The 21 Best Jeans for Short Women, According to Thousands of Petite Shoppers

Universal Standard; Everlane; Amazon

It's hard out there for petite gals. As if reaching the top shelf at the grocery store weren't rough enough, the already painful process of pant shopping is nearly impossible. Even in today's market, where the selection is more inclusive than ever, added length and inseam options can feel overwhelming when you barely know your waist size.

Good news: We're here to help you find the perfect pair of jeans, so you can finally leave the cuffing, hemming, and bunching behind. To get you offline and in your dream denim ASAP, here's some handy lingo to learn before you get started.

Length: On the shorter size, but don't know if you should be shopping in the petite section? Petite pants are usually designed for women who are under 5'4" and feature a slightly shorter length than standard styles.

Inseam: An inseam is the measurement from the crotch of the pant 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.

We found the 21 best jeans for petite women from top brands like Levi's, Good American, J.Crew, Everlane, Madewell, and more. If you have short legs and struggle to find jeans that actually fit, these are the denim styles you'll want to stock up on. From straight-leg to skinnies, high-waisted to mom jeans, they're all backed by rave reviews from happy online shoppers.

These are the best jeans for short women:

• Best Overall: Signature Levi's Modern Straight Jeans

• Best Budget: Wild Fable Super High-Rise Straight Jeans

• Best Straight-Leg: Levi's Wedgie Straight

• Best Skinny: Good American Good Petite Skinny

• Best Mom: Madewell the Petite Perfect Vintage Jean

• Best '90s: Everlane the '90s Cheeky Jean

• Best Boyfriend: Riders by Lee Indigo Fringe Cuff Boyfriend Jean

• Best High-Waisted: Agolde High-Rise Slim-Fit

• Best Mid-Rise: Gap Mid-Rise '90s Loose Jeans

• Best for Curves: Abercrombie Curve Love Ultra-High-Rise Slim Straight Jeans

• Best Plus-Size Option: Universal Standard Seine High-Rise Skinny Jeans Petite

• Best One-Size-Fits-Many: Lucky Brand Uni-Fit High-Rise Skinny Jean

• Best Pull-On: Spanx Ankle Skinny Jeans

• Best Jeggings: Signature Levi's Skinny Jeans

• Best Wide-Leg: Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Wide-Leg Crop-Length Jean

• Best Flares: Free People Just Float on Flare Jeans

• Best Boot-Cut: NYDJ Petite Barbara Bootcut Jeans

• Best Distressed Jeans: Resfeber Boyfriend Jeans

• Best Embellished: Reformation Newsprint Jeans

• Best White: J.Crew Slim Boyfriend Jean

• Best Splurge: Mother the Insider Crop Step Fray Jeans

Best Overall: Signature Levi's Modern Straight Jeans

Levi's modern straight jeans are a wardrobe staple. The straight-leg fit offers a little more breathing room compared to skinny jeans, with the relaxed look loved by models at the moment. "They are very slenderizing and go well with a flat shoe as well as a little heel," one Amazon reviewer said. With seven shades to choose from and short length sizing available, this classic style is worth buying in bulk. Pair the jeans with block-heel booties and a lightweight knit sweater for an everyday look.

Buy It! Signature Levi's Modern Straight Jeans, $20.90–$45; amazon.com and walmart.com

Best Budget: Wild Fable Super High-Rise Straight Jeans

At just $22, these straight-leg jeans are so affordable, we had to do a double-take. They look and feel like a pair you'd pay triple the price for, featuring an above-the-navel high waistline that's ultra-flattering on every body type, plus a medium wash and frayed hemline that give them a relaxed look for casual wear. Shoppers "can't believe they're so inexpensive." As one put it, "From someone who hates wearing any type of jeans, I LOVE these jeans. [They're] so comfortable and don't have that thick, cardboard feel other jeans have."

