The 14 Best Jeans for Short Torsos in 2024

Finding a good pair of jeans when you have a short torso is like winning the lottery. Read: It can feel nearly impossible. As someone with a short torso I know this to be true. For as long as I can remember, I’ve searched for denim that’ll make me appear longer, leaner, and taller in all the right places. But, time and time again, I’ve ended up with jeans that drown my figure and make my already-short torso look even shorter — until now.

In order to find jeans that fit (and flatter) women with short torsos, we took it upon ourselves to uncover the best pairs available. To do so, we interviewed fashion experts to better understand what makes denim suitable for these figures. “The goal is to add length where possible,” explains Zadrian Smith of the styling duo Zadrian + Sarah. “When applying this to jeans, high-waisted options create a lengthening illusion. A flare is also a good pick as it adds lengths and balances your silhouette.”

Complete with expert-recommended brands and styles, this curated list includes the top denim picks that work to elongate legs, compliment curves, and suit short torsos. 

Best Overall

Veronica Beard Beverly High Rise Skinny Flare

What We Love: These comfortable jeans are made with a stretchy material that conforms to each body’s unique shape, ultimately accentuating curves.

What We Don’t Love: They can stretch so much that it’s best to size down. 

These top-rated Veronica Beard jeans feature subtle details that elongate short torsos. For starters, the flattering skinny-flare cut instantly lengthens legs by drawing attention downwards, which creates the illusion of more height. Made of a stretchy cotton-elastane blend, the silhouette beautifully hugs your body, keeping you comfortable while simultaneously accentuating curves and defining your waist. The high rise cut lays perfectly along the waistline, cinching it and making your midsection look longer, too. 

We love the timeless blue wash that’s easy to pair with anything, and we appreciate the jeans' versatility: They’re elegant enough to wear to the office when paired with heels, but also feel cool and casual with a pair of combat boots and a leather jacket. The stretch is one of the key selling points of these, but we do recommend sizing down — this way the jeans will form to your body and will be less likely to lose shape over time. 

Size Range: 23W—32W | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, elastomultiester, elastane

Best Budget

Abercrombie & Fitch Mid Rise 90s Straight Jean

What We Love: These jeans are offered in five different lengths.

What We Don’t Love: They need to be washed before first wear, otherwise the color can bleed. 

Abercrombie & Fitch has made a major comeback in recent years, offering a wide selection of clothing – including jeans – for relatively affordable prices. (We’re talking quality options for under $100.) We’re fans of the Mid-Rise Straight Jeans for its ​​classic ‘90s fit that flatters short torsos. Designed with a longer-than-average inseam, it creates the illusion of a taller midsection.

Other unique design features make these jeans standout, too: Namely, we appreciate that they come in five length options — extra short, short, regular, long, and extra long. (Petite girls, this means you can find the right length for your body without having to go to a tailor.) They also come in three different washes – super light, light, and medium.

Despite the low price, Abercrombie jeans are made to last. We’ve owned this pair for a few years and they continue to hold up wash after wash. Just be sure to throw them in the washer before your first wear to avoid color transfer (something we learned the hard way). 

Size Range: 23W—37W | Rise: Mid | Material: Cotton, elastane

Best Splurge

Closed Jeans A Better Blue Aria

What We Love: This style features two large, angular pockets that are both practical and fashionable.

What We Don’t Love: If you’re under five-foot-four, you’ll probably need to get these jeans hemmed. 

Because denim is a timeless wardrobe staple, we recommend investing in a quality pair of jeans that will grow with you through the years. Closed is known for its exemplary Italian construction and modern silhouettes that flatter all body types. For those with short torsos, we like the Aria style for its slim fit, high waist, and flare cut that elongates the entire lower half of the body. 

Along with the figure-enhancing shape, the details make these stand out in a sea of basic denim. The deep angular pockets make a statement and can hold an array of small items, including your phone and wallet, and the wide belt loops instantly draw more attention to the waist, making it look smaller. We will note that these are extremely long, so if you’re petite, you’ll most likely need to get them tailored.

Size Range: 23W—34W | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, elastane

Best Plus-Size

Madewell Flare Jeans

What We Love: The narrow waist guarantees a gap-free fit.

What We Don’t Love: They tend to sell out fast, so it might be hard to find certain sizes.

Madewell recently updated its Plus Collection size range (which includes sizes 14W–28W and 1X–4X) to ensure the best fit for every body. One of the best pieces from the collection is the Plus Perfect Vintage Flare Jeans. Crafted with the brand's bestselling Heritage Stretch denim, these jeans are malleable and easy to break in. The vintage ‘90s style features a narrow waist that gently hugs the midsection and makes gaping a problem of the past. We love that the flare isn’t too bold either – it’s only slightly wider than a bootcut hem. 

