Best Straight: Frame Le High Straight Jeans In Film Noir
Net-A-Porter
Wider than skinny jeans but slimmer than bootcut or flare, you cant go wrong with the timeless straight-leg shape. And Frame’s Le High style is ideal for petite figures with its slimmer fit and 27-inch inseam. Take it from the buyers themselvesthis is Frame’s best-selling style. The cotton/modal/polyester/elastane blend is made to last as well as offers the perfect amount of give and comfort.
Material: 76% cotton, 15% modal, 6% polyester, 3% elastane | Size Range: 23-34 | Inseam: 27inches | Care: Machine wash
Best Embroidered: Driftwood High
Free People
If you want jeans with a little more pizazz than those basic blues but dont want to commit to an all-over print, embroidery is a happy medium. Driftwood weaves embroidery in almost all of their pairs, and we find the High Rise Jackie extra becoming for petite figures. The slim fit and 28-inch inseam wont overwhelm you. This design has the perfect amount of embroidery to spice your outfit up without completely stealing the show.
Material: 93% cotton, 2% spandex, 5% polyester | Size Range: 24-34 | Inseam: 28 inches | Care: Machine wash cold
Meet the Expert
- Jessica Smith is the CA Styling Lead at Stitch Fix, the styling service company that matches you with a personal stylist.
- Chi Li is a petite fashion blogger and founder of the retail site Petite Dressing.
- Josiane Konaté is a content creator and founder of Petite and Bold.
Whats The Difference Between Flared Jeans And Wide Leg Jeans
Both flared jeans and wide-leg jeans end with looser material, but they are very different styles. Wide-leg jeans are loose and may even be extremely wide from the top of the leg downremember JNCO in the 90s? But bell bottoms are usually fitted to the knee, where the fabric breaks into the bell shape.
Read Also: American Made Jeans For Women
Best Stretchy: Madewell Petite 9
Nordstrom
Everyone needs a good pair of black skinny jeans, and this style from Madewell offers that denim look with extra softness that could fool you into thinking you are wearing leggings. Made from the brands Roadtripper Supersoft denim, the pair is lightweight, stretchy, and breathable, so you can dance all night without feeling weighed down. Madewell offers this style in petite, so you dont have to worry about rolling the ankles.
Material: 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% elastane | Size Range: 23-28 petite | Inseam: 26 inches | Care: Machine wash
Best Bootcut: Levi’s 725 High Rise Bootcut Jeans

Levi’s
Bootcut styles are back and were here for it! This silhouette is a must for any petite frame, especially in a light-medium wash, says Smith. Remember, the correct inseam is most important on flare and bootcut denim, as having them hemmed will lose their shape.
Smith recommends an inseam between 28 to 30 inches for bootcut style, and these Levi’s have you covered all the way down to 25 inches. This style lengthens legs with its high rise, slim fit, and solid colors. Leave it to Levis to master the bootcut.
Material: 60% cotton, 22% viscose, 16% polyester, 2% elastane | Size Range: 23-33 | Inseam: 26, 28, 30, 32, or 34 inches | Care: Machine wash and dry inside-out with like colors
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Petite Jeans In Flare High Waisted Wide Leg And More
With Anthropologies curated collection of petite jeans, youre sure to find the perfect pair no hemming necessary. Choose a pair of petite high-waisted jeans to create a leg-lengthening effect that outfits beautifully with cropped blouses and tucked-in graphic tees alike. Or, go for an of-the-moment essential like petite wide-leg jeans with a perfectly cropped hem to show off your favorite shoes. Looking for a more retro silhouette? Go bold with petite flare jeans they make a statement all on their own, and effortlessly bring drama to even the simplest of button-downs.
How To Look Taller And Leaner In Flare Jeans
For many petite women appearing taller and leaner is a big focal point when selecting clothing. Even though flare jeans have been known for their ability to shorten the body, they can also do the opposite and create length.
The two main factors that play a role in looking taller and leaner are
First, the length
Second, selecting the proper width of the flare .
There are of course a couple of other key components that can help lengthen your shape with this style of denim.
Another being to choose dark washes and colors of denim, avoiding anything with a lot of distressing and whiskering as these things break up the leg line and can shorten it. One last factor relates to the flare shape but not just how wide it is, but rather where it begins on the leg.
As a petite woman youll want to focus on flare jeans where the flare shape begins right at the knee this is something that can be a little more difficult for petite women but its certainly not impossible. The reason this placement is so crucial is because if the flare shape begins higher or lower than the knee it will make your legs look shorter and wider.
Also Check: Wrangler Men’s Retro Slim Fit Boot Cut Jean
Best Budget: Gap Sky High Rise Vintage Slim Jeans
There must be something in San Francisco’s water because Gap is another iconic jean brand born from the Bay. Compared to Levis, they sell slightly cheaper options while still offering the same range of styles. Offering petite sizes, Gap tailors to tinier frames. Yet just because the jeans are affordable doesnt mean they offer less in quality. With their initiative to become more sustainable, they use a certain percentage of recycled cotton in their denim, so you can feel better about investing in a new pair.
