At a mere 5 feet tall, finding the right clothing to fit my frame has always been a struggle, especially when it comes to shorts. Being petite sure has its fashion-related challenges, but that doesn't mean shorts should be off-limits for women of a certain height. In fact, petite women can (and should) rock a pair of shorts and still feel confident.
"Petite women should look for shorts that elongate the leg and don’t overwhelm their frame," explains Cynthia Kennedy, a personal stylist and image consultant in San Diego, California. "That means paying attention to inseam length, rise and proportion."
Along with Kennedy, we also spoke with New York City and Southern California stylist Nicole Russo to discover the tips and tricks for wearing shorts if you're considered petite. We asked about the potential dealbreakers when searching for the right shorts, including inseam length, comfortability and overall quality.
From a pair of vintage 90's cutoffs to a splurge-worthy polka dot pick, we've got you covered. Scroll down to find the best stylist-recommended and editor-tested picks from well-known brands like Loft, Gap, Abercrombie and more.
What to look for in shorts for petite women
Who wears short shorts? You wear short shorts! If you're petite, both Russo and Kennedy advise taking note of the short's inseam.
"First, determine if you have short legs vs. long legs and then experiment with your inseam," recommends Russo. "If you have shorter legs, an inseam that hits beyond the knee, or longer, will shorten your legs (this is because it shortens the visible skin and our eyes will view that 'shortened exposed skin' as your 'leg length')," she continues.
"If you have longer legs, longer inseams tend to still leave more visible leg (because you have more of it) so you can have an easier time finding compatible longer styles," Russo mentions.
Kennedy suggests a mid-to-high rise short with a 3-inches to 5-inch inseam — "long enough to feel covered, short enough to visually lengthen the leg," she explains. "Also, avoid anything too bulky (like excessive cargo pockets or oversized silhouettes) which can make you feel like you’re swimming in fabric."
"When in doubt, add a small heel or just opt for something that hits no longer than at the knee," Russo says. "In the end, it’s really about choosing a pair that hits at a point in your legs that makes you feel the best about your appearance and doesn’t make you frustrated dressing your height."
What style shorts are flattering for petite women?
When it comes to finding the perfect shorts for petite women, it is also imperative to pay acute attention to the specific style. Kennedy recommends the following options for women of shorter stature:
- Tailored or trouser-style shorts: "Polished and elongating, especially in neutral tones," she notes.
- High-waisted A-line shorts: "They nip in at the waist and give legs some breathing room, which creates balance," adds Kennedy.
- Relaxed linen drawstring shorts: "Comfy, chic and not too long. They look effortless with a front-tucked tee or tank," she mentions.
- Bermuda shorts: "Only if you style them right!" advises Kennedy. "Petites should opt for slim-cut Bermudas with a slight heel or platform to avoid the “chopped” look."
- Paperbag waist shorts: "If the waist isn’t too bulky. Perfect for defining shape on a petite frame," says Kennedy.
Additionally, Russo favors "a rigid cotton denim in a relaxed leg shape with a generous 5-6-inch inseam because it hits either slightly shorter or longer on almost anyone." She says it's simple to style and is proportionally balanced. "A relaxed bloomer short with a shorter inseam is good for gals who want to show more leg, but also casual yet still fun and flirty," she continues."
"For the more fashion-forward gal, I’m also really into the dramatic trapeze style with sharp pleats!" raves Russo. "It’s a slightly trendier take on a classic short and can dress up well even for daytime looks."
The best shorts for petites, according to stylists
Kennedy refers to these Loft shorts as “lightweight, comfy and summer-ready.” She especially loves the paper bag waist and says it adds shape without overpowering your petite frame. Pair these shorts with a classic white T-shirt and nude platform mules to fully complete the look.
Another favorite pair of Kennedy’s, she calls this one a classic done right. “The 4-inch inseam is super flattering, and the stretch means they move with you. These are a great everyday short that you can stock up on in multiple colors,” explains Kennedy.
"High-rise is magic for petites — it hits just right to make your legs look miles long," shares Kennedy. "Bonus: the cut is clean and modern, and the fabric feels luxe."
Both Kennedy and Russo recommend these linen-blend shorts from J.Crew. "These give you a clean, elevated look without being stuffy," suggests Kennedy. "The high waist lengthens the legs and the pleating adds structure without bulk — they’re perfect for dressing up or down," she adds.
"These pleated and classic styles are great for all shapes and are stylish in almost any setting," suggests Russo.
"This linen chambray short is a family-friendly, warm-weather style that keeps a casual look cute, sophisticated and polished," suggests Russo. These high-quality shorts are very comfortable and come in six unique hues, including chambray and cherry.
"For a personalized spin, these retro shorts are fun," says Russo. These Southhampton gingham-style shorts feature a faux horn button at the waist, hidden zip fly and are opaque.
The best shorts for petites, tested by editors
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger says these denim shorts from Hollister are the only pair of jean shorts she wears. “For me, they need to be loose enough around the waist to where I can sit comfortably in them and hug the thigh just enough to where they won’t ride up when I’m walking,” she explains.
Commerce writer Emma Stessman tried all last summer to get a pair of these shorts, but they were always sold out. "When the brand had a sale earlier this season, I ran to the site and was excited to see my size was in stock!" she raves. "They're super flattering and hit just at the right length, where they are on the shorter side but I'm not at risk of showing anything, I don't want to."
"When it comes to denim, I can always count on Abercrombie to deliver," says associate editor Shannon Garlin. "I'm such a huge fan of all of their jeans so I was excited to score a pair of their new high-rise shorts. They're high-waisted so they look extremely flattering, and they're the perfect length to elongate my legs."
"Shorts are so tough for me (I’m 5 feet 1 inch tall) but I have these and I’m obsessed with them!" shares production associate Audrey Ekman. "Because they’re on the shorter end, they don’t cut off my leg awkwardly halfway, actually giving the illusion of longer legs. I think they look so cute paired with the matching top too!"
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best shorts for petites by enlisting the recommendations of personal stylists. We also asked our (petite) editors to share a few of our tried-and-true favorite shorts that make them feel comfortable and confident.
Meet the experts
- Cynthia Kennedy is a personal stylist and image consultant in San Diego, California.
- Nicole Russo is a personal stylist based in New York City and Southern California. She helps women dress like the woman they want to be.
