What are the best jeans for short women?

According to fashion influencer and stylist Claire Martinez, the best jeans for short women are pairs that add length or give the impression of height. As a result, she says short women should often choose high-rise jeans. “To add height to your frame, you should wear high-rise jeans rather than low-rise jeans, " Martinez tells PEOPLE. "A skinny, cropped jean with a length that doesn't go over your ankles is perfect."

How do I know what length of jeans to buy?

Whether you're looking for skinny jeans or wide-leg denim , it can be hard to find a pair of jeans that fits perfectly, especially if you are short. This is why you should pay particular attention to the inseam of your jeans — this guarantees a perfect fit and prevents you from having to make further adjustments. “If you are short, make sure your jeans have a 25- to 27-inch inseam to avoid having them hemmed,” Martinez explains. “By knowing the inseam, you can avoid the hassle and expense of alterations.”

Is short the same as petite?

Jeans come in short and petite sizes, but Fyffe says there's a difference between the two. “There's more to being petite than having short legs — you're a bit shorter all over,” he says. “Petite sizing adjusts everything proportionately. That means the waist sits higher, the shoulders are narrower, and the sleeves are shorter, as well as the shorter inside leg.”

What jeans should short people avoid?

To add the illusion of length, avoid low-rise jeans in favor of a higher rise. You'll also want to avoid too-long, skinny styles because they can actually make your legs look shorter — instead, consider a style that shows a bit of your ankle (but if you want a longer pant, a wide-leg, fitted trouser will visually add length).

The Best Petite Jeans for Women, Washed and Worn by Women Under 5'4"

Three people wearing jeans for petite women — Photo:
People / Erin Johnson (2) / Lee Hubilla

Nothing will ruin a day faster than trying on a pile of jeans only to find none fit. I’m petite, and finding the right pair of jeans can feel like a never-ending quest.

Thankfully, many of our editors (and their family members) are also 5'4" and under, so when we tested 17 popular jean brands this year, we took special note of the best jeans for short women. We also spoke to 12 fashion experts on what to look for when shopping for petite jeans — and the difference between petite and "short" lengths.

Expert Shopping Tips for Women 5'4" and Under

Opt for high-waisted over low-rise jeans (to give the illusion of longer legs).
Look for a 25- to 27-inch inseam.
Note that “petite jeans” and “short” sizes are not the same. Short sizing usually only refers to inseam length, while petite jeans are proportionately smaller in all areas.

From straight-leg skinnies to high-waisted mom jeans, keep reading for PEOPLE's top picks, based on first-hand experience from petite denim lovers.

Our Top Picks

SALE

Levi’s Wedgie Straight Fit Jeans at Amazon ~~$80~~ $48

Jump to Review

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Rockstar 360° Stretch Super-Skinny Jeans at Old Navy

Jump to Review

Everlane The Way-High Jean at Everlane.com $118

Jump to Review

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Jean at Abercrombie.com

Jump to Review

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jeans at Abercrombie.com

Jump to Review

Good American Good Legs Skinny Jeans at Amazon $99

Jump to Review

SALE

Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans at Amazon ~~$138~~ $114

Jump to Review

Loft High Rise Kick Crop Jeans at Loft.com

Jump to Review

SALE

Lee Legendary Boyfriend Jean at Amazon ~~$43~~ $34

Jump to Review

Best Comfortable Heel:

SALE

Dr. Scholl’s Maya Block Heel Sandals at Amazon ~~$110~~ $57

Jump to Review

Levi’s Wedgie Straight Fit Jeans

$80 $48 at Amazon $98 at Nordstrom $70 at Target

Star Qualities

Lifts and squeezes in all the right places — especially in the back
Classic straight-leg style will survive all trends

Red Flags

A bit stiff at first, so you may need to break them in a bit

If you’re looking for a straight-leg jean that highlights your backside, this is your pair. Our petite editors love the Levi’s Wedgie jeans.

Editors Say

I’m a life-long Levi’s fan, but I avoided these jeans for years because the term “wedgie” scared me. After testing this pair for months, I cannot get over how great they look on my short frame. — Erin Johnson, associate editorial director

"If you prefer straight-leg denim, you simply cannot beat this pair," celebrity stylist Jennifer Michalski-Bray tells PEOPLE. The high waist elongates legs, while the wedgie look suggests a taut derriere, perfect for women with short legs."