Madewell adds an additional two inches to the inseam for plus-sizes. This provides additional support for areas including the stomach and thighs. However, because of its popularity many sizes frequently sell out. We recommend turning on restock notifications to get an alert when your size is available. 

Size Range: 14W—28W | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, spandex

Best High-Waisted

Good American Good Curve Straight

What We Love: These jeans are made with a comfortable, stretchy fabric that hugs your curves.

What We Don’t Love: The smaller sizes are rarely in stock.

If you’re looking for a pair of high-waisted jeans that will look amazing from every angle, these jeans from Good American are Smith’s go-to choice. “Good American really designs for every body type,” she says. “The Good Curve is a great option [for short torsos] as it has a high rise and a cropped leg, which creates a nice shape.” 

Thanks to the extra high rise, these pants elongate the torso and tuck in the tummy at the same time. We compare the stretchy, curve-hugging fabric to leggings — they’re incredibly cozy and emphasizes your best assets, if you know what we mean. Plus, the cropped cut means you can show off your favorite kicks, whether those are everyday sneakers or show-stopping heels.

Good American also has some of the most inclusive sizing, but the smaller sizes (between 00 to 6) tend to sell out. If you see something available in your size, we recommend purchasing while you can. 

Size Range: 00—30 Plus | Rise: Ultra high | Material: Cotton, elastane

Best Mid-Rise

Rag & Bone Mid-Rise Bootcut Jeans

What We Love: These jeans feature a cute raw-edge hem and waistband.

What We Don’t Love: They only come in one wash.

Dreaming of mid-rise jeans that won’t make your midsection look even shorter? We found the solution: This Rag & Bone bestseller sits comfortably at the belly button, so it doesn’t awkwardly cut your torso and makes you look more proportionate. 

Made from a stretchy material – ninety-eight percent cotton and two percent polyurethane – they’re snug but still give you room to breathe. When it comes to style, we love the raw edged hem and waist band that gives these a bit more edge than other basic options. Plus, the barely-there striped detailing along the hem is a fun yet subtle addition that adds a bit more personality.

Size Range: 23W—34W | Rise: Mid | Material: Cotton, polyurethane

Best Low-Rise

H&M Curvy Fit 90s Baggy Low Jeans

What We Love: These jeans are specially designed to create less gaping at the waist.

What We Don’t Love: They run big, so it’s best to size down.

“I love a pair of baggier, low-rise jeans when taking into account my shorter torso,” says Los Angeles-based fashion influencer and content creator Malvika Sheth. “It gives me room to wear a more body-hugging top to accentuate my figure.” As luck would have it, these low-rise jeans from H&M will not only put your curves on display, but they’re also wallet-friendly. Clocking in at just 30 bucks, these trendy pants sit low on the hips and feature a straight-leg silhouette. This combo makes the jeans ideal for people with short torsos since they draw attention to the legs. Additionally, if you pair them with a form-fitting crop top, you’ll be able to show off your abs.

One thing we especially love about these pants is that they’re designed to have less gaping at the waist and extra room throughout the hips and thighs, so they’re perfect for curvy figures. Although, they do run a bit big, so be sure to size down for the best fit.

Size Range: 0—30 | Rise: Low | Material: Cotton

Best Skinny

Spanx Ankle Skinny Jeans

What We Love: This style is offered in petite, regular, and tall size options.

What We Don’t Love: They only come in one shade.

Leave it to Spanx to come out with skinny jeans that are so comfortable, they just might be mistaken for leggings. These jeans are a Spanx bestseller for more reasons than one: First, they’re designed with premium stretch denim that’s soft and snug. So unlike traditional jeans, you’ll be comfortable wearing them for hours on end. On top of that, they feature high-rise coverage and hidden tummy shaping. 

These pants also have a pull-on design that doesn’t include buttons or zippers, which means they can stretch with your body. With petite and tall sizing options, you can avoid taking them to a tailor, too. (Opt for petite if you are five-foot-four and under, and tall if you are five-foot-nine or above.)

Size Range: XS—3XL | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane

Best Straight-Leg

Rails Straight Jeans

What We Love: These pants are offered in a faded wash that makes them cool, casual, and perfect for daily wear.

What We Don’t Love: They’re popular, so they tend to sell out quickly.

These top-rated Topanga jeans feature a high-rise waist and straight-leg style, which accentuates the waist and will make you look more proportional. We’re fans of the cool, faded wash that gives them a lived-in appeal and the raw-edged hem that looks effortlessly casual and chic. 

