Finding the perfect pair of jeans no matter what size you are can be a challenge. We’re all looking for different proportions, styles and fits -add in being petite and the inabilty to find jeans in-store and you’ve added a whole other layer. I write up denim reviews for petites on my blog often. I used to make seasonal denim guides, but I’ve found that although those seasonal guides can help introduce you to some go-to brands to check out, it’s also helpful to see reviews of in-stock items as they come up. So today I have another denim review for you with four different fits, all on-trend and all unaltered on me at 4’10”. I recognize that we all have different proportions, even if we’re similar in height, so I share the measurements for each pair (taken from the size I’m wearing) to help you choose a pair that may work well for you. In this guide I’ll also touch on what length you should look for in the different style of denim.
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No-Hem Petite Jeans by Fit
My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.
Flare: Abercrombie The Vintage Flare High Rise
- Size: 24 Extra Short – Medium Wash
- Rise: 11”
- Inseam: 27”
- Under $100
- Stretch: None
Flare jeans can are hard to find in a length that can be worn with flats (without hemming) but I found a winner in the Vintage Flare from Abercrombie. These jeans have a high 11″ rise (I know that’s quite high for some petites) and are rigid denim, with no stretch. I find them to be true to size overall and they’re the kind of denim that stretches with wear. They’re snug on me when I first put them on, but they loosen, so go with your usual size. Flare jeans are popular in cropped and full-length styles. Cropped styles can be worn at your ankle bone or a little below and full length styles can be worn to the bottom of your foot or shoe. Wearing a longer flare jean with heels will make your legs look miles long, but I appreciate being able to wear a pair with flats. Going off of my proportions, I look for a 25-26″ inseam for cropped styles and 27-29″ inseam for full-length – 29″/30″ being for heels. For reference, I have a 25″ inseam to my ankle bone. One thing to note with Abercrombie jeans, they tend to sell the same styles but release new washes, so you may click a wash and it’s completely sold out, but if you check through other washes you may be able to find your size in one that was recently released. The extra short lengths always go quick so I try my best to keep an eye on those new arrivals to share with you. In case you’re wondering short tends to be about 2-3″ longer than extra short in my experience.
Jeans 24 Extra Short in Medium Wash | Top XXS | Shoes tts
Baggy/Loose: Abercrombie The Loose High Rise
- Size: 24 Extra Short – Medium Wash
- Rise: 11”
- Inseam: 26.5”
- Under $100
- Stretch: None
The Loose High Rise jeans from Abercrombie have a relaxed fit without being overly loose and baggy. Since they are relaxed, they will dip down a little, which is why the 11″ rise sits a little lower on my frame. I find these jeans to be true to size overall, and they’re meant to be loose. If you prefer a lower rise, I also like The Baggy jeans from Abercrombie. Loose and baggy jeans are meant to be worn full-length to the bottom of your foot or shoe. I look for 26-29″ inseams (29″ to be worn with heels). You can see these jeans worn in a longer length with heels in this post.
Jeans 24 Extra Short in Medium Wash | Top XXS | Shoes tts
Mid-Rise Straight: Abercrombie ’90s Straight Mid-Rise
- Size: 24 Extra Short – Dark Marble
- Rise: 9”
- Inseam: 26.5”
- Under $100
- Stretch: None
I love Abercrombie jeans, but I know many of you have mixed feelings about their high rise. In comes the ’90s Straight Mid-Rise. These jeans have a comfortable and petite-friendly 9″ rise. They have the same rigid fit of their High Rise ’90s Jeans and in Extra Short they have a full-length 26.5″ inseam. Straight jeans can be worn cropped at your ankle bone and full-length to the bottom of your foot or shoe. If I’m looking for cropped straight leg jeans I look for a 24″-25″ inseam (to the top of or at my ankle bone) and for full length I look for a 26-29″ inseam, again with 29″ being with heels.
Jeans 24 Extra Short in Dark Marble | Top XXS | Shoes tts
High Rise Straight: Levi’s 501 Cropped Jeans 26″
- Size: 24×26 – No Rush Wash
- Rise: 10”
- Inseam: 26”
- Under $100
- Stretch: None
I tried Levi’s jeans a couple of years ago when straight jeans with a cropped fit were big. At the time I felt like they were too long for me without a hem so I kind of wrote them off. However, styles have changed and longer straight jeans are now an on-trend option, so I gave Levi’s another try. These jeans are meant to be cropped of course, but the 26″ inseam is full-length for me. I find them to be snug through my waist, but a little bit roomy through my hips in my true size (24). I can’t attest to the fit, but a size down with an allowance for stretch may be an overall better fit for me (if I could handle the squeeze in the waist). I chose the no stretch option, so they’re rigid classic denim. This kind of denim always loosens with wear.
Jeans 24X26 | Top XXS | Shoes tts
Over the years I have tried jeans from nearly every brand that offers petites and short lengths and have reviewed the best ones in my denim guides. You can take a look at all of my guides in one place here. I’ve found no-hem jeans for petites from many brands but some of my top picks are: Abercrombie, Madewell, J.Crew, LOFT, Ann Taylor, American Eagle, AYR, Good American, MOTHER and on down to the harder to find, but not impossible, petite-friendly finds at Walmart, Amazon and Target. I try my best to show variety and share the most information I can about each pair to help you find a pair you love and that truly fits right from the store!
-Brooke
