The 19 Best Jeans for Short Women of 2023, According to 12 ... - PEOPLE

It's rough out there for short gals. As if reaching the top shelf at the grocery store wasn't hard enough, the already painful process of pant shopping seems 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:

• Petite: 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 if you're considered short.

We found the best jeans for short women from top brands like Levi's, Good American, American Eagle, Amazon Essentials, and more. So 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 to high-waisted mom jeans, keep reading for PEOPLE's top picks, based on expert insight as well as our own research and first-hand experience.

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

With a high rise, straight leg, and a bit of elastane to boot, these Levi's jeans are sure to become your new favorite wardrobe staple. Not only do they come in three inseam lengths, the 12 different washes allows you to find just what you're looking for. What's more, these jeans give the appearance of longer legs, which is always a plus, says celebrity stylist Jennifer Michalski-Bray. "If you prefer straight leg denim, you simply cannot beat this pair," she says to PEOPLE. "The high waist elongates legs while the wedgie look suggests a taut derriere, perfect for women with short legs."

While these jeans are stiff at first due to the 99 percent cotton makeup, they mold to your body shape over time and will only get more comfortable. These jeans are worthy of all-year wear, thanks to the timeless cut and medium denim weight. The size ranges from 23 to 33, but this style is also available in plus sizing up to 26W, making it even more inclusive for different body types. And the best thing about Levi's jeans? They're made to last — and we can vouch for it.

Price at the time of publish: $44.87 (orig. $79.50)

Size Range: 23-33, 14W-26W | Inseam: 26, 28, or 30 inches | Rise: High | Material: 84% cotton, 15% organically grown cotton, 1% elastane

Amazon

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

Calling all bargain shoppers! If you're looking for jeans under $50, here's an Amazon Essentials pair we think you'll love. They are a skinny-modern style that is high-waisted, and they sit right at the ankle, so no hemming required for most heights. These jeans come in four washes and can be dressed up or down, depending on your mood. "You can wear these jeans with a plain T-shirt and your favorite sneakers for a casual-cool look," Mitri suggests. "If you want to dress up, pair them with a blazer and booties." However, these do run small, so we recommend sizing up.

Price at the time of publish: $25.20

Size Range: 0-20 (short, regular, long) | Inseam: 28 inches for regular | Rise: High | Material: 79% cotton, 18% polyester, 3% elastane

Levi’s

Who It's Good For

• Those who are looking for a comfortable, supportive, and flattering pair of skinny jeans in a variety of washes and sizes.

Who It's Not Good For

"These Levi's jeans are a tried-and-true go-to for my petite clients," says personal style therapist Christina Stein. "They have a mid-rise fit, slim and shape the legs and torso, and extend to plus sizes, so there's something for everyone." While you can wear these jeans with anything, Stein recommends wearing them with a classic T-shirt, a shacket, and a pair of sneakers on your next brunch date. "They can also be styled into a night-out look with a crisp white tee, a leather jacket, and some heels," she adds. What's better is that this pair of Levi's comes in up to five different inseam lengths depending on the waist size — which might be the best inseam range we've seen.

Price at the time of publish: $39.74 (orig. $69.50)

Size Range: 24-34, 14-26 plus (short, regular, and long) | Inseam: 28, 30, and 32 | Rise: Mid | Material: 60% cotton, 16% polyester, 23% EcoVero viscose, 1% elastane

American Eagle

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

According to fashion stylist Breyana Wright, these American Eagle mom jeans are a great addition to every closet because they're stretchy, comfortable, and flattering on different body types. "I highly recommend these cute and versatile jeans from American Eagle," she says. "They size up to 20 and there are short lengths available." While these jeans are great for all your off-duty days, Wright says they don't have any distressed detailing, so they are office-friendly as well. "These aren't torn like most mom jeans, making them perfect for casual days at work," she adds. 

Price at the time of publish: $35.95 (orig. $39.95)

Size Range: 000-20 (x-short, short, regular, long, x-long) | Inseam: 28 inches | Rise: 11.75 inches | Material: 94% cotton, 5% recycled cotton, 1% elastane

Gap

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

With their high rise, straight leg, and medium-indigo wash, these jeans will make you feel like a '90s supermodel whenever you wear them. Besides looking stylish, these jeans are available in petite, tall, and regular sizes, and they stretch to fit thanks to elastane, making them comfortable to wear for hours on end. What's more, these jeans slim around your hips and thighs, emphasizing your best assets as a result. Wright also loves these Gap jeans, which she feels are ideal for creating any '90s-inspired outfit.

"These Gap jeans are the perfect fit for a '90s-style look," she tells PEOPLE. "I think the lighter wash of these jeans does the best job of recreating the nostalgia of this era, and they come in five pockets. They are also a little stretchy for comfort." 

