11 Best Petite Jeans That Legitimately Feel Tailored to My Shorter Frame
Your days of triple-cuffing your jeans are over.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
I stopped growing sometime around eighth grade, so I’ve been 5’3”ish for a large portion of my life. And I love it! It’s great for wearing teeny-tiny mini skirts, traveling in economy, and fitting comfortably in the back seat of a car. But one of the biggest downsides is that most jeans will pool around my ankles like I’m wading through a puddle of denim designed for a six-foot-tall Amazonian, so I’m constantly rolling up my pants or just staying away from jeans in general. And while it’s worked for years, that’s no way to live! I, too, wanted to find my Goldilocks pair, so I set out to find the best petite jeans out there—I’m talking everything from brands that have actual petite sizing or short inseam options to cropped jeans that just so happen to be short girl-friendly.
I reviewed over two dozen pairs, wearing them day in and day out to test for fit, length, comfort, and overall style before landing on these 11 to guide your search for your perfect denim match. There were plenty of options that didn’t make the cut—plenty that were too long (or, shockingly, too short) and some that just didn’t fit right. But let’s dive into the yes’s, aka the most wearable, comfortable, trendy, best petite jeans at a variety of prices that you’ll reach for over and over.
Pros
- Multiple length options depending on your preferred inseam
- High-quality cotton material that holds its shape nicely
- "Breaks in" (aka feels softer and more comfortable) after a few wears
Cons
- More of a splurge price (but totally worth it)
A sophisticated dark-wash jean that's extremely polished in a French Girl sort of way—that was my personal white whale for the longest time. I've since found it in Everlane's Sailor Jeans, and I have a feeling you will, too. They're made of solid cotton denim, teetering between straight- and wide-leg, and feel secure and structured without being restrictive (thanks to the slight stretch). Basically, a total dream.
- Size range: 23-33
- Inseam length: 27.5" and 29.5"
- Colors: Four options
Editor Review
"Everlane's 27.5" shorter inseam is, it turns out, my perfect denim match. Their low-stretch denim is insane—I'd suggest getting your usual size even if it feels a little snug, because they'll relax a bit after a few wears. The darker wash and straighter wide leg feels so elevated. I've also tried a stretchier version of these (not currently in stock) and found them to be wildly soft, comfortable, and curve-hugging. 10/10, my perfect pair." - Hannah Oh, Shopping Editor
Pros
- Classic style and silhouette
- Super stretchy denim that doesn't lose shape
- Wide size range
Cons
- A 26" inseam might be *too* short depending on the wearer
While some might have scoffed at a skinnier denim cut a few years ago (wide leg or bust, etc.), recently, celebs and influencers have been taking advantage of the styling potential of a tighter jean. Take these J.Crew jeans, for example—they'd look great with an oversized sweater and some tall riding boots. And bonus: they're stretchy while still looking like a proper cotton jean rather than, say, a casual jegging.
- Size range: 23-37, Classic, Petite, Tall
- Inseam length: 26" inseam
- Colors: Four options
Editor Review
"Sometimes you just need a hot little retro pant to wear with a little heel and a stylish silk head scarf. J.Crew can do no wrong in my mind, but until recently assumed their denim would be way too long for me. I was incorrect! I tested both their regular and petite options for this cool kick-flare style, and shockingly ended up preferring the regular length (pictured) since it's already a cropped jean." - Hannah Oh, Shopping Editor
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes and lengths
- Can either opt for the shorter inseam or go baggy with the regular inseam
- Curve Love fit eliminates that pesky waist gap and allows for more room in the seat and hips
Cons
- Not stretchy
Ask any fashion insider what the denim style of this past year has been, and they'll tell you that it's barrel jeans. Pair that with Abercrombie's viral Curve Love fit and their signature short inseam options, and you've got magic. These have a little extra leg room (there are literally extra denim panels sewn into the sides) to create that barrel effect.
Note: Two editors tested these jeans, and while both are 4'11", one found that she preferred the short length while the other preferred the regular length. Make sure to refer to the size chart to double check your perfect fit!
