For the last eleven years I have been shopping for, reviewing, and analyzing petite jeans. I typically put out a petite jeans shopping guide each season highlighting a few of the current styles I love and have found a great fit. But, I realized I have never put together a resource with all of the brands I’ve had luck with in one place. So, this guide is many years in the making and my hope is that it will be a resource you can come back to year after year, even as the styles change. Here you’ll find a master list of every brand I’ve had success with finding petite-friendly inseams and a highlight of a few of my favorite styles. These brands offer petite sizing or inseam options. You’ll also find a few tips for picking a great pair of jeans.
Affiliate links are included in this post.
The Ultimate Petite Jeans Shopping Guide
Photos are linked to the jeans I’m wearing in them. You can also scroll down to see the front and back of each pair without text over the photo.
*My goal with this guide was to find petite jeans in multiple inseam options based on averages shared with me by my readers. Not every single pair of jeans shown above is a win for me (especially paired with a tucked in top). For Example, I wouldn’t wear a mid-rise wide leg pair of jeans because it doesn’t flatter my figure – but my short torso friends asked for that option, so I’m sharing it to show them options. I tucked in my top with every outfit so you could see the jeans and stood “unstyled” so you could truly see the shape of the jeans and how they fit my petite frame. I will also be creating petite jeans by inseam posts where you will be able to see a front and back photo of each pair as well as in depth reviews of each one. This post is strictly about the jeans so they’re unstyled, but if you’re looking for ideas about styling, including shoe options, check out my petite jeans series I wrote last summer.
Petite v. Inseam Options
Petite sizing is proportioned all around for someone who is short, specifically someone who is under 5’4″. When it comes to jeans, that means often the rise is shorter, the inseam is shorter, and the pattern and pockets are placed differently. If the jeans have a distressed feature, these are also often repositioned. Petite sizing can often be confused with being small, but it’s about length, not overall size, and petite sizing ranges from petite 00/xxs to petite plus. When a brand offers inseam options or length options such as short and extra short you can expect these jeans to be proportioned the same as regular sizing, but just have a shorter inseam. I have found both options to work for me, but this is something to keep in mind, especially for someone who has a shorter torso and prefers a lower rise.
Inseam & Rise
Although more and more brands are offering petite and short sizing, most are only offered online. So you can’t pop in a store and try-on multiple sizes (frustrating I know). However, for the most part many brands will provide the rise and inseam measurements which can help you narrow down options and possibly avoid returning an item that you would know is already too long for you based on the measurements. So knowing your own proportions is key to saving yourself a return. I often use my height in my posts as a baseline just to let you know how tall I am. However, just because something fits me doesn’t mean it will fit you, even if we are the same height, or if you’re taller than me, due to proportions. There are definitely averages when it comes to inseams, but you have to know your own to have the best experience.
How to Measure Inseam & Rise
The easiest way to measure your preferred inseam and rise is on a pair of jeans you already love the fit of. If you don’t have a pair that you like the length of I suggest cuffing them to the desired length, pinning it, and then measuring. You will measure the inside seam of the jeans from the inner crotch seam to the bottom of the jeans. This measurement will give you a good starting point – but don’t think you have to be exact, it’s just a good base point.
What Length Should My Jeans Be?
Your inseam is going to vary for different styles of jeans. As an example here are different lengths that you can wear popular styles of jeans:
Straight
Straight jeans can be worn cropped at your ankle bone and full-length to the top of your foot or floor. Keep in mind that the width of the opening on a pair of straight jeans also plays a part in how they will look when they’re worn. For example, I have a 25″ inseam to my ankle bone. A slim straight style that resembles a skinny jean will work for me in a 25-26″ inseam but at 28″ it’s going to bunch at my ankles and look too long. However, if the jeans are a wider straight I could wear a 28″ inseam because it would be wide and open at my feet and instead of bunching, it will drape. For me personally I wear straight straight jeans in 25-28″ inseams
Flare & Bootcut Jeans
Flare jeans can be worn cropped to the ankle bone and full-length to the bottom of your foot or shoe. Full-length can be with a pair of flats or with a pair of heels. My ankle-length flare jeans are around 25″, and my full-length flare jeans will be from 27-29″. There can be small variations in the length you wear your jeans, but with a cropped flare, I think they look best worn at your ankle bone or slightly below, but not above.
