Jeans for Short Men: A Complete Guide to Getting Your Best Fit

This in-depth guide to jeans for shorter men contains everything you need to know about wearing denim that fits and flatters your build.

Regardless of height, jeans might be the most important wardrobe staple any guy can own. Even if you stick to a capsule wardrobe, you’ll most definitely have a pair of jeans on hand. Since they are an essential part of your closet, finding a pair that fits you just right is crucial. Luckily, many brands manufacture jeans for short men. 

If you’re not dedicated to denim, you may ask, “Why jeans?” Well, the short answer is that they are the ultimate casual pants. You can wear them on the weekends or after work, and there are also options for smart casual and business casual settings. They truly offer versatility to your wardrobe. However, if they don’t fit, you won’t look polished, and they certainly won’t flatter your frame. 

If you’re searching for a new pair of jeans, The Modest Man has you covered. We’ll break down exactly what shorter guys should look for before buying their next pair of jeans. We’ll also make a few suggestions on the best places to buy denim for short guys. Let’s get started.

How Jeans Should Fit: A Short Guy Primer

Here at The Modest Man, we firmly believe that jeans that fit close to your frame are the best option. Maybe you’ve never considered slim-cut denim. Or, perhaps you’re on the short and stout side and not sure they’d look good on you. We encourage you to reconsider – you’d be surprised. 

Slim-fit jeans (which means jeans cut close to the body) work well for every male body type. Relaxed or baggy-fit jeans often cover the thighs but leave too much excess fabric around your calves and ankles. This just makes short guys look shorter and adds bulk to stocky guys. On the other hand, if skinny jeans are too skinny, you’ll look like you’ve painted your jeans on. Neither look is a good one. 

So, how should your jeans fit? You should focus on the waist, hip, rise, length, and how your denim fits through the leg. We’ll break each of these down to ensure you’ve got the fit down pat. 

How Jeans Should Fit Through the Waist

First things first, when choosing a pair of jeans, you want them to stay up without a belt. Belts are great for an extra quarter or half-inch. But more than that, the fabric will start to fold around the waistband. If your jeans are too big, this creates odd creasing folds in the front and seat. 

You don’t want to go too loose or too tight, either. Ultimately, your jeans should be comfortable. If your jeans push into your stomach when you sit down, they’re too tight. However, I always recommend taking a peek at the cotton content of your denim. A higher cotton content means your denim is more likely to stretch out with wear. If that’s the case, I suggest sizing down, provided it’s comfortable, even if it’s a snug fit. 

If your jeans are an elastane/cotton or poly/cotton blend, the manufacturer has designed them with stretch so they are comfortable and keep their shape. If that’s the case, stick with your normal size. 

How Jeans Should Fit Through the Hips

Getting the right fit through your hips is critical. Your jeans need to fit around the widest part of your lower half. If you get a pair of jeans that fit in the waist but are too tight in the hip, you risk having a major blowout when you bend over or squat down. And while some of our tips are for style, we’d also like to help preserve your dignity. 

If you go too relaxed in the hip area, you’ll become overwhelmed with excess fabric. Plus, too much fabric gives you the saggy- or diaper-butt effect, and no one wants that. Like the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, your jeans should fit just right through the hips. You should be able to move freely, and they should accentuate your natural shape. Additionally, denim that is too big through the hip may also cause waistband gapping. 

The Ideal Jeans Rise

Many times, guys overlook the rise of pants and jeans. Typically, it’s a factor for women’s denim, but you’ll likely not see the rise emphasized with men’s jeans. That’s a problem, as the rise of your jeans ensures you get a good fit. Until you spend time learning about this measurement, the rise is just one of those je ne nais quoi factors. 

The front rise of your jeans (or pants) is the measurement from the crotch seam to the waistband. The back rise starts at the crotch, through the seat of your jeans and to the top of the waistband. There are typically three types of rises: low, mid and high. 

