How to Shop for Petite Sizing, According to a Petite Denim Designer

At 5’1”, I deal with tons of shopping woes like always having to hem my jeans, managing gaping shoulders, and having to navigate whether or not it’s worth it to spend overpriced fees on alterations. Most importantly, I am in desperate need of tips and tricks to help me figure out how to shop for items that fit my body.

So when I recently came across Nelle Atelier, a new denim brand solely dedicated to petite inseams, I knew I needed to pick the brain of the brand’s founder, Madeleine Cohen, to hear her thoughts on how to shop as a short person. Read on for some tips and later, for some of my favorite pieces.

What are the most important things to consider and look out for when shopping for petites?

When shopping for bottoms, the most important thing to know is your inseam. Every body has different proportions, and knowing your inseam will better help you navigate a brand’s offering — especially if you are shopping online. Petite inseams generally range from 25 inches (ankle length) to 30 inches (floor length, usually a style that is intended to wear with heels).

Nelle is different in that we fit every style on a 5’2” model. The product is designed specially for women below 5’4”. In addition to adjusting inseams, we’ve also adjusted rise and knee placement with shorter bodies in mind.

Are there any hacky ways a shorter individual can “cheat” the system when shopping at brands that don’t have a petite section?

When shopping as a shorter woman, the most important thing to consider is proportion. I always look for cropped garments when it comes to jackets and tops, as I know they will hit me in the right places. As you can imagine, this is quite limiting and was one of the reasons I started Nelle Atelier. I also tend to gravitate towards high-waisted bottoms as they elongate the leg.

What inspired you to start Nelle Atelier? And if someone is new to your brand, what would you have them start out with?

I was standing in front of my closet trying to get dressed wondering why I didn’t like any of my jeans. I went online and googled “best jeans for short girls.” There wasn’t a brand that fit in with the rest of my wardrobe.

Our bestseller is The Claire in Sky. We just launched that style in a new off-white colorway. The Claire is a 100% rigid jean that can easily carry you from day to night. You can style it with sneakers or flats for your day-to-day, or throw on some heels and head out to dinner. If you prefer something with a hint of stretch, I would recommend our Kate Jean. Its high waist and full-length leg makes your legs look 10 miles long.

I sometimes tend to cut the hems off my own jeans. Any tips on making things fit at home, without having to go to the tailor?

Safety pins in a pinch!

And now, some long-lasting closet staples I swear by: