As I started sharing petite-friendly linen pants for the season, the questions quickly started rolling into my inbox. How do they wash? Do they shrink? Do they wrinkle?
Your questions actually inspired this post. Instead of simply sharing my personal impressions, I ordered six pairs of petite-friendly linen and linen-blend pants and put them through a wash-and-wear test so you can see the results for yourself.
I chose these six options based on a mix of pairs I already know and love, brands many of you recommended, and a few that readers specifically asked me to try.
Affiliate links are included in this post.
Petite Linen Pants Review: 6 Styles Put Through a Wash & Wear Test
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.
How I Tested These Petite Linen Pants
- Before washing, I measured and tried on each pair to evaluate the fit and record the original measurements.
- I washed each pair in cold water, hung them to dry for most of the drying time, and then finished them in the dryer on the delicate cycle using low heat.
- After washing, I noted how wrinkled each pair became, steamed them, remeasured the inseam and rise, and then wore them.
- At the end of the wear test, I took a photo so you can see how much each pair wrinkled after a full day of wear.
Wash Test Results: Which Petite Linen Pants Performed Best
After the wash test, I found that every pair shrank to some degree.
The 100% linen pants wrinkled the most, especially along the seams after being in the dryer and again with wear throughout the day. I didn’t notice much wrinkling while they were hanging to dry, so letting them air dry completely may help minimize wrinkles.
The linen-blend pants wrinkled the least overall, but they also experienced the most shrinkage in the wash.
*As always, the measurements given in my post are taken from the size I’m wearing and may not reflect all sizes of the pants.
Madewell Pull-On Pants in 100% Linen
- Fit: XS Short — runs small; I recommend sizing up
- Fabric: 100% linen
- Measurements (Pre-Wash): 28″ inseam | 10″ rise
- Measurements (Post-Wash): 27″ inseam | 10″ rise
Pants XS Short | Tank Top XS | Short Sleeve Top XS | Sandals
The linen pants from Madewell were a new-to-me option for this wash and wear test. On the first try, I really liked the overall fit—especially the thinner waistband, which doesn’t sit as high on my torso as some of the other styles in this review. I did find that they run small, so I sized up to XS Short.
Out of the package, the pants measured 28″ inseam and a 10″ rise in the Short length. They are 100% linen and unlined, but with nude underwear they weren’t see-through.
After washing, the pants shrunk about one inch in length, bringing the inseam to 27″, while the 10″ rise stayed the same. The fit felt slightly tighter right after washing, but the fabric relaxed again with wear.
Because these are 100% linen, they did wrinkle along the seams in the dryer and again with wear throughout the day—especially at the creases of my legs.
Overall I was pleased with the fit, wear and wash of this pair from Madewell and would consider them a top pick.
Abercrombie Linen-Blend Pull-On Pant
- Fit: XXS Short — true to size
- Fabric: 55% linen 45% viscose
- Measurements (Pre-Wash): 28″ inseam | 10.5″ rise
- Measurements (Post-Wash): 27″ inseam | 10″ rise
Pants XXS Short | Tank Top XS | Short Sleeve Top XS | Sandals
When it comes to linen pants, I’ve always leaned toward 100% linen for the breathability, but this pair may have changed my mind about blends. The linen blend pants from Abercrombie are made from a soft blend of 55% linen and 45% viscose, and the fabric feels smooth and comfortable while still having that classic linen look.
Like the Madewell pair, these pants have a thin waistband, which I really like because it doesn’t sit too high on my torso. This was also the only pair in the test that is fully lined. It may only be lined in this lighter color (I didn’t try the other colors to confirm), but I love that they are truly not see-through.
Before washing, the pants measured a 28″ inseam and a 10.5″ rise in the Short length. After washing, the inseam shrank to 27″, and the rise shrank slightly to 10″. I also noticed a bit of shrinkage in the overall fit.
