My Favorite Jeans

I’ve been asked countless times over the years where I get my jeans and how I shop for them online (especially as a short gal!) Let me just say, I feel your pain. I have a pretty good online shopping return rate of just 5% or so, and when I do return, it’s 9/10 times gonna be jeans. 

Finding a damn good pair of denim is not easy, especially when you’re petite. No matter what your height though, jeans are not a one-size-fits-all type of situation.

Also, can we just all agree that jean shopping can be the WORST?! The waist is too small, the waist is way too big, wtf why are these so tight on my knees?!, oh this is a cute look with 10″ of fabric dragging on the ground…

Thankfully, this doesn’t happen too much anymore, as I have found my holy grail jeans, and I rarely venture out of them. I’ve rounded up my must-haves below, and why I adore them! I’m 5″3 for reference, and I’ve gone ahead and listed what size I have in each brand to help a sista out!

1 – Levi’s 

I’ll admit it…I’ve been sleepin’ on Levi’s. I tried on 10 vintage pairs at the Melrose Trading Post and took a big L from all of them. A few months ago, I finally decided to cave and buy a pair from Shopbop, since they have so many pairs to choose from. I picked up this pair and you guys…they’ve changed my life. They fit me perfectly, even down to the length which is RARE. The color is perfect, and they’ve quickly become my new everyday denim. I went with my normal size 25 and they fit like a glove. Keep in mind they don’t really stretch, so if you’re between sizes you may want to size up. 

2. GRLFRND Denim

Another brand I finally caved on this year. I never understood why they were so pricey, until now that is. Like Levi’s, GRLFRND is 100% cotton denim, so they’re the real deal. No stretch at first, but once you break them in, they will feel like they were made just for you. I’ve heard the sizes vary from pair to pair, which can be tricky when online shopping. I have this pair and absolutely LOVE them, but I got a 26 and wish I got a 25. After a few wears, I started having to wear a belt with them, or a chunky knit to tuck into them. Get your normal size in these, break em in, and prepare to never take them off. They do have a few petite styles, but they’re often sold out in my size, so instead…

CB Tip: If you’re short like I am, these will be too long. Easy fix? Chop a few inches off the bottoms and run them through the wash/dryer to get that raw hem look!

3. Topshop Petites

Probably the brand I’ve worn the longest of on this list! I can’t get enough of Topshop’s Petite denim! I suggest trying on the Joni’s and the Jamie’s among others in store, and if they’re still not the right inseam or size, buy them online! Online they have way more waist size / inseam combos, so you’re sure to find your perfect fit! I usually go for a 28″ inseam. 

CB Tip: These jeans can be pretty tight for a while. If you prefer that just broken in feel, find these on Poshmark! I’ve bought all my Topshop jeans from Poshmark over the last 3 years! If you’re lucky enough to find your size/inseam, I’ve snagged them up for around $20. Score!

4. Parker Smith

I’m pretty sure I also tried Parker Smith jeans in 2018. Wow, the year of jean discovery! Every pair I’ve ever tried on or owned is the softest, comfiest pair ever. If you’re not into the stiff denim feel, you will LOVE these! Everyone needs those comfy, stretchier jeans anyway. This pair sucks ya in in all the good places while still being so dang comfy. I have quite a few pairs and could probably do a whole post on how much I love these. In my experience, I’ve had to go a size down or two!

5. ZARA

Lastly, ZARA has awesome jeans for us shorties and they’re so affordable! I need this snake print pair in my life like, yesterday. I always go for their high waisted skinny styles, but I own too many to list them all here! Honestly, you can’t go wrong! They’re comfy, flattering, and just great for everyday wear. 

Now I need to know where you get YOUR favorite jeans below!!

+ This post is sponsored by Shopbop. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always. Huge thank you to the incredible brands who support this blog and make it all possible!

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