High-waisted bottoms are definitely the trend this season. However, that doesn’t mean we all like to wear them. I get it, being petite especially, high-waisted bottoms can feel like they take up your entire mid-section, which is not only uncomfortable, it’s not everyone’s favorite look.
I rock high-waisted bottoms, especially if I’m tucking in my top, which I think looks better with a higher-rise. However, I also appreciate the comfort of a mid-rise and own a few that I wear frequently. For those of you who are mid-rise fans, I’ve rounded up where you can find petite-friendly fits in both jeans and shorts that won’t rise to your bra line.
Online Shopping Tips
Many fitting rooms are opening back up, but that doesn’t change that the large majority of stores don’t carry their Petites in-store. I do 95% of my shopping online and I know the frustration of having to mail back returns (which is what I hope to help you avoid by doing the trying-on for you). So, I’ve come to know the importance of knowing your measurements and what to look for in the descriptions. I’ll share another post about everything you need to know in general, but for this post, I’ll focus on what you need to know for jeans and pants.
Know Your Measurements
The most important measurements for me when it comes to jeans are inseam and rise.
Inseam
The inseam is the measurement from the crotch to the leg opening. Most petite jeans have an inseam range from 22″- 28″, with the average being around 26″. The perfect inseam for me is 24″ and those jeans will hit me right around my ankle. This is why if you’re under 5 feet, like me, many petite jeans are still too long for you. While I have just a few brands I can typically rely on, I always check around for styles that come in my inseam. You can find the inseam on most jeans by reading the product description and sometimes under a tab that says “fit and sizing”.
Rise
The rise is the measurement from the crotch to the waistband. This measurement is going to determine where the jeans will sit on your waist. Most mid-rise jeans are 8″- 9″ high and high rise jeans are 10″-12″. I can wear jeans that are as high as 10″, but they’re a tiny bit above my belly button at that height. There is a little bit of variance between what brands consider mid and high-rise. You can also find this measurement in the product description typically.
Petite Friendly Mid-Rise Jeans and Shorts
Now to the brands and fits, I have personally tried. If you want to compare our sizing I’m 4’10” and around 105lbs. I’m considered pear-shaped with bust, waist, and hip measurements of 32″, 24″, and 36″.
Madewell Mid-Rise Skinny Crop
I’ll start with my favorite of the bunch, the mid-rise skinny crop from Madewell. They are pricy, but what I always mention about investing in these jeans is that they will last you for years! While they don’t go on sale often, I’m always watching for discounts to share with you. I wear them in my true size, petite 24. Unfortunately, only Madewell’s crop skinny jeans work for me. Their typical skinny jeans have a 26″ inseam which is too long for me (I need 24″). So I have to check the inseams to make sure I’m going to get a good fit. Currently, the cropped length skinny is only available in white, but they’re always adding new styles.
Mid-Rise Skinny Crop in White Petite 24
Outfit from Date Night Outfits
Madewell Petite Cali Demi-Boot
If you’re looking for a style that is mid-rise, but different than skinny jeans, the Cali Demi-Boot option is great! These are also a comfortable mid-rise and have a petite-friendly inseam.
Petite Cali Demi-Boot Jeans Petite 24 | Petite Cali-Demi Boot Jeans in White Petite 24
Outfit from My Favorite Madewell Jeans
J.Crew Vintage Straight
J.Crew jeans are a close second to Madewell jeans for me. In particular, I have a love for their vintage jeans which are a little bit thicker. Their jeans run true to size for me, however, just like Madewell, you have to check the inseam measurements to make sure the length is just right. On their website they consider their 9″ jeans to be high-rise and most of the vintage straight styles are 9″. These jeans hit me below my belly button so I consider them to be mid-rise.
9″ Vintage Straight Jeans with Button Front Petite 24 | 9″ Vintage Straight Jeans Petite 24 | Vintage Straight Chinos Petite 24
Outfit From Petite Jeans Shopping Guide
J.Crew Toothpick Jeans
J.Crew and J.Crew Factory also carry skinny jean options in both 8″ and 9″ rise. The toothpick jeans are stretchier and similar to a jegging. They aren’t my top pick for jeans because they tend to fade and the fabric is thinner, but I like them enough to include them as an option.
8″ Toothpick Jean Petite 24 | 9″ Skinny Jean Petite 24
AE Jeggings and High-Waisted Jeggings
I know, I shouldn’t be putting jeans that are called “high-waisted” in a post about mid-rise jeans, but the rise really isn’t high in my opinion and comes under my belly button. AE jeggings are a top suggestion of mine as well, with more consistent selections and a more affordable price point than Madewell. There are the high-rise jeggings which are my top pick, and the jeggings that have an even lower rise. Below I’m wearing the high-rise jeggings, they are my most worn jeans when I just want to be comfortable. To make things a little bit confusing, these jeans have a 10″ rise based on the description, but they just don’t feel the same as my other 10″ rise jeans. You’ll just have to see for yourself and let me know what you think.
AE High-Waisted Jegging
AE High-Rise Jeggings 0 X-Short
Outfit from Colorful Spring Finds
AE Jegging
The jegging has a 9.5″ inseam according to the description, but again they just don’t feel that high. You can see the rise in the pair I’m wearing below and it is quite comfortable and low. This exact pair with the frayed hem is no longer available but I will link other jeggings for you.
AE Jeggings 0 X-Short | AE Jeggings 0 X-Short in White
Outfit from Ways to Wear a Sweatshirt
Mid-Rise Shorts
It is summer after all so let’s talk about mid-rise shorts.
Old Navy Boyfriend Shorts
Old Navy has great shorts all around, but my favorites this year have been their high-rise O.G. shorts. Last year I had a deep love for these boyfriend shorts and still pull them out from time to time. They have a nice mid-rise and still have a 3″ inseam for extra length in the leg. They pop in and out of stock often. For me, they are true to size.
Old Navy Boyfriend Shorts 0
Aerie Daydream Shorts
The daydream shorts from Aerie are low/mid-rise in my opinion. The waistband is elastic in the back, which is really comfortable. I’m wearing the white version here but they come in other colors. I recommend sizing down in them.
Aerie Daydream Shorts XXS
Outfit from Beach Vacation Outfits
J.Crew Seaside Shorts
J.Crew seaside shorts are comfortable pull-on shorts, that aren’t high-rise – like many of the options available this season. They’re made to sit at your hip and are light and breezy, they also come in several colors. I size down in them to XXS.
J.Crew Seaside Shorts XXS
Outfit from Spring Capsule Wardrobe
AE Midi Shorts
Just like the high-waisted jegging, these midi shorts are what I reach for when I want to be comfortable. The thing about them is the sizing is tricky. I size up to a size 4 to get the fit that I want, for me that’s two sizes up from the 0 I typically wear at AE. You can tell the difference in how small and tight they are on the model. Last I checked these were available in-store so being able to go and try on several sizes may be the best option.
AE Midi Shorts 4
Outfit from Petite Friendly Shorts
If you’re looking for petite-friendly shorts and jeans in general, you can find a post about shorts here and jeans here. I hope you find a pair of jeans or shorts that you love in all ways from looks to comfort!
-Brooke
