The 18 Best Jeans for Short Women, According to a Fashion Editor
Whether you prefer being called vertically challenged, petite or short, it’s not easy finding a pair of jeans when you’re under five foot three. From 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!) to round up the best pairs for short women.
From a flared leg that will bring out your inner flower child to funky printed hi-rises and relaxed mom jeans perfect for fall, here are 18 pairs of jeans crafted to fit your body that you'll want to get your butt into ASAP.
1. Everlane Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny
Best High Rise Skinny
We may have said this once, but we'll say it again—when it comes to your jeans, the fit matters, and this Everlane skinny style fits like a dream. They're super high rise yet incredibly comfy, so you'll look effortlessly stylish. But most importantly, they come in ankle-length that have a 26.5" inseam, so they won't give you that annoying bunching at the bottom (aka shortie problem solved).
2. Madewell The Petite Perfect Vintage Jean in Enmore Wash
Best for All Body Types
A sales associate at a PureWow editor's go-to Madewell told her that the Perfect Vintage Jean somehow flatters every body type. And that applies to those of us on the shorter side, too. This mid-rise style is infused with just the right amount of stretch and distressed to look vintage—without your having to dig around a thrift store. Plus, with a 24-inch inseam, these are cropped jeans that will actually do what they’re supposed to and let you show a little ankle.
3. Levi’s Wedgie Straight Ankle Jeans
Best Straight Leg
Does your favorite T-shirt need a new partner? These Levi’s are up for the job, as they come in classic lightwash denim and are cut with a 26.5-inch inseam. Reviewers note that on shorter frames, these fit just like a full-length jean and are well-proportioned through the waistband and leg. Featuring booty-flattering construction, once you put these on, you won’t want to take them off. Plus, the distressed detailing will look equally cool with white leather sneakers or smart pointy leather pumps.
4. Agolde Riley High Rise Straight Crop
Best Cropped
Sometimes you just know when you find the one. That’s how you’ll feel when you try on these blue jeans from Agolde. A PureWow editor says she loves these so much, she's worn them twice this week. (FYI, she's five foot two and they hit her right above the ankle.) Technically a cropped style, these non-stretch skinnies have a rather precise inseam of 26". So, slip on your favorite pair of mules from this season—either loafers or heels—and show off that flawless length.
5. DL1961 Hepburn Ultra High-Rise Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans
Best Wide Leg
There are a few high-rise wide-leg crop styles on this list and that’s because this style should not intimidate you. They’re actually a great way to elongate a shorter stature and are much easier to wear than they appear. Throw on a sweater for cooler days or pair them with a silky one-sleeve blouse for a night out. Whatever you do, make sure your waistline is visible and defined—that’s the key to making these jeans really work for you.
6. Free People Just Float On Flare Jeans
Best Flared Leg
There's a reason these bad boys are one of Free People's best-selling jeans. Playful yet timeless, they have that Woodstock-era hippie vibe that instantly adds a fun touch to any outfit you have planned. And if you're on the extra petite side and are worried that the mega-flare bootcut will overpower your legs, these have a raw hem so you can cut them down to a length that works best for you without ruining their look.
7. J.Crew Petite 8“ Toothpick Jean
Best Skinny
One petite PureWow editor has committed to buying and re-buying these J.Crew toothpick jeans...for five years and counting. “I just feel like they have just the right amount of stretch, but also come in a wash that's super slimming,” she explained. Offered in sizes 23 to 32 and with a 25” inseam in petites, these toothpick jeans will work their magic for almost all body types.
8. GRLFRND Karolina High Rise Straight Crop Jeans
Best High Rise
Looser styles can totally dominate your small frame, but petite girls still deserve jeans that have a little breathing room. These straight jeans from GRLFRND come in a petite cut, aren’t skin-tight but will still cling to your curves, so they’re a total win-win.
9. ASOS Design Petite High Rise 'Relaxed' Dad Jeans
Best Dad Jeans
Crafted with ethically sourced denim, these two toned blues look stylish with just about anything. Personally, we'd pair them with some heeled black booties and a turtleneck collared tank, but they go perfectly with a lacy camisole and some mules, too. Plus, they're made with rigid, non-stretch fabric so you won't have to worry about the dad-style silhouette becoming so loose it actually looks like you're wearing your dad's jeans.