Price at the time of publish: $79.95

Size Range: 24-35 | Inseam: Regular, tall, and petite | Rise: 11 inches | Material: 83% cotton, 11% polyester, 5% recycled cotton, 1% stretch

Abercrombie & Fitch

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

Think Abercrombie is the last place to find plus-size jeans? Think again! These ultra-high rise, full-leg jeans size up to 37, and the additional elastane make them stretchy, breathable, and comfortable. But it doesn't stop there — these jeans come in 17 washes and short and extra-short lengths, and the frayed details give them a vintage look. As a bonus, you can wear these jeans in any way you want, says Thomas. "These jeans can be worn with anything, but I like to pair them with some gold jewelry, white silk camis, and strappy nude sandals." 

Price at the time of publish: $89 

Size Range: 23-37 | Inseam: 25.5 inches | Rise: 9.14 inches | Material: 66% cotton, 21% polyester, 10.5% viscose, 2.5% elastane

Halara

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

You know the problem: You fit into one pair of jeans one day and the next you don't. If you often have this problem, you may want to consider a more versatile pair of jeans. This pair by Halara fit two sizes at once (a small size fits sizes 2 to 4, for example), which means these jeans may be the closest we can get to the pair from"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants."

Plus, petite options are available too, so getting the right length won't be an issue. A cross-over pocket and a high waist only enhance its appeal, making this a great style to wear to dressy post-work cocktail events or casual family dinners. Because these are made with elastane, they are more of a jegging material, meaning they are lightweight, stretchy, and never bulky — so you can wear them all day long without discomfort.

Price at time of publish: $54.95

Size Range: XS-XL, XS-XL petite | Inseam: Regular, petite | Rise: High | Material: 48% polyester, 42% cotton, 10% elastane

Gap

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

• Wide-leg jeans create a sophisticated look, but if they aren't fitted, they can overwhelm a shorter silhouette.

Wide-leg jeans can elevate any outfit, but finding the proper fit can be particularly challenging for petite shoppers. This is why Snow recommends these Gap jeans, which are available in a variety of petite sizes and have a fitted top. "These Gap jeans are more fitted at the top and elongate the leg as they get wider down the leg," she says. "The jeans are also easy to dress up or down; pair them with wardrobe staples like a trench, blouse, or crop top to dress them up or down."

Price at the time of publish: $79.95

Size Range: 24-35 regular, 24-30 petite | Inseam: 29 inches | Rise: 11 inches | Material: 54% cotton, 27% rayon, 17% polyester, 2% spandex

NYDJ

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

"One pair of pull-on-style jeans that I recommend for short women are the NYDJ Pull-On Skinny Ankle Jeans," says stylist and fashion expert Madeline Hall. "These have a high waist with a wide waistband for a smooth silhouette and slimming technology to flatter the figure. The ankle length is ideal, and the pull-on style offers a secure fit." While these jeans do not come in traditional jean sizes, they do come in three flattering washes that can be paired with a variety of staples. Another nice touch is the polymultieste and elastane materials — these provide extra stretch, making these just as comfortable as your go-to leggings! 

Price at the time of publish: $109 

Size Range: PS-PL | Inseam: 25 inches | Rise: 9.75 inches | Material: 90% Cotton, 6% elastomultiester, 4% Lycra elastane

Democracy Clothing

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

You're in luck if jeggings are more your style — these are stretchy and comfortable for a perfect fit, says professional stylist Diamond Ariel. "This is a great jegging style for curvier ladies," she tells PEOPLE. "If you aren't blessed with a lot in the back, these help lift your butt — hence the name itself." Because these jeggings look like denim, they can be worn in a variety of ways. "These are perfect for the office with a nice blazer, camisole (or T-shirt), and pointed-toe heels," Ariel says. "You can also wear them with a button-up shirt, strappy sandals, and a nice handbag for an easy weekend look."

Price at the time of publish: $78

Size Range: 6-16 Petite | Inseam: 28 inches | Rise: 9 inches | Material: 54% cotton, 27% rayon, 17% polyester, and 2% spandex

Good American

Who It's Good For

Who It's Not Good For

Because these Good American jeans size up to 24, stylist Grace Thomas recommends them for a curvier figure. "I absolutely love Good American jeans because they are so flattering on a curvier woman," she tells PEOPLE. "These jeans have just the right amount of stretch to keep the denim's structure after wear, while hugging your curves in all the right places." Aside from their fit, Thomas loves the sophisticated wash of these jeans, which she believes enhances any outfit. "I'd style these with a pair of black (or nude heels...