I'm 5'3"—These Are the Only Jeans That Get My Petite Approval
At 5'3", it's not a surprise that it's hard to find the perfect pair of everyday jeans. I've had many moments of frustration in dressing rooms, staring at the denim puddling at my feet. While I love that my tailor can create magic with a pair of jeans, I'd rather not spend extra money hemming any denim I buy. This past year, however, has been the first time in a long time that I've felt like there are actually good options available for those who are petite. Just last week, I walked out of a Madewell dressing room happily with two pairs of jeans, shocked that I could find more than one pair of jeans to fit me height-wise. Brands now also offer short lengths in the most sought-after styles.
To save you money and frustration, I'll be sharing the best pairs of petite jeans currently available on the market. You'll find high-waisted, flared, cropped, mid-rise, and more. Whether it's a classic like Levi's Wedgie Jeans or a brand-new style like Agolde's Ren Jeans, you've got options below. Keep scrolling to shop the 10 best petite jeans available now.
- The Best Affordable Jean: Gap Mid-Rise Girlfriend Jeans, $80
- The Best Mid-Rise Jean: Agolde 90s Crop Mid-Rise Straight Jeans, $198
- The Best High-Rise Jean: Re/Done 70s High Rise Stove Pipe Straight-Leg Jeans, $265
- The Best Cropped Jean: Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans, $128
- The Best Straight-Leg Jean: J.Crew Vintage Slim-Straight Jean, $128
- The Best Trendy Jean: We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans, $98
- The Best Wide Leg Jean: Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean, $138
1. Levi's Wedgie High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans
Levi's Wedgie Jeans have stood the test of time, so they're sure to be a classic in your closet. Reviewers have noticed that they do slightly stretch over time, but overall, the waist is snug, and the leg is a straight cut.
Inseam: 26''
Sizes: 23 to 33
2. We the Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Don't be fooled by the trendiness of the denim style. This is a pair of jeans you'll gravitate to more than you think. If you're 5'3" or under, the elongated side panels are flattering and will hit right above the floor, creating the perfect baggy effect that doesn't overwhelm.
Inseam: 26''
Sizes: 24 to 33
Lengths: Regular and Short
3. Agolde 90s Crop Mid-Rise Straight Jeans
These Agolde jeans technically are labeled as cropped jeans, but on those 5'3" and under, they'll fit like regular-length jeans thanks to their 25-inch inseam.
Inseam: 25.25"
Sizes: 23 to 34
4. J.Crew Vintage Slim-Straight Jeans
After trying J.Crew's jeans, I was pleasantly surprised by how many styles were actually flattering on my petite frame. The wide-leg and puddle styles were the only ones that didn't make the cut for me. Of them all, this pair had to be the best. While I love relaxed jeans, these slim-fit straight jeans are better for days when you want to feel a bit more polished.
Inseam: 24.5"
Sizes: 23 to 37
Lengths: Classic, Petite, and Tall
5. Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jeans
After trying these jeans on once in a Madewell dressing room, I knew they had to go home with me. It's not often that you find vintage-inspired jeans that don't pool at my feet or feel über-uncomfortable at the waist. Although they have a relaxed fit, these jeans still feel sleek and sophisticated when worn.
Inseam: 27.5"
Sizes: 23 to 33
Lengths: Petite, Standard, and Tall
6. Re/Done 70s High-Rise Stove Pipe Straight-Leg Jeans
If '70s-style jeans are your thing, then this pair from Re/Done is for you. It's inspired by great vintage finds but made to fit and feel as good as new. The classic blue wash is versatile, but the jeans also come in off-white and washed black.
Inseam: 26”
Sizes: 23 to 32
7. Abercrombie & Fitch High-Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans
Not only is Abercrombie's denim on the more affordable end, but its quality is also excellent, and the brand offers four different length options for you to pick from. The High Rise 90s Relaxed Jeans have to be the most favored option (look at the 2000+ reviews), and if you're petite, you can choose Extra Short, Short, or Regular to find the perfect length.
Sizes: 23-37
Lengths: Extra Short, Short, Regular, Long, Extra Long
8. Agolde Ren High-Rise Wide-Leg Organic Jeans
When I saw these jeans on fashion TikToker @shayinjune, I assumed she was tall and thought these were just another pair of jeans I'd have to get tailored. That was until I read her comments and learned she was 5'0" tall, and I was amazed by how good these jeans looked on her. While they hit the ankle on the model, they just hit the floor in a relaxed and chic way on Shay.
Inseam: 27.5"
Sizes: 23 to 32
9. Gap Mid-Rise Girlfriend Jeans
Another under-$100 option that's underrated? Gap! The retailer offers regular, tall, and petite options for you to find your desired fit. The jeans also have a lower rise, which can be hard to find in petite denim.
Inseam: 26"
Sizes: 24 to 35
Lengths: Regular, Tall, and Petite
10. Madewell Kick Out Crop Jeans
Many cropped jeans tend to fit full-length on petite frames, but if you're looking for a true cropped pair, Madewell's Kick Out Crop Jeans are the option. The standard size has an inseam of 27 inches, but the petite size has a 25.5-inch inseam.
Inseam: 25.5"
Sizes: 23 to 33
Lengths: Petite, Plus, Standard, Tall, and Taller
After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, Yusra Siddiqui found her way to the team after graduating with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, Nylon, and Allure. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest social media trends, and diving deep into all things Gen Z-related.
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