Material: 87% cotton, 7% recycled cotton, 5% recycled polyester, 1% elastane | Size Range: 24-30 petite | Inseam: 24.5 inches | Care: Machine wash
How To Know If You Are Petite
Some people struggle to find the perfect pair of jeans because there can be some confusion about what makes a person petite. Often, they assume that the petite label means a person is both short and thin. However, petite refers more to the persons height and limb length. A petite woman is about 54 or shorter. Petite women generally have a shorter inseam, which could range from 25 for someone who is 411 to 27.5 for a person who is 51. However, leg length can vary in petite women, just as a taller woman could need a shorter inseam.
But can a petite woman wear flare jeans, even with short legs? Yes! Lets look at how to shop for petite denim to get the most flattering looks.
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What Are Flare Jeans
Flare jeans are also known as bell bottom jeans because they fit through the thigh, then begin to flare around the knee to the hem of the jean. This type of jean varies in length and can end in a flare from mid-calf all the way down to the floor. Many flare styles are high waisted and fitted from the waist all the way through the knee. And the flare can be barely there or extravagantly wide. Finally, this type of jean comes in every color and wash and can include patchwork.
Best Flare Jeans For Petites
Weve got your boyfriend jeans, your straight-leg jeans, your crop jeans, and yes skinny jeans too. But I think its time I really dive in here on Poor Little It Girl about the 70s inspired flare jeans. You know them, you love them. However, as a petite woman, I have always found it difficult to find a pair of flares that work for my short legs. Thats why in todays post, Im sharing a round-up of some of the best flare jeans with the right rise, waist-to-hip ratio, and length for petite frames.
Flare jeans, also known as bell-bottom jeans, are jeans that bell out wider at the knee down to the floor. Hence the bell-bottom name. The bell of the pant leg can be minimal or super wide, depending on the style of jeans you choose. But as a petite woman, finding a pair where the bell begins at the proper spot can be super difficult, believe me!
Recommended Reading: Levi Jeans Size Chart Conversion
Best Printed: Bdg High & Wide Jean
Giddy up, because cow print is back! This printed pair from BDG looks more artistic than trendy with its artfully placed splotches and rust-brown color. With a 27.5-inch inseam and a wide leg, they should hit you at just the ankle. One of the perks of wearing printed jeans is that they practically complete your entire outfityou just have to find a simple top and jacket to tie up the loose ends. Pair these with a simple white sweater or T-shirt and a great pair of boots. Doja Cat would approve.
Material: 100% cotton | Size Range: 24-34 | Inseam: 27.5 inches | Care: Machine wash
Best Overall: Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Womens Jeans

Free People
Who else recommends it? Forbes, The Strategist, and Today all picked Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans.
Theres a reason why Levis has been the leader in denim for over 100 years. Over the decades, they have been able to evolve and adapt to modern trends while weaving in their classic heritage. I love Levis because I know I can find 100 percent cotton blends , and I adore the iconic pocket logo that is just enough embellishment for my tush.
Today, Levis offers jeans in every style as well as offering a range of prices from budget to more pricer options with their premium line. They also offer a range of inseams which is key for the petite. For me, every jean search starts at Levis. This pick is especially perfect thanks to the ankle-length design and shorter inseam which means no rolling is necessary.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane | Size Range: 23-32 waist | Inseam: 27 or 29 inches | Care: Wash once every 10 wears at most machine wash and dry inside-out with like colors
Recommended Reading: Kohl’s Women’s Levi Jeans
How To Find Your Inseam
There are several methods for finding your inseam, but the easiest way is to work with a pair of pants you have that fit well. If they have an inseam tag already, great! If not, fold them lengthwise on a flat surface and line up the legs. Then, lift one pant leg and measure the seam running from the crotch to where the pant hits your ankle.
Types Of Flare Jeans For Short Legs
Lately, the trend has been the more jean styles, the merrierand that includes the iconic flare. Reminiscent of the classic 70s denim, todays flares range from full vintage throwback to almost delicate mini kick flares.
When many people think about the womens denim flare look, they imagine denim emphasizing long legs. Some people assume that only a particular body type can look attractive in flared denim, but anyone can make this style workthe trick is to know what cuts and shapes are most flattering. Flare jeans have come a long way from the vintage style many think of. Lets take a closer look.
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Tips To Wearing Flare Jeans If You Have Short Legs
Flare jeans are a big trend right now, with so many trends from the past resurfacing. While theyre on trend, it can be a difficult one to pull off when you are petite.
For many years petites have been told to avoid flare jeans and silhouette pants as they have often been known to look too overwhelming on shorter legs.
