Denim Shorts for Petite Women
The true foundation of my closet and style, I basically live in jean shorts. In Florida, shorts are really a year-round piece. It can be tough to find a cute and comfortable pair, though, especially if you’re on the petite side. Here, I’m sharing the best shorts for petite women, highlighting a mix of distressed denim shorts and mid-rise jean shorts in a variety of washes.
Visiting Hyde Park Village in Tampa, wearing the Madewell High-Rise Denim Shorts (my pair is from a few seasons ago, similar style here)
Outfit details available on ShopLTK here!
Shop Top Denim Short Styles for Petites
Cute Jean Shorts for Petite Women
Madewell and J.Crew have been my go-to for jean shorts for years now. Both stores offer a great mix of washes, lengths, and weights when it comes to jean shorts. For the price, too, they’re a really great value.
Lately, though, I’ve expanded my denim short library to include both Abercrombie & Fitch. With affordable and cute jean shorts for curvy petite frames, A&F really well suited for shorter women. They have a wide range of lengths and waist-heights, which are helpful if you’re trying to find the perfect petite fit. Personally, I love the A&F Curve Love Mid-Rise Mom Shorts. I sized up a size for a looser look in these petite jean shorts. I have been slowly collecting all the washes available!
Top Row: A&F Curve Love Mom Shorts | Madewell High Rise Beech Wash Denim Shorts | Madewell Perfect Vintage Jean Short in Lunar Wash
Bottom Row: J.Crew Relaxed Denim Short in Baxter Street Wash | A&F Curve Love High Rise 90s Cutoff Shorts | Madewell The Curvy Perfect Vintage Short in Dewberry Wash
Styling Jean Shorts
Styling jean shorts is so easy! It’s one of the reasons they’re such a staple in my wardrobe. For tops, you can go with anything from a casual graphic tee to a workout top to a proper blouse, to dress things up a. bit. As for shoes, I like to pair them with Jack Rogers like the one above for a dressier look or make it into a Birkenstocks outfit (my other go-to shoe for summer!).
What to Wear with Denim Shorts
Do you prefer high-rise, low-rise, or mid-rise jean shorts?
All of my favorite jean shorts are mid-rise; so easy to style with a cute graphic tee, plaid button down, or sweatshirt for cooler days.
Shop favorite tops of mine to pair with your new favorite shorts here!
Looking for more great petite styles?
Check out my guide to the best leggings with pockets designed for petite women!
*This post was originally published on March 10, 2022. It was most recently updated on April 11, 2024.
This is such a great guide – thank you!! As a shorter woman, I always feel like jean shorts are falling to my knees. I love you recommended brands and styles!
Yes, I have definitely felt that way, as well! I’m so glad you liked the shorts I picked here! Hope they serve you well this summer 🙂