Despite what social media likes to make you think, not all guys are six feet tall and sample size. In fact, the average male in the United States stands at the 5’9″ mark. So why is it so damn difficult to find the best jeans for short men?
Thankfully, brands are starting to wake up—realizing that one size definitely doesn’t fit all. And while there’s still room for improvement, there’s now at least enough choice to pull together a selection of the essential styles on the market.
Keep reading for my round-up of jeans for short men, plus tips on what to look for in your ideal pair.
Key Takeaways
Even if you’re average height, it doesn’t take long before you find out that the majority of men’s clothing is designed for guys who can see over next door’s fence. But such is life. So, we stand up straight (I’m told that’ll give you another inch) and work with what we have (which is now probably more than ever before).
My guide is going to pull out the best jeans for short men—making your denim shopping experience considerably more enjoyable. You’ll find styles for every budget, a variety of washes, and must-have designs like Asket’s and Wax London’s mid-blue pair. There’ll also be a sprinkle of handy shopping tips for good measure.
When it comes to buying clothes, having a short frame certainly has its challenges. From rolling up sleeves to pulling up your slacks, it’s a sartorial nightmare. And when you’re shopping for the best jeans for short men? It gets even tougher.
Akset offers these washed jeans in slim or regular fit (the former would be ideal) and a 30” inseam for little legs. They’re made from 13oz Italian denim that’s been softened and finished with a characterful wash that ensures they’ll acquire unique character over time. You can wear them with pretty much anything, but I’d suggest a plain white tee and high-top Chucks.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-36 | Inseam: 30-34 | Style: Tapered
Being a self-confessed sneakerholic, I’m always on the lookout for new jeans to wear with my kicks. And when searching for a blue pair, I continually find myself going back to Isto (who uses sustainable fabrics and a green, transparent, water-efficient supply chain).
Cut from durable yet soft 13oz Italian denim, the label’s everyday jeans are as classic as they come. You can roll them up in the summer with canvas sneakers and a plain white tee or throw on some boots and a chunky sweater during the fall.
Material: 76% Organic Cotton, 24% Post Consumer Recycled Cotton | Sizes: 28-38 | Inseam: 30-32 | Style: Slim
Since its inception in 2012, Represent has gone on to become one of Britain’s finest fashion exports. Amongst its catalog of super slick streetwear, they offer an extremely popular denim range that has been cut to suit guys of all builds and heights.
Soft with plenty of stretch, the Destroyer jeans come in a vintage wash with distressed detailing at the knees. They’ll feel at home with an oversized tee and statement sneakers but will look just as good with chunky knitwear and biker boots.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 28-38 | Inseam: 30.9 | Style: Slim
From Levi’s to Wrangler, there are a bunch of go-to denim brands that have been doing it longer than you’ve been out of diapers. But in addition to these big names, there are now plenty of fresh faces getting in on the act—including Wax London. Established in 2015, they use carefully sourced materials to make timeless clothing that can be worn time and time again.
These mid blue jeans are part of the label’s debut denim collection, and I have no doubt they’ll become a mainstay in your wardrobe. They have been pre-laundered to give them the look of an old favorite and come in a slim shape that suits all body shapes (including short ones). Wear them with a ribbed vest, open shirt, and canvas sneakers for a warm-weather outfit that’ll rake in the compliments.
Material: 100% Cotton | Sizes: 28-38 | Inseam: 30 | Style: Slim
It’s not only the size and fit of your jeans that are key for short men. The right color can also help bring the attention away from stocky bottom halves. Instead, focusing on your outfit as a whole (giving off the illusion you’re a bit taller than you actually are).
This black pair from H&M is not only suitable for the job at hand but will leave you with change from a $50 bill (so they fall firmly into the cheap jeans category). As versatile as they are flattering, they’re slim from the waist and through the thighs—with a little stretch for added comfort.
Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Spandex | Sizes: 28-44 | Inseam: 30-34 | Style: Slim
Your search for the best jeans for short men was always going to lead you to Amazon. But with so many different options to get through (from white jeans to timeless blue), you need someone to point you in the right direction. If you hadn’t already guessed, I’m talking about me.
These slim-fit jeans are available in a range of waist sizes and go down to a 28” inseam (which, unless you visit a tailor, is one of the shortest cuts you’re going to get). Not only suitable for shorter frames, they’re super versatile—looking the part with shirts, sweaters, tees, and much more.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 28-42 | Inseam: 28-36 | Style: Slim
Trends come and go, but a pair of classic blue jeans will forever be in fashion. Whether you’re exploring the city or grabbing coffee with friends, some slim-fitting denim will ensure you always look the part.
