Finding jeans that actually fit when you’re in the “almost petite” category can feel like a never-ending quest. If you’re short-waisted, around 5’4”, and stuck between petite and regular sizing, I get it—jean shopping is a challenge! After a recent Ann Taylor shopping spree, I put the same pair of jeans (same size, same style) in both petite and regular to the test. Here’s what every almost petite woman should know before buying jeans.
The Almost Petite Dilemma: Petite vs. Regular Jeans
The biggest struggle for almost petite fashion fans is figuring out which size works best. Here’s what I noticed when comparing Ann Taylor’s Mid Rise Boot Jean:
- Petite Size Mid-Rise: Shorter length (a bit too short for my taste), but fit the hips better with less gapping in front.
- Regular Size Mid-Rise: More fabric at the front of the hips (hello, bunching!), and a longer inseam—great for heels, not so much for flats unless you hem them.
- Boot Cut Fit high rise: The fit was flattering overall, but the regular length needed hemming or higher shoes to work.
Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to try both petite and regular sizes. Sometimes a regular jean with a quick hem is the winner for short-waisted bodies. Petite sizing isn’t just about length—subtle differences in the cut can make a huge impact so it’s really best to try on if possible.
High Waisted Jeans: Friend or Foe for Almost Petites?
High waisted jeans are everywhere, but if you’re short-waisted, they can be tricky. Super high rises can make your torso look even shorter—especially if you’re fuller on top. Here are three tips:
- Blouse Out Your Top: Tuck in your shirt, then gently blouse it over the waistband to visually lengthen your torso or do a half tuck, so you still give vibes that your top half and bottom half are evenly proportioned.
- Layer with a Long Vest: Vests that fall below your waist create balance and make your upper body look longer.
- Belt Low-Contrast: Choose a belt close to your top’s color to avoid drawing attention to your waistline. Wearing a contrasting belt as pictured below adds too much contrast and brings attention to the short waistline. The top completely tucked in also makes the top half of the body appear disproportionately short and round- not the look I’m going for.
Why Boot Cut Jeans Are a Petite Girl’s Best Friend
Boot cut jeans, when the length is just right (just covering the tops of your shoes), make your legs look longer and your whole silhouette slimmer. Look for a snug fit in the hips and down to the knee for the most flattering effect. These boot cut jeans are a bit long for my liking and they were also a bit too stretchy in the fabric, but worked really well for the try on session because I think they actually accentuated the points I wanted to make. I actually returned them and bought a size down. Waiting for them to get here and hopefully they will fit great!
Shop the Look: Ann Taylor Boot Jean
Real-Life Try-On: Almost Petite Fashion in Action
Check out the photos below from my Ann Taylor try-on session to see how different cuts and styles play out in real life. The jeans featured here are the petite mid-rise and regular mid-rise jeans from Ann Taylor. They are the same size but definitely fit differently and obviously are different lengths. I’m not sure that mid-rise jeans help the short waisted girl. The boot cut style of them helps to lengthen the leg, but overall where they sit on the waist is not the most flattering. In the end I sent both of these back because they just weren’t the look I was hoping for, but here’s what I found while trying them on.
A couple more looks for winter:
I ordered the Weekend Collection Cozy Crew Neck Sweater in Cafe Au Lait when I ordered the jeans because I live in a place where you can never have too many sweaters! Being short waisted and wearing a sweater that brings the waistline down a bit is always a win. It evens out the proportions of the top and bottom half of the body. It’s paired here with the petite mid rise pants which work great with these flats too. I also paired it with these black pontelle travel leggings. Although skinny pants are not “in style” right now, when you live in a place where it is cold and snows there is something nice about being able to pull these on and add a pair of rugged booties before going to face the snowy weather. Besides they are super comfy. These are the Weekend Collection Classic Pull On Legging I hate wearing jeans that go over boots when there is snow because the bottom always gets wet.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Unique Fit
Almost petite fashion is all about discovering what flatters your unique shape—especially if you’re short-waisted or between standard sizes. Everyone’s body is a little different, so don’t be afraid to experiment. If you find a brand that consistently fits you well, stick with it for online shopping (which is how most of us shop these days!). But if you have the chance to shop in person, take the opportunity to try new brands and styles—you might be surprised by a new fit that works for you. Don’t get hung up on size labels or brands; try a range of sizes from various places, use these petite styling tips, and have fun with your style journey. Do you have your own almost petite fashion hacks? Share them in the comments below!
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