The Best Pants for Petites: Styles You’ll Love

Finding the perfect pants for petites can be a real challenge. What looks great on a 5’10” model doesn’t always translate well to smaller frames. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve ordered pants online only to find that they don’t fit quite right. Sound familiar? Thankfully, many brands are now offering pants specifically designed for petites, taking into account crucial fit elements like rise and knee placement, which can make all the difference for those of us under 5’4″. Let’s hope this trend continues, giving us more options to choose from.

Before I dive into the best pants I’ve discovered for petites, you might want to explore some other helpful posts I’ve written:

• Best Shoes to Pair with Wide Leg Pants for Short Legs
• The Best Linen Pants for Petite Women
• Petite Jeans: Where to Find the Perfect Fit
• Petite Clothing Tips When Petite Sizing Isn’t Available

Pants You’ll Actually Want to Wear

As a content creator, I can’t afford to wear the same style of pants all the time—that would make for some seriously boring posts! While I typically gravitate toward classic, streamlined styles, I’ve also been experimenting with new pant designs over the past few years. There are a lot of pieces that never make it to the blog or social media, but I try everything out before deciding what works.

It’s also important to recognize that no two petite bodies are alike. We all have different shapes and preferences, and that’s perfectly fine. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try different styles. You might have a good laugh along the way, but you could also discover something amazing!

What I Look for in Petite Pants

Before adding a new pair of pants to my wardrobe, I always check a few essential fit points, regardless of the style. Here’s what I look for:

• Rise: Is it comfortable? High-waisted pants can elongate your legs, but if the rise is too high, it can feel like they hit right under your ribs. I prefer a rise that’s flattering without feeling restrictive.
• Crotch Fit: Sometimes, the crotch can hang too low, especially in petite sizes. I make sure it fits comfortably.
• Knee Placement: When trying on pants, I move around—sit, walk, bend—just to ensure the knee placement feels right and doesn’t restrict movement.
• Scale: With styles like wide-leg and flare pants, it’s important to make sure they aren’t too exaggerated for your frame.

A stylist once told me to ask myself this question when trying on new pieces: “Does the garment highlight you, or does it overpower you when you walk into a room?” That’s a question I always keep in mind when choosing pants!

Top Pants Styles to Try

Now, let’s get into the styles of pants that I think every petite woman should try. I’ve listed these in alphabetical order so you can decide for yourself what might work best.

1. Cargo Pants

I’ll admit it—cargo pants weren’t always on my radar. I had some flashbacks to the bulky styles of the 80s and 90s, and I couldn’t quite picture myself wearing them. But after much searching, I found some petite-friendly options that completely changed my mind. These pants are made from great material, with a sleek design that doesn’t feel too heavy or bulky. The addition of a self-belt is the perfect finishing touch. If you’ve been hesitant about cargo pants, give them a try—you might just love the change.

2. Cropped Pants

Cropped pants are fantastic for petites, especially if they hit just above your ankle bone. Paired with shoes that elongate your foot, this style can create a balanced, flattering silhouette. Ann Taylor is known for making some of the best cropped pants for petites, with a variety of colors and fabric weights perfect for spring, summer, and early fall. Boden’s Hampstead pant is another excellent option, offering a tailored front with an elastic back for added comfort.

3. Flare Leg Pants

Flare pants took me a while to warm up to, but I’m now a fan. These pants are fitted through the hips and thighs, then flare out from the knees down. They can give the illusion of longer legs and are perfect when paired with heels. Cropped flared pants with booties are a chic fall option. Just make sure the flare isn’t too dramatic, as this can overwhelm a petite frame.

4. Straight Leg Pants

Straight-leg pants are a timeless classic. They can be full-length or cropped, and they look great on virtually any body type. They’ve largely replaced skinny jeans in recent years, although there’s nothing wrong with holding on to a few pairs of those as well. Straight-leg pants are versatile and work for both casual and professional looks. A classic black pair is a must-have for any wardrobe, and brands like J.Crew offer flattering fits for petites in a variety of colors and fabrics.

5. Wide Leg Pants

Oh, how I love wide leg pants! The first pair I bought years ago was so comfortable, and I’ve been hooked ever since. These pants, whether full-length or cropped, can look fantastic on petites when you get the right fit. Opt for a high waist and ensure the legs aren’t too wide for your frame. I prefer wearing wide leg pants with heels to balance the volume, but you can always pair them with flats for a more casual look. Boden and Ann Taylor typically offer some of the best options for dressy-casual or business-casual wide leg pants for petites.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for petites, but trying out different pant styles is a fun way to discover what works best for you. From cropped pants to wide-leg flares, there’s a whole world of options waiting to be explored. Find your fit, embrace your style, and have fun with it!