Why you can trust me
In a bid to find the very best petite-friendly jeans, I headed out onto the field (ie, the high street) to try on the denim everyone’s looking at this season. And it was all in a bid to find that shorter in-seam. Whether flares are your thing, or you’re looking to update your go-to straight leg style – I’ve tried them. I kept my base simple; a white top and my everyday trainers, to test out the most versatile fashion base. Above all, it came down to comfort and confidence. What did I feel like I could wear all day, without compromising on style. Thanks to years behind me as a seasoned trend spotter in the fashion industry, I’m the friend everyone comes to for shopping advice. So trust me when I say, these are the best petite jeans out there right now. I’ve scoured the new-in sections on the high street and considered high-end brands as well, so whether you’re looking for reliable and affordable or an investment pair, there’s something for every wardrobe.
How I 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. But I also checked out the likes of H&M and Mango to try more on. I’ve of course also tried out so many petite brands over the years, so I also have a strong knowledge of the petite-friendly brand worth noting.
How to shop for petite jeans, my 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 (249 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 ONLY High Waist Flared Jean, 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.