As a 4'11" Fashion Editor, I Hate When People Call These Jeans Dated—They're Perfect for Petites
Firstly, allow me to raise a glass to anyone who’s found themselves in the market for a new pair of jeans in the past few months. Whether you’re petite or not, there’s no denying the fact that denim shopping can be difficult and finding the perfect pair of jeans that not only looks great but also fits seamlessly into our wardrobe, well, it’s close to a holy grail moment.
For me, that moment came, however, when I discovered one specific denim style that everyone else seems to have disregarded as dated. A style, it turns out, many petite women swear by for delivering both a flattering fit for shorter statures and looking incredibly stylish, too. If you’re 5'4” and under and haven’t tried a pair of petite cropped jeans before now, allow me to tell you why they’re the best jeans for petite frames.
If you're wondering how we choose the best petite cropped jeans here at Who What Wear UK, allow me to explain. As a petite fashion editor, I’ve spent years trialling and testing the best petite denim, including more petite cropped jeans than I’d care to admit. While some pairs have become staples in my wardrobe, many have failed to fit quite as I’d hoped. In light of this, you can rest assured I’ll only recommend the best of the best so you don’t get caught with a style that doesn’t work to make the most of petite proportions.
But, you don’t just have to take my word for it, to discover the best petite cropped jeans, I also spoke to the experts. Alongside my top denim picks, you’ll also find insider advice from the founders of the best denim brands, as well as styling tips from fellow petite fashion experts, who, like me, know the struggle of dressing a petite frame all too well. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know...
Can A Petite Woman Wear Cropped Jeans?“Cropped jeans are kind of a secret weapon for petites,” said Eleanor Barkes, content creator and fellow petite style expert, when I questioned her on her thoughts on the style. “The length usually hits just above the ankle, which gives this instant leg-lengthening effect. Plus, you don’t have to worry about hemming them, and they show off your shoes—bonus!”
"I’ve got a pair from Seasalt Cornwall (worn below) that I wear on repeat," Barkes continued, "They come up high-waisted, straight-leg, cropped just right—and they’re actually designed for petites."
In one succinct review, Barkes has touched on everything I love about cropped jeans and why I think they're the ultimate style for petite heights. Firstly, the length is incredibly flattering on petite frames, as there’s no chance of them swamping shorter proportions. Plus, when paired with a high-waist cut, cropped jeans create a leg-lengthening effect, which can make you appear taller (if that’s what you hope to achieve).
Next, that dreaded trip to the tailor that can always be found on a petite person's to-do list? With cropped jeans, there’s no need. If you opt for the right inseam length — and more on that later — there’s minimal need for alterations.
Lastly, there’s the chance to show off your shoes, something that, as petite women, we rarely get to do without opting for a mini-length skirt or shorts. So, if the above wasn’t enough to convince you that cropped jeans are the perfect option for petite heights, trust me, the best petite shoe trends definitely will.
What to Look For in the Best Petite Cropped JeansTo answer this question, I turned to the experts tasked with creating our jeans, as nobody knows better than they do, the key indicators in identifying a great piece of denim.
“Firstly, looking at considered placements of everything from the shape and placement of the back pockets to the proportions between the waist and hips,” advised Charlotte Quinn, Co-founder of Eseni, a denim brand created by influencer Naomi Genes and committed to providing better fitting denim for all.
“A key indicator of well-fitted denim is a waistband that doesn’t gape," Quinn continued, "We’ve integrated thoughtful design details that eliminate gaping while still allowing the denim to fit smoothly over the bum. For example, for shorter heights or leg lengths, even though we raise the back waistband to create a more flattering curve, we tailor that rise slightly lower to better complement shorter proportions.”
But, it doesn’t stop there, “When designing denim for shorter heights and leg lengths, it's important to focus on knee placement and inseam length,” Said Paige Adams-Geller, Co-Founder and Creative Director of PAIGE when I asked her advice, “Catering to women 5’ 4” and under, our [petite] denim has been proportionally rescaled with a 2” shorter inseam and higher knee and mid-thigh placements.” As a rule, for cropped jeans, inseam lengths between 25”-27” are best as these will finish just above the ankle. This will vary from person to person depending on your height and leg length however, so, you may need to try a few pairs on to find your perfect cropped length.
Adams-Geller concluded, “The true test of well-fitted denim is how comfortable and confident you feel in it. If it feels right, it’s a match.” So, without further ado, here are the best petite cropped jeans that I can always rely on to feel my most confident self…
The Best Petite Cropped Jeans1. Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Cropped JeansAt Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try pieces ourselves, everything from bestselling jeans to designer shoes, speak to external experts and fashion insiders and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
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