With ever-changing fashion trends, as a mom of two littles, it sometimes feels like by the time I catch on, it’s on to the next. I’m thankful that millennial fashion trends are back, but one trend that hasn’t personally stuck is wearing barrel jeans, and there’s a reason why. As a 5’2” gal (shoutout to my short girlies!), finding the right-sized barrel jeans as a petite woman has always been a feat.
And with barrel jeans, well, the in-store try-ons of “regular sizes” have often left me feeling defeated—looking too baggy and swallowed in a whole lot of denim. If you’re a petite-framed girl like me, I set out to find the best petite-sized barrel jeans to save you the trouble of doing the ship-and-return-order dance. Keep scrolling to find the best barrel jeans for a petite frame and their ratings by comfort, length, and budget-friendly options.
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Key Takeaways
- The most flattering: Abercrombie & Fitch’s Mid Rise Barrel Jean
- The best budget-friendly option: Kedera Baggy Mid Rise Barrel Jeans from Amazon
- The comfiest pair of barrel jeans: Old Navy’s High-Waisted Pull-On Barrel Jeans
- The best cropped barrel jeans: Old Navy’s High-Waisted Barrel Ankle Jeans
- The best baggy barrel jeans: Old Navy’s High-Waisted Pull-On Barrel Jeans
- The most true-to-size pair: Abercrombie & Fitch’s Mid Rise Barrel Jean
- My favorite pair: Abercrombie & Fitch’s Mid Rise Barrel Jean
How I Chose the Best Petite Barrel Jeans
When it comes to types of jeans, I will say, I am thankful for the variety that’s out there. If you’re reading this as someone with a petite frame, ordering a pair of jeans in “short” is a must, but the way a pair of jeans fits still varies from person to person. I know that some may prefer a pull-on jean, a patterned jean, dark wash vs. light wash, or a more loose-fitting pair. So, I considered this when making my selections.
I sifted through hundreds of customer reviews and chose the best barrel jeans for petite women while still keeping these factors and the price point in mind. As you continue scrolling, you’ll find that I’ve also indicated the original price of each pair to help you if you’re trying to stay within a certain budget (hopefully, the one you’re eyeing is on sale!). Lastly, I stuck to my tried and true stores, like Abercrombie, Madewell, Old Navy, Gap, and more.
The Best Barrel Jeans for Petite Women
I’ll be transparent in stating that finding a flattering pair of jeans postpartum can sometimes be a journey for me, but that feeling I get once I land on a great pair is always a big score. Personally, for me, it’s about hitting both comfort and style to fit my busy lifestyle with my littles. If I can’t comfortably crouch down to meet my kids at eye level or am unable to maneuver down a slide at the park without feeling constricted, then respectfully, forget it. And ultimately, as a short woman, as far as barrel jeans go, I didn’t want to look completely consumed in a pair of jeans—my main issue. The following pairs definitely meet the criteria!
Abercrombie & Fitch’s Mid Rise Barrel Jean
I claim myself to be a high-waisted pants kind of person, but this mid-rise, dark wash pair from Abercrombie & Fitch is hands down my favorite. I recently wore them dressed up for a date night out and then threw them on as part of a casual outfit the next day for my son’s birthday party. Not only is this pair true to size, but they’re super comfy, and the quality is high-end. I had lots of compliments when wearing this pair. Plus, priced at $90, it’s a good mid-range price point compared to more expensive jeans out there. With how much I’ll continue to wear them and the quality, this pair is a steal.
Madewell’s The Petite Darted Barrel-Leg Jean
After having my eldest five years ago, Madewell was the first store I ventured out to to find a new pair of jeans postpartum. Historically, my favorite jeans have come from Madewell. When I saw that this pair specifically had the word “petite” in the name, I knew I had to try them. A majority of the reviews state that they’re the perfect pair for someone with a petite frame, and I would agree. I purchased this pair in the Dobbins Wash, and they’re comfy, flattering, lightweight, and not overly baggy. However, one thing to keep in mind—if you’re not a fan of buttons, instead of a zipper, this pair has five buttons to fasten up. Plus, if you’re trying to stay on a budget, these are priced at almost $150.
Kedera Baggy Mid Rise Barrel Jeans from Amazon
If you want to elevate your look, I recommend a pair of patterned barrel jeans if you’re petite. These Kedera baggy mid-rise barrel jeans in leopard print from Amazon are the perfect way to elevate barrel jeans. Not only are they flattering, but you can easily dress them up or dress them down for an effortless look. Other customers said that while the pair does fit loose, the material is on the heavier side—perfect for the fall and winter. Most importantly, they’re comfortable and are priced at around $45.
When The Everymom’s Deputy Art Director Kirra shared her Old Navy haul for her entire family, these high-waisted pull-on barrel jeans instantly caught my eye. Say no more when it comes to a pair of comfy pull-on pants. Old Navy’s high-waisted pull-on barrel jeans win in the category of the comfiest and roomiest pair. It’s not too lightweight and definitely breathable, so it’s perfect for any season and can be worn throughout the year.
I will add, they are pretty baggy, but they’re pretty chic for a pull-on pant. A lot of the reviews said to size down, and I’d agree that I could have sized down by one more size. Priced at $50, this pair is worth it with its comfort factor and the versatility to wear it all year long. And if you’re looking for barrel jeans to live in right after giving birth, these would be my go-to.
Finding a pair of ankle-length jeans—an even shorter length—for a petite frame is like finding a needle in a haystack. But Old Navy’s high-waisted barrel ankle jeans are a hidden gem. In most stores, I wear a size 8, but at Old Navy, I range anywhere between a size 4 and size 6. I ordered the light wash as a size 6 in a petite fit, and they fit perfectly. If you’re wanting a more cropped look without having to physically cut your jeans, add this pair to your cart. With thousands of ratings and after reviewing customer photos, I noticed that they looked flattering on all different body types, which made me feel confident with my purchase. Originally priced at right under $50, I was also able to snag this pair for $18 during an Old Navy sale.
Sidefeel Wide Leg Barrel Jeans from Amazon
These Sidefeel wide-leg barrel jeans from Amazon were a perfect fit. Available in multiple washes, I love this pair in black! With over a thousand five-star reviews, multiple customers reported they’re comparable to a pair of jeans from Free People or Anthropologie. They’re the perfect length if you’re looking for a pair that sits right below the ankle. For a budget-friendly option, these jeans go for under $46.
More of Our Favorite Barrel Jeans to Shop Now
Why You Can Count On Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
Alina Orozco, Commerce Editor
Alina Orozco is the Commerce Editor at The Everymom, where she combines her editorial experience with a love for finding products that make everyday life easier and more stylish. To The Everymom, Alina brings over 10+ years of editorial publishing and digital storytelling experience, as well as snippets of her real-life mom style, making fashion trends accessible and fun for every mom. She now lives in a cozy beach town in Southern California with her husband and their two boys, but she’ll always be a Philly girl at heart.
Products included in graphics linked within article. Feature graphic image credited to: Free People and Madewell
