The 15 Best Jeans for Short Torsos That Will Balance Your Proportions
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And they don't all have to be low-rise!
InStyle / Kevin Liang
Those with a short waist or a shorter-than-average distance between their shoulders and waist have probably experienced some frustration while trying to get dressed. It might feel like your proportions are always slightly “off,” your tops are too long, and your jeans never hit you at the right part of your waist. If you’re lamenting this perceived “imbalance,” Linda Cui Zhang, associate fashion director at Nordstrom, reframes it as a positive: “What an asset—proportionally longer legs!”
When you have a short torso, you can lower the rise of your jeans and pair them with a longer top to elongate your torso, or you can choose a higher rise and/or a slightly longer inseam if you want to highlight your legs. The first option draws the gaze to the stomach, says fashion stylist Naina Singla, while the second option focuses on the legs. “If you have a short torso and short legs, it’s nice to go high-waisted and make the legs look longer,” says Singla. Of course, the choice is yours, as it ultimately comes down to personal preferences. We’re here to guide you through the many options with the best jeans for short torsos.
Best Overall: Reformation Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans
Why We Love It: Both Zhang and Singla like this vintage-inspired pair of denim—Zhang because it's a lower rise, relatively (she suggests pairing it with a fitted knit top you can tuck in), and Singla because the combination of a mid rise and straight leg leads to a flattering, elongating fit. The wide variety of washes and colors means that you can customize the look and feel—darker colors are particularly lengthening, while lighter colors feel more like the "classic" jeans we all know and love.
Who It’s For: As a non-stretch denim, these are for someone who likes sturdy, rigid denim and doesn’t mind hand washing the pants as machines can cause the denim to shrink.
Material: Organically grown cotton | Colors: 7 | Inseam: 32 inches | Size: 23–34
Best Affordable: Old Navy Mid-Rise OG Straight Ankle Jeans
Why We Love It: Victoria Voos, plus-size fashion blogger and body positivity advocate, notes that this is a “bestseller for a reason,” because it has a very reasonable price, a classic cut and fit (with a nice mid rise), a few colors to choose from, tall and petite fits, and sizing that goes up to 30. It also has a touch of spandex, which means it's a softer, stretchy fit. Worth noting, though, that an inexpensive, stretchy denim may not last as long or hold its shape as well.
Who It’s For: Someone looking for a way to try out different inseam lengths, rises, and colors without breaking the bank. With a little bit of stretch, the pants offer all-day comfort, making these great everyday jeans.
Material: Cotton, recycled cotton, spandex | Colors: 4 | Inseam: 26, 28, 31 inches | Size: 00–30
Best Splurge: MOUSSY Trigg Low Rise Straight Leg Jeans
Why We Love It: If you’ve been a fan of the low-rise fit since the ’90s, then I think it’s fair to say it’s time to splurge on a quality pair. This 100-percent cotton option from Moussy will last you for decades, making the cost-per-wear practically pennies. With a slouchy casual style that’s easy to wear on a daily basis, these pants will quickly become your new favorite. Plus, the low rise will make it look like you’re longer up top. Zhang suggests styling them with a tank top: you can either have it cut a little shorter if you want to show off your abdomen, or you can wear one that's a bit longer if you don't want any skin showing.
Who It’s For: Someone looking for their next favorite everyday denim. The non-stretch jeans won’t fade, rip, or lose shape while the loose silhouette will feel comfortable enough to lounge in.
Material: Cotton | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 28 inches | Size: 23–31
Best Plus-Size: Torrid Lean Jean Skinny Super Soft Mid-Rise Jean
Why We Love It: As Voos explains, "I don’t know about you, but I used to have tops that would get holes in them right where the button of my jeans would rub. We are so lucky to have jeggings now." She loves this pull-on pair because it creates a smoother front and doesn't have as much hardware or bulky seams that could cause chafing. This is a mid-rise, skinny style, so it helps define the waist and provide a single, clean line down to the ankle (and it's not too cropped, which is important for a skinny style). A pair of jeans that offers a tighter fit in the abdomen can be an important element for short-waisted individuals, particularly if you're plus size—drawing attention to the waist can make the torso look longer and more defined.
Who It’s For: Singla notes that a mid-rise jean may be more comfortable for someone who carries weight in their abdomen. The skinny and stretch combo makes these great for both shaping and comfort as well.