That being said, petite women can certainly wear flare jeans and look really incredible doing so. If you find the right flare jeans and style them the right way, they can be the best jeans to make you look taller.
Here are some of the best tips to pulling off flare jeans as a petite woman.
Petite Women Can Wear More Than Straight Leg Jeans
Dont feel like youre stuck with your skinny jeans or a straight-leg jeanflare jeans are for petite sizes, too! From the United Kingdom to New York and Los Angeles, women of all shapes and sizes are embracing the flare trend.
The key is to find a great fit that helps you balance your overall look. Take some measurements and go by what flatters you, not a specific size. Wear your flares!
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What Makes Flare Jeans Flattering
While flare jeans are known for their exaggerated shape, which is what deters many petites from wearing them, it can be an incredibly figure flattering shape to wear as long as its done right. There are a few key things to keep in mind here.
One really good rule of thumb when looking at flare jeans is to ensure that the bottom bell shape isnt wider than your hips. This gives you the flared effect and can also create the illusion of longer legs major win for petites. When flares are wider than your hips this is when they become too much and shorten already short legs. When flare jeans are balanced with your hip width they also aid in providing this overall balanced silhouette to your entire lower half of the body.
How To Shop For Petite Denim
Whether youre petite and plus-sized or petite and slim, shopping for denim can be a challenge if you dont know what to look for. The key is to find a denim brand that offers accurate petite sizes and not simply the same clothes but with shorter legs. When shopping for petite denim, look for three areas of fit:
- The inseam: knowing your inseam will ensure you get a pant that isnt baggy or stretched at the crotch, and the entire length of your leg is visible.
- The rise: many petite women have a shorter torso and get a better fit with a mid rise pant.
- Petite, NOT short: Petite and short are not the same! Choosing petite sizing makes it easier to find jeans with better-positioned pockets, a scaled waistband, and a good knee break. For more information on petite jeans, read our blog on the best jeans for short legs.
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Whats The Difference Between Flare Jeans And Bootcut Jeans
The difference between these two types of womens jeans can be much more subtle. Ideally, flare jeans fit to the knee, and the fabric breaks at the knee, widening to the end of the hem. Flare jeans can be baby with minimal flare or extravagantly wide by the hem. Bootcut jeans also have a flare, but the break often happens directly below the knee. The flare is usually only enough to accommodate a theoretical cowboy boot.
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Also Check: Macy’s Levi’s Women’s Jeans
Best Curvy: Everlane The Curvy 90s Cheeky Jean
Everlane
Theres a reason why shopping for jeans is such a puzzle. Its not just about how tall you are, but its also about your hip to waist ratio. Thankfully, the geniuses at Everlane have crafted The Curvy 90s Cheeky Jean with an increased hip-to-waist ratio to improve the waist gap. Choose between a 26.5- or a 28.5-inch inseam for the ideal length. Made from 100 percent organic cotton and in factories using sustainable practices, the pair is an investment you can feel good about owning.
Material: 100% organic cotton | Size Range: 23-33 | Inseam: 26.5 or 28.5 inches | Care: Machine wash cold, inside-out tumble dry low
What Is The Best Length For Petite Women
Inseam length is always a struggle for petite women, regardless of the denim style. With flare jeans, however, it can be a little more complicated because you do want the length to be on the longer side.
The main rule of thumb for flare jeans is that they should cover MOST of your shoe, without the hem reaching all the way to the floor .
This means when trying on flare jeans, its important to bring the shoes you plan to wear with them most often, it will give you a much better sense of the length and if any additional hemming is necessary.
Now, if you do need to get some hemming done to the flare jeans, youre going to want to bring those shoes along with you there as well. Because the perfect length is SO important with flare jeans, being prepared is necessary.
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The 18 Best Jeans For Petite Women Of 2022
Shopping for the perfect pair of jeans can be as challenging as shopping for a swimsuit or lingerieif not more. With so many different cuts, washes, rises, and ways of measuring, finding the right jeans is like solving a Rubix Cube.
For those who are petiteor 5-foot-4 and under the search can be extra difficult. Most jeans are modeled on taller figures, so online shopping becomes a guessing game of squinting at the screen and trying to imagine how much longer those jeans will look on you. Sure, you can always take a pair to a tailor for hemming, but wouldnt it be wonderful to have them arrive perfectly as they are?
Our top pick is Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle jeans because it offers a full-length design for petites from a shorter inseam option, which means no rolling is necessary. However, if you’re looking for something with a tad more stretch, you can’t go wrong with Frame’s Le High Straight High Rise style.
According to Stitch Fix Stylist Jessica Smith, you dont just have to rely on eyeballing it. Rather, we should all be shopping by inseam . With the right length, you can wear just about any cut or color. For petite wearers, its all in the lengthleaning into proportion and scale to select an inseam that creates balance to your go-to jeans, says Smith.
Read on for some of the best jeans for petite figures in all shapes and washes as well as expert styling advice.