Aside from being extremely stylish, these jeans are undeniably comfortable. That’s because they’re made from a soft blend of recycled cotton (they’re sustainable!), lyocell, and elastane, which feels breathable without being too stretchy. They tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to snag your size while you can.

Size Range: 23W—32W | Rise: High | Material: Recycled cotton, lyocell, elastane

Best Wide-Leg

Frame Wide-Leg Jeans

What We Love: These jeans are like memory foam for your body — they conform to your curves with each wear.

What We Don’t Love: The ultra-high rise is designed to cinch in the waist, so it’s best to order a size up to ensure they aren’t too tight.

When looking for jeans that will elongate the torso, it can be hard to find a pair of wide-leg pants that won’t drown you in fabric. Luckily, these Frame favorites do the opposite. While we consider these to be a traditional wide-leg, they’re relatively slim around the thighs, which helps make legs look leaner. 

The ultra-high rise is designed to cinch in the waist and create an hourglass figure, which also helps to lengthen the torso. (Because of this, we suggest opting for a size up since they can be very tight around the tummy, though). The pocket placement on the back accentuates your backside, too.

Size Range: 23W—34W | Rise: Ultra-high | Material: Cotton

Best Flare

Topshop Flare Jeans

What We Love: These are a more modern take on classic bell bottom jeans.

What We Don’t Love: They only come in black.

As someone with a short torso, I've found that flared pants are my best friend – specifically these Topshop jeans. I bought them five years ago, and they’re still my most-worn pair of pants. The high-rise waist makes my torso look miles longer, and they comfortably form to my thighs, which helps them to appear slimmer, too. I really appreciate that the flare isn’t too over-the-top. They’re not quite as eccentric as traditional bell bottoms, but the flare is big enough to make me look taller. 

These affordable jeans are also made to last. I’ve washed them countless times over the years and the color, fit, and stitching are all intact. And trust me, these jeans will get you more than a few compliments. 

Size Range: 25W—36W | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, recycled cotton, polyester, elastane

Best Petite

Joe’s Jeans Petite Bootcut Jeans

What We Love: These jeans are long enough that they can be worn with heels but short enough that they won’t drag when paired with sneakers or flat shoes. 

What We Don’t Love: This specific earth-conscious style only comes in one wash.

For people who are five-foot-four and under, finding a pair of pants they don’t have to tailor is a rarity. Luckily, the Provocateur Petite Bootcut Earth Conscious Jeans from Joe’s Jeans were designed specifically with petite women in mind. 

Though it has a 30-inch inseam, we didn’t feel the need to get them hemmed, even though we’re five-foot-four. In fact, when we wear them with sneakers and flat shoes, they don’t drag, and when paired with high heels, they don’t look too cropped.

Crafted with 79 percent organic cotton, these feel softer than standard jeans, but still maintain their shape. We wish this specific Earth-conscious style was offered in more wash options. However, other styles of The Provocateur petite bootcut jeans have more options (they just won’t be made with the same eco-friendly materials).

Size Range: 24W—34W | Rise: High | Material: Organic cotton, lyocell, polyester, elastane

Best Cropped

Levi's 501 Original Cropped Jeans

What We Love: These are offered in eight different washes, including white and black.

What We Don’t Love: The button fly isn’t the easiest to close.

If you’re looking for a cropped silhouette, many stylists agree that Levi’s 501 Original Cropped Jeans are one of the best. “The classic Levi’s will never go out of style, and throughout the years the brand has perfected the high-waist, cropped jeans for the everyday woman,” says Smith. These jeans are simply timeless with their high rise cut, cute cropped hem, and simple straight leg. 

They sit snugly along the waist, which minimizes gaping and doesn’t cut the torso. Plus, the durable cotton material can be endlessly washed without the risk of fading or losing its shape — something we especially appreciate considering there are eight color options, including black and white.

Size Range: 24W—32W | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, organically grown cotton, elastane

Best Bootcut

Nudie Jeans Rowdy Ruth

What We Love: These jeans hold their shape through multiple washes.

What We Don’t Love: The stiff denim can be hard to break in.

High-rise, bootcut jeans are classic, versatile, and cute. This pair from Nudie Jeans effortlessly works with short torsos to make each figure look more proportionate. “Due to the high rise and slim shape, this a great option for styling a short torso as the silhouette will frame your body and add length,” explains Smith. 

In addition to elongating your midsection, these jeans also highlight your backside thanks to the slightly arched pockets. These aren’t as soft and flexible as some other options on our list, so expect to spend some time breaking them in. We’ve found that throwing them in the wash on cold and letting them air dry helps to loosen them up a bit. But even through many wash cycles, they maintain their structure and shape. If you do find that they start to wear down, Nudie offers a free repair service to keep your jeans looking good as new. 

