Shopping for jeans isn’t always easy for anyone, but being short and trying to find a pair of jeans that isn’t miles too long for you – is a challenge. The longer the jeans, the heavier they look on your legs, which makes you look even shorter! It’s just not fair. A lot of us short girls cuff our jeans (which can also add weight to a set of short legs), cut our jeans, and of course there is always the option of tailoring. Instead of focusing on the tricks to get a pair of jeans to fit, today, I’m going to focus on what I look for when I’m shopping for a pair of jeans, and share a few of my tried and true brands. So the next time you’re shopping, you can hopefully find a pair of jeans straight from the store, that actually fit.
Top c/o StitchFix | Jeans (similar) | Sandals | Bag (similar)
Know Your Inseam
In an age of online shopping, there are less and less petite options in store. So, even if I wanted to try on everything at the store, that isn’t always an option. I shop predominately online, which means I need to know my measurements (and you should too). What’s important? Your waist, your hips and your inseam. In case you’re wondering what an inseam is, it’s the inside measurement from the top of your leg to the ankle. Personally, if the inseam is around 25 inches, I know that pair of pants will hit me at a good length. Anything longer, and I know I’m going to need to make a few changes to make them fit. You can find out how to measure your hips and waist here.
Where to Buy Jeans with a 25 Inch Inseam
Now for the million dollar question – who sells those magical 25 inch inseam jeans? Luckily, because the cropped length is popular right now, more places than you think! If you’re shopping for the ankle or cropped length you’ll have the most luck. Some jeans, even in petite, are still too long for me (which is where that inseam number comes in).
LOFT Petites
You can find me wearing a lot of pants from LOFT. I love their curvy fit, and their price. However, LOFT can sometimes be a little heavy in the ankle for me, depending on the style. You can see me wearing them here, here, here and here.
Shop My Favorite LOFT Petite Jeans
Old Navy Petites
I’m wearing a pair of Old Navy jeans in this post. These boyfriend jeans are the most comfortable pair of jeans I own, and thanks to the cuffing at the bottom, they worked for me straight from the store. (Although I do think about cutting them from time to time!) Old Navy is on the longer side in their petites, unless you go for an ankle style, that’s the keyword I look for. The white pair I’m wearing in this post is ankle length and it makes all the difference. I’m wearing a standard petite pair in this post, and you can see they are a tiny bit too long.
Shop My Favorite Old Navy Petite Jeans
J. Crew Petites
J.Crew is one of my favorites for many things, and their jeans are no exception. Earlier this year, I purchased a pair of their eco jeans and fell in love! They are not only comfortable, they don’t stretch out, and they’re cheaper than their standard line. (I did cut a little off of the bottom myself, easy to do with a raw hem jean.) I’m wearing a pair of J.Crew petite jeans here, and here. I’ve heard that Madewell (a sister brand to J.Crew) makes great petite jeans, but I haven’t tried them yet. They’re next on my try list!
Shop My Favorite J.Crew Petite Jeans
AEO Petites
Last, but not least – American Eagle. My favorite jeans from my teens continue to serve me well (sometimes) into my 30’s. Their x-short inseam option, as well as the fit of their jegging jeans is one of my favorite. They stay fitted and slimming to the ankle, which helps makes a set of short legs look longer, and makes it easier to cuff them if you need to without adding weight to your legs. I’m wearing a pair here, and here. The length I’m wearing in both of those posts is just regular short, so they are a tiny bit longer.
Shop My Favorite AEO Petite Jeans
There are so many brands to try. Although I didn’t think the fit was flattering on my body I’ve found Topshop to have shorter inseams and the Wit and Wisdom line at Nordstrom to also have good lengths. My only fit issues with those brands is the placement of pockets.
Tried any petite brands that worked well for you, let me know in the comments!
-Brooke
Now, let’s…get…linking!!
Link up any post you would like to show off; your outfit, home decor, recipe, workout. Anything at all! Because, oh, hey girl! I want to see it!
