It has taken me years to find stores that carry jeans that are flattering on me since I’m petite. I used to constantly struggle with jeans that were too loose around my waist, bunched up at my ankles, or were just completely unflattering altogether. And since jeans have always been a closet staple, I made it my mission over the years to find stores that had jeans that would look great on someone who has a smaller frame.
For reference, I do have a 23 inch waist and my legs are quite long for being short (5’2″ frame). Depending on the store, my size can vary because as we know, there is no universal sizing. For example, I am a 00 at Abercrombie & Fitch, I can’t even fit into a 00 at American Eagle (their jeans run too big for me) and I can sometimes be a 2 at H&M. So now that we all know the true struggle of American clothing stores, I’m ready to dive into which stores carry the best jeans for petite women (p.s. you can still try these stores if you aren’t petite of course).
Levi’s
Levi’s will ALWAYS be my go to brand when it comes to denim. I absolutely adore their jeans; they truly never fail to provide a comfy and quality pair. I can range from my normal size of a 23 but also go up one size to a 24 depending on the cut of jean. Their denim is extremely flattering, and my favorite pair of jeans from here is their Wedgie. Yes, I am sure you all have heard about this jean because at one point it was nearly impossible to get your hands on a pair. The Wedgie Fit Straight is my personal favorite from that line and looks great with heels, sandals, sneakers, booties, you name it! Definitely a pair to snag if you don’t already have it in your closet.
Abercrombie & Fitch
I will never be embarrassed to admit that I love Abercrombie & Fitch denim. Everyone went through that phase where it was cool and “hip” to wear Abercrombie & Fitch graphic tees every single day. And then after you got to a certain age, you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing Abercrombie. Well I will say this, they have truly elevated their fashion. You can pick and choose some awesome staples for your closet here, and especially when it comes to denim. I love their skinny jeans because they are extremely comfortable, and come in short, regular and tall lengths. Their sizing is pretty on point; I wear their 00 which equates to a 23, my normal size.
Topshop
I used to shop here back in high school and recently I started shopping here again over the past few years. They have super cute and trendy jeans that are always in style. They have some dupes that are similar to brand names such as Redone or Agolde and you won’t be paying the steep $200 plus price tag. These are definitely worth the splurge, seeing as some of their denim can run up to $95 for a single pair. I personally love their Jamie denim line, which I go up a size to a 24 in.
Cotton On
This is literally a girl on a budget’s dream! This brand’s denim is comfortable, in a great price range, and can last. I go here for fast fashion, but one of my top pair of skinny jeans is from here! I think they definitely run a bit slim and small, and can tend to shrink a bit after going through a few wash cycles. I go up several sizes in their denim, to a 2 which is a staggering difference from my usual 00. So don’t be upset if you are a few sizes larger. It is 100% because they have a slim cut for their jeans.
Free People
Free People is worth the splurge every. damn. time. While their normal clothes can be pricey for a sweater, I am always willing to splurge on a great pair of jeans. Their Stella Skinny Jeans are my absolute favorite pair of jeans to date (I literally bought them twice in the same wash because I love them so much!). I highly recommend looking for their sales, because you can get a pair of denim for 25% off at times. I go up a size to a 24 here as well.
Revice Denim
I found this brand a few years ago before influencers catapulted this brand into the limelight. They have some of the most unique and one of a kind denim that I have found. They are true conversation starting jeans, so if you want to be stopped and asked where your jeans are from, I would shop here. I wear their size 24, which is a size up from my normal size of a 23. I think you could definitely size up as they do run a bit on the small size.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters BDG denim line is to die for! When I was younger I wasn’t able to fit into their denim because of how small I was, but recently I gave their denim a try again and all I can say is WOW! They have really stepped their game up! Their denim is super trendy and on brand with their vintage vibes. If you want a pair of comfortable denim that feels worn in, you should give them a go. They are great if you are looking for a go-to Mom or boyfriend jean. They definitely run a bit on the small side, and you could easily go up one size. I wear a size 24 in their jeans.
Carmar Denim
I fell in love with this brand a couple years ago after shopping at the LF Store which consistently carries it. They are very on brand with distressed jeans that are in style and trendy. The jeans are definitely a more grungy look, but every girl needs a pair of them. I started out with a denim mini skirt with a thigh slit detail, and then decided to get a slim fit jean which fits me more like a boyfriend jean. I ordered both in size 23, which were TTS and fit me perfectly. I would definitely recommend going with your normal size for this brand.
