What Style of Jeans Suits Petites
The best jeans for petites: A complete guide
Jeans are a staple to any wardrobe however finding the right pair can be challenging for anyone. On top of that, being petite can make the already difficult task of buying jeans even harder. On the bright side, finding the perfect pair of jeans can elongate your legs and flatter your frame. This guide will help you navigate the difficulties of buying jeans to help you find your perfect pair of denim as a petite.
In the fashion world petite is classed as those under 5″4. Being petite is entirely about height, not weight, and refers to clothing designed specifically to accommodate those with shorter frames. As someone who is not only petite but also a survivor of the 2010s skinny jeans era of fashion, I have since experimented with a range of jeans and want to share some of the styles that I find most flattering. Now, I can no longer look at a pair of Topshop Joni jeans without feeling pure regret!
Best Styles for Petites
Wide-leg or baggy jeans
A personal favourite of mine. This one may seem controversial for those stuck in their skinny jeans phase but once you fall in love with the baggy look, you won’t want to go back. This style looks good on all petite frames no matter the size and makes the shape of the leg ambiguous underneath. It also elongates the leg as it creates a continuous line from the waist to the hem.
Low-rise
This recommendation is more dependent on the length of your torso but for those with average torso-to-leg proportions or longer legs, low-rise jeans can look particularly flattering. As someone who is 5″2, I prefer this look compared with high-rise jeans which compress the length of your torso creating an imbalance in appearance. Contrary to what people may think about low-rise jeans making you look shorter, I think this style gives a better-balanced look that also provides a relaxed and effortless appearance.
Flared or bootcut
Flared or bootcut jeans can be flattering to a range of petite body types. They enhance curves whilst creating a chic look that adds visual weight to the lower half. This style of jeans can also be highly versatile and can be dressed up or down.
Jeans to Avoid for Petites
Cropped or capri jeans
Cropped or capri jeans cut off the leg line making the appearance of the leg shorter. These jeans typically end around the ankle or mid-calf disrupting the visual flow. Jeans that extend below the ankle or just off the floor will enhance the appearance of the leg length.
Skinny jeans
This opinion might be biased due to my personal vendetta against skinny jeans, but I find them particularly unflattering on petite frames. The compressed look they offer can create a proportion imbalance, especially when paired with looser clothing on top. They look uncomfortable and don’t have that effortless appearance that wider-leg jeans have.
Mom jeans
Back when I didn’t know which jeans suited me, I tried out mom jeans because they were popular at the time. I assumed they would look fine since everyone was wearing them. Looking back, they looked terrible on me, likely due to their bulky appearance. Unlike wide-leg jeans, which create a continuous line from waist to hem, mom jeans taper at the ankle or above, cutting off the leg line and making petites appear shorter
Finding the perfect pair of jeans as a petite is all about understanding your body and what looks comfortable as well as flattering on your frame. Petite frames can vary massively and what style looks good on you is ultimately down to what you feel confident in. The recommendations in this article are based on personal preferences and my own experiences but don’t be afraid to experiment with what style suits you best!