Wide-Leg
You can wear wide-leg jeans cropped at your ankle bone or full-length. Cropped wide leg jeans look best worn at or slightly above your ankle bone, but below, they tend to look heavy. I can wear wide-leg jeans that range from 24″-29″ inseams. Baggy jeans are also trendy and can be worn puddled at your feet.
Whether or not someone who is petite should or should not wear a certain style is personal preference. I’m all for wearing what you love and am here to just give information about the fit of each pair.
How to Measure Rise
The front rise is what determines how high up on your torso a pair of jeans will fit. You can find this measurement by measuring from the center crotch seam to the top of the jeans. A standard high-rise for petite jeans is around 10″ and a standard mid-rise is around 9″. Depending on your proportions a mid-rise may fit you more like a high rise, but knowing what you prefer will help you to determine if a pair is out of the question before you even add it to your cart.
Brand Measurements
Some brands give measurements for rise and inseam and some don’t. Keep in mind that sometimes the measurements given are for regular sizing and not petite. Also, smaller sizes can have a shorter inseam than larger sizes. The variation is often small, and may or may not effect how it fits you but is sometimes there. For that reason, the measurement can be the average of the inseams and not always the measurement of the size you’ll be wearing. I measure the size I’m wearing and give you that measurement. Most often it is taken from 00/24 and can be shorter than what you see on the brand website.
My Measurements
For reference and comparison, I’m 4’10” with a 25″ inseam to my ankle bone. My bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My true size is typically 00/24. I’m pear-shaped based on my measurements because I’m wider on the bottom than I am on the top, but I’m not a dramatic pear. I’m overall proportionate – meaning I don’t have a long or short torso, and my inseam is average for my height. With each pair of jeans I review I provide inseam, rise, stretch level, and sizing to give you the information you need to determine if they will also be a good fit for you.
Where to Shop for Petite Jeans
Below is my master list of the petite-friendly brands I’ve tried and have found success. To keep it brief and easy to scroll, I’ll share photos and quick details of a few styles I love from the brand, but will also link to previous reviews for more details.
Abercrombie
Abercrombie doesn’t make petite jeans, but they carry many lengths and are one of the most size-inclusive brands. They carry lengths from extra short to extra long in sizes 23 – 38, as well as curvy fits and maternity. They carry a range of styles but for the most part I’ve found their denim to be thick and have a vintage feel. They are often low stretch and loosen some with wear. I really love their waist cinching high rise options, but they also carry mid rise. The biggest issue I have with Abercrombie is the inventory is often limited for short and extra short styles. The best time to grab them is when they are a new release. They do add styles, but for the most part they will release the same style in a new wash and it will be fully stocked in all sizes. Below are a few of my favorites that are worth watching for your size – including what I consider to be the best all around wide-leg for petites – the ’90s Relaxed Jeans.
- FIT Slim Wide Leg
- FABRIC & STRETCH Rigid, no stretch, but loosens with wear.
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10.5″, Inseam: 29″ (in short) 27″ in extra short (I’m showing both short and extra short below)
- SIZING Overall true to size, Short works well with heels at my height, extra short is best for flats
- MY SIZE 24 extra short and short – true to size
More Abercrombie Jeans
The jeans below are styles that Abercrombie restocks throughout the year. At the moment, I wasn’t able to find any extra short or short sizes, but they’re styles to watch for new releases! For more reviews of Abercrombie jeans, check out this post and this post.
