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Whether you remain committed to skinny jeans or have embraced the styles TikTokers are currently favoring (think wide-leg or “mom jeans”), short women know one thing to be true: Shopping for women’s jeans can be a real challenge.
I’m just over five feet tall and I know the struggle. Jeans are right up there with yoga leggings, dress pants, and sweatpants on the list of items that are wardrobe staples…yet they don’t often work well on a shorter frame, at least not without alterations. The good news? Right now, short women have more options than ever. More brands are rolling out styles with shorter inseam options, for one thing.
Additionally, cropped jeans are having a moment, which means we can wear these jeans right off the rack even if they don’t come in a short length—we just may have to accept that these cropped styles won’t necessarily have a cropped fit on us. Regardless of the style, wash, or price point you prefer, a good option is out there. These picks all work particularly well for short women. And if you choose well, you won’t even need to shell out for tailoring.
How to choose the best jeans for short women
Inseam is everything
Sure, you can have a pair of too-long jeans hemmed by a tailor. But with so many great options with cropped or shorter inseams, why not just buy a pair of jeans that’s already outfitted with a shorter inseam?
Keep an open mind
Reject the idea that short women “shouldn’t” wear certain styles. If you find the right fit and inseam length, any style of jean can look great on people of all heights. So keep an open mind and try a style you may have overlooked in the past. It just might surprise you.
Our top picks for the best jeans for short women
Best jeans for short curvy women: LOFT Petite Curvy Coated High-Rise Skinny Jeans
Many brands offer jeans for curvy women and petite options with shorter inseams, but few allow you to get a pair of jeans in both a curvy and petite fit. LOFT’s curvy jean offerings, which are cut to flatter women with larger hip/waist ratios, are also available in petite inseams for shorter women. This type of fit eliminates the gap in the waist that many curvy women experience when buying jeans that fit in the hip area, while also offering a shorter inseam to better suit a short frame.
Specifications:
- Size range: 24-36
- Rise: High
- Material: 59% modal, 39% polyester, 2% spandex
- Inseam length: 26.5 inches
- Price on publish: $98
What we like:
- Comes in both a shortened inseam and a curvy fit
- Sleek, leg-lengthening silhouette
What we don’t like:
- While the coated material can really make petite women look taller, it makes the jeans more suitable for fall/winter and less so for spring/summer.
The bottom line:
A sleek skinny fit that looks amazing on shorter women, while offering a fit made for curvy body types.
Loft Petite Curvy Ankle Slit Fresh Cut High Rise Skinny Jeans in Dark Vintage Wash
Best shaping jeans for short women: Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Women’s Jeans
Like most items from Levi’s, these jeans boast a classic fit and a wide range of wash options, from pure white to light blue to pitch black. What sets this pair apart, though, is the shaping feature throughout the tummy area. These offer a bit of support in the midsection, a stretchy fit, and a mid rise. The best part? There are four inseam options, so short women can choose the 26-inch or 28-inch length to better suit their leg length.
Specifications:
- Size range: 23-34
- Rise: Mid
- Material: 97% cotton, 3% elastane
- Inseam length: Multiple options
- Price on publish: $69.50
What we like:
- Comes in range on inseams
- Wide range of wash options
- Built-in tummy panel offers some shapewear support
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers complain this pair runs large, especially in the midsection
The bottom line:
A range of washes and inseams to suit anyone’s preference, with some additional shaping through the midsection.
Levi's 311 Shaping Skinny Women's Jeans 25x30
Best budget jeans for short women: Old Navy Mid-Rise Boyfriend Straight Roll-Cuff Ripped Jeans
The brand known for having a ton of options when it comes to jeans (especially jeans for curvy women, plus-sizes, and petites) has plenty to love for short women, but this pair stands out. With its trendy roll-cuff hem and distressing throughout the leg, this pair feels casual and slouchy, yet won’t overwhelm short women thanks to its cropped inseam. While the length likely won’t leave a lot of ankle exposed on shorter women, if you’d like a more cropped look, simply cuff it a little more to suit your proportions.
Specifications:
- Size range: 00-30
- Rise: Mid
- Material: 93% cotton, 6% recycled cotton, 1% elastane
- Inseam length: 26 inches
- Price on publish: $54.99
What we like:
- The price point—especially if you can snag a promotion
- Roll cuff style mean this pair is easy to shorten at home without paying for tailoring
What we don’t like:
- Size availability is limited
- While a petite inseam is listed, the size range is a bit more limited (0-18)
The bottom line:
While not the most versatile option, these trendy jeans are priced right.