Sizes: 23-33 | Inseam: 26-30 | Material: 97% cotton, 2% elastomultiester, 1% elastane

PEOPLE Associate Shopping Director Erin Johnson (5'1") in Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans. People/Erin Johnson

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Rockstar 360° Stretch Super-Skinny Jeans

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Rockstar 360Â° Stretch Super-Skinny

PHOTO: Old Navy

View on Old Navy

Star Qualities

Comfortable, stretchy high-waisted
Soft, supple denim

Red Flags

Distressed, raw hem might not be for everyone

If you’re looking for a truly comfortable petite skinny jean, this pair from Old Navy is for you. Our short editors loved how stretchy and soft this pair felt during testing. They felt like wearing leggings and were perfect for everything from running errands to long days working at a desk. The extra high waist flattered and accentuated our petite figures without feeling restrictive.

This denim is more lightweight than others making it perfect for warmer weather. The raw hem is meant to fray and distress over time for a more vintage and worn-in look.

Sizes: 0-18 | Inseam: 25 inches | Material: 58% cotton, 31% recycled polyester, 6% recycled cotton, 35 other, 2% spandex

Old Navy Rockstar Jeans — Author L.A. Hubilla (5'3") in Old Navy Super High Rockstar Jeans. People/Lee Hubilla

Everlane The Way-High Jean

PHOTO: Everlane

$118 at Everlane.com

Star Qualities

The high-rise waist will elongate your silhouette — giving legs for days
Supportive and secure fit

Red Flags

Made with thicker cotton, these are best for cooler climates

The Everlane Way-High jeans will highlight and shape your waist with its above-the-belly button rise. We love that this thicker, high-quality denim had the right amount of stretch and was soft to the touch.

It hits right at the ankle and with a classic, distress-free finish it can be dressed up or down–the possibilities are endless. Its silhouette is timeless and even though it’s better for cooler weather, it’ll be a go-to in any petite person’s closet.

Sizes: 23-55 | Inseam: 25.5-29.5 | Material: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane

a person posing in mirror in Everlane Way High Jeans — PEOPLE Tester (5'2") in Everlane Way High Jeans.
People / Lydia Price

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Jean

Abercrombie & Fitch â90s Ultra High-Rise Straight Jeans

PHOTO: Abercrombie & Fitch

View on Abercrombie.com

Star Qualities

Available in short and extra short
Durable and comfortable denim

Red Flags

Waist gaps might happen for those with hourglass or pear shape figures

The Abercrombie Ultra High Rise 90s jean comes in an impressive 5 inseam lengths including short and extra-short. (No more cuffing your jeans!)

Our petite editors loved the feel of this durable denim: The fabric wasn’t too stiff or too thin, just a perfect medium weight that’ll work all year round whether you pair them with a T-shirt and sneakers or a blouse and work flats. These jeans felt comfortable and fit well during all our daily activities from running errands to going out.

For anyone with wider hips and a narrower waist, the Curve Love version will prevent any waist gaps and provide a flattering retro look.

Sizes: 23-37 | Inseam: 26.5 inches (extra short), 28.5 inches (short), 30.5 inches (regular), 32.5 inches (long), extra long | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane

person wearing Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean outside — PEOPLE Tester in Abercrombie Ultra High Rise Jeans in Short Length.
People

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jeans

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra 90s High Rise Straight Jeans

PHOTO: Abercrombie & Fitch

View on Abercrombie.com

Star Qualities

Hugged our curves and not a waist gap in sight
High-quality denim

Red Flags

Sturdy fabric wasn’t as stretchy or soft as some others we’ve tried

The Curve Love version of our fave Abercrombie high-rise 90s straight jeans delivers all the same retro goodness without the waist gaps (a common issue for when searching for jeans for curvy women).

This pair accentuated our hourglass silhouette and left us feeling confident. We love that these are also available in short and extra short lengths. The denim feels structured and supportive but still comfortable enough to wear all day. While there are softer and stretchier pairs of jeans out there, the durable quality feels like a testament to how long these will last.

As a bonus, you can wear these jeans in any way you want, says Thomas. “These jeans can be worn with anything, but I like to pair them with some gold jewelry, white silk camis, and strappy nude sandals.”

Sizes: 23-37 | Inseam: Extra short - 26.5 inches, Short - 28.5 inches | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane

PHOTO: People
PHOTO: People
PHOTO: People

Good American Good Legs Skinny Jeans

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$99 at Amazon $99 $75 at Nordstrom View on Goodamerican.com

Star Qualities

Soft-to-the-touch denim
Stretchy and supportive without waist gaps
Expansive size range

Red Flags

Minor inconsistencies in construction that didn’t affect fit or wear

We loved this petite-friendly classic skinny jean from Good American. This form-fitting, compressive pair hugged every part of our legs and not to mention snatched our waist and highlighted our bums. The hem hit perfectly at the ankle, highlighting the thinnest part of the leg for a flattering silhoutte.