- Size range: 24-34
- Inseam length: Short, Regular, Long
- Colors: Five options
Editor Review
"As a curvy girl, I love A&F's Curve Love denim, and these barrel jeans are no exception—I have them in both Light and Black and they're my favorite jeans. These give me the billowy/baggy energy I'm looking for. I tried both the regular and the petite, and I actually think that the regular length fit me better (I'm literally 4'11")." —Veronica Lopez, Sex & Relationships Editor
Pros
- Certain washes have adaptive (seated AND non-seated) options that come with extra features like different pocket placement and side zippers
- No side seams
- Cute patch pockets
- Very soft fabric
Cons
- Only three color options
Nothing like a little '70s-inspired detail to catch my eye. I first heard rumblings about the Maeve Colette jean on a Reddit thread of women bemoaning their struggles to find a good pair of petite jeans (spoiler alert: these were lauded as one of THE best options out there) and obviously had to try it. Needless to say, I was not disappointed—from the soft, stretchy fabric to the extremely wide range of sizing options (standard, tall, petite, plus, and adaptive seated/non-seated!!!!!), the Colette jean passed test after test. And the thousands of glowing reviews agree.
- Size range: 23-34
- Inseam length: Petite, Standard, Tall
- Colors: Three options
Editor Review
"I often struggle with Anthropologie sizing running big on my frame, but when I saw how short these jeans looked on the model, I just had a feeling they'd fit me like a glove. And they did! They hug my frame nicely and best of all, there's zero discomfort or break-in period. The denim is SO soft (it's only 81% cotton, as opposed to some more old-school jeans that are closer to 98% cotton) and is truly a dream to wear." - Hannah Oh, Shopping Editor
Pros
- Cuffed detail is sewn in so it'll never unfurl on you
- Relaxed waistband fit, not restrictive at all
- Crops right at the ankles to show off your shoes
Cons
- Not as high-rise as advertised
Struggling to find a cropped ankle jean as a shorter person? Felt that. Usually, said "cropped" styles look full-length on my frame. But not with these! Thanks to the 25" inseam—the shortest on this list—you can easily achieve that shoe-skimming look.
Note: I found that these were more of a mid-rise than the advertised high-rise, so keep that in mind!
- Size range: 23-34
- Inseam length: 25"
- Colors: One option
Editor Review
"I'd like to note that while I hate having to cuff my jeans because they're too dang long, I do love the look of an on-purpose cuff. It immediately relaxes any outfit. These Hudson jeans were a great cropped length on my 5'3" frame. They look perfect with a crisp white T-shirt, IMO!" - Hannah Oh, Shopping Editor
Pros
- Designed specifically for petite body types
- Nice and stretchy for comfort
- Just long enough to be worn with some heels
Cons
- Only comes in one shade
You've heard of MOTHER, but did you know that they have a petite collection called LIL' MOTHER? It's designed specifically for anyone under 5'4" and it features shorter inseams, higher knee placement, and adjusted rises. I've attempted to tailor the hems of a long flare/bootcut jean before, and it just eliminates all of the shape—but none of those issues here thanks to the totally tailored fit!
- Size range: 23-34
- Inseam length: 29"
- Colors: One option
Editor Review
"I’ve always loved the way MOTHER jeans fit—they hug in all the right places and feel like they were made just for me. Their wide range of petite styles is a total game-changer. But this flared pair? I’m obsessed. The knee placement actually hits where my knees are (my fellow shorties get it), and the flare billows exactly where it should. It’s the little things that matter when you’re vertically challenged! I did have to throw on a kitten heel so they wouldn’t drag, but honestly? Worth it. The added height gave me that long-leg effect I’m always chasing." - Meg Uy, Associate Shopping Editor
Pros
- Stylish, trendy silhouette
- Denim itself is more rigid but still comfortable thanks to the oversized fit
- Can be worn lower on the waist if you size up for more of a low-rise look
Cons
- Limited size range
Yes, you can achieve the cool, oversized, baggy look without your jeans being too long. Seriously! Look no further than PrettyLittleThing's petite pants. This grey stone-washed pair will become a staple in your going-out wardrobe, but can look just as cool with a sweatshirt and sneakers on a casual day.