Mid-Rise Boyfriend Straight Jeans
Best plus-size jeans for short women: Universal Standard Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans Petite
While many brands are making great plus-size options these days, Universal Standard’s approach is centered around creating clothing for all bodies. To that effect, the brand uses a size 18 (the size the average American woman wears, according to the brand’s site) as its sample size. Rather than segment products into “straight” and “plus” sizes, this brand creates everything in a size-inclusive range. This particular pair of jeans is a classic skinny style that comes in a petite inseam, and you can choose between a mid or high rise.
Specifications:
- Size range: 00-40
- Rise: Mid or high.
- Material: 73% cotton, 23% polyester, 4% elastane
- Inseam length: 24” (petite option)
- Price on publish: $98
What we like:
- The size-inclusive brand creates clothing for all body types
- The classic skinny style is versatile for dressing up or down
What we don’t like:
- This item is very stretchy, so people who want a more classic cotton fit may not like the fabric
The bottom line:
The most size-inclusive pick of the bunch.
Universal Standard Seine High Rise Skinny Jeans Petite
Best high-waisted jeans for short women: Agolde Riley High-Rise Straight Crop
Agolde has emerged as a darling in the world of designer denim in the past few years, with consumers raving over the brand’s fit and sustainable practices. The high-rise, straight-leg Riley style is among the brand’s most popular. While Agolde does not offer a short inseam option, this particular style is cropped, and many short women (myself included) love the fit.
Specifications:
- Size range: 23-34
- Rise: High
- Material: 99% organic cotton, 1% elastane
- Inseam length: 26 inches
- Price on publish: $188
What we like:
- The brand’s focus on sustainability
- The straight leg style is on trend
What we don’t like:
- The price point.
- Though the inseam is cropped, there’s no shorter option for women who would like the hem to hit a little higher.
The bottom line:
A splurge-worthy straight-leg jean that works especially well on short frames.
Agolde Riley High-Rise Straight Crop
Best low-rise jeans for short women: Banana Republic Low-Rise Bootcut Jean
Low-rise jeans are polarizing, to say the least. But if you like the style, this pair offers a nice streamlined boot-cut silhouette, a classic dark blue wash, and nice snug fit throughout the thighs. They’re available in a petite size, making this an excellent choice for shorter women who want to give the low-rise look a go.
Specifications:
- Size range: 00-14
- Rise: Low
- Material: 76% cotton, 17% modal, 5% recycled cotton, 2% elastane
- Inseam length: 31 inches
- Price on publish: $54
What we like:
- The price point
- Reviewers praise the comfort of this pair
What we don’t like:
- At 31 inches, the inseam is on the long side for short women, who may want to wear boots with heels with this pair
The bottom line:
A low-rise jean that doesn’t scream “‘90’s era pop star.”
Low-Rise Bootcut Jean
Best pull-on jeans for short women: Spanx Ankle Skinny Jeans
The brand best known for its shapewear also makes jeans. As you might imagine, these come with a bit of tummy control. What’s great about these jeans is that they don’t have a button or zipper along the fly, meaning there’s less bulk around the midsection (and more overall comfort). These jeans are an easy pull-on style and come in a petite inseam.
Specifications:
- Size range: XS-3X
- Rise: High
- Material: 91% cotton, 7% polyester, 2% Lycra® Elastane. Lining: 70% polyester, 30% Cotton
- Inseam length: 26 inches (petite length)
- Price on publish: $128
What we like:
- The stretchy material makes these comfortable
- Tummy control panel offers a shapewear effect
What we don’t like:
- Because of the soft, stretchy material and pull-on waist, these feel more like jeggings than jeans
- Price is on the steep side
The bottom line:
If you’re nostalgic for the days of jeggings, this is the pair for you.
Spanx Ankle Skinny Jeans
Best distressed jeans for short women: GRLFRND Karolina High Rise Straight Crop
Pricey? Absolutely. But the distressing on these jeans is so tasteful. As for the fit, these jeans combine a leg-lengthening high-rise with a slightly tapered leg, the ideal shape for someone looking to move away gradually from skinny jeans toward more current straight-leg styles. These are made of 100% cotton and won’t lose their shape over time.
Specifications:
- Size range: 23-32
- Rise: High
- Material: 100% cotton
- Inseam length: 25 inches
- Price on publish: $215
What we like:
- Beautiful light blue wash and artful distressing
- Great inseam length for short women
- Reviewers rave over the flattering fit
What we don’t like:
- The price point
- The size range is not the most inclusive
The bottom line:
A pricey pair with a great fit, beautiful light wash, and subtle distressing.