Update: Since I first wrote this post I ordered the pants XS Short to compare the fit and also the lining. I ordered the pants in red and black and they were both unlined, so the lining must only be found in the light color options. Since they were unlined, they both felt much larger on me, even for just one size up. I also noted the inseam to be 1/4″ longer on XS Short. I washed the black pair to check for shrinkage (cold water, hung to dry) and they shrunk to 27.5″. I can usually wear a 27.5″ inseam without issues, but the pants were still big on me, making them sit lower on my frame and overall making the pants look longer on me. So, with that said – I recommend choosing these pants in the light colors for the best fit and for the lining. I suggest staying true to size. They still wash and wear well in terms of wrinkling, but black held lint.
Abercrombie linen blend pants shown in XS Short. They have a 27.5″ inseam, but are too big for me so they sit lower on my frame and appear much longer on me.
This pair washed very well, coming out of the dryer with minimal wrinkling, and they also held up well throughout wear with very little wrinkling. Overall, these linen blend pants ranked at the top of my list for fit, style, and wash-and-wear performance.
The one thing to note is that because they are fully lined, they felt a bit warmer than the other pairs in this test. If you’re looking for a very lightweight option for hot and humid weather, these may feel slightly warm compared to unlined linen styles. You could choose one of the darker colors for an unlined option as well.
Athleta Retreat Linen High Rise Wide Leg Pant
- Fit: XXS Petite — true to size
- Fabric: 100% linen
- Measurements (Pre-Wash): 28″ inseam | 11″ rise
- Measurements (Post-Wash): 27″ inseam | 11″ rise
Pants Petite XXS | Tank Top XS | Short Sleeve Top XS | Sandals
The Athleta Retreat Linen Pants have been a favorite of mine for quite some time. I love them because the fabric is thick enough to avoid being see-through (with the exception of the white color), but still lightweight enough to keep you comfortable in warmer weather.
Before washing, the pants measured a 28″ inseam and an 11″ rise in Petite. After washing, the inseam shrank to 27″, while the rise remained the same. I didn’t notice any significant shrinkage in the overall fit.
Over time, I’ve found that the Retreat Linen Pants and Shorts soften with washing and wear. While they do wrinkle throughout the day—as most linen does—the heavier weight of the fabric helps prevent them from completely crumpling.
I also find them especially comfortable to wear because they don’t cling to my hips and don’t show undergarments, so you can comfortably wear whatever underwear style you prefer. One thing to note is that they have a higher rise and a thicker waistband, which some petites may not prefer depending on their proportions.
Quince 100% European Linen Wide Leg Pants
- Fit: XS 28″ inseam — true to size with inseam option starting at 26″
- Fabric: 100% linen
- Measurements (Pre-Wash): 28″ inseam | 11″ rise
- Measurements (Post-Wash): 27.5″ inseam | 11″ rise most of my Quince pants shrink a full inch over time
Pants XS 28″ | Tank Top XS | Short Sleeve Top XS | Sandals
The Quince linen pants are 100% linen and, in my opinion, an excellent value. Most 100% linen pants I come across are closer to the $100 price point, but these come in at around $42, making them only slightly more expensive than some budget options while offering noticeably better quality.
Another reason I like these pants is that they come in inseam options starting at 26″, which makes them a great option for many petites. I already own them in a few colors, but I purchased this blue and white striped pair specifically for this wash and wear test.
Before washing, this pair measured a 28″ inseam and an 11″ rise. After washing, the inseam measured about 27.5″. Based on my experience with other Quince linen pants, they typically shrink closer to one inch in length, which I also noted in the video portion of this review.
Like most 100% linen pants, they do wrinkle with wear. I especially noticed significant wrinkling after the dryer, enough that it takes some time to steam the wrinkles out. For the best results, I recommend hanging these to dry completely to help minimize wrinkles.
The pants are unlined and the pockets are visible on this blue and white strip option, so if you want something that is truly not see-through, I would opt for the darker options. They also have the thick waistband and high rise like the Athleta pair so may not be a favorite if you have a short torso.
Target Women’s Linen Wide Leg Pull-On Pants
- Fit: XS Short — true to size
- Fabric: 55% linen 45% rayon
- Measurements (Pre-Wash): 28″ inseam | 10″ rise
- Measurements (Post-Wash): 26″ inseam | 10″ rise
Pants XS Short | Tank Top XS | Short Sleeve Top XS | Sandals
I was impressed with the fit of the Target linen pants on the first try. In the Short length, they measured a 28″ inseam and a 10″ rise. They fit me well through the hips and have a slightly flared leg, which creates a nice shape.