American Eagle
American Eagle is another brand that doesn’t carry petites, but offers size-inclusive lengths. I find a mix of denim there from mid to high rise and rigid to stretch. Some of their jeans are what they consider “strigid” which is a nice blend of thick hold you in denim, with comfortable stretch. Their jeans tend to be well-priced. A lot of their jeans are distressed, but if you look around you can find clean options. Below are a few of my favorite styles.
More reviews of American Eagle Jeans here.
High Waisted Kick Bootcut Crop in short, refreshed wash
- FIT Cropped bootcut
- FABRIC & STRETCH Stretch – these loosen with wear and I find myself pulling them up some.
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 25″ (in short)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 00 Short
Stovepipe Crop in short
- FIT Cropped wide straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Rigid with light stretch – these loosen and relax quite a bit with wear
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9″, Inseam: 24.5″ (in short) (the Stovepipe jeans in extra short are the same length as the cropped jeans in short)
- SIZING Overall true to size, with a relaxed fit
- MY SIZE 00 Short
Stovepipe in short, in Medium Indigo
- FIT Wide Straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Rigid with light stretch – they loosen and relax quite a bit with wear
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9″, Inseam: 27″ (in short) 24.5″ (in extra short)
- SIZING Overall true to size, relaxed fit
- MY SIZE 00 Short
Madewell
If you’re looking for a pair of jeans that won’t lose their shape throughout the day, Madewell is your best bet. Their denim is like no other. It’s thick and holds you in, keeping its shape throughout the day but still comfortable to wear. You can sit and breathe in their high rise jeans. They carry many styles, from classic to trendy—I even found a pair of barrel-leg jeans I actually like from them. Their jeans are pricey, but they do run sales from time to time so that’s something to look out for. When a pair sells out instead of restocking the wash, they tend to release the style in a new wash.
More reviews of Madewell jeans here.
‘90s Straight Jeans in Rondell Wash
- FIT Full length straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Rigid with stretch – holds you in and doesn’t lose shape
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 27″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
- FIT Barrel
- FABRIC & STRETCH Rigid lightweight denim that is perfect for warmer weather
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10.5″, Inseam: 25″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
- FIT Cropped bootcut
- FABRIC & STRETCH Stretch denim – keeps its shape with wear
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9″, Inseam: 25.5″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
J.Crew & J.Crew Factory
J.Crew jeans are often stretchy and comfortable. They will loosen some with wear and some of my readers have mentioned they bag out more than they would like. For me, I haven’t had any issues, but do note that they stretch out some. I love their classic clean washes and just overall comfort. J.Crew Factory jeans are very similar to J.Crew jeans and a little bit less expensive.
J.Crew Mid Rise Kick Out in petite, Penny Basil Wash
- FIT Cropped flare
- FABRIC & STRETCH Stretch – these loosen with wear
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9″, Inseam: 24″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
J.Crew Mid Rise Kick Out in classic, Penny Basil Wash
- FIT Cropped flare
- FABRIC & STRETCH Stretch – these loosen with wear
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9″, Inseam: 25.5″ (in classic)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 Classic – I prefer the longer inseam in this pair
J.Crew Slim Wide in Synniva Wash
- FIT Cropped wide leg
- FABRIC & STRETCH Stretch – these loosen slightly with wear
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9″, Inseam: 24″ (in petite – these were measured after washing and I do believe they shrunk some in the wash)
- SIZING Runs large, I recommend a size down
- MY SIZE 23 Petite
Comparable J.Crew Factory Style this style is true to size
J.Crew High Rise Kick Out Jeans
- FIT Cropped flare
- FABRIC & STRETCH Stretch thick denim, not see through – these loosen with wear
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 24.5″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size – but there is a waist gap on me in this pair
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
J.Crew Factory Drapey Denim Trousers
- FIT Trouser
- FABRIC & STRETCH Stretch, lightweight – these are a little bit sheer
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10.5″, Inseam: 27″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size, but has a waist gap on me
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
J.Crew Factory Mid Rise Flare Crop in Misty Indigo
- FIT Cropped flare
- FABRIC & STRETCH Stretch, thick denim
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9.5″, Inseam: 25″ (in classic)
- SIZING Runs small, I recommend a size up
- MY SIZE 25 Classic – I prefer the extra length in this pair
J.Crew Factory Classic Vintage
- FIT Straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Thick denim with stretch
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 24.5″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
Gap
Gap has a wide variety of petite styles. They also carry their jeans in length options if you want a higher rise than the petite styles, but still want a shorter inseam. I was told by Gap that their short jeans are 2″ longer than their petite jeans. I have found a mix of styles at Gap to work well for me – most of them have been on the stretchy side. I haven’t noted them to bag out with wear, just slightly loosen. Gap offers a lot of trendy options – I haven’t had success with their baggy styles, but it’s a place to check if you want to try that trend.
