If you’ve been following along with my petite denim guides, you know I’m always on the hunt for jeans that fit well right off the rack — no hemming required. Madewell has long been a go-to for me, and they recently added a few new styles. I tried three pairs from their current lineup ( two new and one longtime love), and I’m breaking down how each fits on my 4’10” frame.
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Madewell Petite Jeans Review: Wide-Leg and Flare Fits 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.
The Wide-Leg Jean
Fit: My new favorite fit from Madewell! The Wide-Leg Jean is made from a thick, structured denim that still feels soft and has just enough stretch to stay comfortable. It holds you in without being compressive — the kind of denim that flatters without digging in.
Measurements:
- Standard: 10 ¾” rise, 29” inseam
- Petite: 10.5” rise, 27” inseam
At 4’10”, I can wear both options! The standard inseam works perfectly with boots, while the petite inseam is ideal with flats or sneakers. The denim is 98% cotton and 2% elastane, so I anticipate a little shrinkage in the wash. I’ll be laying my 27” pair flat to dry to preserve the length.
Jeans 24 petite and standard | Top Petite XXS | Boots | Sneakers
The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
Fit: The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean is another solid wide-leg option for petites, but slightly different in feel. This style has a bit more stretch and a thinner fabric than The Wide-Leg Jean. It still gives you that easy, relaxed silhouette but feels a little lighter overall.
Measurements:
- Petite: 10.5” rise, 28” inseam
The extra inch in the inseam gives these a slightly longer drape, which works beautifully with heeled boots and bunches with flats. Between the two, though, I prefer The Wide-Leg Jean — mostly because I love the thicker denim and the way it holds me in, but they’re both top picks for me. They’re 91% cotton/6% recycled polyester/3% elastane and shrink in the wash.
Jeans Petite 24 | Top Petite XXS | Sneakers
The Stretch Flare Jean
Fit: The Stretch Flare Jean is a classic flare silhouette with full stretch — the kind that’s flattering, comfortable, and elongating on a petite frame. This pair runs small, so I recommend sizing up one. They also shrink a bit in the wash. They feel similar in stretch to The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg with 91% cotton/6% recycled polyester/3% elastane.
Measurements:
- Petite: 10” rise, 29” inseam
On me, the 29” inseam works best with a heel, creating that perfect leg-lengthening flare effect without dragging the floor.
Jeans Petite 24 | Top Petite XXS | Boots
For more petite denim reviews, check out my petite denim shopping guide.
