Levi’s Black Friday sale just started with 40% off sitewide with free shipping & free returns! I’ve been loving this brand again in recent years for their iconic vintage style denim and flattering back design. After trying several different styles, the 2 below are the petite-friendly options that I reach for the most. Both of these styles have that classic “old school Levi’s” feel, but also feel current and relevant right now.
As a heads up, different washes for the same style jean may vary in fit, denim thickness, and stretch. I placed a big order to try a few different washes, and shared my thoughts below on some favorites!
Sizing note: I got my usual size 24 waist in all the jeans below, consistent with my Abercrombie denim size. If the jeans feel snug at the waist in the beginning, they usually stretch out a little with wear. Previously I’ve sized up in both of these denim styles, but now prefer the fit of my true size.
1. Levi’s Wedgie Straight Jeans
Fit: TTS and available in 2 inseam options. These are a slim straight, high rise jean that hit ankle length on me in the shortest 26″ inseam. If you’re new to Levi’s jeans, this one in my opinion is their most versatile style that’s the easiest to pair with all kinds of footwear (flats, sneakers, boots, heels…). Also, one of my favorite features of their “Wedgie” line is how lifting the cut is from behind. My pancake rear has never looked so shapely in denim!
Wedgie Straight Washes I Like
- Space to Think is a medium wash in a medium/thick fabric weight, with a little more stretch than “Unstoppable Wear.” This one was my favorite looks & comfort wise. Pictured above.
- Unstoppable Wear is a slightly darker medium blue, with a more rigid feel. Pictured below.
Here’s how they compare to my other favorite jeans that have a similar slim ankle fit:
- Abercrombie ultra high rise ankle. These Levi’s jeans in the 26″ inseam fit similar to my A&F high rise ankle jean in “Short.” The Levi’s have a button fly, more “lift” at the rear, and are made of a thicker weight, more rigid-style denim.
- Madewell perfect vintage jeans. The Madewell jeans are a little more tapered and narrower at the leg opening compared to the Levi’s. I also need to shorten or cut my Madewell perfect vintage jeans, even in Petite sizing.
2. Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans
I discovered these unexpectedly through a friend’s teenage daughter, and they’ve quickly become one of my most-worn denim styles this past year!
Fit: TTS and available in 2 inseam options. These feature a super high rise, a relaxed straight cut, and the 27″ inseam length works perfectly on my 5 feet tall frame as a full length jean. As indicated by the style name, the length is intended to be ankle length on taller folks, but it’s just right on me for wearing with flats, sneakers or low heels without dragging on the floor.
Compared to the Wedgie Straight style reviewed above, these have a higher rise, longer length and fit looser from the hips through the legs.
Even though the Ribcage straight is popular with a younger crowd, it feels very wearable for me. I’m also inspired seeing the Ribcage style a lot on French fashionistas closer to me in age, looking chic simply with a classic white tee, a button down shirt, or a pullover sweater.
Ribcage washes I Like
- In the Middle – Light is more of a light medium, and this one is a Tencel blend making it a little more lightweight, thinner and soft than the washes listed below. See it on me above.
- Well Worn is a washed grey in a thicker weight denim. See it on me.
- Jazz Pop is a solid medium blue in a thicker weight denim. See it on me.
- Dark Indigo is a medium / dark blue in a thicker weight denim. This wash has just a faint touch of fading and is a nice option if you’re looking for a deeper blue color.
