It’s smug to say, but I think I’ve found the best petite jeans for women. Not just one pair, either—several styles of every silhouette, cut and wash. How have I lucked out, you may ask? I tried on over 30 pairs of petite jeans, analysing the pros and cons and fit and finishes of each on my 5ft 1” frame.
The key lesson I learnt: never try on jeans alone. You need a second opinion in order to land on a pair that you’ll love and cherish for years to come, otherwise you might settle for something mediocre—and nobody wants that.
Be it a friend or an expert, assistance is necessary. One denim aficionado recently reminded me of the fact that silhouette is not the only thing to consider: grains, rivets and stitching are important, too. Trust me, when you try on more than five pairs, you start to notice the tiny differences.
Another crucial learning: certain brands just don’t cater to petite women, but there are plenty that have nailed the brief. Tailors also come in handy, so don’t be afraid to embrace alterations, rather than casting certain styles on the “no” pile. I have also learnt to be open-minded about sizing, noting, for example, that boyfriend jeans are much better several sizes up, so that they sit on the hips rather than cinch the waist.
Over 30 jean styles later, I’ve curated my edit of the best petite jeans for women out there. Enjoy! I’ve done the legwork for you, literally.
Bestselling basics
Sometimes it pays to be simple. There were two particular styles that prompted me to jot down “great everyday jeans” in my notes when I tried pairs on: Arket’s Low Loose Cloud jeans and AG’s straight, wide-leg crop jeans. Both do exactly what they say on the tin, without any bells and whistles.
Failsafe classics
Levi’s 501s have stood the test of time, but styles from Re/Done and Good American are fast becoming modern classics, too. Try the various ’90s silhouettes, for example, which draw inspiration from vintage shapes.
Excellent boyfriend-fit petite jeans
The best “boyfriend” jeans I’ve discovered are from Frame and Our Legacy. But considering they’re my favourite style, I’d like to point you in the direction of some more brilliant boyfriend jeans, below.
Simple, but reliable
On the hunt for a simple pair that you can always depend on? Loulou Studio’s loose-fitting Samur jeans—available in blue or dark grey—are wonderfully versatile. I’d also recommend Tu Es Mon Tresor’s Emerald pair, which go well with everyday basics.
The best wide-leg petite jeans
Wide-leg jeans are a tricky shape to tackle, but I’ve discovered that Levi’s beloved Ribcage style and Uniqlo’s pairs cut the mustard. Levi’s offer a free alteration service, so I hitched up my Ribcages by a few inches to achieve the perfect fit.
Worth a shout-out
There are several others that deserve a final shout-out: Nudie’s straight Sally jeans, Citizens of Humanity’s Ayla high-rise jeans—the ideal structured-but-slouchy fit—the brand’s Annina wide-leg jeans, and Agolde’s Clara low-rise baggy jeans. Take your pick.
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
