Pants
Feb 12, 2020

I'm 5'4"—These Are the Only Pants and Jeans I Wear

by Allyson Payer

I'm not sure how, why, or when 5'4" became the average height of American women, but I'm choosing to embrace it. Sure, I wouldn't mind having a few extra inches to work with sometimes, but it is what it is. I used to think that I was resigned to a lifetime of visiting the tailor every time I purchased a pair of pants or jeans, but I think that most brands have caught onto the fact that a lot of us aren't 5'9" and therefore 32-inch inseams probably aren't gonna work.

Speaking of inseams, I always check them before ordering an item. I typically stick with cropped or ankle-length pants and jeans because they usually end up full-length on me. (I've been avoiding very cropped pants as of late, though, as trends are shifting to longer styles.) My sweet-spot inseam is about 27 to 29 inches. I find that this length can accommodate both flats and heels for someone of my height, without baring too much ankle.

Through some trial and error, I've come to find 14 pairs of pants and jeans that are truly perfect for someone of my height. Keep scrolling to shop them all (and see my 5'4" self wearing lots of them).

Agolde Pinch Waist Jeans

Photo:

@allypayer

A Who What Wear editor favorite, Agolde's Pinch Waist Jeans hit me at just the right place—not too short and not too long. Plus, they now come in a brilliant comfort-stretch version.

Citizens of Humanity Olivia Jeans

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@allypayer

I don't wear a lot of skinny jeans, but I discovered this pair last winter and quickly fell in love with them. I love that they don't seem cropped but I didn't have to get them hemmed.

Reformation Eloise Jeans

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@allypayer

Reformation has a lot of jeans with my ideal inseam. See how perfect this pair looks with ankle boots?

Who What Wear Skinny Ankle Pants

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@allypayer

These pants are a staple item in our namesake line (sold at Target!). They're as comfortable as leggings but offer a lot more structure and polish.

Mother The Loop de Loop Jeans

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@allypayer

A lot of wide-leg jeans make me look even shorter, but not this pair. I think they're about an inch longer than many cropped wide-legs, and it goes a long way. That said, I prefer wearing them with flats or low heels.

Re/Done Cargo Pants

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@allypayer

I wear these cargo pants often. I rolled them up a bit here, but it's definitely not necessary.

J Brand Jules Jeans

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@allypayer

Another pair of jeans that aren't cropped yet didn't require a visit to the tailor, J Brand Jules jeans are just right. Plus, they're nice and stretchy without losing their shape.

Aritzia Modern Utility Pants

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@allypayer

Since the utility-pant trend shows no sign of fading, I had to have these Aritzia ones. I'm wearing them with low heels here but could definitely get away with wearing them with flats or a higher heel.

Reformation Marlon Pants

Photo:

@allypayer

With a 27-inch inseam, these Reformation pants are about as cropped as I go lately. I think they look especially cool with slim-fitting ankle boots.

Totême

Black Novara Trousers

$270

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I just purchased these, and they've become a fast favorite. They're definitely a cool-girl basic.

7 for All Mankind

Cropped Alexa Vintage Cord in Penny

$195

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With a 27.5-inch inseam (the model is 5'10"), these are just the right amount of cropped, and they're perfect for the cold-weather season.

Re/Done

High Rise Stove Pipe Jeans

$250

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Of all of the Re/Done jeans I've tried (it's a lot), the Stove Pipes are my favorite. If you're on the short side, take my advice and try them.

Levi's

Dad Jeans

$98

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Besides being ridiculously soft, these are the perfect loose jeans if you're petite. I've found that a lot of other loose jeans on the market are very long. (For reference, they're 28.25 inches.)