The Best Jeans for Petite Women of All Sizes

Even though the average American woman is around 5 feet, 4 inches, it often feels like the world was not created for short people. Anyone under 5 feet, 3 inches can attest to this. Small things, such as reaching high shelves or standing behind someone at a concert, can be an absolute pain. Something else made difficult by a diminutive stature? Buying pants — especially jeans.

What shorty among us hasn’t been thrilled to come across a pair they loved, only to try them on and find the hemline pooling at the ankles? We’d be willing to bet that a lot of you reading this right now have a pair of pants sitting in your closet that you’ve been meaning to get hemmed for months. The good news is, there are plenty of denim brands that offer petite jeans cut to fit shorter legs. 

Petite clothing is usually designated for folks of any size who stand at or under 5 feet, 3 inches. Petites come in both straight sizes (usually 0 to 12) and plus sizes (often 14 and up). And it’s more than just the inseam that’s different: Usually, petite sizes are tailored to have higher pockets or a lower rise to accommodate different proportions. 

But if we are talking inseams (and we have to), petites should look for ones measuring around 29 inches or less, depending on the kind of fit you want or what shoes you plan to wear with them. This should save you some money at the tailor, as you won’t have to take off as much, if anything at all. Be sure to also check the brand's size guide. As is the case with regular clothing sizes, petite sizing can vary. With those guidelines in mind, check out some of our favorite denim styles for petites. May your hunt for well-fitting jeans be, well, short.

1. Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight Jean 

• Size Range: 23 to 37
• Pros: Under $100
• Cons: Quick to sell out 

An ankle jean that actually stops at your ankles — imagine that. Abercrombie & Fitch has arguably had one of the best rebrands ever. Once known for outfitting only people who fit a certain aesthetic, the clothier has grown tremendously. Its 180-degree turnaround has made it a far more size-inclusive retailer and a go-to for curvier bodies and short folks. Curvy and short at the same time? You’re still likely to find a match. Abercrombie offers short and extra-short inseam options, too — 25 inches and 23 inches, respectively.

2. Mother Petites The Lil’ Weekender 

• Size Range: 23 to 34
• Pros: Made in Los Angeles 
• Cons: On the pricier side

They were cool in the ’70s and they’re still cool in 2024. Mother Denim’s retro-inspired jeans have a sneaker-length inseam for shorties, so you can wear ’em with flats and not worry about your hemline getting destroyed on the sidewalk. Let’s get into the wash, too — we love the three tones of blue on this one.

3. NYDJ Marilyn Straight Jean in Petite 

• Size Range: 00 to 18
• Pros: Has comfort stretch
• Cons: Can’t go in the dryer 

NYDJ’s Marilyn straight jeans have a classic cut that looks good in any decade and on any body. These have some stretch to them, and are made with a slimming panel to keep you held in, which is just a bonus to an otherwise well-fitting petite jean.

4. Good American Good Petite Flare Jean

• Size Range: 00 to 32
• Pros: Great size range
• Cons: Sizes go on waitlist

People have been raving about Good American jeans, and we get why. They’re well tailored, high-quality, and size inclusive to boot. The brand’s petite options are made for folks 5 feet, 4 inches and under, with a  30-inch inseam, so if you have a shorter upper body and longer legs, these are for you. 

5. Everlane The Original Cheeky Jean 

• Size Range: 23 to 35
• Pros: Made with sustainable materials 
• Cons: Run large

Everlane’s aptly named Cheeky jean was created to make your butt look good. This pair has a slim straight leg with an undone hemline, a cool little detail to set it apart from your other jeans. If raw edges aren’t your thing, the Cheeky comes in five other washes with more traditional hemlines and two inseams: 26.5 inches and 28.5 inches.

6. Levi’s Classic Bootcut Women’s Jeans 

• Size Range: 0 to 18
• Pros: Affordable 
• Cons: Not as size inclusive

When most people think of denim, they think of Levi’s. The American brand has been making jeans to fit all shapes and sizes for a long time. Their classic bootcut jeans come in a version for everyone — including the petite crowd. Look for their 28-inch and 30-inch inseams, and grab these affordable jeans in any one of six washes available.

7. Frame Denim Le Mec 

• Size Range: 23 to 34
• Pros: 100% premium cotton 
• Cons: On the pricier side

Comfortable boyfriend jeans are a must in your closet, and if you want something a little luxe, this pair from Frame Denim should be at the top of your list. Its name “Le Mec” means “guy” in French, which just sounds better to our ears.

These have a high waist, go straight down, and then taper in at the bottom for a cropped fit to show off your footwear. We love that little detail — it sets this pair apart from typical boyfriend jeans. Pair this with a simple white tee and loafers and see how many compliments you get.

8. Madewell Petite High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Gracey Wash

• Size Range: 23 to 32
• Pros: Comfortable stretch 
• Cons: Upper sizing available in different jeans

We don’t care what Gen Z says — we’ll be wearing our skinny jeans for years to come. This pair from Madewell has the cut we love, plus a high waist and just the right amount of stretch to keep you supported. They come in three lengths, with petites for those with a 29-inch inseam.

9. Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans

• Size Range: 00 to 30
• Pros: Affordable 
• Cons: Less classic style

If you want to rock a trendy jean, but don’t want to shell out a bunch of cash, this pair from Old Navy is perfect. It has wide legs and that deconstructed detail that is so in style right now. The addition of the panel in the lighter wash is done right here — it’s definitely on-trend, but still simple enough for this pair to not look super-dated in the not-so-distant future. Old Navy also has an expansive size range, and these come in three inseams: 29 inches, 31 inches, and 34 inches.

10. Mavi Kathleen Slim Boyfriend Jean

• Size Range: 23 to 32
• Pros: Comfortable stretch 
• Cons: Less size inclusive

Slouchy but still slim, Mavi’s boyfriend jean is one to add to your collection if you want something comfortable but not oversized. These are made with a cotton, Tencel, and polyester blend that’s super-breathable for warmer days, and they have a figure-flattering high-waisted silhouette that’s comfortably relaxed in the legs. They also come in three inseams: 28, 30, and 32 inches.

11. J. Crew Curvy Slim-Straight Jean in Warm Surf Wash 

• Size Range: 23 to 32
• Pros: Comfortable stretch
• Cons: Less size inclusive

Petite and curvy? This pair from J.Crew has you covered. They’re cut to flatter folks with a little more in the hip, butt, and thigh area, all while still hugging the waist just right. The 24 ½-inch inseam fits shorter legs, and the back pockets are reinforced to help your butt look good.