The Best Petite Work Pants For Women – Beth Ferguson

At 5″ 1/2,” it is safe to say that I am a petite woman. Yes, I have been at that height for most of my life. I think since middle school. It is something that I have gotten used to over the years. I am always joking that I am vertically challenged. When you are vertically challenged many other things can also be challenging. One is finding pants that fit my petite frame, specifically work pants. Yes, those professional-looking pants. The pants that everyone needs to have one or two good pairs hanging in the closet that fit beautifully. You just never know when you are going to need to pull them out and look fabulous.

Before we look at some of the best options I have found for dress pants to wear in work or professional scenarios here are some other petite fashion-related posts I have written that you might want to check out.

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Best Work Pants For Petites

Needless to say, shopping as a petite woman can get expensive. Seems as if we are always needing alterations. So that is something we must keep in mind when purchasing work pants or any garments for our closet. One thing that I swear by is knowing my measurements. Here’s a great guide to help you if you don’t know yours. I have my seamstress do mine and keep them in the notes section of my phone and on my laptop so I can easily access them when shopping online.

My go-to brands/Stores to Shop for Petite Work Pants

In the last few years, many brands have really expanded or even launched their petite pant offerings. Each of us has a totally unique body shape. So just like anything else we have to try try again until we find that fit that not only looks good on our body but also makes us feel confident when we are wearing them. Confidence is key after all.

So let’s take a look at some of the brands/stores that have multiple styles of work pants for us to choose from. You can click on the images below to shop them directly.

Ann Taylor

When you think of Ann Taylor stores, you immediately think of work wear. Rightfully so. They have a timeless classic approach to their clothing. Their petite clothing is made to fit petite frames. So whether you are looking for work pants or a blouse to make an OOTD you know that the seams are going to fall where they need to fall and lengths are going to work. Another thing that I love about many of their pants is that they come in a Petite Regular and a Petite Curvy. I am a curvy girl and it is so nice not to have to have the waistline adjusted.

These side zip pants are a favorite of mine. It’s always nice to see them back in new colors each season. For fall and winter, I love this chocolate brown. When I first put them on my mouth dropped open. Not one alteration was needed. It is my favorite style of work pants…..a side zip. They are comfortable to sit in and there is no extra bulk in the tummy area.

What I like about their website is that they break down the pants by the leg type. Each of us has a style that we feel our best in and they make it very easy to shop. It’s also nice that they will bring back the same styles season after season, just in different colors. If something works, why not have it in multiple colors? Am I right?

J.Crew

J.Crew is known for its classic, preppy style. They have been one of my go-to brands for years. You know that when you buy a pair of pants or work pants from them, they will not look dated the next season. What is nice is that once you find a cut that works from their petite pants selection you pretty much know that you can see it again next season (at least for a couple of years). Sometimes they will make a tweak to the pants. This year the Pixie pant got an update and now has a back zipper which is a fun alternative to have in the closet. I am wearing it in the photo above with the camel sweater.

Another nice feature with their petite works pants is that in some styles like the Kate (my favorite fit) they will offer more than one fabric type. If you are into fun, bright colors for your work pants, as well as, the usual neutrals then J.Crew is the place for you. I love this bright blue for this spring.

Petite Studio NYC

Petite Studio NYC is a slow fashion brand based in New York. Their things are designed by petite women for petite women. You can depend upon their things to fit your petite frame the way that they should fit and fall. Each season they have a curated selection of pieces that you can depend upon for being fashionable and well-made. You can read more about some of their signature pieces in this review that I did on the brand.

Each season they have a small, curated collection of pants. They are usually made off of the same pattern so you can easily order a new color or fabric. You can see this season’s pant selection here.

I always like supporting woman-owned businesses. The fact that they are also a sustainable fashion brand is a bonus in my opinion.

M.M. LaFleur

M.M. LaFleur is a woman-founded business that is all about women succeeding. Not just in business, but in life. They are known for their Power Casual workwear. If you are all about capsule wardrobes and having quality pieces that mix and match, then this is the brand that is for you. Their pieces are travel-friendly and are made to work for your life. So think board room to the soccer field to dinner.

What makes so many of their pants petite-friendly is the hidden buttons for hemming. Their best-selling Foster pant is best known for this feature. Other styles that have this feature are the Hockley jeans and the Archie pants.

Spanx

Spanx is a name that we all know too well. In the last several years they have expanded way beyond shapewear. Why not have your shapewear built into your pants? Their pants are ones that I would say are good to have for that day when you want to have a little extra shaping and support in just the right places. Most of the work pants from Spanx come in black or navy blue and are a part of the Perfect Collection. Can one ever have too many black pants?

Some of the styles are available in more color options. The slim straight is available in five color options and the wide leg is available in four neutral colors.

Boden

Boden is a UK-based retailer. They have a great, easy-to-navigate website. They value a great fit and offer petite clothes in sizes 2 to 22. Even though I am in the United States, I find their shipping and returns process seamless and timely.

They always have a good selection of pant styles, fabrics, and color choices. Their ponte knits and jersey pants are great for most months out of the year, depending upon your climate. Whether you are looking for a fun print, a plaid, or a solid. Boden will have something for you in their pants section each season.

Other Places to Shop

White House Black Market

White House Black Market is built upon fashion’s iconic contrast – Black & White. Even though many of their pieces are black or white, you will still find plenty of other colors in their stores and on their website.

Their styles are modern yet classic and timeless. You will find many pieces to wear to work or for casual. They are known for workwear pieces that you can mix and match. Resulting in a wardrobe that works for you.

Each season they have some of the same pants so if you need a refresh it is easy to do so. Once you find the cut and pattern that works with your body from their design team it makes shopping online with them so easy. I know my local store does not carry petites, but the website says that all petite items come with free shipping and returns.

Amazon

It never ceases to amaze me when I look on Amazon for specific things. Yes, you can search that website for almost anything and find what you are looking for. Check out all of the 4-5 star reviews for this bootcut black pant has and this straight-leg black pant. For under $50 they are worth a try. Obviously, thousands of women have purchased them and been very happy.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic always has a great selection of petite clothing. From dresses, blazers, tees and pants. For some reason, their pants do not fit my body without quite a few alterations. That doesn’t mean that I don’t buy other petite pieces from them. It’s just their pants are not for me and that is OK. They always have great-looking pants and they may work for your body.

Thanks, Let’s Keep In touch!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I truly appreciate every read, click, save, pin, and forward. I hope that this post helped you find some pants that you will enjoy when you need to look professional and pulled together. Looking good and being comfortable at the same time is always a priority. It just gives us that extra boost of confidence.

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Updated January 2024.