Material: Cotton, rayon, polyester, spandex | Colors: 3 | Inseam: 29 inches | Size: 10–30
Best Curvy: Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Mid Rise 90s Straight Jean
Why We Love It: If you didn't get the memo, the new Abercrombie & Fitch pants are a fan favorite. And part of that love stems from the variety in sizing, including dedicated “curvy” fits for some of their best jeans (these also come in non-curve sizing, FYI). These straight jeans have a vintage, ’90s inspiration, which makes sense given A&F's popularity in that decade, but they also have a more modern construction. There’s some stretch and an extra 2 inches around the hip and thigh. With five inseam lengths ranging from extra short to extra long available, the style is one of the most inclusive options on this list. Do note, though, that some rinses can sell out quickly, and your size may not be available in every wash option. They sometimes restock based on popularity, so keep an eye out if your perfect fit isn't available at the moment.
Who It’s For: Those who have felt that other brands are falling short where height, curve, and size are concerned, you’ll find just what you need at Abercrombie & Fitch.
Material: Cotton, elastane | Colors: 8 | Inseam: Not listed; consult the size guide and choose based on your height | Size: 23–37
Best Black: Wrangler High Rise True Straight Leg Jean
Why We Love It: If you haven't revisited Wrangler jeans in a while, you're missing out: they've revamped their offering beyond their classic fit, while still keeping true to the brand aesthetic. The straight-leg has been a hero item for a long time, and it has a snug (but not tight) fit throughout. The material is stiffer than some of the other options on this list, but that's what creates that rigid, vintage-inspired look and feel. You can get the jeans in three inseams depending on your needs, and their longest inseam (34 inches) is a great fit for anyone who has very long legs.
Who It’s For: Tall ladies looking for casual black jeans will love these vintage wash options. With the longest inseam being 34 inches, they’re the right option for people looking to style them with heels.
Material: Cotton, polyester, spandex | Colors: 8 | Inseam: 30, 32, 34 inches | Size: 0–18
Best White: Agolde '90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
Why We Love It: If this is your first pair of white jeans (or you constantly feel flummoxed because they never feel right on you), a lighter denim color is not innately slimming and lengthening like darker pairs of denim—in my case, the white highlights my uneven proportions and wider waist. So, getting an investment piece that doesn’t stretch and fits like a glove, like this one, is key. Singla loves this pair because the straight leg and rigid, ankle-length construction make a silhouette look balanced. Depending on your leg length, the 29.5-inch inseam might hit beyond the ankle bone, which can be good if you want an ultra-lengthened look, but you might also need to have it tailored.
Who It’s For: Someone who feels confident that they can keep white pants stain-free. The crisp, all-white denim looks chic and elegant for any office or summer function.
Material: Organic cotton | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 29.5 inches | Size: 23–32
Best Skinny: Studio Blue Casey Mid Rise Cropped Relaxed Skinny Jean
Why We Love It: Jillian Obarski, a stylist at Stitch Fix, recommends this option to her short-waisted clients. And although there has been much discussion lately about whether skinny jeans are “in” or “out,” to me, the discussion is moot: if you like the style, you should feel free to wear it (and a mid-rise can still make legs look long without shortening the torso). If you want to update the silhouette, opt for a longer inseam that hits lower on the body, or perhaps a new wash. This is a cropped cut with artful distressing. Getting your denim with fraying and holes built into the design can sometimes mean that the style doesn’t last as long, but these don’t go overboard on that particular feature. Some washes come in petite sizes, and some have extended sizes, so click on all the colors available to see which one has your perfect size.
Who It’s For: Light distressing around the jeans makes this a great casual option for everyday wear. While it’s not the pair to wear to the office, it certainly can be worn to brunch and weekend hangs.
Material: Cotton, spandex | Colors: 11 | Inseam: 26 inches | Size: 0–24W
Best Cropped: Anine Bing Vin Jean
Why We Love It: Much like other investment pieces on this list, Anine Bing's denim is rigid and non-stretch for a good reason: it looks and feels high-quality. Anine Bing does basics well, and if you’re short-waisted, this will still define your waist beautifully. (Where the denim falls at the bottom depends on your inseam: if you have shorter legs, you might need to tailor it to make it a true crop style.) You might barely notice it at first, but this has some very light paint splotch patterning at the bottom—an ingenious detail.
Who It’s For: Someone who is ready to splurge on their next favorite everyday jeans. With some faint paint splatter towards the bottom of the jeans, they’re a unique outlier to the standard denim.
Material: Cotton | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 28 inches | Size: 23–32
Best Long: Icon Denim Jodie
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Why We Love It: I’m someone who has short legs and a short torso combo, so I’m recommending my favorite denim: the Icon Denim Jodie. Longer pants might sound counterintuitive for a short-waisted person, but this is a nice choice for someone who has a short torso and short legs, like I do, as it elongates the overall frame. The slit on the bottom is great for showing off your shoes, plus it breaks up the single unbroken line from waist to foot. Just note because of this feature, these are a little harder to hem than other pants.