Mid-rise jeans are usually your best bet for comfort and aesthetics. Low-rise jeans can be uncomfortable and don’t work in business settings. High-rise jeans work well for older gents as they sit higher on the waist and flatten the stomach. However, high-rise jeans also cut the torso and make your upper body appear shorter than it is. 

In 60s and 70s fashion, you’ll find Sonny and Cher stomping around in their low-rise jeans. Late 80s and 90s fashion brought back the high-rise look, followed by the ultra-low-rise trend of 2000s style. The point is that trends come and go, but style is timeless, so stick with those mid-rise pants and jeans.

Jeans Fit Through the Leg and Leg Opening

The leg is the best place to cut out as much excess fabric as possible. Hence, we’re fans of slim-fit jeans and even skinny jeans with guys with thin legs. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “slim” guy, you’d be surprised how much taller and leaner you appear with slim-fit jeans. 

Your jeans should mimic the shape of your legs; therefore, the taper should follow your leg line. Try an athletic fit if you’re muscular through the thigh, and slim-fit jeans are cut too small. Athletic fit jeans often have a noticeable taper through the leg but give you ample room in the seat and thigh. 

Speaking of taper, pay attention to the leg opening on your jeans. This refers to the diameter of the ankle of the pant leg. Smaller leg openings mean more taper. Often, if you’re used to wearing straight or relaxed-fit jeans, you’ll find that the opening is the same width as the thigh. If that’s the case, you’re in extra fabric territory. Generally, you should look for a leg opening smaller than the thigh. 

Jeans Inseam and Break

You should not be a stranger to the term “inseam.” After all, most men’s jeans and pants are sized according to waist and inseam measurements. However, pant “break” may be new to you. The break refers to the amount of extra fabric that sits on your shoes. Longer pants have more break, while shorter pants have little to no break. 

Shorter gents should steer away from stacking or a full break. However, it’s common as most jeans feature a 30+ inch inseam. A full break tends to make short guys look even shorter. If you find that a common problem, you should have a good tailor on speed dial to help. If possible, choose a pair of jeans with an appropriate inseam that offers a slight or no break. 

Jeans for Shorter Men: Common Fit Issues

The fashion and clothing industry tends to look over guys under 5’8”. All too often, shorter guys end up paying extra for alterations. And, while this is money well spent, we encourage you to shop smarter. How so? Here’s what to watch out for when shopping for jeans as a man of modest height. 

Problem #1: Jeans That Are Too Long

You’ve probably seen it (and experienced it) a thousand times. Most brands just do not make inseams shorter than 30 inches. Therefore, almost everything you try on and buy is too long. Luckily, brands like Ash & Erie and Peter Manning NYC have helped to solve this problem. However, if you’re trying to salvage your favorite jeans, there are two ways to solve the length problem.

First, you can learn how to cuff your jeans properly. This method is fast, simple, and free. Or, utilize that aforementioned tailor and have them hem your jeans. While it’s a slower process, it ensures your jeans provide a perfect fit every time you put them on. 

Problem #2: The Details Are Off

As a woman with a short inseam, I am no stranger to the off-details of denim. Bootcut and flared jeans are a case in point. Most designer denim for women have long 34 to 36” inseams. This means that the start of the flare ends up hitting mid-calf on my leg versus after the knee. It’s unsightly. 

We can say the same for men’s denim. You may not have noticed if you’ve never bought denim or pants from a brand specializing in clothing for shorter men. However, many times, you may buy jeans that fit otherwise, but the pockets are placed too low on the seat. Or we may share the same experience with bootcut jeans. Unfortunately, these aren’t simple problems that a tailor can fix, or at least easily fix. 

When you visit the fitting room or try on your latest online purchase at home, pay attention to the details. Make sure the pocket size and placement are right for your build or stature. 

Problem #3: Jeans That Are Too Baggy

For modest men, especially those with an ectomorph body type, baggy jeans make you look like you’re wearing someone else’s pants. Think hand-me-downs from a big brother or a kid wearing your dad’s jeans. 