Buy It! Wild Fable Super High-Rise Straight Jeans, $22; target.com

Best Straight-Leg: Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans

If you're looking to swap skinnies for stand-out straight-legs, this pair from Levi's is guaranteed to become your go-to pants for both day and night plans. Available in 21 colors, we recommend grabbing a light and dark wash for when you feel like mixing things up. Reach for a casual white T-shirt when you're lying low and try adding strappy square-toe heels for a night out. "New favorite jean!" wrote one reviewer. "I am a shorter, curvier person and these fit exactly how I was hoping. I prefer an ankle length and higher-waisted pant, so these are perfect."

Buy It! Levi's Wedgie Straight Jeans, $29.10–$98; amazon.com and target.com

Best Skinny: Good American Good Petite Skinny

Good American is home to America's favorite skinny jeans, according to the brand, which was created by Khloé Kardashian. And with an entire collection devoted to petite skinnies, it happens to be our favorite, too. These Good Petite Skinny jeans are narrow at the hip to perfectly hug your curves and feature a stretchy, sculpting fabric that recovers nicely to preserve their original shape, allowing for additional wears between washes. The sleek skinnies feature an ultra-short 25.5-inch inseam, but if you can spare another half-inch, the brand offers plenty of cropped styles — like this Good Waist Crop jean — that are also appropriate for petites.

Buy It! Good American Good Petite Skinny, $159–$169; goodamerican.com and nordstrom.com

Best Mom: Madewell the Petite Perfect Vintage Jean

We love vintage jeans for their edgy vibe and classic style. Our pick? This cool mom-approved pair from Madewell. Their ultra-high 11-inch rise accentuates the teeniest part of your waist, while frayed hems and fading down the legs balance off the focus back to your shoes — the jeans look great with both chunky boots and strappy sandals. Made of a breathable cotton and spandex blend, they're super stretchy, so the brand recommends sizing down for a more tailored fit or ordering your normal size for a slouchy, relaxed feel.

Buy It! Madewell the Petite Perfect Vintage Jean, $128; madewell.com

Best '90s: Everlane the '90s Cheeky Jean

Struggling to find a pair of straight-leg jeans that don't require six-inch heels? Don't worry, you can finally rock the ultra-trendy style wearing these Everlane best-sellers. They're thoughtfully designed, featuring a high-rise, straight fit, and raised back-hook seam that lifts and tightens your behind. Also from the back, the brand's signature pockets are placed high and close together for an ultra-perky appearance. The jeans come in six colors and two lengths: regular and ankle, the latter of which has a 26.5-inch inseam that's perfect for petites.

Buy It! Everlane the '90s Cheeky Jean, $98; everlane.com

Best Boyfriend: Riders by Lee Indigo Fringe Cuff Boyfriend Jean

Petite gals know a thing or two about rolling up their cuffs, but this pair is intentionally designed to do so. Like most boyfriend jeans, it offers a mid-waist style, but hits slightly higher for a more flattering look and feel. A shaped seat and thigh further accentuate your waist, while five pockets and ample stretch keep things functional. Choose from four washes, then pair the jeans with white platform sneakers and a faux leather tote for a super cute street style look that's perfect for weekend errands.

Buy It! Riders by Lee Indigo Fringe Cuff Boyfriend Jean, $28.09–$41.79; amazon.com

Best High-Waisted: Agolde Nico High-Rise Slim-Fit Jeans

There's no such thing as owning too many pairs of high-waist skinny jeans, right? If you're like us, you wear them to casual get-togethers, nice dinners, and everything in between, meaning it's necessary to have several options on hand. With a unique light to medium wash, slim fit, and ankle-length hem, these best-selling high-waisted skinny jeans were designed for ladies with petite figures. One 5'3" reviewer said, "I am shorter and these are a little cropped which makes them perfect for me," while another petite customer added, "I would 100 percent recommend these jeans! They do run a little large so I did have to size down, but other than that the quality and the cut are amazing." Say goodbye to extra length and hello to a complementary fit.

Buy It! Agolde Nico High-Rise Slim-Fit Jeans, $168; revolve.com and nordstrom.com

Best Mid-Rise: Gap Mid-Rise '90s Loose Jeans

Wearing jeans that hit below your belly button may feel cheugy, but this pair manages to pull off the trend in a way that's still modern and fresh. Featuring a '90s style bleach wash, unfinished split hems, and light distressing at the knees, its relaxed look feels stylish yet approachable. Like most Gap jeans, the mid-rise option comes in regular, tall, and petite lengths, plus a variety of inseams to customize your preferences.

Buy It! Gap Mid-Rise '90s Loose Jeans, $89.95; gap.com

Best for Curves: Abercrombie Curve Love Ultra-High-Rise Slim Straight Jeans

Thanks to TikTok, Abercrombie is synonymous with standout jeans. But did you know that the brand is now equally well-known for its curve-friendly denim? Abercrombie Curve Love jeans are designed with extra room in the hips (aka no waist gap), so larger bottomed babes are guaranteed a perfectly flattering fit. The ultra-inclusive styles span sizes 23 through 37, plus there are two inseam lengths for petite shoppers: extra-short and short. We love this ultra-high-rise pair in a vintage wash, but you really can't go wrong with the brand's signature distressed look, either.

Buy It! Abercrombie Curve Love Ultra High-Rise Slim Straight Jeans, $89; abercrombie.com

Best Plus-Size Option: Universal Standard Seine High-Rise Skinny Jeans Petite

Universal Standard is known for its inclusivity with unique sizing that "reflects the true bell curve of the average person in the United States," according to the brand. But with options up to a size 40, we still just can't get over how many sizes this sleek pair of skinnies comes in! And to add to the many options, you can also choose between three washes and inseams, including a 24-inch ankle-length for petite shoppers. Complete with deep pockets, ample stretch, and a high-waist design, you'll basically want to live in this pair — shoppers say they really are that comfortable.

Buy It! Universal Standard Seine High-Rise Skinny Jeans Petite, $98; universalstandard.com

Best One-Size-Fits-Many: Lucky Brand Uni-Fit High-Rise Skinny Jean

Lucky Brand just gets it: It's totally normal for your size to fluctuate. That's why the brand designed these stretchy jeans, forgoing traditional sizing for a one-size-fits-many mentality that simply makes sense in modern times. They feature a high-rise and skinny leg, plus a flexible feel that manages to move with you while maintaining its shape. You won't experience any bagginess with wear, according to reviewers; these jeans will always bounce back, no matter how many times you wear them.

Buy It! Lucky Brand Uni-Fit High-Rise Skinny Jean, $69.30 (orig. $99); luckybrand.com

Best Pull-On: Spanx Ankle Skinny Jeans

Oprah simply can't get enough of Spanx pants, and with their muffin top-reducing, flattering fit, it's no wonder why. Well, good news for those who seek the same shaping effect in jean form: Spanx also sells smartly designed denim. These high-rise skinnies are a best-seller, available in a 25.5-inch petite inseam, and come in sizes XS through 3X. Their pull-on style creates a completely flat front that's less bulky around your belly, while an internal shaping panel simultaneously smooths out your midsection. You'll love them so much, you'll want to pick up the pair in other colors, too.

Buy It! Spanx Ankle Skinny Jeans, $128; spanx.com

Best Jeggings: Signature Levi's Skinny Jeans

With more than 12,700 reviews and an average rating of 4.2 stars, this pair of Levi's shaping skinny jeans are an absolute must. They feature a pull-on waistband that hugs your curves in all the right places and allows you to move comfortably. "These are the BEST jeans I've ever owned in my life," one customer said. "I purchased the 4 short and for someone with short legs, it's a perfect length. This is unheard of for me!" Sizes range from 2 short to 20 short, so you can find a figure-flattering pair of jeans in no time.

