I love a good high-rise pair of jeans, but I hear you — a high rise isn’t for everyone. This week I’m kicking off a mini series on petite-friendly jeans and pants, starting with one of your most requested topics: petite-friendly mid-rise jeans. Each pair featured has roughly a 9″ rise, which works especially well on a short torso while still feeling comfortable and easy to wear.
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Mid-Rise Jeans for Petites
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.
Quince Luna Wide-Leg Jeans
- 9″ Rise /29.5″ Inseam /8.5″ Leg Opening (Size 24)
- 94% Organic Cotton/ 2% Elastane
I’ve long sung the praises of Quince jeans. While the high-rise Bella line is my personal favorite, the Luna line is a great option if you prefer a mid-rise. The two collections share similar silhouettes, but there are a few key differences.
For example, the Bella Wide-Leg Jeans come in multiple inseam options, while the Luna styles are offered in one standard length. The Luna Wide-Leg Jeans have a 29.5″ inseam, which is too long for me—even with heels. That said, because the denim is predominantly organic cotton, it does shrink in the wash. After one wash, my pair shrunk just under an inch, leaving me with an inseam a little over 28.5″.
The left is before washing and the right is after washing and drying. Showing the slight shrinkage in length.
The denim is stretchy, comfortable, and holds its shape well. If you’re looking for a mid-rise option with a shorter inseam, the Luna Relaxed Straight Jeans are an especially good choice. They have a 9″ rise and a 28″ inseam—and, like the wide-leg version, will likely shrink slightly after washing.
Jeans 24 | Sweater Petite XS | White Top XS | Boots tts | Sweatshirt XXS | Earrings
J.Crew Slim Jeans
- 9″ Rise / 26″ Inseam / 5 3/4″ Leg Opening (Size Petite 24)
- 94% Cotton / 4% Polyester / 2% Elastane
The J.Crew Slim Jeans are a classic slim-straight style with comfortable stretch. They come in multiple washes, but this dark, clean wash is my favorite—it’s easy to dress up or down. They’re true to size and do shrink slightly in the wash over time. While they relax a bit with wear, they hold their shape well overall. If you prefer lightweight, stretchy denim, these are a great option.
Jeans Petite 24 | Flats tts | Blue Sweater XXS | White Top XS | Earrings
Madewell Jules Slim-Straight Jean
- 9″ Rise/ 24.5″ Inseam / 6″ Leg Opening (Size Petite 24)
- 98% Cotton / 2% Elastane
The Jules Slim-Straight Jeans from Madewell are a newer release, and I love that they’re made with 98% cotton and no polyester. They’re similar to the J.Crew slim-straight jeans, but the denim is slightly thicker and offers a bit more structure. They do have some stretch, though not quite as much as the J.Crew pair. If you have a shorter inseam, the ankle length on these jeans works especially well.
Jeans Petite 24 | Sweater Petite XS | Bag | Boots tts | Flats tts | Blue Sweater XXS | White Top XS | Earrings
AE Stovepipe Jeans
- 9″ Rise / 27″ Inseam / 8″ Leg Opening (Size 00 Short)
- 74% Cotton / 24% Lyocell / 2% Elastane
The Stovepipe Jeans from American Eagle are a relaxed straight-leg style with a vintage, cottony feel. While they do have some stretch, the overall look leans more classic than stretchy. This style runs a bit roomy, so I recommend sizing down if you prefer a closer fit. I’m wearing the short length here with a 27″ inseam, and in select washes they’re also available in an extra-short length with a 24.5″ inseam.
Jeans 00 Short | White Top XS | Sneakers tts | sweater is sold out | Earrings
If you’ve struggled to find jeans that sit comfortably a mid-rise can be a great option—especially for petites. Stay tuned for more posts in this series to include $50 and under petite jeans and pants for work!
