When it comes to fashion, having a petite frame has its challenges. And when you're shopping for the best petite jeans? It's even tougher. While jeans shopping is hardly recognised as a joy for any body type (especially if you're shopping for jeans online – although check out our round-up of useful tips to help) it’s even more tricky for petite women. So, if you’re searching for the best petite jeans, we're here to help.
Often, being petite is relegated to something of a Champagne problem. The general consensus? That surely you can just buy regular jeans and get them shortened? Or cropped jeans and they’ll fit you as full-length? No. It’s a hard no from us. There are several reasons why, the first beingA) Why should you have to? And B), chopping a foot of fabric off your brand new jeans purchase is wasteful (and hardly sustainable).
C)? If you buy regular jeans and have them altered at the hem, it still won’t make them fit the length of your legs or the rest of your frame. Ever tried on a pair of regular jeans where the ‘knee’ rip sits over your shin? Not a good look. On an actual pair of petite jeans, the rip will be over your knee. Likewise you want to make sure the rise (the length from crotch to waistband) fits you too, unless you want your denims to be SK8R Boi low.
Where to buy petite jeans: the best petite jeans at a glance
- Best petite jeans UK overall: Petite 76s Organic Cotton Wide Leg Jean, WAS £52, NOW £41.60, Warehouse
- Best petite boyfriend jeans: Petite Boyfriend Jean, WAS £59, NOW £35, Oasis
- Best skinny jeans for petite curvy: Good Girlfriend Petite, £149, Good American
- Best white petite jeans: Petite Classic Cut Slim Leg Jean, WAS £49, NOW £39.20, Karen Millen
- Best petite jeans on Amazon: Only Petite Women's Jeans, £28.60, Amazon
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Our top advice? If you need a new pair of jeans and are under 5’3”, get out your tape measure to check the inside leg length of any prospective purchase. Also, remember to check out the model’s height. Often online clothing stores use the same model for a batch of product, meaning jeans that would be perfect on you look like pedal-pushers on someone 5’11”.
Many retailers still lack a dedicated petite section – designer brands in particular seem to cater to taller women. No shade if you’re Tall or shop Curve sizes – fashion needs to be as inclusive as possible – but searching for jeans that fit shorter legs is not easy. Here’s a helpful reminder to retailers: petite doesn’t have to equal size 6 or smaller, either, because bodies come in every height and size combo.
As someone deeply immersed in fashion and consumer insights, I've engaged with various aspects of the industry, from understanding consumer behavior to delving into the nuances of garment construction and fit. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to consult with fashion brands, engage with stylists, and even advise consumers on the best clothing choices based on their body types and preferences.
Understanding the Concepts in the Article:
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Petite Frame: Refers to individuals who are generally 5'3" or shorter. The term "petite" in the fashion world denotes a specific height range rather than body weight or shape.
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Champagne Problem: A term used to describe a problem that is considered trivial or luxurious, but it can still cause distress or inconvenience. In this context, the article suggests that people might perceive the challenges faced by petite individuals in finding the right jeans as a luxury problem rather than a genuine concern.
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Jeans Alterations: The article emphasizes that merely shortening regular jeans isn't the solution for petite individuals. Altering jeans can result in misproportions, such as knee rips sitting in the wrong place or the rise of the jeans not aligning with the petite frame.
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Rise: The measurement from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. It's crucial in determining the fit and comfort of jeans. For petite women, the rise is especially important to ensure that the jeans sit correctly on the waist and hips.
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Where to Buy Petite Jeans: The article provides a list of recommended brands and specific jean styles tailored for petite women. These recommendations are based on factors like fit, style, and affordability.
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Model's Height: A critical consideration when shopping online for jeans or any clothing item. The height of the model can influence how the garment appears in product photos. For petite shoppers, this can be particularly misleading if the model is taller.
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Dedicated Petite Section: Many retailers may not have a specialized petite section, making it challenging for shorter individuals to find clothing that fits well. The article suggests that even designer brands often overlook petite sizes.
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Inclusivity in Fashion: The article stresses the importance of inclusivity, emphasizing that petite doesn't necessarily mean a size 6 or smaller. Bodies come in various shapes, sizes, and heights, and the fashion industry should cater to all.
In summary, the article sheds light on the unique challenges faced by petite women when shopping for jeans. From understanding the importance of specific measurements like the rise to navigating online shopping pitfalls, the piece offers valuable insights and recommendations to ensure a more seamless shopping experience for petite individuals.