You can find more reviews of Gap jeans here.
Gap High Rise ’70s Flare dark wash is sold out, other washes are available
- FIT Full length flare
- FABRIC & STRETCH Lightweight stretch denim – I have found variation in the thickness of the denim with different washes
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 28.5″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
- FIT Slim straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Lightweight stretch denim
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 25″ (in petite)
- SIZING Runs small, I recommend a size up
- MY SIZE 25 Petite
Gap High Rise Stride Wide Leg in Dark Wash
- FIT Full lenth wide leg
- FABRIC & STRETCH Thick stretch denim
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 11″, Inseam: 28.5″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
Banana Republic/Factory
I’ve had more experience with BR Factory than Banana Republic because I love their price point. I find their jeans to be high-quality but still affordable and a great fit overall. Their petite lengths at BR Factory are what I would consider true petite lengths – 24-25″ for cropped styles and 27″ for full-length styles. I haven’t tried as many from Banana Republic yet, but I did love the bootcut pair I found and shared below.
- FIT Full length flare
- FABRIC & STRETCH Thick rigid denim, no stretch
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 11″, Inseam: 29.5″ (in petite)
- SIZING Runs small – I’m wearing my true size, but if you’re in between sizes you may want to size up for comfort
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
Banana Republic Factory High Rise Wide Leg
- FIT Full length wide
- FABRIC & STRETCH Thick denim with stretch (not see through in white)
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 27.5″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 Petite
Quince
Quince jeans are what I would consider to be some of the most comfortable jeans in my closet. The styles I’ve tried have all been full stretch and don’t lose shape with wear. I appreciate their $50 price point and the use of organic cotton! They don’t carry petites, but they offer inseam lengths, starting at 26″.
You can find more reviews of Quince jeans in this post.
- FIT Straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Lightweight stretch denim
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9.5″, Inseam: 26″
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 x 26″
- FIT Relaxed Straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Lightweight stretch denim
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9.5″, Inseam: 28″ (in petite)
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 x 28″
- FIT Straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Lightweight stretch denim
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 26″
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24 x 26″
Levi’s
Levi’s jeans are a classic. Their denim is rigid and holds you in, and their jeans’ design lifts your backside like no other. They don’t carry petites, but I’ve found some cropped styles and the options that offer a 26″ inseam to work well for me. I fumbled a little over the sizing on these jeans at first, but found that overall they shrink in the wash. So for me, a size up is a safe bet. In the 501 style that is more relaxed than the wedgie style, I sized down once which did make them fit me better overall on first try, but after a few washes I couldn’t button them. So, just keep in mind that they are prone to shrink in the dryer. You can also lay them flat to dry to minimize shrinking.