GRLFRND Karolina High Rise Straight Crop
Best maternity: Old Navy Premium Maternity Full-Panel Rockstar Super Skinny Black Jeans
When it comes to maternity jeans, here’s my take: Versatility is key. Buy one pair of maternity jeans that’ll look great in any season (because your pregnancies will span a few, especially if you’re pregnant multiple times) and can be dressed up or down. When I was expecting my twins, I opted for a pair of black skinny ankle jeans, as they worked year-round and for almost any occasion. This pair fits the bill: The skinny style may be considered “dated” but it is, arguably, the most versatile silhouette due to its ability to be worn with just about any pair of shoes. This pair comes in a short inseam.
Specifications:
- Size range: 0-20
- Rise: High
- Material: polyester 28%, recycled cotton 5%, cotton 65%, spandex 2%
- Inseam length: 27 inches
- Price on publish: $54.99
What we like:
- The price point
- This pair is versatile for year-round wear
What we don’t like:
- Some people may want a more current style as opposed to a skinny jean
The bottom line:
This budget-friendly pick can be worn through all seasons of a pregnancy (or pregnancies).
Maternity Full-Panel Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans
Best cropped jeans for short women: Wit & Wisdom Ab’Solution High Waist Raw Hem Skinny Crop Jeans
The skinny fit here won’t overwhelm short frames, while the slightly cropped fit makes these feel a bit more on-trend than typical skinny jeans. The raw hem also adds an element of trendiness. This is a cropped style that actually looks like a cropped style on short women, thanks to the brand’s petite sizing. As a nice bonus, these jeans also boast slimming and shaping around the belly area.
Specifications:
- Size range: 00-18
- Rise: High
- Material: 62% cotton, 25% polyester, 11% rayon, 2% spandex
- Inseam length: 25 inches
- Price on publish: $78
What we like:
- Raw hem and cropped length give this pair a really casual, trendy feel
- The inseam in the petite sizing actually offers short women a chance to wear cropped jeans without tailoring
What we don’t like:
- These jeans are lightweight and stretchy, which means they may lose their shape throughout the day.
The bottom line:
A cropped jean option that’s actually cropped on short women.
Wit & Wisdom 'Ab'Solution High Waist Raw Hem Skinny Crop Jeans in Blue at Nordstrom, Size 2
Best stretchy jeans for short women: J Crew Slim Demi-boot Jeans
The demi-boot cut style is perfect for fall, as it allows you to tuck a pair of ankle boots underneath the hem, while offering a streamlined fit throughout the leg. These jeans are also nice and stretchy. (Read: Very comfortable for all-day wear.)
Specifications:
- Size range: 23-32
- Rise: High
- Material: 82% organic cotton/12% TENCEL lyocell/4% elastomultiester/2% elastane
- Inseam length: 26 inches
- Price on publish: $148
What we like:
- Stretchy fabric offers great comfort
- The demi-boot style is flattering on short women, while the high waist offers a leg-lengthening effect
What we don’t like:
- With this level of stretch, the jeans may not hold their shape well
The bottom line:
Stretchy, comfortable, and built to wear alongside ankle boots.
J Crew Slim Demi-boot Jeans
Best skinny jeans for short women: Everlane Way-High Skinny Jean
Fans of this pair of skinny jeans rave about the flattering fit—and as one of those fans, I can attest. This pair is nothing fancy, just a simple pair of skinny jeans that fits well and offers a streamlined silhouette. I own these in the shorter inseam option and they fit right at the ankle on my frame. And I swear: These jeans make me look taller.
Specifications:
- Size range: 23-35
- Rise: High
- Material: 55% organic cotton, 25% viscose, 18% recycled polyester, 2% elastane.
- Inseam length: 26.75 inches
- Price on publish: $88
What we like:
- Very flattering and lengthening fit
- Sustainably produced denim made of organic materials
What we don’t like:
- Contrary to the brand’s description, these are not actually as comfortable as leggings
The bottom line:
A no-frills, classic, comfortable pair of skinny jeans.
Women's Way-High® Skinny Jean by Everlane in Faded Blue, Size 28
Best straight leg jeans for short women: Mother The Tomcat
These jeans offer a cropped, straight leg—so no need to worry about them bunching up over your feet the way many pairs of straight leg jeans do on short women. Unlike many denim styles on the market, these are neither obviously tapered nor wide and slouchy in fit. They offer a true straight leg style.
Specifications:
- Size range: 23-34
- Rise: High
- Material: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
- Inseam length: 26 inches
- Price on publish: $258
What we like:
- Straight leg styles can look awkward if they don’t hit at the ankle, but these are short enough to look right on women under 5’3”
- Rigid denim style holds its shape well
What we don’t like:
- The price tag
The bottom line:
A true straight leg that’ll hit short women right at the ankle.
MOTHER The Tomcat Kneeling On Stones Jeans
Best flared jeans for short women: Paige Genevieve
With its high rise and dramatic flared profile, this pair of jeans is giving ‘70s vibes in the best way. Paige has created this style in a petite fit specifically to fit women under 5’4.” These jeans are available in a classic blue denim or this dressier take in a black coated wash for a leg-lengthening effect—especially when paired with a great pair of heels.