After washing, the pants shrunk significantly—about 2 inches—to a 26″ inseam. I actually measured them multiple times because I was surprised by how much they shrank, especially since they were mostly hung to dry.
Despite the shrinkage, the pants didn’t wrinkle much in the dryer or with wear, which was a pleasant surprise for a linen pair. However, I did notice significant wrinkling around the pockets, which can add a bit of visual weight to the hips unless you steam or iron them after washing. It’s possible that fully air drying them could help minimize this pocket wrinkling.
I appreciate that these are a budget-friendly linen pants option, and they don’t wrinkle as easily as some of the other pairs in this test. The color I chose is a bit sheer, though, so if you’re considering this style, I would recommend opting for a darker color. The amount of shrinkage could be either a benefit or a drawback depending on your height and proportions.
To find the Short length options at Target, you’ll need to scroll through the size selections online. In my experience, the short lengths are not typically available in stores, so you may need to order them online to get the petite-friendly inseam.
Amazon Siliteelon Brand
- Fit: XS – true to size
- Fabric: linen/cotton – percentages not given
- Measurements (Pre-Wash): 25″ inseam | 12″ rise
- Measurements (Post-Wash): 22″ inseam | 11″ rise
Pants XS | Tank Top XS | Short Sleeve Top XS | Sandals
This Amazon linen pants pair was recommended to me, and many of you asked for options that offer the quick shipping Amazon is known for. There are definitely both pros and cons to this pair.
The biggest pro is that they are very petite-friendly. Out of all the options in this roundup, they started with the shortest inseam, measuring 25″ with a high 12″ rise straight out of the package.
After washing, however, there was significant shrinkage. The inseam shortened to 22″, and the rise decreased slightly to 11″. I also noticed noticeable shrinkage in the overall fit. Since I washed them in cold water and hung them to dry, the amount of shrinkage was surprising. This could definitely be a pro for some of my petite friends who need a shorter inseam or want a cropped look.
On the positive side, the fabric is soft and comfortable, and the pants didn’t wrinkle much in the wash or with wear, which is a nice advantage for linen pants.
The reviews for this pair are generally positive, and I didn’t see many people mention the level of shrinkage I experienced, so it’s possible the results vary by color or batch.
The product listing notes that the pants are a linen and cotton blend, but there was no fabric tag included, and the exact percentages aren’t listed online. If you’re interested in trying this pair, I would recommend choosing a darker color, as the beige option I tested is quite sheer—even with nude underwear.
My Favorites (and the Linen Pants I Returned)
It’s hard to pick favorites because each pair offers something a little different. After reviewing the photos, I found that I prefer the fit of the Madewell and Abercrombie pairs, both of which have a thin waistband that sits well on my frame. I also love that the Abercrombie pair is fully lined and doesn’t wrinkle much after washing or with wear.
The Athleta Retreat Linen Pants are still a favorite for comfort, and the Quince linen pants stand out as a great value, especially since they offer multiple inseam options that work well for petites.
I also ordered linen pants from Old Navy, J.Crew, and Banana Republic Factory, but ultimately returned them. The Old Navy pair was too big at the waist and looked a bit puffy on me. The J.Crew pair was too tight through the hips and thighs, and the length landed in an awkward spot—too long to be cropped but too short to be full length. The Banana Republic Factory pair had a rougher fabric and was also too tight through my thighs. They aren’t bad options; many of my readers have told me they love them, but they just weren’t a good fit for my frame.
Overall, this wash and wear test confirmed what many of us already suspect about linen pants—some shrinkage and wrinkling are almost always part of the deal. The key is finding a pair with the right fabric weight, fit, and inseam so that even with a little shrinkage they still work well for your proportions.
If you’re shopping for petite-friendly linen pants, I hope this test gives you a better idea of what to expect after washing and wearing them. Knowing how each pair holds up can make it a lot easier to choose the option that will work best for your wardrobe and your height.
