14 Best Petite Jeans for Short Women, Reviewed by Fashion Editors Under Five Feet One

Pros: Tons of washes and treatments; four inseam options
Cons: Smaller and larger waist sizes frequently sell out

Tuck in a fitted T-shirt or go with a bodysuit to highlight the ’90s-inspired fit of these high-waist jeans. We love that it’s offered in “extra short” (for those under five feet) and “short” lengths (for those between five feet and five feet three) so you don’t lose that full-length straight-leg shape. This one is also a favorite of mine, and I won’t go a weekend without wearing them. They have a perfect rise if you prefer the top of your pants to sit on the higher side, and they’re super-comfortable and flexible because of the wider leg. They’re a great alternative to baggy jeans if you want something loose-fitting without looking like you’re swimming in them.

Sizes: 23–38 in. waist
Inseam: 27.5–33.5 in.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Rise: High-rise
Washes: 26 options

Pros: Flattering silhouette; polished enough for the office
Cons: Inseam might be too long for extra-short people

“I’m five feet two, so finding a pair of wide-leg jeans that doesn’t drag is always a plus,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who loves this distressed ankle-length pair, which offers a wide silhouette without being too baggy or loose. “They’ve become my go-to pair for just about everything. I’ve worn them to the office and to plenty of weekend outings. I like that the mid-rise length feels spacious and the stretch is great for everyday wear.” (There’s also a 26-inch inseam available.)

Sizes: 24–33 in. waist
Inseam: 29 in.
Material: 100% cotton
Rise: Mid-rise
Washes: 7 options

Pros: Vintage look; specifically designed for petites
Cons: Might have too much stretch

This take on an existing Paige silhouette caters to higher knees and thighs, ensuring a proportional fit that isn’t always offered to petites. “I own three pairs of these comfortable jeans that are just the right amount of wide-legged. The shape is flattering, doesn’t swamp my small frame, and best of all, makes me feel and look taller than I actually am,” says Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco. “You can dress these up or down—I’ve worn them to the office, on nights out, and to a baseball game with sneakers—making them a truly versatile closet staple. Buy one pair and you’ll be hooked. Trust me.”

Sizes: 23–34 in. waist
Inseam: 29 in.
Material: 93% cotton, 5% polyester, 2% spandex
Rise: High-rise
Washes: 6 options

Pros: Skintight fit; extra-stretchy material
Cons: Could be too long for especially petite people

I’m obsessed with these skinny jeans, and they’ve become a go-to staple in my wardrobe. They’re not officially jeggings, but I love how stretchy and similar to black leggings they feel (and look). They’re super-snug and on the warmer side, making them a great pick for colder weather. I love pairing them with chunky combat boots and an oversized sweater to play with proportions, although they’d also look great with a white tee and sporty sneakers.

Sizes: 23–34 in. waist
Inseam: 30 in.
Material: 43% viscose, 33% cotton, 17% lyocell, 5% polyester, 2% elastane
Rise: High-rise
Washes: 1 option

Pros: Trendy look; retains shape well
Cons: No stretch at the waist

Christin Bryant, a five feet seven fashion blogger, is a massive fan of this trendy pick. “These mid-rise barrel jeans are [relatively] affordable and have a lower mid-rise and no stretch,” she says; they’re also relaxed at the waist but structured enough to nail the silhouette. The best part is that they don’t appear loose, boxy, or baggy, which can be the case when styling barrel jeans on a shorter stature. “This pick also has three inseam options, which allows you to customize your fit,” she says.

Sizes: 24–34 in. waist
Inseam: 26–30 in.
Material: 100% cotton
Rise: Mid-rise
Washes: 9 options

Pros: Retro look; high amount of stretch
Cons: Limited washes

For a bootcut pair that comes in regular and multiple plus sizes, I love this medium-washed pick because it’s roomy but manages to flatter the hips nicely. It has a 29.5-inch inseam, making it perfect for heights around five feet four or heeled outfits. Plus, the 2% elastane in the mix—double what many similar brands offer in their stretch denim—means you’ll get generous give that’s still flattering.

