I’ve always been a fan of classic Levi’s jeans. I love the look and feel of rigid denim, and of course, Levi’s has a way of making your backside look great! I’ve reviewed several styles from the brand over the years, and today I’m sharing three more options, including a flare, a relaxed wide leg, and a mid-rise straight leg.
All three pairs in this post have a 30″ inseam, which is quite long on my 4’10” frame, even with heels. However, if you’re petite with a longer inseam, prefer wearing higher heels, or don’t mind having your jeans hemmed, these styles are worth considering. I’ll share the fit, measurements, and sizing details of each pair to help you decide which might work best for you.
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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.
The measurements are taken from the size I’ve noted as wearing. They may vary by size.
Levi’s Ribcage Flare Jeans
Size: 25 x 30″ | Wash: Gate Keeping
Rise: 11″ | Inseam: 30″ | Leg Opening: 20″
Fabric: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane (Low Stretch)
I was surprised to find that the Ribcage Flare Jeans have a lower rise than my classic Ribcage Straight Jeans. My straight pair has a 12″ rise, which is very high on my torso. This flare version has an 11″ rise, which is still quite high on me, but a little more manageable.
These jeans have a fitted shape through the hips and thighs before flaring out at the bottom. I love the classic silhouette and the way the fitted top balances the flare. The denim is 99% cotton with just 1% elastane, so you get that structured, nearly rigid denim feel with a little bit of give.
I sized up to a 25 in this pair for a more comfortable fit through my hips and thighs. If you’re pear-shaped like me, you may want to consider sizing up as well.
The 30″ inseam is long on my frame, even with heels. However, I love the overall shape of these jeans and think they’re worth considering if you’re looking for a classic flare and don’t mind having them hemmed.
My Fit Notes: I sized up to a 25. The 11″ rise is high on my short torso, and the 30″ inseam is too long for me without alterations.
Jeans 25 x 30 in gate keeping wash | Top XS | Boots
Levi’s 728 High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Size: 24 x 30″ | Wash: Retro Rinse
Rise: 10″ | Inseam: 30″ | Leg Opening: 21″
Fabric: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane (Medium Stretch)
If you prefer a relaxed wide-leg fit, the 728 High Rise Wide Leg Jeans are a great option to consider. They have a 10″ rise, which is closer to my preferred rise for jeans and feels more balanced on my petite frame.
These jeans have a relaxed fit through the legs with a wide 21″ opening at the bottom. They’re made from 98% cotton and 2% elastane with medium stretch, so they have a little more give than the Ribcage Flare Jeans.
Although these jeans have the same 30″ inseam as the Ribcage Flare, I find that they actually wear a little longer on me. The relaxed fit through the legs, paired with the wide opening at the bottom, allows the hem to fall over my shoes. Even with heels, my shoes are mostly covered by the jeans.
I love the relaxed silhouette, but I would definitely need to have these hemmed for my height. If you’re petite with a longer inseam and love the look of a full-length, relaxed wide leg, these are worth considering.
My Fit Notes: I’m wearing my usual size 24. The 10″ rise is a great fit for me, but the relaxed wide-leg shape makes the 30″ inseam look and feel especially long.
Jeans 24 x 30″in retro rinse | Top XS | Boots
Levi’s Low Loose Jeans
Size: 24 x 30″ | Wash: Dream Nice Dreams
Rise: 9 1/8″ | Inseam: 30″ | Leg Opening: 18″
Fabric: 100% Cotton (No Stretch)
I’ve reviewed the Low Loose Jeans in a previous Levi’s roundup, but I wanted to include them again because they’re a great option for petites who prefer a mid-rise fit.
Despite the name, I find these jeans to fit more like a mid-rise, with a 9 1/8″ rise. They sit lower than the other two pairs in this post, making them a good option if you have a shorter torso or simply don’t love a high rise.
These jeans are made from 100% cotton with no stretch, giving them that classic rigid denim feel I love. Although they’re structured when you first put them on, the denim will loosen with wear. I find them to be true to size and am wearing my usual size 24.
The Low Loose Jeans have a relaxed fit through the legs, but with an 18″ leg opening, they’re noticeably slimmer at the bottom than the 728 Wide Leg Jeans. I like this slightly narrower shape because it gives you a relaxed look without quite as much volume around the shoes.
Like the other two pairs, these have a 30″ inseam, so they’re long on me. However, I love the overall fit and think they’re a great option for anyone looking for a relaxed, rigid denim jean with a lower rise.
My Fit Notes: True to size in a 24. The 9 1/8″ rise is a nice mid-rise option for petites, and the 100% cotton denim will relax with wear.
Jeans 24 x 30″ in dream nice dreams wash | Top XS | Boots
Comparing the Three Levi’s Jeans
Here’s a quick comparison of the measurements and fit of all three styles.
| Style | Rise | Inseam | Leg Opening | Stretch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ribcage Flare | 11″ | 30″ | 20″ | Low |
| 728 High Rise Wide Leg | 10″ | 30″ | 21″ | Medium |
| Low Loose | 9 1/8″ | 30″ | 18″ | None |
Which Levi’s Jeans Are Best for Petites?
Of these three styles, I think the best choice really comes down to your preferred rise and leg shape.
If you love a fitted jean with a dramatic flare, the Ribcage Flare Jeans have a beautiful classic shape. Just keep in mind that the 11″ rise is quite high, especially if you have a shorter torso.
For a relaxed wide-leg look, the 728 High Rise Wide Leg Jeans have a comfortable 10″ rise and a little more stretch. However, the wide leg opening makes them feel particularly long on my frame.
If you prefer rigid denim and a lower rise, the Low Loose Jeans are my pick. I love the 100% cotton fabric, and the 9 1/8″ rise is a nice alternative to the higher-rise styles Levi’s is known for.