Specifications:
- Size range: 23-34
- Rise: High
- Material: 56% rayon, 25% cotton, 18% polyester, 1% Spandex
- Inseam length: 30 inches
- Price on publish: $249
What we like:
- The petite length still offers that floor-grazing flare leg without being too long on shorter frames
- Coated wash offers an elevated take on black jeans
What we don’t like:
- The price tag
- The inseam is long enough that it may require heels
The bottom line:
A ‘70s style pick in a chic, black coated wash.
PAIGE Women's Genevieve Petite - Devoted Flare Jeans | Blue | Size 32
Best bootcut jeans for short women: AG Jeans Farrah Boot Crop
These stretchy jeans combine the figure-hugging profile of skinny jeans through the thighs with the subtle flare of a bootcut jean to accommodate (as the name suggests) a pair of ankle boots underneath. The raw hem is a stylish, yet casual detail that gives these jeans a cool factor.
Specifications:
- Size range: 22-33
- Rise: High
- Material: 98% cotton, 2% polyurethane
- Inseam length: 26.5 inches
- Price on publish: $235
What we like:
- Great selection of washes
- Stretchy material offers great comfort
What we don’t like:
- The price tag
The bottom line:
A bootcut option that won’t sweep the floor on shorter women.
AG Jeans Farrah Boot Crop
Best mom jeans for short women: AE Strigid Mom Jean
These mom jeans are neither too slouchy nor too similar to skinny jeans, and they’re offered in a short inseam to suit short women. While this pair of distressed black jeans is a really fun, slightly edgy take on the mom jean silhouette, this style is also offered in several other inseams to suit other preferences. The sizes also dip down to 000 to fit very petite short women. (Pro tip: This is a great option for tweens and teens as well.)
Specifications:
- Size range: 000-20
- Rise: High
- Material: 94% cotton, 6% recycled cotton
- Inseam length: Multiple options
- Price on publish: $59.95
What we like:
- Inclusive size range
- Multiple wash options
- These jeans are made of only cotton, so they’ll hold their shape over time.
What we don’t like:
- These jeans do feel youthful — they may better suit a teenager.
The bottom line:
You don’t have to be a mom to wear these jeans.
AE Strigid Mom Jean Women's Destroyed Black 000 Regular
Best splurge jeans for short women: Citizens Charlotte High Rise Crop Straight Jeans
I splurged on these jeans last year and wholeheartedly recommend them. The fit is great, the denim looks structured but feels surprisingly comfortable, and the length is really great for a short woman. They are absolutely pricey, but they’re so easy to wear, especially if you opt for a seasonless medium wash, which can be worn year-round. My favorite thing about these jeans is that they look great dressed down with sneakers and a tee shirt—but they look even better with heels for nighttime wear.
Specifications:
- Size range: 23-32
- Rise: High
- Material: 98% cotton, 2% polyurethane
- Inseam length: 26 inches
- Price on publish: $268
What we like:
- Great, versatile straight-leg fit
- Cropped length is great for short women
What we don’t like:
- The price tag
- Not the most inclusive size range
The bottom line:
These jeans look great when worn casually or dressed up, which makes it (a little bit) easier to justify the price tag.
Citizens of Humanity Charlotte High Rise Straight Jeans Wynwood 30
How we selected the best jeans for short women
First, we looked for great jeans in a variety of styles, at a range of price points. From there, we sought out the pairs that were best suited for short women. In some cases, we picked jeans offered in a variety of inseam lengths. In others, we looked for jeans made to hit higher on the leg. Though not specifically designed for shorter women, those cropped or ankle styles allow them to avoid having to hem their jeans.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What type of jean is best for a short woman?
Short women have every right to wear any style of clothing, and that applies to jeans as well. It’s a matter of trial and error. Rather than assume what styles of jeans for petites work and don’t work, it ultimately comes down to trying various styles for yourself and seeing what feels right.
Should short women wear high-rise jeans?
Absolutely—if that’s the style you love. Just like choosing any other type of silhouette, the most important thing to consider is your proportion. Be sure to measure your rise to understand how a pair of jeans will fit you. For instance, if you’re long-waisted, a higher rise will fit nicely. However, if you’re short-waisted, you may find that a specific pair may hit you too high (such as your bra line), which will create an awkward fit and proportion.
What’s the difference between short and petite sizes?
While petite styles are proportioned to better suit shorter frames (this might include adjusting the rise and knee placement on a pair of jeans), short jeans simply just have a shorter inseam. However, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Typically, petite and short sizes are created for women under 5’4.”
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