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Every Petite Woman I Know Relies On This Classic Jean Style For A Chic, Sleek Look

By Swedan Margen

Every Petite Woman I Know Relies On This Classic Jean Style For A Chic, Sleek Look

Firstly, allow me to raise a glass to anyone who’s found themselves in the market for a new pair of jeans in the past few months. Whether you’re petite or not, there’s no denying the fact that denim shopping can be difficult and finding the perfect pair of jeans that not only looks great but also fits seamlessly into our wardrobe, well, it’s close to a holy grail moment.

For me, that moment came, however, when I discovered one specific denim style that everyone else seems to have disregarded as dated. A style, it turns out, many petite women swear by for delivering both a flattering fit for shorter statures and looking incredibly stylish, too. If you’re 5'4” and under and haven’t tried a pair of petite cropped jeans before now, allow me to tell you why they’re the best jeans for petite frames.

Best Petite Cropped Jeans @jazzriaharris wearing a striped shirt, ripped cropped jeans and white trainers

How We Choose the Best Cropped Jeans for Petite Women:

If you're wondering how we choose the best petite cropped jeans here at Who What Wear UK, allow me to explain. As a petite fashion editor, I’ve spent years trialling and testing the best petite denim, including more petite cropped jeans than I’d care to admit. While some pairs have become staples in my wardrobe, many have failed to fit quite as I’d hoped. In light of this, you can rest assured I’ll only recommend the best of the best so you don’t get caught with a style that doesn’t work to make the most of petite proportions.

But, you don’t just have to take my word for it, to discover the best petite cropped jeans, I also spoke to the experts. Alongside my top denim picks, you’ll also find insider advice from the founders of the best denim brands, as well as styling tips from fellow petite fashion experts, who, like me, know the struggle of dressing a petite frame all too well. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know...

Can A Petite Woman Wear Cropped Jeans?

“Cropped jeans are kind of a secret weapon for petites,” said Eleanor Barkes, content creator and fellow petite style expert, when I questioned her on her thoughts on the style. “The length usually hits just above the ankle, which gives this instant leg-lengthening effect. Plus, you don’t have to worry about hemming them, and they show off your shoes—bonus!”

"I’ve got a pair from Seasalt Cornwall (worn below) that I wear on repeat," Barkes continued, "They come up high-waisted, straight-leg, cropped just right—and they’re actually designed for petites."

Best Petite Cropped Jeans @eleanorbarkes wearing Seasalt Cornwalls cropped jeans, a blue shirt and sandals

In one succinct review, Barkes has touched on everything I love about cropped jeans and why I think they're the ultimate style for petite heights. Firstly, the length is incredibly flattering on petite frames, as there’s no chance of them swamping shorter proportions. Plus, when paired with a high-waist cut, cropped jeans create a leg-lengthening effect, which can make you appear taller (if that’s what you hope to achieve).

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