Sizes: 00–32
Inseam: 29.5 in.
Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
Rise: Mid-rise
Washes: 1 option

Pros: High-quality denim; shoe-grazing length
Cons: Relatively pricey

Featuring subtly curved outseams and rigid denim that’ll soften with time, this pair from Frame justifies its price with the perfect cut and high-end finishings. “These are technically not classified as petite, but over the years, I’ve found that sometimes a cropped fit on an average-size person can hit just right on a petite-size person. Such is the case with these barrel-leg jeans from Frame, which sit right below my ankles with a 28-inch inseam,” Glamour’s Yaptangco says. “Make sure to try them on IRL first, but sometimes you can finesse your way to the perfect fit without having to make a trip to the tailor.”

Sizes: 23–34 in. waist
Inseam: 28 in.
Material: 100% cotton
Rise: Mid-rise
Washes: 2 options

Pros: Designed specifically for curvy bodies; cropped fit
Cons: Limited washes

Cut with hourglass body shapes in mind, Madewell’s Curvy collection tweaks popular and classic denim silhouettes. Case in point: These cropped wide-legs have a narrow contoured waistband, a longer rise, and more room in the hips and thighs—no more waist gap or uncomfortable squeeze in the middle region here. I love the just-right cutoff that’s actually cropped on petites. Plus, the denim is extra-stretchy yet holds its structure, so you can get multiple wears before washing.

Sizes: 23–33 in. waist
Inseam: 25 in.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Rise: High-rise
Washes: 1 option

Pros: Versatile cut; nice amount of stretch
Cons: Not specifically designed for petites

“I have these jeans in three washes, and they fit my five feet one, petite yet muscular frame just right,” says Dana Smith, VP content lead for Condé Nast Health. “The rise is perfect. It hits right at the belly button, so not too high or too low. Plus, the length works great for sneakers, flats, or a smaller heel—no tailoring required.”

Sizes: 23–34 in. waist
Inseam: 27 in.
Material: 96% cotton, 3% polyester, 1% elastane
Rise: Mid-rise
Washes: 7 options

Pros: Leg-elongating cut; easy to style with any shoes
Cons: Low-rise cut isn’t for everyone

While low-rise jeans can sometimes make your legs look shorter, I’ve finally discovered a pair that does the opposite. This pair is slightly cropped at the bottom, which elongates my legs and pairs well with everything from platform boots to low-top sneakers. They give you the low-rise style, which is fun to pair with cropped tops or mesh layering pieces to show a little bit of your belly without constantly scraping the floor or being too loose at the bottom. I’m impressed.

Sizes: 23–34 in. waist
Inseam: 31 in.
Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
Rise: Low-rise
Washes: 5 options

Pros: Extra-stretchy denim; great for work
Cons: Limited washes

Petite style blogger Brooke Anderson is a huge fan of J.Crew jeans, and this pair inspired by the early aughts is her favorite. “I love these mid-rise jeans because they come in a dark, clean wash, perfect for dressing up or wearing to work,” she says. She also loves how comfortable, stretchy, and flexible they are—they don’t feel stiff, boxy, or rigid.

Sizes: 23–37 in. waist
Inseam: 26 in.
Material: 94% cotton, 4% polyester, 2% Lycra
Rise: Mid-rise
Washes: 1 option

Pros: High-quality cotton; perfect crop for petites
Cons: Relatively pricey

This cropped petite pair is another of celebrity stylist Sonja Christensen’s favorites because it has a 26-inch inseam and hits right at the ankle: “It gives a flattering straight-leg silhouette without the need for alterations, and the high-rise style also helps elongate the legs,” she says. It also has a vintage-inspired vibe, and the nonstretch denim gives it a structured look—but the material softens over time, Christensen says. “Pair it with a tucked-in blouse or a cropped sweater to emphasize the high waist and create a longer leg line.”

Sizes: 23–34 in. waist
Inseam: 26 in.
Material: 100% cotton
Rise: High-rise
Washes: 8 options