For years, I thought finding jeans that fit like a glove was a myth: at 5ft 3in, shopping for denim is, to put it lightly, a nightmare. Fed up with endless alterations and soggy cuffs, I’ve been on the hunt for the best petite jeans that actually fit shorter legs. My first stop? Marks & Spencer.
M&S has a brilliant denim range, with just about every shape and wash you could want. Better still, their styles come in a choice of leg lengths, including short and extra short, brilliant for petite shoppers (aka: me).
My top pick has to be the wide-leg jeans, which will only set you back £30. A brilliant price for a wardrobe essential, that you'll wear season after season, if you ask me.
They have a timeless, easy-to-wear shape that’s also incredibly flattering. A high waist defines the silhouette, then they're cut slim in the hips, before falling into a relaxed palazzo leg. Essentially, they’re the type of staple that will work for every occasion, from desk to drinks.
There’s also bonus points for comfort too. Crafted from M&S’ signature stretch denim, they promise to move with you. No uncomfortable digging in.
If you’re anything like me, once you find ‘the one’, you’ll want it in every shade. The good news (or perhaps, not so good for my bank balance) is that these jeans come in seven colours. Alongside classic blue washes and black, there’s an uplifting ivory and a couple of brown shades, too.
While they’re on the top of my wish list, they aren’t the only petite-friendly style on the high street that caught my eye.
Our top high-street picks
Next has always been one of my go-to's, thanks to the very handy petite section on their site. A scroll through led me to some very luxe looking jeans, for just £34. As part of their N.Premium range, the high rise city jeans feature an expensive looking, clean silhouette that works well for the office. Think styled with a good blazer, high-vamp pumps and a smart bag.
For more casual styles, I’d turn to Abercrombie & Fitch. In my opinion, the brand makes shopping easier for everyone: their jeans come in both short and extra short lengths, as well as curve styles designed for those with a smaller waist and wider hips.
The high rise, wide leg trouser jeans have all the polish of trousers with the effortless appeal of denim. They come in 11 shades, so it’s hard to choose, but I’m particularly drawn to the olive green and cuffed hem versions.
Nobody’s Child is also a gem for petite finds, and are very on trend too. Their barrel leg jeans are available in a short length, and feel especially in right now with the chocolate brown shade. Better still, they’re on sale for £60.
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Last but certainly not least, no denim roundup would be complete without a mention of Topshop. The Joni jeans will forever be iconic, but right now, the vintage straight-leg styles have my attention.
Cut with a mid rise waist and a straight leg, they have a timeless shape, while the washed effect denim gives them a vintage feel. They aren’t specifically labelled as petite, but the 28in leg length should suit shorter frames.
Petite jeans may be far and few, but a perfect fit really is possible.