- Size range: 00-10
- Inseam length: 26"
- Colors: One option
Editor Review
"Ask any of my friends: I’ve always been a loyal fan of PrettyLittleThing’s petite section. Not only do they cater to my under-five-feet frame, but they also offer a gold mine of trendy pieces that lets my very limited shopping budget feel included. And this pair of wide-leg jeans has quickly become a new go-to for me. They’re just roomy enough to avoid drowning me out (something us fun-sized folks are always thinking about), while still being relaxed enough to wear with flat shoes like sneakers, combat boots, or ballet flats. The washed grey finish gives them the street-style edge I love, and paired with the slouchy fit, they’re an easy 10/10 in my book." - Meg Uy, Associate Shopping Editor
Pros
- Unique style with a vintage twist
- Very comfortable for being made of 60% cotton
- Looks put-together thanks to the trouser feel, especially when styled for the office
Cons
- Runs a little bit big
This isn't your average pair of jeans. This pair boasts a subtle barrel fit and a high waist (love) but the coolest feature is the double front pleat. It's inspired by a tailored suit pant, and you can wear it with any top you normally pair with your favorite trousers. And best of all? It's intended to be a slightly cropped pant, meaning that it'll be a no-tailor fit for shorter folks.
- Size range: 23-33
- Inseam length: 26.5"
- Colors: Mid Indigo and Dark Indigo
Editor Review
"First of all, I'd like to take this time to call out my belly button's Cosmo debut... secondly, I've been wanting pleated jeans for awhile and I'm happy to report that these legitimately felt like I was wearing sweatpants. As my friends say, I was living, laughing, loving in these. They're fitted around the waist and the length was perfect, while still giving that oversized, baggy look. Forget standing-only jeans—these are sitting jeans (aka a pair of jeans you can wear while sitting for eight hours without hating your life)." - Hannah Oh, Shopping Editor
Pros
- High-quality fabric blend justifies the splurgier price point
- The dark wash looks extra polished, can be styled in a more business-casual way
- Fits perfectly with a heel or cowboy boot
Cons
- More on the expensive side
With the rise of Western style and cowboy boots comes the return of bootcut jeans (yes, in case you never made that connection, they're designed to be worn over boots)! I love a floor-skimming jean, personally, but it can be so hard to find that Goldilocks length. These Favorite Daughter jeans are specifically designed to fit a little longer, but for someone who's petite and has a shorter frame—meaning you'll save on your tailoring bill!
- Size range: 23-34
- Inseam length: 30"
- Colors: Three options
Editor Review
"In my opinion, every petite person should own a pair of long jeans—the kind that go past the ankle and are made for those outfits that call for a heel. I'm 4'11" (literally the height of the average sixth grader), but I love a silhouette that makes me look taller—and I’ve found exactly that in this pair from Favorite Daughter. The high-rise waist sits comfortably, and the leg goes from fitted to easy, flaring out at the bottom. Just a heads-up: I had to wear 4.5-inch heels for them to work, so flats are definitely out. I'd save these for when you're aiming for a little extra height." - Meg Uy, Associate Shopping Editor
Pros
- Soft, smoothing, stretchy Soft-Contour Denim™ fabric
- Actually hits at your ankles, even if you're shorter
- Panels around the waist and torso help create extra support
Cons
- Limited color range
Sometimes you just need your pants to get the eff out of the way so that you can show off your shoes. Just me? Meg Uy, Associate Editor, loved that this pair was actually ankle length on her petite frame. You can wear 'em with flats, sneakers, or heels—whatever you prefer!
- Size range: 00-18, Petite or Regular
- Inseam length: 25"
- Colors: One option
Editor Review
"There’s no better feeling than when a brand’s product description actually matches how something fits and feels in real life. So, major shout-out to these ankle jeans from NYDJ. They did exactly what they promised—and this 4'11" girl was genuinely impressed. First off, the fabric is unbelievably buttery soft (which is rare for denim), and it’s super smoothing—a definite win for shape and support. Fit-wise, they sat mid-rise on me. I will say they looked a bit looser on me than they did on the model, but honestly, I preferred that more relaxed fit. I could’ve sized down for a sleeker look, but the waist ran true to size. And I’m a big fan of the dark indigo wash—it’s versatile enough to wear year-round." - Meg Uy, Associate Shopping Editor
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
Readers Also Read
FYI, These Are the Best Hair-Growth Shampoos
Baggy Pants and Boots Outfits I'll Be Recreating
7 Shoes to Wear With Barrel Leg Jeans
Eyeshadow Is Back: Chic, Wearable Looks Inspired by 2016