Buy It! Signature Levi's Skinny Jeans, $15–$58.94; amazon.com and walmart.com

Best Wide-Leg: Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Wide-Leg Crop-Length Jean

This pair of petite wide-leg crop jeans are the perfect transitional piece to take you from summer to fall. They're available in eight classic colors, including dark, light, and white washes, so you might even consider snatching a pair or two for spring and summer weather. Wear the versatile favorite to weekend brunch with a cropped sweater or paired with a blouse for the office. And did we mention you can snag this light-wash denim for as little as $10? Get 'em while you can!

Buy It! Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Wide-Leg Crop-Length Jean, $9.60–$42.95; amazon.com

Best Flares: Free People Just Float on Flare Jeans

There's only one word that can really describe this denim pair: groovy. These Free People jeans will transport you right back to the '70s with an exaggerated flare that starts at the knees. They come in 16 colors and three fits — including a short length for petite folks, each with a high-rise waist, raw hem, and a buttery-soft, stretchy denim that's comfy enough for both daytime and disco. Complete this retro look with a vintage graphic tee and red leather booties.

Buy It! Free People Just Float on Flare Jeans, $78; freepeople.com

Best Boot-Cut: NYDJ Petite Barbara Bootcut Jeans

Unpopular opinion: You can pair way more than just boots with bootcut jeans, especially when you're wearing this NYDJ option. The petite-length version of the brand's top-rated Barbara Bootcut Jeans has rave reviews from shoppers who love its 30-inch inseam — 2 inches shorter than the standard length alternative. True to the style, its full length will naturally make your legs look long and lean, while from the midsection, proprietary Lift Tuck technology features a criss-cross slimming panel for smoothing, lifting, and supporting your curves.

Buy It! NYDJ Petite Barbara Bootcut Jeans, $68.01–$112; amazon.com and nydj.com

Best Distressed: Resfeber Boyfriend Jeans

If you're looking for a pair of jeans you can toss on with basically any top in your closet, these distressed jeans are the ones. From their ripped detailing and cuffed hem to the comfy mid-rise waist, we can see why 14,000 Amazon shoppers are completely obsessed. Many reviewers said they have a great balance between a laid-back and slim fit, allowing them to look super flattering on all body types. Dress them up or down by adding your favorite heels or sneakers.

Buy It! Resfeber Boyfriend Jeans, $30.99–$49.99; amazon.com

Best Embellished: Reformation Newsprint Jeans

If you're looking to step away from 50 shades of blue, these chic printed pants are a safe and stylish bet. According to the brand, Addison Rae, Kendall Jenner, and Kaia Gerber have all been spotted in this exact pair, making them a celeb-approved option that's selling out fast. The black and white newsprint pattern is bold, yet neutral, but if you're really looking to turn heads, Reformation recently launched a similar style in a colorful comic print that also gives a fun, retro vibe. Pair these statement-making jeans with a bodysuit and sandals for a look worthy of everyone's attention.

Buy It! Reformation Newsprint Jeans, $188; thereformation.com

Best White: J.Crew Slim Boyfriend Jean

If you thought white denim was just for summer, J.Crew is here to prove you wrong. Layer on a chunky sweater for a perfect winter white ensemble or throw on a tee when temperatures rise. Either way, this pair is perfect for year-round wear, complete with a straight leg and relaxed fit through the hips and thighs. Its unfinished hem is slightly distressed, though not overly frayed, for a look that still feels fresh and tailored.

Buy It! J.Crew Slim Boyfriend Jean, $128; jcrew.com

Best Splurge: Mother the Insider Crop Step Fray Jeans

We promise: Your go-to jeans are worth spending on. This dark-wash pair is tailored enough for casual environments but still edgy enough to wear with heels on a night out. Their jagged raw hems give off an effortlessly chic vibe, while light fading throughout the thighs and seat offers a cool, retro feel. While the ankle-length bootcut style isn't necessarily designed for petite wearers, its 25.5-inch inseam still manages to show some skin on shorter legs.

Buy It! Mother the Insider Crop Step Fray Jeans, $218–$238; nordstrom.com and revolve.com

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