Size Range: 24W—38W | Rise: High | Material: Cotton, elastane

What to Keep in Mind

Rise

There are four main types of pant rises: Low , mid, high, and ultra-high rise. In terms of flattering short torsos, the rise you pick ultimately depends on your body shape and the features you want to accentuate. “Each body is so unique – someone may have a short torso and slimmer legs while another might have a short torso and wider legs – both of which are beautiful,” explains Sheth. “How each person feels about their body varies, and the goal is to find a fit that makes you feel the most confident and hits you in the areas that you feel best about.” 

So, if you have a short torso and want to highlight your stomach, we recommend wearing low-rise jeans, like H&M Curvy Fit 90s Baggy Low Jeans. On the other hand, if you have a short torso and want to highlight your legs, wear high- or ultra-high rise jeans, which will extend both your waistline and legs. Along with a high rise fit, Good American Good Curve Straight Jeans features body contouring fabric to hug and accentuate your curves.

Wash

Denim is offered in a range of different washes. There are light, medium, and dark washes as well as black and white. Depending on the brand, you might be able to shop for a pair of jeans in a multitude of washes (such as the Levi’s 501 Original Cropped Women’s Jeans, which offers eight options). However, some specific jean styles might only be offered in one wash. 

Fabric Content

When looking for jeans, consider the fabric they’re made of. Most are made with a mix of cotton, elastane, spandex, and polyester. 

“One hundred percent cotton is stiff and the fibers themselves will not stretch, which has its benefits,” explains professional stylist and image coach Cortney St Clair. One of the main benefits of stiff cotton jeans (such as the Nudie Jeans Rowdy Ruth) is that they will hold their shape over time, even after multiple washes. However, because this material is stiff, there’s less of a chance the jeans will move with you and conform to your curves. 

“Anything with one to three percent elastane or spandex will give you a nice hug and move with your body,” says St Clair, adding that they will also retain their shape. However, it’s best to avoid anything with more than three percent elastane or spandex as these pants will stretch out as you wear them.

Polyester blends are usually made with a mix of cotton or elastane. What you’ll notice with these kinds of jeans is that they offer more stretch, however, they are still able to retain their shape over time. 

Your Questions, Answered

What types of jeans are best for short torsos?

If you are looking to lengthen the appearance of a short torso, it’s best to opt for high rise jeans. “We like high waisted jeans for short torsos as it extends the waistline,” says co-founders of Grey Bandit, Courtney and Lindsey Glasser. “That being said, it’s all about what you like best.” Ultimately, high rise jeans will create the illusion of a longer torso and legs. Because both of these areas will appear to be stretched, they will make the body look more proportionate overall. 

Additionally, Smith notes that flare jeans are a great option when it comes to enhancing the torso. This is because flare styles work to create balance.

Are high waisted jeans good for short torsos?

Yes, high waisted jeans are flattering for short torsos. This is because they make the waistline and legs look longer. If you want to create even proportions, pair a long shirt with high waisted jeans. “This will pull the eye down over the torso and create a second focal point on the lower half of the body,” explains St Clair.

What shouldn't I wear with jeans for short torsos?

In terms of what not to wear with jeans if you have a short torso, it’s all about creating balance. “Be careful of cutting yourself off too abruptly,” say the Glasser sisters. “Certain belts or tops could cut off your lines if you have a shorter torso.” Additionally, steer clear of crop tops when wearing high-waisted jeans. “They put a horizontal line across the midsection, which will create the illusion of a shorter and wider torso.” explains St Clair. 

How do I find the right jean fit while shopping online?

There’s no doubt about it: Shopping online for jeans is easier said than done. However, there are a few tricks to finding the right pants without trying them on. “Stick to the style that you know fits best,” says fashion designer Libbie Mugrabi. “Also, know your inseam for the length of the pants."

Also, be sure to check out the size guide and read customer reviews. If you’re still at a loss for what size to get, reach out to customer service. “Shopping for denim online can be tricky, but there are experts at each brand who are ready to help you,” note the Glasser sisters. 

Why Shop With Us

Lauren Harano is a beauty, fashion, and lifestyle editor with over seven years of experience in the industry. She knows first-hand the difficulties of shopping for jeans as she is someone with a short torso herself. In order to write this article, she researched the best jeans that complement short torsos, and tested a few in the process. She also spoke to various fashion experts who shared their recommendations: fashion designer Libbie Mugrabi; fashion influencer and content creator Malvika Sheth; transformative style and image coach Cortney St Clair; co-founders of Grey Bandit, Courtney and Lindsey Glasser; and Zadrian Smith of the styling duo Zadrian + Sarah. Ultimately, through research and testing she determined which styles, rises, materials, and lengths work best for those with short torsos.

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