You should avoid relaxed and baggy jeans at all costs. However, I suggest trying a different denim fit if you want a “baggy” pair of jeans. For example, if you typically wear skinny or slim-fit jeans (as you should), try an athletic or straight fit. Both of these styles give you room for a baggy look without overwhelming your frame. 

Problem #4: The Rise Is Too Low

Low-rise jeans aren’t flattering for most body types. If you’re tall with long legs, they are a great option as they visually lengthen the torso. But if you’re reading this, odds are you fall on the other end of the spectrum. That’s perfectly okay, but low-rise jeans tend to make shorter guys’ legs look shorter. 

We can’t stress this enough. Pick mid-rise jeans. They will always be your best bet. They balance your torso and legs, which is a win-win.

Common Short Guy Style Questions Regarding Jeans

The reality is that finding the perfect pair of jeans is a challenge for anyone. However, it’s especially tricky for shorter men. On top of nailing fit, there’s a plethora of styles, fits and washes available. It’s no wonder why some guys throw in the towel and stick to their favorite pair of chinos. Don’t give up just yet. Here are the answers to common questions about styling jeans for short guys. 

Should Short Guys Wear Skinny Jeans?

If you prefer a skinny-leg pair of denim, by all means, wear them. In fact, if you have very slim legs, skinny jeans may be your best fit. Skinny fits, as long as they’re not skin tight, visually lengthen your leg. So, as a rule, remove as much fabric from the equation as you can without your jeans pulling taut across your skin. And, of course, the actual fit of skinny jeans varies widely across brands. 

Should Short Guys Cuff Their Jeans?

Short gents should absolutely cuff their jeans. After all, it’s one of the easiest, quickest, and cheapest solutions to shorten jeans that are too long. Keep in mind that cuffing is a casual move. Therefore, it’s not really appropriate for super formal settings (but you shouldn’t be wearing jeans to super formal settings anyway). If you like the look of cuffed jeans (or pants), go for it!

You’ll often hear the advice that cuffing your jeans makes short guys look shorter, but we disagree. Plenty of shorter guys do it all the time, and it looks fantastic. The key is to make sure the cuff isn’t too big. Go with 1-2 inches, not 3-4 inches. Also, cuffing doesn’t work with excessively long jeans. If your jeans are less than 3-4 inches too long, cuff them. Longer than that? It adds too much bulk to your ankle.

Bootcut Jeans for Men: Should Short Men Wear Them?

If you work in a position that requires boot coverage or just want to wear bootcut jeans, you should. Traditionally, bootcut jeans don’t work for shorter men. Remember my anecdote above regarding bootcut and flared jeans? The same situation applies to men. If you proudly wear a shorter inseam, bootcuts likely don’t flare at the appropriate spot on your leg. Then, if you alter your denim, you end up eliminating the boot flare. 

Finding a brand with short inseams for that off-the-rack fit is the key to wearing bootcut jeans. Wrangler jeans for men offer a few bootcut jeans with a 29” inseam. American Eagle also has bootcut styles with a 28” inseam. Last, I encourage you to also take a look at the retailer Buckle for bootcut jeans with a 28” inseam. While this retailer tends to cater towards trends, they have always been very inclusive with sizing. They carry men’s jeans in waist sizes 24” and up as well inseams 28” and up and extra short lengths. You’d be surprised at the many classic styles of denim they sell. 

Men’s Jeans With Boots: Which Denim Fit Do I Wear?

The fit or style of jeans you wear with boots entirely depends on the type of boot and your personal style. Traditionally, chukka boots, dress boots, and Chelsea boots look best with slimmer-leg jeans. Additionally, they look stellar with a cuffed hem that these slim styles of denim afford you. 

Likely, you’ll wear cowboy boots with bootcut jeans, hence the name. Take into account the substantial heel these boots have. They give you about an inch or so of extra height, so you might want bootcut jeans that are a little longer. 

