be considered “dated” but it is, arguably, the most versatile silhouette due to its ability to be worn with just about any pair of shoes. This pair comes in a short inseam.
This budget-friendly pick can be worn through all seasons of a pregnancy (or pregnancies).
The skinny fit here won’t overwhelm short frames, while the slightly cropped fit makes these feel a bit more on-trend than typical skinny jeans. The raw hem also adds an element of trendiness. This is a cropped style that actually looks like a cropped style on short women, thanks to the brand’s petite sizing. As a nice bonus, these jeans also boast slimming and shaping around the belly area.
A cropped jean option that’s actually cropped on short women.
The demi-boot cut style is perfect for fall, as it allows you to tuck a pair of ankle boots underneath the hem, while offering a streamlined fit throughout the leg. These jeans are also nice and stretchy. (Read: Very comfortable for all-day wear.)
Stretchy, comfortable, and built to wear alongside ankle boots.
Fans of this pair of skinny jeans rave about the flattering fit—and as one of those fans, I can attest. This pair is nothing fancy, just a simple pair of skinny jeans that fits well and offers a streamlined silhouette. I own these in the shorter inseam option and they fit right at the ankle on my frame. And I swear: These jeans make me look taller.
A no-frills, classic, comfortable pair of skinny jeans.
These jeans offer a cropped, straight leg—so no need to worry about them bunching up over your feet the way many pairs of straight leg jeans do on short women. Unlike many denim styles on the market, these are neither obviously tapered nor wide and slouchy in fit. They offer a true straight leg style.
A true straight leg that’ll hit short women right at the ankle.
With its high rise and dramatic flared profile, this pair of jeans is giving ‘70s vibes in the best way. Paige has created this style in a petite fit specifically to fit women under 5’4.” These jeans are available in a classic blue denim or this dressier take in a black coated wash for a leg-lengthening effect—especially when paired with a great pair of heels.
A ‘70s style pick in a chic, black coated wash.
These stretchy jeans combine the figure-hugging profile of skinny jeans through the thighs with the subtle flare of a bootcut jean to accommodate (as the name suggests) a pair of ankle boots underneath. The raw hem is a stylish, yet casual detail that gives these jeans a cool factor.
A bootcut option that won’t sweep the floor on shorter women.
These mom jeans are neither too slouchy nor too similar to skinny jeans, and they’re offered in a short inseam to suit short women. While this pair of distressed black jeans is a really fun, slightly edgy take on the mom jean silhouette, this style is also offered in several other inseams to suit other preferences. The sizes also dip down to 000 to fit very petite short women. (Pro tip: This is a great option for tweens and teens as well.)
You don’t have to be a mom to wear these jeans.
I splurged on these jeans last year and wholeheartedly recommend them. The fit is great, the denim looks structured but feels surprisingly comfortable, and the length is really great for a short woman. They are absolutely pricey, but they’re so easy to wear, especially if you opt for a seasonless medium wash, which can be worn year-round. My favorite thing about these jeans is that they look great dressed down with sneakers and a tee shirt—but they look even better with heels for nighttime wear.
These jeans look great when worn casually or dressed up, which makes it (a little bit) easier to justify the price tag.
Sure, you can have a pair of too-long jeans hemmed by a tailor. But with so many great options with cropped or shorter inseams, why not just buy a pair of jeans that’s already outfitted with a shorter inseam?
Reject the idea that short women “shouldn’t” wear certain styles. If you find the right fit and inseam length, any style of jean can look great on people of all heights. So keep an open mind and try a style you may have overlooked in the past. It just might surprise you.
First, we looked for great jeans in a variety of styles, at a range of price points. From there, we sought out the pairs that were best suited for short women. In some cases, we picked jeans offered in a variety of inseam lengths. In others, we looked for jeans made to hit higher on the leg. Though not specifically designed for shorter women, those cropped or ankle styles allow them to avoid having to hem their jeans.
Short women have every right to wear any style of clothing, and that applies to jeans as well. It’s a matter of trial and error. Rather than assume what styles of jeans for petites work and don’t work, it ultimately comes down to trying various styles for yourself and seeing what feels right.
Absolutely—if that’s the style you love. Just like choosing any other type of silhouette, the most important thing to consider is your proportion. Be sure to measure your rise to understand how a pair of jeans will fit you. For instance, if you’re long-waisted, a higher rise will fit nicely. However, if you’re short-waisted, you may find that a specific pair may hit you too high (such as your bra line), which will create an awkward fit and proportion.
While petite styles are proportioned to better suit shorter frames (this might include adjusting the rise and knee placement on a pair of jeans), short jeans simply just have a shorter inseam. However, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Typically, petite and short sizes are created for women under 5’4.”
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