LOFT is a reader favorite for petite-friendly workwear and casual pieces, especially when it comes to pants. I was recently asked to review a few of the pants in one post, so I’m delivering today. Their petite sizing is usually well-proportioned, though I do find a mixed fits across different styles.
In today’s post I’m reviewing three popular LOFT pant styles for petites: the Sawyer Pull-On Linen Pants, Palmer Pants in Twill, and the Riviera Pants. These styles all have a different look and feel, so whether you’re shopping for casual summer outfits, workwear, or comfortable everyday pants, hopefully this comparison will help you decide which pair is best for you.
For size reference, I’m 4’10” and typically wear Petite 00 or Petite XXS in LOFT.
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LOFT Petite Pants Review: Sawyer, Palmer & Riviera Compared
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.
I often notice inconsistencies between the measurements listed on the website and what I actually find in my size (Petite 00/XXS). The measurements shared in this post were taken directly from the pieces I’m personally wearing.
LOFT Sawyer Pull-On Linen Pants Review
The Sawyer pants are a slim, wide-leg, pull-on style. They come in different fabrics and I’ve noted a different fit in different fabrics. I’ve reviewed them in crepe (runs large) and also in chambray (true to size).
Quick Fit Details
- 10″ Rise (I have other Sawyer Pants with a 9″ rise) | 27″ Inseam (taken from petite xxs, inseam increases as size increases)
- Lightweight 100% linen
- Pull-on waistband
- Relaxed wide-leg fit
- True to size overall
What I Like
The Sawyer Pull-On Linen Pants are easy throw-on-and-go pants for summer. They have a relaxed fit without feeling overly oversized, and the lightweight linen keeps them breathable in hot weather. Even though they’re 100% linen, the fabric is surprisingly soft and comfortable to wear.
I especially like that the pull-on waistband sits comfortably without digging in. Sometimes pull-on pants can add bulk at the waist, but these lay nicely and still look polished enough to wear out to lunch or on vacation.
The drape of the fabric also helps the wide-leg shape feel flattering on a petite frame rather than overwhelming.
The Sawyer Pants are intended to be a mid-rise but I’ve noted some of mine to have a mid 9″ rise and some (like this pair) to have a 10″ rise.
Fit Notes for Petites
The petite length works well with flat sandals on me, which is always a win. I measured about a 27″–27.5″ inseam in the pair I’m wearing, though of course your own proportions will determine whether they work with flats for you as well.
The fit through the hips and thighs is relaxed without looking sloppy, and I found them true to size overall.
As expected with linen, they wrinkle some with wear. The lighter colors may require nude undergarments underneath, but I didn’t find them overly sheer.

Pants Petite XXS | Top Petite XS | Necklace | Sandals
LOFT Palmer Pants Review
Quick Fit Details
- 10″ rise | 24″ inseam (measured from Petite 00)
- Wide-leg ankle length
- Runs large at the waist, recommend sizing down
What I Like
The Palmer Pants are one of my favorite styles from LOFT. They have a cropped wide-leg fit that feels balanced thanks to the high rise and slimmer fit through the hips. I also appreciate that the patch pockets are well placed and don’t add extra volume through my hips, which can sometimes happen with this style.
They’re versatile enough to wear casually with a simple top and sandals, but polished enough to style for work as well.
Fit Notes for Petites
These definitely run large at the waist and loosen with wear, so I recommend sizing down if you’re able to. I’ve also noticed inconsistencies in the fit depending on the color and fabric variation. I previously reviewed a pair with a 25.5″ inseam in petite sizing, while this pair measures closer to a 24″ inseam.
I especially appreciate that these are a realistic no-hem option for a range of petites. The shorter inseam can work as a cropped style on some petites or more full-length on those with shorter inseams.

Pants Petite 00 | Top Petite XS | Necklace | Sandals
LOFT Riviera Pants Review
Quick Fit Details
- 9″ Rise | 24″ Inseam (taken from petite 00)
- The curvy fit has a slightly higher rise, varies by size
- In doubleweave
- Slim ankle silhouette
- True to size fit – curvy and standard fit available, I wear curvy
What I Like
The Riviera Pants have been popular for years for good reason. They have a classic slim straight-leg fit with a mid-rise that works especially well for office outfits and polished everyday looks.
From a petite perspective, one of the best things about them is that they’re one of the few pants you can regularly find with a true 24″ inseam right off the rack. I also think many petites will appreciate the mid-rise fit, especially if high-rise pants tend to feel too overwhelming or hit too high on your frame.
To note, because it gets mentioned in my comments often – I prefer my pants to be a little bit longer in this style, but my goal is to share options for as many petites as I can, not just for myself. So sometimes I’ll share things that are a little short for me or low for me as an option for someone else.
Fit Notes for Petites
The Riviera Pants fit true to size overall. In the standard fit, the waist was very loose on me, but the curvy fit corrected that issue nicely. The curvy fit has a slightly higher rise, smaller waist, and more room through the hips and thighs.
Like many stretch pants, they do loosen some with wear throughout the day, so keep that in mind when deciding on sizing.

Pants Petite 00 standard fit | Pants Petite 00 curvy fit | Top Petite XS | Shoes tts
Overall, I think all three of these LOFT pant styles are great options for petites, but they each serve a different purpose. The Sawyer Pants are perfect for relaxed summer outfits, the Palmer Pants strike a nice balance between modern and polished, and the Riviera Pants are a reliable classic for workwear and everyday outfits. One thing I continue to appreciate about LOFT is that they offer petite inseams that actually work for a range of heights without always needing alterations. Hopefully seeing the fit differences side-by-side makes it a little easier to decide which pair might work best for you.