- FIT Straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Rigid, no stretch denim
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 26″
- SIZING Size up, they run small and also shrink in the wash
- MY SIZE 25 x 26″
- FIT Straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH Rigid, no stretch denim
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 26″
- SIZING Relaxed fit, you may want to size down if in between sizes – but they do also shrink in the wash
- MY SIZE 24 x 26″ (the crop comes standard at 26″)
Kohl’s
I have found a great selection of petite jeans at Kohl’s that are often under $50. The issue I have is they are almost always low in stock or out of stock – so it’s hard for me to share them with you. However, I think they’re a great place to check for options, you just may get lucky and snag you size. My personal favorite denim brands at Kohl’s are LC Lauren Conrad and Sonoma. For a full review of their jeans, check out this post.
Kut From The Kloth
Kut From The Kloth carries petites that are very stretchy and comfortable. I find their jeans to run large, so I have struggled to find a good fit overall, but the length is great. Their sizing starts at 00P, but the 00 fits like a 0 (so far in my experience). So, I think they’re a great option if you’re a size 0/25 and up and can size down!
Wit & Wisdom
Wit & Wisdom jeans are some of the most comfortable jeans around. They are full-stretch and have panels at the tummy to hold you in without being compressive. They are offered at Nordstrom and also directly on the Wit & Wisdom website. Their sister brand, Democracy, offers the same petite fit and stretchy, comfortable denim.
I want to research this brand more, but so far I have found I love their Madison Flare Jeans and Cropped Flare. I’ve linked a similar cropped flare, but unfortunately the cropped flare I have isn’t available so I don’t have measurements to share.
- FIT Flare
- FABRIC & STRETCH Lightweight stretch denim – holds shape with wear
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10″, Inseam: 28.5″ – the website states 29″ but I found 00 to have a 28″ inseam. They also shrink in the wash and shorten. I can wear them with flats.
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 00P
Good American
Good American jeans are made to flatter. They have a compressive fit that holds you in, but is still comfortable to wear. I’ve had success with their straight jeans and good girlfriend jeans, but their flare jeans have a 30″ inseam in petite, which is too long for me, even in heels. I find their jeans to run a little bit snug, so a size up in most styles is a safe bet.
MOTHER
MOTHER jeans are very stretchy and hold their shape with wear. If you’ve like to see a review of multiple styles from MOTHER, check out this post. Here are two of my top picks:
- FIT Straight
- FABRIC & STRETCH High Stretch
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 9″, Inseam: 25.5″
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24P
- FIT Cropped Flare
- FABRIC & STRETCH High Stretch
- RISE & INSEAM Rise: 10.5″, Inseam: 25.5″
- SIZING Overall true to size
- MY SIZE 24P
Honorable Mentions
LOFT and Ann Taylor both carry petite options that are overall a good fit and many of my readers love them. I didn’t call out any specific styles for a couple of reasons. First, they change their styles often, so it’s hard for me to review their styles for longterm reference. Next, I don’t love the back pocket placement on LOFT and Ann Taylor jeans. They’re set too high and make my bottom look longer and larger than it is. That’s a personal preference thing with that brand, but some of you may find the same issue. They still have lots of petite options and are worth a try.
Old Navy also carries reasonably priced petite jeans. Their petite sizing starts at 0/25, so the jeans I’ve tried have mostly been too big for me since my true size is 00/24. However, they are still overall well-proportioned and worth checking out. A style that is often shared with me by readers is the OG Straight Ankle Jeans.
Short lengths are offered, and I’ve had some success over the years. It’s one to check for well-priced short lengths, and many of my readers have had luck there!
I’ve had the best luck at Walmart with the Sofia Vergara brand. Some of their other brands offer short lengths as well – but the overall fit has been the best with Sofia. I find it hard to find the short options in my size, but they are sometimes there and worth a look.
Reader Recommendations
The following brands have petite options that are worth a look or have been recommended by readers, but I haven’t done enough personal research to share specifics with you.
- Paige
- Anthropologie – in particular, the Colette jeans
- WHBM
As I find more options for petites, I’ll update this master list to hopefully help you find the perfect pair for you. Stay tuned for the petite jeans by inseam posts if you would like to see styles that are broken out by rise and inseam measurements.
-Brooke
