Petite Jeans

Good things come in small packages, and petite jeans are no exception! Like with other special sizes, the internet has made marketing to “niche” markets a viable venture for most manufacturers.

If you are under 5’4” tall, some of the following tips may help create the illusion of a longer silhouette. Some apply to your choice of petite jeans and others to women’s petite clothing in general. The goal here is to make choices that emphasize a continuous vertical line, avoiding anything that “slices” it.

• Avoid horizontal patterns
• Avoid oversized prints
• Avoid wearing highly contrasting tops and bottoms
• Go for monochromatic outfits, including shoes and hose
• Use any opportunity to emphasize verticality:
  • Pleats
  • V-Necklines
  • Open Jackets
  • Pinstripes
  • Long pants
  • Long skirts, paired with and covering the top of boots
• Avoid Capris and cuffed hems
• Wear pointed shoes
• Avoid oversized accessories (Jewelery, eyeglasses and Handbags)
• Avoid wide belts (Use thin, non contrasting belts)
• Go for high heels
• Jeans with straight legs, a bit long, will strengthen the vertical feel
• Fitted, tight jeans will also elongate your appearance

While few brands do offer jeans with shorter inseams, you may still often need to resort to a tailor to guarantee the fit and style that you want. Check the retailer's policies with respect to alterations. Department stores may perform these alterations free of charge. Amongst the brands that offer petite designer jeans are: Joe’s, Hudson, Levi's, Lucky, Chip and Pepper, Blue Cult, Abercrombie, Jag Jeans, J Brand, Rock and Republic and True Religion Jeans. You'll also find a great selection of Not Your Daughter's Jeans in petite at Nordstroms and Zappos.