As a woman who stands five feet two, I can firmly attest it’s been a challenge to find the best petite jeans to fit my short frame. I’ve often been let down when ordering a pair online (in the hopes it would magically fit me) or when I would take a pair to the dressing room, only to find the jeans far extended past my ankles. Of course, a trip to the tailor is always an option, but when it comes to something as practical and universal as denim, it’s neither cost-effective nor efficient to do so each and every time. The key? Pay attention to the inseam length. If you’re like me, stick to inseams between 25 and 26 inches and under; if you’re five feet three, you can go up to 27 inches. Whether you’re searching for a style that is high-waisted, boot cut, flared, or distressed—the perfect pair of jeans awaits. Ahead, shop the 14 best petite jeans for women I’ve found over the years.
At a Glance: The Best Petite Jeans for Women
- The Mid-Rise: Frame Le Crop mini boot jeans, $228
- The High-Waist: Levi’s high-waist jeans,
$98,$54 - The Cropped: Mother The Insider cropped step fray jeans, $218
- The Bootcut: Khaite The Vivian jeans in black rinse, $380
- The Weekender: Re/Done 70s High Rise Stove Pipe straight-leg jeans, $265
- The Slouch: Madewell The Petite Slouchy Boyjean, $138
- The Fray: Mango Crop Flare Jeans, $50
- The Wide Leg: Wandler Lotus cropped wide-leg jeans,
$215, $151
- Why It’s Worth It: For a boyfriend-style fit, Everlane’s ’90s slouch jeans help give an easy, relaxed fit. Pair them with a chunky knit sweater and Chelsea boots during the fall, or tank and slides in the summer.
- Inseam: 27”
- Why It’s Worth It: And because one pair isn’t enough, Madewell makes a really good pair of white denim. Its Perfect Vintage straight-leg jean in white is my go-to summer pair. But you can wear them all year long, because the no white after Labor Day rule is not one we like to follow here at Vogue.
- Inseam: 26 1/2”
- Why It’s Worth It: Ask any fashion editor, and you’ll find Frame is often at the top of their denim list. Offering supreme style, quality, and a seamless fit, it’s no surprise I love Frame’s cropped boot-cut jeans. They hit at the perfect mid-rise height, falling neither too low nor too high, right before my ankles. I like to pair these with my Proenza Schouler x Birkenstocks during the summertime and look forward to swapping them out for a pair of lug sole boots in the fall.
- Inseam: 26 1/2”
- Why It’s Worth It: For a reliable pair of petite flare-jeans, try a pair of flared jeans from Mango. It caters to women of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re petite, tall, plus size, or just in between, there’s a pair of jeans for you. l especially love this pair, which goes well with heels, boots, and everything in between.
- Inseam: 26.77”
- Why It’s Worth It: For the best petite jeans for women at the best price point, look no further than Gap. Its denim collection is a fan favorite of our own accessories director, and I’ve found the brand’s skinny jeans a pair I can rely on all year long.
- Inseam: 24 1/2”
- Why It’s Worth It: If you’re eyeing something with a vintage feel, Re/Done is a denim line that offers a wide mix of cuts and styles. I especially like this light-wash vintage version. Just remember to pay close attention to inseam lengths, as they do vary by style.
- Inseam: 27”
- Why it’s worth it: Levi’s Wedgie jeans have been a wardrobe staple of mine for years. Not only do they hit my ankles perfectly, but they’re comfortable for all-day wear. Shop them in a variety of shades, from classic blue and washed black to white and more.
- Inseam: 27”
- Why it’s worth it: Naturally, this pair by Mother says it all in the name. Not only does it put an extra pep in my step when I slip these on, but I love that they have a frayed hem for a bit of extra edge too. Shop it in seven different shades and 12 different sizes.
- Inseam: 26”
- Why It’s Worth It: Calling all clog connoisseurs: Chances are you might be a fan of wide-leg jeans too. Wandler’s Lotus jeans may seem overwhelming at first glance to any petite woman, but because of the cropped silhouette, I promise they will fit your frame seamlessly.
- Inseam: 25”
- Why It’s Worth It: Khaite may be known for its RTW and handbags, but don’t sleep on the brand’s denim line. Its Vivian jeans in black rinse are one of my favorite pairs. They give a tailored trouser feel (minus the trousers and tailor) but all-around jeans comfort.
- Inseam: 26”
- Why It’s Worth It: These tried-and-true blues from Re/Done are made for slipping on for a weekend stroll, heading to lunch, or running errands. Style it with your favorite striped sweater and loafers for a no-fuss weekend formula.
- Inseam: 26”
- Why It’s Worth It: If you’re like me and already a fan of La Ligne’s covet-worthy striped knits, their newest foray into denim will not disappoint. I’ve been wearing La Ligne’s Meredith jean non-stop. The ink-colored jeans have a slight flare and cropped hem, which fit my 5’2” frame easily, despite being ½ inch longer than my usual 27” rule. Style it with a pair of loafers and a blazer for the office or a pair of slides and a white tee for a winning weekend ensemble.
- Inseam: 27 1/2″
- Why It’s Worth It: If you prefer a boyish denim style with a bit more room in your jeans, try Madewell’s Slouchy Boyjean which have a slouchy straight-leg silhouette. The denim is more rigid, so note it will take some time to break in.
- Inseam: 27 1/2”
- Why It’s Worth It: If you’re looking for a pair of jeans to wear year-round, DL1961’s Enora Cigarette jeans are a must. They are comfortable and have that perfect vintage style wash that feels worn in, but still modern.
- Inseam: 29”