In my conversations with readers, I find that the vast majority of people are most comfortable in straight jeans (and skinny jeans). Straight jeans can be worn in different lengths, rises, and leg widths, so there is a wide range of options out there. This first post has a few of my favorite options, but stay tuned for the budget and premium denim posts for even more straight jeans options for Petites.
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Petite Jeans Series: Straight Jeans
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.
Straight Jeans
Straight jeans have a straight fit from hips to ankles. There are many variations of straight jeans, with some being so slim that they resemble skinny jeans and some being so wide and relaxed that they resemble wide-leg jeans.
Why I Love Them:
Straight jeans are classic, so you can invest in them and know they’ll be relevant for years to come (unlike trendy styles like wide and cropped flare). They are slim and balanced for most body shapes.
How Long Should Straight Jeans Be?
The measurements given here are based on my personal measurements; yours may vary.
Straight jeans can be worn cropped or full-length. Cropped straight jeans should hit at the ankle bone (for me, that’s 25″). Full-length straight jeans can be worn to the top of your foot (for me, that’s 26″). If the jeans have a wider leg width and are a relaxed style (they come over your foot). They can be worn longer or bunched at the ankle (for me, that’s 27-28″).
Good American Good Straight
- Stretch: Thick Denim with Stretch
- Rise: Mid 9″
- Inseam: 24″ in petite
- Measurements are taken from Petite 00
Good American Good Straight jeans are a classic slim straight with a close resemblance to skinny jeans. These jeans are stretchy and comfortable but don’t bag out with wear. I find them to be true to size. This pair is a great option for someone with a short inseam or someone who likes a cropped straight pair.
Jeans Petite 00 | Top 00 | Shoes tts
Abercrombie Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight
- Stretch: Medium Stretch – lightweight denim – this style loosens a bit with wear
- Rise: High 10.5″
- Inseam: 25″ in short, 23″ in extra short
- Measurements are taken from 24 short
The Ultra High Rise Ankle Straight jeans have been a reader favorite for the last few years. They have a high 10.5″ rise, a 25″ inseam in short, and a 23″ inseam in extra short. I love that they have an extra short option that will work for some of my friends with really short inseams. I get a lot of positive feedback about these jeans, but some Petites with shorter torsos have a hard time with the high rise on this pair. I find them to be true to size overall, but they do loosen quite a bit with wear. These jeans pair nicely with boots because they have a wider leg width, so it’s easy to tuck the boots under the jeans.
Jeans 24 Short in Dark | Top XXS | Flats tts
Madewell Mid-Rise Perfect Vintage
- Stretch: Hold you in thick denim with stretch
- Rise: Mid 8.75″ rise
- Inseam: 25.5″ in petite
- Measurements are taken from Petite 24
Madewell jeans tend to be relatively thick, but they still have stretch. So, they hold you in, hold their shape, but are still comfortable to wear. The Mid-Rise Perfect Vintage jeans have an 8.75″ rise and a 25.5″ inseam in petite. They’re true to size. The 8.75″ rise is the lowest I have seen lately, so I know these will work well for those with short torsos. These jeans have a slim straight leg, so if you’re a fan of skinny jeans, these are a nice go-between for you.
Jeans Petite 24 | Shoes tts | Sweater XS
Abercrombie Mid-Rise ’90s Straight Jeans
- Stretch: No Stretch, but the jeans hold their shape with wear
- Rise: Mid 9″
- Inseam: 26.5″ in extra short
- Measurements were taken from 24 extra short shown in dark marble
The Mid-Rise ’90s Jeans from Abercrombie are my personal favorite and the pair I would choose if I could only choose one. They have a mid 9″ rise and a 26.5″ inseam in extra short. The reason I love these jeans is because I personally love rigid denim. I like how they hold you in, but these have a mid-rise, so they don’t squeeze your stomach. I like the longer inseam on this pair because they’re easy to pair with boots. The jeans are also slim but not so slim that they resemble skinny jeans. This is a newer style from Abercrombie, but they have been putting out new washes periodically, so if you can’t currently snag these in extra short, keep an eye out for new releases.
Jeans 24 Extra Short | Top XXS | Flats tts
Stay tuned for part two of this post, featuring shoe pairings with straight jeans. I have a few posts left in this series dedicated to price and rise—stay tuned!
-Brooke
