In this small, petite denim series, I’m sharing the fit of different denim styles from Abercrombie, Madewell, and Express on my 4’10” frame. In this post, I’m reviewing three different denim styles from Express, but you can find a review of jeans from Abercrombie in this post and Madewell jeans in this post!
My Measurements & Proportions
It’s important to point out that we can be the same or similar in height but have different proportions. So, for comparison purposes, here are my measurements: I’m 4’10” and my waist and hip measurements are 24″ and 36″. I have a 25″ inseam to my ankle bone and often choose 27-28″ inseams for full-length styles. My true size is 00/24/xxs. I’m overall proportionate, meaning I don’t have a long torso or legs for my height. By my measurements, I’m pear-shaped.
If you need guidance on finding your own inseam, check out my full denim guide.
Affiliate links are included in this post.
How Different Express Denim Styles Fit my 4’10” Frame
Express Jeans
This is a first impressions post of Express jeans. I don’t have extensive experience with their jeans, but I’ll share an honest opinion of the three styles I tried. Their jeans come in lengths, rather than petite proportions. I found the short length to work for me in one style and required heels in another. One issue I noted with all of the high-rise styles I tried is a very high 11-12″ rise. I love high rise jeans, but my idea of a high rise is closer to a 10″ rise. I noted mixed sizing with the styles so I’ll share that below. However, I think they’re promising and need a little more research. Here is how the three styles I tried worked for me:
High-Waisted Drawstring Wide Leg Jeans
- Size Wearing: 0 Short Length
- Inseam: 28.5″
- Rise: 12″
- Lengths Offered: Short, Regular, Long
The High-Waisted Drawstring Wide Leg Jeans have a long, slim, wide-leg fit. In short, they have a 12″ rise and a 28.5″ inseam. The Ivory denim holds you in with comfortable stretch and isn’t see-through at all. Being ivory, this is a pair you can wear through all seasons. I love the drawstring feature and how long these jeans make my legs look with a pair of heels, but the 12″ rise is sky high on me. They are true to size according to their size chart. I’m wearing the jeans in a size 0 short, which fits me overall, but if 00 short was an option, they would be a better fit.
High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans
- Size Wearing: 0 Short Length
- Inseam: 28.5″
- Rise: 11″
- Lengths Offered: Short, Regular, Long
The High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans are almost identical to the drawstring style, but there are a couple of differences in the fit and denim. The denim is lightweight and drapey, and I find the fit to be generous. I’m wearing the jeans in a size 0 short, but I need a size down. The jeans have an 11″ rise and a 28.5″ inseam. I appreciate that the rise is 1″ lower, but they’re still quite high for me. These jeans are a good option for a petite person with a long torso and a good pair of heels, that has the option to size down. They weren’t quite right for my proportions and sizing (mainly because I need a size lower than 0 Short and it isn’t available).
Jeans 0 Short I need a size down | Top XS
High Waisted Straight Ankle Jeans
- Size Wearing: 0 Short Length
- Inseam: 24″
- Rise: 11″
- Lengths Offered: Short, Regular, Long
The High Waisted Straight Ankle Jeans are the most petite-friendly of all three denim styles I tried. The denim is stretchy and comfortable. They have an 11″ rise and in short, they have a petite-friendly 24″ inseam. They are true to size and fit me well in a size 0 short. The 24″ inseam is perfect for many petites, but is an inch above my ankle bone. I would prefer the 27″ inseam on the regular length. They wouldn’t be ankle length on me in that inseam, but they would be a modern full-length straight.
I didn’t find any styles that were a perfect fit for me on my first try of Express Jeans, but I do love the overall style of the wide-leg jeans especially. I think there is promise with Express jeans and I need to a do a little more research, so I’ll be trying more! If you have a style you love, feel free to share it with me!
