Updated: Apr 3
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We all know that if you're petite (under 5'3"), it's extremely difficult to find pants that fit without having to bring them to a tailor. Try being 5'1" or under. As a 4'11" woman who is over 50, it's been difficult to find any pants that fit a 26" or less inseam, for what seems to be my entire life. For years I just sucked it up and brought everything to the tailor, but I've grown tired of the petite tax I have to pay. Especially since the cost of tailoring has skyrocketed and is sometimes half the cost of the pants.
Like many of you, I've learned the tricks, like finding cropped pants that are meant to hit someone over 5'4" way above the ankles. They'll fall in the perfect spot on me. If you're new here and trying to understand what makes a brand a true option for short women, start with my guide.
The brands listed below work for finding extra short petite women's pants if they are "petite cropped" or just plain "cropped":
In addition to using the "cropped trick", there are quite a few tried and true options that will work for extra petites without having to go to the tailor. Some are brands choosing to offer shorter inseams, and others are true Extra Petite brands that are catering specifically to the 5'1" and under petite.
Their jeans are a petite fan favorite due to their inclusive Extra Short length, which is 2'' shorter than their regular length. The reviews are great but it may be difficult to catch them in stock.
Top Pick:
High Rise Wide Leg Jean - Best selling, classic wide leg fit made without stretch for a clean line over the shoe.
This petite brand makes clothes for women of all ages and sizes. Their designs focus on common fit issues that most women face. They offer several pant styles with inseams ranging from 24' - 26".
Top Pick:
Brooklyn Pant - Designed with a generous rise and relaxed crotch that gives the midsection the comfort it deserves. Note that these run big so you might want to size down.
Versatile activewear designed to go from your daily commuite to yoga class. Offers multiple petite length options that work for extra petites and petites.
Evergoing Wide Leg Crop Pant - These wide leg pants can be dressed up for the office or can be worn traveling. The Petite length is 25.5" which fits perfectly on me. I have these in two colors and I love them.
Lightweight Wide Leg Palazzo Ankle Pants - Great for relaxed or polished styles with a petite inseam of 24.5" and regular 26.5".
Barefeel Faux Fly Ankle Length Casual Dress Pants - Buttery soft fabric that goes from the office to dinner. The Petite inseam is 25".
The Extra Short length (25" inseam) is a petite fan favorite. There is a good number of styles offered in Extra Short, but it may be hard to find them in stock.
Top Pick:
Strigid High-Waisted Stovepipe Jean - A best seller that is rigid in the front, stretchy in the back.
UK Extra Petite brand designing for extra petites 5'2" and under. Inseams start at 17".
Top Pick:
Petite Wide Leg Stella Jeans - Cut specifically for extra petite proportions. Offered in 17", 22" and 27" inseams.
Diima is a petite clothing line focused on creating high quality clothing that is stylish, affordable and beautifully fitting. They offer pants in multiple inseams.
Top Pick:
Petite Mid-Rise Flare Jeans - High quality, soft, stretchy and comfortable flare jeans. Comes in 26" and 28" which is usually impossible to find in a flare!
UK brand focusing on casual and timeless basics like leggings and loungewear. All items come in petite lengths that are extra petite friendly.
Top Pick:
Lightweight Flare Leggings - These flare leggings come in a petite length of 25", yes 25"!
This boutique in Hawaii makes jeans for extra petites 5' and under.
Top Pick:
Mid-rise Super Short Straight Leg Jeans - Made specifically for extra petites with inseams 24.5" and 25.5".
Trendy and versatile pieces made for petites under and over 5'.
Top Pick:
Ibiza White Sheer Beach Pants - Breezy, handmade, wide leg beach pants in s 24" inseam.
Quince doesn't carry petite sizes but they do offer some pants with multiple inseams starting at 26".
Top Pick:
Bella Stretch Kick Flare Jeans - These jeans are one of the most recommended by fellow petites. It comes in a 26" inseam and is known for its comfort, high quality and affordability.
Extra Petite brand offering luxury tailored denim for women of all shapes and sizes and under 5'3".
Top Pick:
The Adrianna Jean - Custom made jeans in Turkish denim. Comes in two inseams - 24" and 26".
An Extra Petite brand creating cozy sweatpants specifically for extra petite women.
Top Pick:
Extra Petite Cotton Sweatpants - Lightweight yet cozy soft fleece in inseams 24" - 26" depending on the size.
The only petite brand that offers four different inseams, starting with 24". Their first launch is the Audrey Slip-On Flare Ponte Pant.
Top Pick:
Audrey Slip-On Flare Ponte Pant - High quality, flattering and comfortable work pants in the perfect petite lengths.
The fact that these Extra Petite brands didn't exist just a few years ago, makes me hopeful and excited to see what comes next. I believe that these brands are slowly but surely making change in the fashion industry by demanding more inclusivity for petite women. I'm sure we will all have to shop the "cropped" styles for a while, but knowing that there are other options where we don't have to settle, is gratifying. For more petite friendly options, visit The Petite Brand Directory.