10. Pilcro Mid-Rise Slim Boyfriend Jeans
Best Boyfriend
Anthropologie really gets the plight of the vertically-challenged. See, for example, the in-house denim brand, Pilcro, that is entirely offered in petite sizing options. Want a wide leg style that won't drag on the floor? Here they are. What about an acid wash finish or a slouched fit with playful pockets? Yup, you can get those, too. We’re partial to this boyfriend shape that’s relaxed and lightly distressed. Wear yours with a patterned blouse, a pair of woven slides and you’ve constructed an easy summer uniform without having to think too hard.
11. Joe's Jeans The Blake High Rise Crop Wide Leg Jean
Best White Denim
These babies might not be marked as petite, but that hasn’t stopped one PureWow editor (who is five foot four) from raving about how they fit. She seeks out Joe's Jeans's cropped styles because “they sit perfectly just above my ankle.” Finally, you don't have to worry about cleaning the floor with your fave pair of pants.
12. Abercrombie and Fitch '90s Ultra High Rise Straight Jeans
Best Black Denim
These mom jeans are a great way to tap into this season's obsession with the 90s. The ultra high rise waist elongates your torso and the hem hits right at the ankles, making it seem like you've got legs for days. (No matter how short you are.) Thanks to this pair's built-in stretch feature, you won't feel like you're you're trapped in a corset and the relaxed leg fit is loose enough to give you some wiggle room without drowning your frame. And besides, no wardrobe is complete without a killer pair of black jeans.
13. Rachel Comey Legion Pant
Splurge Worthy
These are one of those pairs of jeans that instantly makes you feel cooler when you slip them on. Featuring a high waist and wide leg cut, these can seamlessly transition from day to night, and the design and fabric's quality make them a pair that will last for many seasons to come. BTW, we know they come with a hefty price tag, but these designer jeans have become a timeless staple—so you don't have to worry about them looking outdated in six month's time.
14. ASOS Design Petite Ridley High Waisted Skinny Jeans
Best Budget
The petite section from ASOS is legendary. It offers practically every style of trendy jean with shorter inseams—and most of them cost less than $50. This pair of mom jeans is particularly worth the praise, because they're just so damn flattering. Wear this now with your favorite sandals and when the temps cool down, pair it with your go-to booties.
15. Revtown Hi-Rise Skinny Jeans
Best Stretch Denim
Stretchy yet supportive, we've deemed these the ideal everyday jean. They have a mid-rise waist and a classic skinny fit that are comfy enough to run errands in, yet stylish enough to wear at the office. And, Revtown's jeans have specially crafted waistbands that hug your curves and sculpt your booty for a lifted appearance.
16. Reformation Sonora High Rise Straight Jeans
Best Eco-Friendly
If finding a pair of sustainably sourced clothing is a priority, Reformation's jeans do the job and do it well. Made with ethically crafted denim, these beauties offer a slim flit over your hips with a straighter styled leg that falls a few inches above the ankle, ideal for your smaller frame. And don't even get us started on how chic this print is. Saving the world and looking cute while doing it? That's a win in our book.
17. Express Super High Waisted Black Ankle Vent Skinny Jeans
Most Stylish
If you're looking for a dark wash pair with a sleeker feel, these contemporary style skinnies fit the bill. They go just as great with a white tee and sneakers as they do some sky high heels, a form fitting tank and an oversized blazer. Even better, these are lightweight enough to wear during the scorching days of summer but will still keep you warm when winter causes the temps to plummet. And with a 25 inch inseam, these fall right above your ankle letting the leg's slit hem hit at just the right spot adding a cool touch to any fit.
18. ASOS Design '90s' Daisy Print Jeans
Most Vibrant
First off, can we just saying how freaking adorable this print is? Not only do these babies look like they walked right out of our Pinterest board and into our closet, they also fit like a dream. The cropped leg is great for shorties and the tighter fit hugs you in all the right places. What's not to love?
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