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Let’s face it: “Petite bodies are so hard to dress,” said Vanessa Giuliani, a 5-foot-1 style expert who specializes in petite-friendly fashion. Considering denim shopping is difficult as is, I tapped the pro to share her hacks for sourcing petite jeans that are ultra-flattering on small frames. Below, consider her hottest shopping tips, along with six leg-elongating pairs that require no hemming—from just $35.
It turns out, you can skip your trip to the tailor and the mall because the best petite jeans are available right on Amazon. Score styles from brands you know and love like Levi’s, Lee, Mother, and Madewell—including a couple of pairs that are on sale for a limited time. You’ll find stylish cropped options, on-trend barrel denim, and classic styles with inseams that are actually fit for five-foot shoppers. Just be sure to snag the styles that catch your eye ASAP—you’ll wish you added them to your jean rotation sooner.
Petite-Friendly, Expert-Approved Jeans
- Cropped Styles: Mother the Insider Crop Step Fray Jeans, $238
- Raw Hems: Madewell Perfect Vintage Cropped Jeans, $131 (Originally $138)
- 26-Inch Inseams: Lee Legendary 26" Wide-Leg Crop Jeans, $35 (Originally $37)
- Barrel Silhouettes: Sidefeel Barrel Jeans, $40
- Wide-Leg Options: Levi’s Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans, $98
- “Younger” Brands: Cider Wide-Leg Fold Hem Jeans, $38
Cropped Styles
Mother The Insider Cropped Step Fray Jeans

Amazon
For starters, Giuliani recommends opting for cropped styles “that will fit like regular denim.” Consider pairs like these Mother jeans that feature a slightly cropped hemline that’ll look great regardless of where it hits your ankle. They also boast a flattering high-rise waistline and the perfect versatile medium-dark wash.
Raw Hems
Madewell Perfect Vintage Light Cropped Jeans

Amazon
$138
Fed up with getting your jeans hemmed? I don’t blame you. “Try a raw edge because you can just cut it exactly to the length that you want,” Giuliani advises. These Madewell pants are the perfect pair to self-tailor need be. (Just don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your scissors.) Better yet, you can score the pair on sale for its lowest price in the past 30 days if you act quickly.
26-Inch Inseams
Lee Legendary 26" Wide-Leg Cropped Jeans

Amazon
$37
This is your sign to start caring more about your inseam. “People don't often look at inseam lengths, but that's available on every product on Amazon,” Giuliani reminded. At 5-foot-1, the expert goes for a 26-inch inseam like this Lee pair that’s just $35. She advises to “look at inseams, get to know what works best on you, and it will make shopping so much easier.”
Barrel Silhouettes
Sidefeel Barrel Jeans

Amazon
In terms of denim silhouettes that work for petite styles, Giuliani recommends embracing the barrel denim trend. One key element, though: Make sure it hits above your ankle—”that’s really important” for leg-elongation, she says. And for an extra-flattering look, pair the pants with sandals or ballet flats “where you can see some skin” and avoid cutting off your leg line. If you’re not sure where to start, grab this $40 Sidefeel pair that’s sure to serve as a compliment magnet.
Wide-Leg Options
Levi's Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans

Amazon
Another fit worth considering? “Wider, looser legs,” Giuliani says. She “loves Levi's denim styles” like these wide-leg jeans that are available for less than $100. Thanks to their timeless look, the pants can be paired with practically anything in your year-round wardrobe. I’m a huge fan of this versatile medium wash, but you can score the denim in a range of colorways.
“Younger” Brands
Cider Wide-Leg Jeans

Amazon
Don’t rule out the brands that you think are tailored to a younger crowd, advises Giuliani. The style expert says that “younger brands tend to run a bit shorter, which fits [her] body type better.” She recommends Cider styles like these wide-leg jeans that feature a chic wide-leg silhouette and folded hems that’ll look great with any shoes in your rotation.
Head to Amazon to shop these petite-friendly pairs starting at $35.
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