They proved comfortable and stretchy and retained their shape at the end of the day, which isn't common for stretchy jeans.

Sizes: 00-30 Plus | Inseam: 27 inches | Material: 98.5% organic cotton, 1.5% elastane

Author L.A. Hubilla (5'3") in Good American jeans. People/Lee Hubilla

Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans

PHOTO: Madewell

$138 $114 at Amazon $138 $97 at Nordstrom $138 $114 at Zappos

Star Qualities

Super comfortable
Stretchy waistband and mid-rise made for a flattering fit

Red Flags

Potential for a waist gap for those with curvier figures

The cropped, subtle flare silhouette of the Madewell Kick-Out jeans highlighted and complemented our petite editors' curves. What more can one ask for? We enjoyed how soft and flexible the denim was, and our editors noted that they were almost yoga-worthy (a.k.a. super stretchy).

While we noticed some waist gaps during testing, opting for the curvy version would remedy that issue. These comfy, lightweight jeans maintained their shape and color after washing (without fading!) throughout the entire testing period.

Sizes: 23-33 | Inseam: 25.5 inches | Material: 85% cotton/13% recycled polyester/2% elastane

PHOTO: People / Madison Yauger
PHOTO: People / Joelle Hernandez
PHOTO: People / Cai Cramer

Loft High Rise Kick Crop Jeans

PHOTO: Loft

View on Loft.com

Star Qualities

Sculpting fit; super flattering
Clean and casual look that’s versatile

Red Flags

Runs a tad small, so size up if you’re between sizes

With a cropped, slight flare hitting right at the ankle, this pair from Loft hugged and supported our curves. If you’re looking for a more snatched and shaping fit, stick with your true size. If you want a bit more room to move, we recommend sizing up. We were impressed at how high quality these jeans felt for the price point. Plus, the weight is perfect for year-round use: not too thick and and not too thin.

Sizes: 24-36 | Inseam: 24 inches | Material: 93% cotton, 5% elasterell-P, 2% spandex

PHOTO: People / Sonal Patel
PHOTO: People / A. Burnett

Lee Legendary Boyfriend Jean

PHOTO: Lee

$43 $34 at Amazon

Star Qualities

Easy, relaxed fit, great for everyday wear
Durable and comfortable denim

Red Flags

This “boyfriend” silhouette might not be for everyone

The Legendary boyfriend jean from Lee delivers a great, comfortable fit that stood up to everyday errands and activities during our testing period. These jeans felt durable enough for more rigorous tasks like yardwork but also comfortable and soft enough for hanging out around the house.

The inseam hit us in just the right spot but can also be unfolded for a longer look.

Sizes: 0-18 | Inseam: 28 inches (folded), 30 inches (unfolded) | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane

person posing outside wearing Lee Legendary Boyfriend Jean — PEOPLE Tester in Lee Legendary Boyfriend Jean.
People / Emerald Elitou

Add to Cart

If you’re shopping for jeans for short women, you might also be interested in more of our PEOPLE-Tested fashion favorites, from comfortable heels to white tank tops.

Dr. Scholl’s Maya Block Heel Sandals

$110 $57 at Amazon $70 at Nordstrom $110 $77 at Zappos

Chico’s Microfiber Tank

View on Chicos.com

lululemon Wundermost Ultra-Soft Nulu Square-Neck Long-Sleeve Bodysuit

$88 at Lululemon

J.Crew New Classic Denim Jacket

View on J. Crew

What To Know About Petite Jeans

Petite Sizing

Hall recommends buying jeans from brands that provide petite jeans, which come in a slightly shorter length than standard styles. By doing so, you can enjoy jeans at the perfect length and avoid having to make costly alterations later on.

“If you're a short woman, it's important to look for petite-size jeans, which are specifically designed for women who are 5'4" and under,” she tells PEOPLE. “Petite sizes have shorter inseams, so you won't have to worry about hemming your jeans or having them bunch up at the ankles.”

High-Rise Jeans

High-rise jeans, according to Hall, make short legs appear longer, making them an excellent choice for shorter women.

“High-rise jeans are a great option for short women because they elongate the legs and create the illusion of a longer torso,” she says. “Look for jeans with a rise of nine inches or higher, and avoid low-rise cuts that can make your legs appear shorter.