Who It’s For: Women with a short torso, short legs body type who would like to elongate their frames a little more.
Material: Cotton | Colors: 1 | Inseam: Not listed | Size: 23–32
Best Wide-Leg: Levi's Low Loose Rigid Jeans
Why We Love It: Wide-leg jeans look universally good on any body type, if you ask me. A person with a shorter torso, however, might benefit from opting for a low-rise option; otherwise, the baggy fit can seem overwhelming on the frame. This is non-stretch cotton, and reviewers note that the style runs small, so you may want to consider ordering two sizes and see which fits better. Zhang recommends this as a high-quality low-rise option that won’t stretch or slide down with time.
Who It’s For: With an inseam length of 32 inches, these pants will fit tall figures the best.
Material: Cotton | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 32 inches | Size: 24–32
Best Straight-Leg: Caron Callahan Joni Jean
Why We Love It: With the slightest flare at the ankle, this pair of jeans has a unique shape that defines the legs. The effect is to have your legs look long and lean but also clearly defined from top to bottom—which, as a short-waisted person, may be exactly what you need. It also fits straight through the hip, which means it's not too fitted at the waist (the better to be able to tuck in your top and give some much-needed definition at the waist). If you're like me, and you wear straight-leg jeans all the time, investing in a pricier pair means that it becomes your go-to: it looks great with everything, you wear it frequently, and you constantly prioritize it over other jeans. (If you're interested in building a capsule, in other words, this is your pick.)
Who It’s For: Not just short, but straight torsos that aren’t too curvy will enjoy how the waist is not fitted on these pants.
Material: Cotton | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 27.75 inches | Size: 24–32
Best Boyfriend: Frame The Slouchy Straight
Why We Love It: If you are unfamiliar, Frame has amassed celeb-level fame for its well-made pieces that are designed to hug the body perfectly. So, if you like the idea of a boyfriend jean but worry that they’ll look too relaxed (i.e. slouchy and sloppy), I’d bet this pair would be your perfect fit. The mid-rise style has a soft, lived-in feel, but the denim is still non-stretch and high-quality for a construction that won’t lose its shape with many wears and washes. It's also mid-blue and vintage-inspired, so it works for a variety of contexts and outfits. Not to mention—a more relaxed pair of jeans pairs well with a structured top or jacket, so if you happen to like your Oxford shirts and blazers, this is a great piece to pair them with.
Who It’s For: Anyone looking for a polished boyfriend look. The 28-inch inseam is also short enough to look like a cropped cut on average-to-tall frames.
Material: Cotton | Colors: 3 | Inseam: 28 inches | Size: 23–34
Best High-Rise: Baum Und Pfergarten Nicette Jeans
Why We Love It: This is the Hannah Montana of wide-leg jeans (i.e. the best of both worlds). It has a wider leg and high rise, but the width is not extreme, and there’s stretch around the waist for comfort. In other words, you get the wide-leg feel without it looking overwhelming on your body. And while the rise is high, a short-waisted person can define their waist without making their torso look even shorter. The white and gray washes look great, but you can’t beat the classic dark blue denim.
Who It’s For: Those looking for a balance of stretch and structure in a pair of high-waisted jeans.
Material: Cotton, elastane | Colors: 5 | Inseam: 32.6–33.7 inches | Size: 34–44
Best Low-Rise: Mavi Emma Slim Boyfriend Jeans
Why We Love It: Mavi jeans are high-caliber, so even though these have a higher percentage of viscose and polyester than others on this list, the fabric is designed for maximum stretch and softness without sacrificing quality. This rise hits lower on your abdomen but is designed to stay in place, instead of sliding off your hips like many low-rise jeans. You may need to have these jeans hemmed, since the 32-inch inseam is long, or you could cuff them so they hit right at your ankle bone.
Who It’s For: Low-rise jeans will truly elongate your torso, but remember that these options are quite long. For this reason, these are great if you are someone who has long legs and a short torso.
Material: Lyocell, cotton, viscose, polyester, elastane | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 32 inches | Size: 24–33
What to Keep in Mind
Length: When in doubt about your inseam, get measured by a tailor so you know where jeans should fall on your body. The general advice is to go with a cropped or ankle-length jean to keep your legs from looking even longer, proportionally. According to Singla, "A cropped hem creates an illusion of a longer figure by exposing a small part of your ankle." She does add, however, not to, show any more than that. “Otherwise it looks like your pants are too high." A longer jean may work, but only if you have a short torso and short legs.
