So ok, we know that fashion these days makes it easy for us to choose or our inseam length. Any inseam length will be okay because we’re just going to snip them off anyway. Right?
No, absolutely not right. Because it’s not only about inseams, but about the whole fit of the jeans. The waist, hips, and tights have to be proportional to a shorter inseam. It’s ok if you have to cut off the length an inch or two, but wouldn’t it be a better fit overall if you just got a pair of jeans specifically tailored for a shorter body?
This said, when looking for petite size jeans, it’s important to find styles that cater to shorter inseams and proportions. Many brands offer dedicated petite lines with shorter inseams and adjusted rises to better fit a petite frame.
Petite inseams are typically shorter than regular inseams to accommodate shorter legs and create a better fit for petite frames. Especially when it comes to bootcut and flare jeans, the proportions are fundamental. Otherwise the style will be lost, a bootcut will turn into a straight leg and a flare into a regular bootcut jean.
The standard petite inseam generally ranges from 25 to 28 inches, depending on the style and brand.
- Cropped/Ankle Jeans: Around 25-26 inches.
- Regular Jeans: Around 27-28 inches.
These shorter inseams help prevent bunching at the ankles and maintain the proportions of the jeans, providing a more flattering silhouette for petite women.
Below you can find our six top choices of brands offering petite jeans.
American Eagle – they offer all denim styles in short, regular, and long, size-inclusive
The Barrel jeans – one of the top trending denim fits these seasons
Madewell – wide range of petite styles
Petite Curvy Superwide-Leg Jeans – it’s all about wide-leg jeans right now
GOOD AMERICAN – made specially for the 5’4 and under squad featuring also a petite rise
Good Petite Straight Jeans – the best alternative if you like a skinnier fit, available in size 0 to 30 Plus
Abercrombie & Fitch – size inclusive with most styles available in extra short as well as short
Low Rise Ultra Loose Jean – the must-do baggy fit
J.Crew – offers petite sizes in most of their denim styles
Petite Mid-Rise Anchor-Pocket Slouchy Jeans – a good option if you want neither too skinny nor too baggy
MOTHER DENIM – their most popular styles are also available in petite now
The Lil’ Hustler Ankle – the brand’s most sold denim style now also comes in petite sizes 23 to 34
