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, and I always fall back on my favorite petite denim shorts for casual days out. 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 Madewell denim shorts
(my pair is from a few seasons ago, similar styles here)
Shop Top Denim Short Styles for Petites
Cute Jean Shorts for Petite Women
Abercrombie & Fitch and Madewell 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.
At this point, the majority of my denim short drawer is full of A&F. 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, am living in the Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love A-Line Short. 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: J.Crew Classic Denim Short | A&F High Rise Linen-Blend Denim Short | J.Crew Mid-Rise Modern Denim Short | A&F Curve Love Mom Jean Short
Bottom Row: A&F Curve Love Mid-Rise A-Line Short | Madewell Perfect Vintage Mid-Length Jean Short | A&F Curve Love Mid-Rise A-Line Short | Madewell Emmy Denim Short
P.S. Most of the shorts linked above come in different colors, so click through to see what different washes you prefer!
I prefer medium to dark denim shorts (as you can tell from my selections), but most have great light wash options or even white denim options!
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! I love this style).
Styles & Accessories to Pair 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.
Explore favorite pieces 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 May 14, 2025.
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 🙂