Inseam Length

An inseam is the measurement from the crotch of the pants to the hemline. Depending on how tall you are (and how much skin you'd like to show), a 25- to 26-inch inseam is a safe bet for ankle-length jeans, while a 27-inch inseam should suffice for full-length styles if you're considered "short."

Hall recommends selecting cropped jeans that sit just above the ankle since short shoppers want to avoid pants that are too long. “Cropped or ankle-length jeans are a great option for short women because they show off the ankle and create a lengthening effect,” she says. “Look for jeans that hit at or above the ankle bone, and pair them with heels or ankle boots to further elongate the legs.”

person poses in mirror wearing Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean — PEOPLE Associate Shopping Director Erin Johnson (5'1") in Abercrombie Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean (Extra Short).
People / Erin Johnson

Behind the Scenes

We called in samples of some of the best-selling jeans for women currently on the market from the most popular denim brands. Our group of petite testers (5’ 4” and under) tried several pairs for multiple weeks observing and recording their insights throughout the wear and wash process. Each pair of jeans was tested and scored in the following categories:

Material Quality: We assessed the feel, texture, and durability of the fabric. Each pair was examined for any unique details or imperfections in construction. We wore and laundered each pair to see how the materials held up over the testing period.
Fit: We paid attention to the inseam and noted if it worked for our petite testers without cuffing or alterations. Any waist gaps or other quirks affected our fit score, as well.
Comfort: When scoring the jeans on comfort, we considered our range of mobility and any notable signs of comfort or discomfort during wear. We wore each pair during our usual activities to see how they felt at work, running errands, and more.
Durability: We noted how each pair withstood multiple wears and how it held up in the washer (and dryer, if applicable). We also observed any changes over the several weeks, such as fading, color bleeding, fraying, etc.
Overall Value: In determining the overall value of each pair, we weighed if the quality of the jeans was reflected in the price and if we felt we would pay full price for them. Additionally, we included if we’d recommend these jeans to family or friends.

bottom half of person from behind wearing Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jeans outside — PEOPLE Associate Shopping Director Erin Johnson (5'1") in Abercrombie Curve Love High Rise Straight Jeans (Extra Short).
People / Erin Johnson

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best jeans for short women?

According to fashion influencer and stylist Claire Martinez, the best jeans for short women are pairs that add length or give the impression of height. As a result, she says short women should often choose high-rise jeans.

“To add height to your frame, you should wear high-rise jeans rather than low-rise jeans, " Martinez tells PEOPLE. "A skinny, cropped jean with a length that doesn't go over your ankles is perfect."
How do I know what length of jeans to buy?

Whether you're looking for skinny jeans or wide-leg denim, it can be hard to find a pair of jeans that fits perfectly, especially if you are short. This is why you should pay particular attention to the inseam of your jeans — this guarantees a perfect fit and prevents you from having to make further adjustments.

“If you are short, make sure your jeans have a 25- to 27-inch inseam to avoid having them hemmed,” Martinez explains. “By knowing the inseam, you can avoid the hassle and expense of alterations.”
Is short the same as petite?

Jeans come in short and petite sizes, but Fyffe says there's a difference between the two.

“There's more to being petite than having short legs — you're a bit shorter all over,” he says. “Petite sizing adjusts everything proportionately. That means the waist sits higher, the shoulders are narrower, and the sleeves are shorter, as well as the shorter inside leg.”
What jeans should short people avoid?

To add the illusion of length, avoid low-rise jeans in favor of a higher rise. You'll also want to avoid too-long, skinny styles because they can actually make your legs look shorter — instead, consider a style that shows a bit of your ankle (but if you want a longer pant, a wide-leg, fitted trouser will visually add length).

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Courtney Leiva is a contributing writer for PEOPLE. Her work has appeared in The Daily Beast, Buzzfeed, HuffPost, InStyle, and more. For this piece, Courtney interviewed fashion experts Alison Bruhn, Jamie Mitri, Claire Martinez, Rachel Newman, Kadeem Fyffe, Jennifer Michalski-Bray, Jasmine Snow, Christina Stein, Breyana Wright, Madeleine Hall, Diamond Ariel, and Grace Thomas for their recommendations regarding the best jeans for short women in terms of sizes, inseam lengths, rises, and materials. She also evaluated a variety of short jean styles and details and analyzed their fit, functionality, and styling potential.

L.A. Hubilla is a writer for PEOPLE and a 5’ 3” denim lover. She also tests products for various digital platforms, including PEOPLE, InStyle, Byrdie, and Travel + Leisure, among others. For this article, she integrated insights from our petite-sized testers and evaluated whether each pair’s qualities and features were petite-friendly.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.