Jeans are such an important staple in everyone’s wardrobe. However, if you are petite like me, finding jeans that fit right can be challenging. I’ve spent countless hours trying on jeans for them to only be too long, too baggy, too high-waisted, and just plain disproportionate all around.
However, there have been a few rare occasions where I’ve tried on a pair of jeans and have been pleasantly surprised to find that they actually fit my petite frame (yay!). Below I share several of my favorite petite-friendly jeans.
Banana Republic Factory High-Rise Cropped Bootcut Jeans
Jeans: High-Rise Cropped Bootcut Jeans (similar)
Jewelry: Madewell Band Ring
Shoes: Nine West Abay Smoking Flats
These Banana Republic high-rise cropped bootcut jeans are very petite-friendly and extra-petite-friendly. These jeans are available in petite, regular, and tall sizes. The petite sizes have an inseam of 24 inches, the regular sizes have an inseam of 26 inches, and the tall sizes have an inseam of 29 inches.
In the photos above, I’m modeling a size 2P. I rarely stray from skinny jeans, so I wasn’t sure how much I would actually like these. However, I really wanted to add some variety to my wardrobe, and these became a quick favorite! These jeans are fitted through the hips and thighs and offer a slightly flared leg. This kind of style is very figure-flattering. The material is 85% cotton, 13% polyester, and 2% elastane. These jeans offer some stretch and slightly hug your figure, but they’re not overly stretchy, clingy, or thin.
Pro Tip: I like to wear these with black ankle or mid-calf boots as the flared leg easily fits over the boot shaft and creates one long line of color that elongates the legs.
Everlane The Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jean
Shoes: Similar
Jewelry: Madewell Band Ring
Top: Shein Round Neck Bodysuit
The Everlane authentic stretch high-rise skinny jeans are a great option for petites looking for a classic, quality pair of skinny jeans. In the photos above, I’m modeling a size 26 in ankle length. These jeans are available in three lengths: ankle (26.5-inch inseam), regular (28.5-inch inseam), and tall (30.5-inch inseam). Everlane has over 6,000 reviews on their website for these jeans specifically, with an average rating of over 4.6 stars, so they are liked by many!
These jeans are high-waisted with an 11-inch rise, which is great for elongating the legs. Although they have the word “stretch” in their name, I wouldn’t describe them as stretchy. They have just the right amount of stretch that makes them comfortable, and they also slightly hug your figure and offer that “secure” feeling. They have a very durable and high-quality feel.
Everlane is a great place to find petite-friendly denim as most of their jeans come in various lengths, so you can find an inseam that suits your specific height.
Hobbs London Gia Sculpting Jean with Stretch
Hobbs London is a great place to find some high-quality petite clothing, as long as you are ok with the price tag. They have a lot of great petite workwear, but they also have a handful of petite jeans. The Hobbs London Gia Sculpting Jeans are high-waisted, have a skinny leg, and are designed to sculpt and hug your figure. These jeans are soft, stretchy, comfortable, and are made with responsibly sourced cotton.
Loft Button Fly High Rise Skinny Jean
Loft is one of my go-to stores for petite clothes, and they offer a lot of fashionable, petite-friendly jeans. These jeans stretch and sculpt the figure, and their button fly and 11.25-inch high waist provide a slimming effect. With an inseam of 25 inches, these are a great, casual pair of jeans for petites, and their light wash make them a great option for warmer months.
Petite Chewed Hem High Rise Kick Crop Jeans
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Stripes
Top: Shein Round Neck Bodysuit
Speaking of Loft, the chewed hem high rise kick crop jeans are another great, petite-friendly pair of jeans they offer. A kick crop leg shape is essentially a more subtle flared leg. These jeans are fitted through the thighs and hips and “kick” out into a mini flared leg. I often stick to skinny jeans and find that a lot flared jeans just swallow my figure, but kick crops are the perfect middle-of-the-road option. They’re not skinny but not too flared and can be very flattering on a petite frame.
These jeans have a 11.25-inch rise and a 24-inch inseam. They aren’t very stretchy, so if you like a more durable fit with not too much give, then these jeans are for you!
PAIGE Petite Manhattan Bootcut Jean
The Paige Petite Manhattan Bootcut Jeans are a classic jean that offer all the right proportions. They have the perfect amount of flare and have a petite-friendly inseam and rise. Though these jeans have an above average price tag, they are luxurious, built to last, and most would argue that they’re worth the price. Using fiber technology, this fabric provides soft, comfortable denim that won’t stretch out. These jeans are fitted through the waist and have an elegant boot cut that elongates your legs and flatters your figure.
NYDJ Petite Sheri Slim Jeans
NYDJ is known for their jeans and catering to women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. They offer a wide range of sizes in regular, petite, tall, plus, and maternity. The NYDJ Petite Sheri Slim Jeans are available in sizes 00P-18P. It’s hard to go wrong with slim cut jeans- they’re always in season and easy to style.
These jeans are designed with NYDJ’s lift tuck technology that help shape, support, and flatter curves for a sleek silhouette. The Sheri Slim Jeans have a 9.5-inch rise and are made of 72% Cotton, 20% Lyocell, 5% Elastomultiester, and 2% Elastane.
Abercrombie High Rise Super Skinny Ankle Jean
When you think of Abercrombie, you may be reminded of their dimly lit stores catered to “cool” teenagers, filled with an overwhelming amount of cologne, giant wall art featuring thin models wearing minimal clothing, and shopping bags with photos of male models with six packs on them. Some may say I am too old to shop at Abercrombie (and I would agree), however, I like to keep my options open when it comes to finding petite-friendly clothes, so I revisited an Abercrombie in the recent years and was very pleasantly surprised!
For a little context, Abercrombie got a new CEO and the brand was completely rebranded in 2017. The “new and improved” Abercrombie has a new aesthetic catered toward young professionals under 40, and they focus heavily on inclusive sizing. This is great news for petites, and anyone else who doesn’t fit the fashion industry’s “standard” size.
Their jeans are available in several different lengths, including short, extra short, regular, long, and extra long. The Abercrombie High Rise Super Skinny Jean are available in several different washes. They have some stretch but are also durable and feel very high-quality. These are also available in skinny, if you prefer these over the super skinny look.
Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a daunting task for petites, but it is by no means impossible. Banana Republic, Everlane, Hobbs London, Loft, Paige, NYDJ, and Abercrombie & Fitch are just a handful of brands that offer petite-friendly denim. By understanding your body shape, exploring different styles and cuts, and paying attention to the measurements, like inseam, rise, and waist (when available), you can achieve a flattering and comfortable fit that accentuates your petite figure. Whether you prefer high-rise, straight-leg, or cropped jeans, the key is to prioritize proportion and balance.