When it comes to fashion, having a petite frame has its challenges. And when you’re shopping for the best petite jeans? It’s even tougher. While jeans shopping is hardly recognised as a joy for any body type, it’s even more tricky for short women.
Often, being petite is relegated to something of a Champagne problem. The general consensus? That surely you can just buy regular jeans and get them shortened? No. It’s a hard no. A) you shouldn’t have to, and B) chopping a foot of fabric off your brand new jeans purchase is wasteful (and hardly sustainable).
At 5’4 I’m on the cusp of ‘petite’. In fact as I can get away without shopping petite ranges, I’ve rarely given it much thought, assuming the options would be limited. I didn’t want to miss out on the best jeans’ styles just because I can’t reach the top shelf in the supermarket. And whilst I’m a big advocate for investing in denim that lasts, I also like to browse the trends.
Of course, we’re still arguing about the return of the skinny jean – I’m a sympathiser in general as long as it leans toward a straight-leg style. Barrel-leg jeans are the street style set’s current favourite and we’ve seen a boho wide leg jeans on catwalks from the likes of Chloé. So when Glamour asked me to go and try on some new-in petite jeans it felt like time to put down the scissors and see what was on offer – and if it could work for me.
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How we tested the best petite jeans
When I headed to the high street (not a bad afternoon of work I have to admit), Marks & Spencer was an obvious choice to check out petite-friendly styles. The brand offers three lengths in their trousers: Short/Petite, Regular and Long. These wide-leg jeans hit my ankle just right in a petite length, I wouldn’t be traipsing them along the pavement in trainers but they could still be complemented by a kitten heel, too.
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Elsewhere on the high street I was a little frustrated to find specific petite ranges lacking in store but found H&M’s ankle jeans were a good compromise.
@hattiecotmore
@hattiecotmore
And whilst I was drowning in the regular Mango lengths, their culottes were my ideal length. It seemed playing around with different styles, particularly those that might be deemed cropped jeans, worked for styling my petite frame.
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For high-end jeans heading to Selfridges was a no brainer. Rag & Bone straight-leg jeans are made of 99% cotton making them a comfy day-to-day fit. Their light wash would be easy-to-style with knitwear and boots in autumn but they’ll see you through to summer with plain white t-shirts and trainers.
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If you’re looking for added interest Damson Madder is the conscious brand to know. The embroidery on their wide-leg jeans puts a fresh update on your wardrobe staple. Whilst they don’t come in a specific petite sizing I was pleasantly surprised to find the length wasn’t imposing.
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Of every pair I tried, it was the Frame Crop Palazzo Jeans that I haven’t stopped thinking about. See also: the top of my wish list. The denim was buttery soft with a comfortable stretch and their wide flare shape is timeless for autumn/winter.
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Overall whilst not everything I found was strictly petite I’m definitely converted to shopping these ranges and have learnt it’s worth checking out ankle cuts, too. Read more about how we test here.
How to shop for petite jeans, our top tips:
If you’re not shopping in-store remember to check out the model’s height before adding anything to cart online. Often online clothing stores use the same model for a batch of products, meaning jeans that would be perfect on you look like pedal-pushers on someone who is 5’11. And, don’t forget, petite doesn’t have to equal size 6 or smaller, either; bodies come in every height and size combo – don’t ever feel like you’re the odd one out.
When it comes to online shopping for petite jeans I’d recommend looking to ASOS which has a whole world of petite options (159 pairs of jeans for your perusal, to be exact). I have my eye on the ASOS DESIGN Petite Wide Leg Dad Jeans in an autumn-ready washed black and the River Island Petite High Rise Flared Jeans, because contrary to popular belief, petite people can wear both wide leg and straight styles.
Paige jeans are also great, with a dedicated petite collection. Styles range from bootcut and wide leg to barrel in a plethora of light and dark blue washes. It’s official: shorter women can definitely pull off looser, flare jeans or baggy styles – it’s just a question of keeping your look (and the jeans) in proportion with your body.
Looking for more? Alongside the best petite clothing brands, we’ve also got the best jeans for women (including Good American, Agolde, Everlane and more).