Last, you can wear work boots with both slim-leg denim fits and bootcuts. It’s all a matter of style and personal preference. 

Where to Buy Jeans For Short Men

There’s no ifs and or buts about it. You deserve a pair of jeans built for your body. Today, shorter guys have more options than ever to find the perfect pair. Specialty brands like Ash & Erie and Under 510 cater to short men. Other mainstream brands like Levis and American Eagle finally offer shorter inseams on much of their denim collection. Finally, you have options!

It may be hard to find shorter inseams in-store, so we suggest purchasing online. Or, if you prefer to shop in person, try on longer jeans in-store to get a feel for fit. Then, order online. Many brands offer free shipping if they don’t have your size in stock. Other retailers like Uniqlo or Nordstrom offer in-house tailoring so you can get the right denim fit without even leaving the store. 

Here’s a list of tried-and-true retailers that offer short jeans for men. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s an excellent place to start if you’re rushing to buy new denim.

• Ash & Erie
• Under 510
• For the Fit
• Asket
• Peter Manning NYC
• Buck Mason
• Abbreviated
• American Eagle
• Levis

General FAQs regarding Jeans for Shorter Men

We’ve peppered you with a lot of information. If you need the TL;DR, these FAQs on jeans for short guys should suffice. However, we encourage you to go back and read through it when convenient. 

What Kind of Jeans Should a Short Man Wear?

Most short men look best in slim, tapered or straight-fit jeans. For the most streamlined appearance, choose a pair with a slight or no break. 

What Is the Shortest Length Men’s Jeans Come In?

The shortest inseam on men’s jeans is 25”. These come from specialty brands like Ash & Erie and Peter Manning NYC. However, you can find 28” inseam jeans from many mainstream brands like Levis, J.Crew, and American Eagle. 

How Can I Wear Jeans With Short Legs?

Wearing jeans as someone with short legs is all about finding the right fit and length and balancing your proportions. You don’t want your jeans to stack at your ankles, or you’ll create the appearance of an even shorter leg line. 

Should Shorter People Wear High-Waisted Jeans?

Yes, short people should wear high-waisted jeans, but proceed with caution. High-rise jeans elongate your leg line but at the token of shortening your torso. You may look off-balanced if you have a short torso and wear high-rise jeans. If this happens to you, stick to a mid-rise pair of jeans.

Do Wide Leg Jeans Look Good on Short Legs?

Wide-leg jeans don’t always look good on short legs; it’s truly about how you style them. First, wide-leg jeans can overwhelm a small, short stature. So, if you want to wear wide-leg or baggy jeans, ensure you are off-setting them with a slim shirt. Additionally, wide-leg or baggy jeans can lengthen your leg line. But only if they don’t stack at the ankle, on your shoe or the ground. The inseam is key here; you don’t want any stacking at the hem. Or anywhere else. 

What Type of Jeans Make You Look Taller?

Fitted jeans that sit on top of your shoes, giving you a slight break, make you look taller. Stick to black and dark wash jeans that help lengthen and lean out your frame. 

Do Skinny Jeans Look Good on Short Guys?

Yes, skinny jeans look good on short guys, especially if you’re thin. If you’re built stocky, try a slim or straight fit instead to avoid that painted-on feel. 

Conclusion: Your Perfect Pair of Jeans Does Exist

Now that you understand how jeans for short men should fit, you’ll be able to find the perfect pair in no time. I believe that if you find something you love, you should buy multiple pairs. If you’re in the same camp as me, don’t be afraid to pick up a few pairs. 

At the very least you should have two pairs of jeans. You can dress up (or down) a dark wash pair, plus, they are flattering. You should also have one lighter pair of jeans for casual wear or try a colored pair (maybe grey jeans or black jeans). You can take on whatever your week throws at you with two pairs of good-fitting jeans. 

Do you have a favorite pair of jeans? Tell us all about them in the comments below!