Whether you prefer being called vertically challenged, petite or short, it’s not easy finding a pair of jeans when you’re under 5'3". Whether it's skinny jeans that leave you with a pool of fabric at the ankle or distressed details that hit at the totally wrong spot, there are plenty of woes that arise when slipping on denim that wasn’t designed for your frame. That’s why we’ve used the expertise of PureWow's fashion editors (and short ones, at that!), as well as a top denim designer, to help us find the best jeans for short women.
Their advice? First focus on the inseam, which is the length of the actual jean's leg itself. For those of us that can be categorized on the shorter side of things, an inseam of 26 inches or less is the most ideal. Second, opt for a size denoted "P" or "Petite" whenever possible, since then you'll be able to snag denim with the right proportions and scale for your body. According to Mary Pierson, Madewell’s SVP of Denim Design, 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.
From a flared leg that will bring out your inner flower child to funky printed high-rises and relaxed mom jeans perfect for fall, here are 20 pairs of jeans crafted to fit your body that you'll want to get your butt into ASAP.