This pair from Levi’s are ideal for everyday wear, whether you wear them with a shirt and boots or a tee and sneakers. They’re crafted with a little stretch for comfort and come in a versatile mid-blue wash that will look great with just about everything in your wardrobe. The fit is cut perfectly between skinny and a regular taper.
Material: 70% Cotton, 28% Lyocell, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 28-40 | Inseam: 30-36 | Style: Tapered
No one understands the difficulty of finding the best jeans for short men as much as, well, short guys. So you can safely say that Under 510 has got your best interests at heart. Founder, Elie, stands at 5’7 and decided to set up shop after growing tired of leaving the mall empty-handed. He now offers a range of high-quality garments for men who are (you guessed it) under 5’10.
The Zak jeans are made from premium denim with added stretch and a super soft handle. They’re available in waists 28-40 and inseams 25-27—so you should have no problem finding your perfect pair (although they do recommend sizing up on the former). You could team them with flannel shirts, sweaters, or graphic tees, and they’re versatile enough to wear with your favorite shoes or sneakers.
Material: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane | Sizes: 28-40 | Inseam: 25-27 | Style: Slim
Although your parents probably won’t understand, jeans that look like they’ve already been worn are a must-have for every denim collection. FYI: this doesn’t mean coffee stains and holes in the crutch are okay; you should be looking at vintage washes and fabrics (such as selvedge) that get better with age.
But before you go running off to your local thrift store, you’d be wise to check out my next pick. The Lean Dean is a slim and slightly tapered bestselling style from Nudie Jeans. Washed to a blue-grayish tone, they feature preserved dark tones at the folds and seams to create that all-important authentic worn-in look.
Material: 99% Cotton, 1% Elastane | Sizes: 24-38 | Inseam: 30-36 | Style: Slim Tapered
Justin Bieber. Travis Scott. Lenny Kravitz. Three huge names in the music biz, all under average in the height department. But do they let this stop them wearing awesome denim? Hell no. And neither should you.
Jack & Jones’ Glen Blair jeans are the perfect choice for adding a little attitude to your ensembles—whether you’re heading on a first date or having after-work drinks with friends. They’re cut to a slim and stretchy fit and will pair well with graphic tees and a wide range of footwear options.
Material: 67% Cotton, 32% Polyester, 1% Elastane | Sizes: 27-36 | Inseam: 30-36 | Style: Slim
What To Look For In The Best Jeans For Short Men
Length
To ensure you’re finding the best jeans for short men, numbers matter. Take down your inside leg measurements and always compare them with the length given by any prospective purchase. It can also be a good idea to check out the model’s height and how they fit on them.
Style
The style of jeans you choose will be influenced by your dress sense and when you plan to wear them. For everyday wear, it’s wise to keep it plain and simple (like black jeans). This will allow for ultimate versatility and give you the most
Fit
When it comes to finding the best jeans for short men, the fit of your denim can be just as important as the length. Certain fits can help you appear taller, while others will have the opposite effect. In a nutshell, avoid low-rise, baggy styles, and opt for slim or tapered. And don’t forget to look out for added stretch for ultimate comfort.
Final Verdict
While I’ve not been able to address all of the sartorial dilemmas faced by guys below average height, I can at least now sleep at night knowing you’ll soon be strutting your stuff in the best jeans for short men.
With stylish options like Asket’s, you’ll have no trouble upgrading your denim collection for the seasons ahead. They’re slim, made from 13oz Italian denim, and will only look better over time.
FAQ
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Firstly, buy jeans that fit. The inside leg length should match your measurements, so get yourself comfortable with regularly jotting yours down (all you need is a tape measure). You’ll also want to avoid styles (baggy or low-rise) that make you look stocky or extra short. In general, stick to slimmer cuts that help make your legs look longer than they may actually be. It’s up to you whether you want to opt for particular denim such as Japanese or selvedge.
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Skinny, or better yet, slim, are the best jeans for short men. Unlike loose-fitting denim or dad jeans, a pair of slim jeans will help balance out your proportions—giving off the illusion of longer legs.
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The shortest length available for jeans will vary depending on the brand you are buying from. Generally speaking, 30” is the most common, but there are still plenty of places where you can find a 28”. If you’re looking for shorter ones, they are available, but your options will unfortunately shrink.
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