Rise: Low-rise jeans make a short torso look longer, but can also draw attention to the stomach area. Zhang notes, "Although we may not all be ready for ultra low-rise, sizing up on a favorite pair of jeans to sit lower on the waist lends a relaxed, effortless attitude to your outfit." Meanwhile, a mid rise is the compromise between low and high rises, and many short-waisted women like it best. Unlike the low-rise, it covers the belly button and waist, while still defining the torso. If you haven't tried a mid-rise style, it might be the happy medium you're looking for. Finally, Singla likes high-rise jeans for short-waisted women who also have shorter-than-average legs. In other cases, Voos notes, covering your midsection with your jeans will shorten your silhouette. Obarski agrees: “High-rise jeans will give the illusion of a longer leg but will shorten the torso.”
Cut: Several styles flatter short-waisted women. According to Zhang, “Both straight-leg and wide-leg jeans are universally flattering and create a longline silhouette.” Straight-leg jeans make legs look super long, and this visually draws the eye to the legs, not the waist. Obarski notes that she likes jeans with vertical lines, including “denim with pleats at the front that will draw your eye down and create the illusion of length.”
Stretch: As noted throughout this story, rigid non-stretch denim lasts a long time (and is a great investment) but can also be uncomfortable to the point of chafing, depending on your body. Jeans with stretch can be extremely comfortable but may not hold their shape over time. Look for jeans with a low percentage of stretchy material.
Wash: "Dark wash jeans are more elongating than light wash denim," says Singla, but medium washes are very classic. Experiment here; it can also be beneficial to have a variety for every occasion.
Your Questions, Answered
What should I avoid if I have a short torso?
Stylists don't tend to forbid a style for anyone, particularly if they love it. "I always tell my clients to wear what they feel most comfortable and confident in—that said, it’s important to consider which proportions work best with your body type," Obarski says.
What is the best fit for a short torso?
Keep this general tip from Singla in mind: "Women with short torsos need to find balance by adding length in various ways. The goal is to not only enhance your natural shape but to visually look taller and keep a balance between your torso and lower body." She likes high- and mid-rise for their waist-defining properties, and notes that low-rise jeans can work if you don't mind emphasizing your stomach area. "There really are options of denim for every body shape and for whatever silhouette or style you're looking for."
All the items on this list will work for short-waisted women, but generally, straight-leg, wide-leg, and flare jeans will lengthen the leg without making the torso look shorter. Skinny jeans are also great, but only if they're mid-rise and not too cropped. Obarski encourages her clients to "play around with the leg shape of your denim, and try various bootcut, straight, or flare jean styles, all of which offer a slightly more relaxed leg that will balance your shape." You can also experiment with rolling up or "cuffing" your jeans if they still feel too long when you put them on, although cuffing works best with skinny and straight-leg jeans.
How can I make my short torso look longer?
The first tip is to define the waist. This might sound counterintuitive since tucking in your top might make you feel like you're "cutting off" your waist in the middle, but when you're wearing lower-rise pants, it's creating the illusion that your waist is lower than it is. An overly long top, by contrast, won't give you any shape and might overwhelm your smaller proportions. Tucking your shirt in gives "a clean, streamlined look that balances out proportions effectively," says Singla.
If you're not interested in tucking in your shirt, try a top that hits a bit below your natural waist to create the same illusion. Voos says that vertical stripes, V-necks, and scoop necklines are best for elongating a short torso. Monochrome dressing is flattering, too, according to Singla, because there is no break in colors between the top and bottom. “The one color from head to toe is elongating and visually more balanced. You want to avoid a sharp contrast in colors between your top and bottom."
Another way to style yourself? “Bring the eye line upwards!” says Zhang. “A pair of jeans looks great with a classic top with a higher neckline. Keep the interest going toward the top of your head—accessories such as baseball caps, bold jewelry, sunglasses, and hair ties to bring attention to the face. Flat sandals are the finishing touch to ground the outfit.” “Layering with a 'third piece' can also help balance your body proportions. A cropped jacket or a blazer that ends at the waist can add structure to your upper body without overwhelming it," Singla says.
Why Shop With Us
Katherine J. Igoe is a contributing writer covering fashion trends and products. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and Byrdie, to name a few. For this story, she compiled insights from our in-house testers, read dozens of online reviews, and rounded up our top picks. She also spoke with the below experts.
Naina Singla is a fashion stylist, style expert, and on-air commentator.
Jillian Obarski is a Stitch Fix stylist whose expertise lies in outfitting moms at every stage of motherhood.
Victoria Voos is a plus-size fashion blogger and body positivity advocate.
Linda Cui Zhang is the Associate Fashion Director at Nordstrom.
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