Shopping for jeans for a 5'3" frame is no picnic, which is ironic, as the denim engulfing you often feels exactly like a picnic blanket: enough fabric to stretch out and nap on, but not something you'd pull on and wear. Knowing where to buy jeans in petite sizes can help you avoid such dressing room fiascos, where those flare jeans fit your waist — but seem to unravel past your feet in a brilliant spaghetti leg impression.
Oh great, you think, another pair of jeans I'll just have to wear with two-feet tall heels. Fantastic. While I love a heel as much as anyone, why should you have to sacrifice your comfy footwear because the regular jeans sizes are too long for your legs? If you ditch the straight size jeans section for ones brimming with the best petite denim brands, you may just find you're no longer limited to the cropped styles only. Finally, you can expand your denim collection to all the staple denim styles you once convinced yourself were superfluous (hello embroidery, tassels, flare, and more).
Can you imagine: purchasing a pair of jeans and making no alterations, whatsoever? It seems too good to be true (I know, because I lived it). But ahead, jeans in petite sizes for shorter folks that don't leave you settling.
ModCloth: Embroidered Jeans
Sweet Jeans Are Made Of This (24x27.5-30x27.5), $67, ModCloth
Sweet jeans definitely are made of these, and I'm on board the embroidered jeans bandwagon. This is the type of wash and style that looks great dressed up or down, whether you're sporting cool suede heels or platform sneakers. One reviewer loved the style, saying, "I am deep in the midst of an obsession with embellished jeans so these were right up my alley."
ModCloth: Distressed Dark Wash
Easygoing Expression Jeans in Distressed (14x28-22x28), $35, ModCloth
These cool distressed jeans have two percent spandex for a comfy amount of stretch on a 28-inch inseam, while a versatile dark and faded wash means you can pair them with T-shirts, button downs, or anything else you feel like wearing.
ModCloth: Pocket Detail
Making It Rainbow Jeans (XXSx29-4Xx29), $70, ModCloth
These rainbow pocket detail jeans is a clever option for folks who prefer a super dark wash but subtle, stylish detailing. There's a 29-inch inseam, and two percent spandex means you'll have room to move as you please.
Nordstrom: Boyfriend Jeans
Topshop Lucas Ripped Boyfriend Jeans (24x28, 25x28, 28x28, 30x28), $80, Nordstrom
Boyfriend jeans are designed to be a little baggy, which is why buying them in straight sizes may mean you have a bigger fit than you bargained for. These boyfriend jeans come in petite sizes, so you won't be left pulling or adjusting all day.
Topshop: Black Tassel Jeans
Petite Black Tassel Jeans (24x28-32x28), $90, Topshop
These jeans barely even need a description, so how about just taking a moment for the tasseled hem perfection you see here: High waists, stretchy comfy fabric, and a 28-inch inseam never looked better.
Topshop: More Excellent Embroidery
Topshop Petite Stork Embroidered Straight Leg Jean (32x28), $110, Topshop
How cool are these? Moto straight leg jeans with a little distress and mid-rise fit, the ankle crop means it's go time for your statement shoes. Plus, they're machine washable, and that's a must. Who's got time for dry cleaning?
Topshop: Petite Moto Black Ripped Jamie Jeans
Petite Moto Black Jeans (24x28-32x28), $75, Topshop
What would a jeans roundup be without a set of ripped knee, high waisted skinnies? Always rock 'n roll, the style is a staple in warmer summer months (the open knee is surprisingly aerating, trust me) and a fun way to layer colorful tights underneath in winter.
Ann Taylor LOFT: Modern Boot Cut
Ann Taylor LOFT Petite Modern Boot Cut (24x30-28x30), $70, Ann Taylor LOFT
If you're not already shopping for jeans at Ann Taylor LOFT, then You. Are. Welcome. I'm completely serious — stopping in this mall store during one of its many 50 percent off sales completely revolutionized my wardrobe, and if you don't believe me, go look for yourself. My favorite pair of blue jeans is from LOFT, and I've had them five years.
Ann Taylor LOFT: Petite Modern Skinny Jean
Ann Taylor LOFT Petite Modern Skinny Jean (24x27.5-32x27.5), $80, Ann Taylor LOFT
Looking for a pair of everyday skinny jeans that won't be complete garbage after three washes? Then get over to this site. These petite size skinny jeans will be in it for the long haul, and reviewers are saying things like, "Great for petite frames," and "I love that the waist isn't too high or too low."
Nordstrom: Flare Jeans
DL 1961 Heather Flare Jeans (25x29, 26x29), $178, Nordstrom
If you appreciate a good flare, don't give up the dream because of the tricky fit that can be tough to find in shorter inseams. These petite size jeans with 29-inch inseam ensure you're set to rock the look you love.
Amazon: Skinny Mid-Rise Ankle Jeans
NYDJ Petite Clarissa Skinny Ankle Jean (0-18Petite x 28.5), $32-$171, Amazon
These skinny ankle jeans come in 24 colors and feature a detailed weave in the fabric, which reviewers are saying is absolutely beautiful. One person said, "I am 5' tall and pants are always too long for me. In these, I can get the petite size and ankle length and I don't have to hem them!" In addition to being super comfortable, the jeans maintained their shape and fit after washing — no shrinkage to be seen.
Amazon: High Waist Skinny Jeans
Vibrant Classic High Waist Denim Skinny Jeans (1-15x29), $32-$55, Amazon
These high waisted skinny jeans feature a regular zipper and button in the front for a streamlined silhouette, and functional pockets are in back for your phone and keys. Reviewers are saying things like, "They aren't awkwardly baggy or anything on me, even after a couple days of wearing them," and "...I could probably sleep in them."
Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.
