As a five-foot-tall shopping writer, you’d likely assume I’d have plenty of recommendations for petite pants, right? Here’s the shocking truth: I’ve never purchased a petite pair of pants *cue gasp.* I know it sounds strange, but I don’t mind the hassle of hemming my pants or occasionally cuffing them (a Nicole Kidman-approved denim trend). I have my reasons, though. For starters, brands rarely have petite sizes in store, and most of the time, they don’t have the style I want in a petite size.
I decided it was time to break out of my comfort zone and try out pants suited for my height, and since I’m headed to Miami at the end of the month, I did some digging to find travel-ready petite bottoms. To my surprise, I found a few stylish bottoms that have convinced me to give petite sizing a try. Below, I’ve curated a list of five petite travel bottoms I’m eyeing, with options from Spanx, Athleta, J.Crew, and more.
8 Writer-Approved Petite Travel Pants
Athleta Seasoft Mid Rise Straight Pants
Athleta
I have a difficult time shopping for sweatpants. I’ll buy a cropped style or a banded bottom, otherwise it’s a sure bet the bottoms will drag on the floor. While I don’t mind that when I’m in the comfort of my home, I can’t stand the idea of pulling my pants across the airport floor. This Athleta find is the exact style I’m looking for, and they come in petite sizing, plus in all eight colorways.
J.Crew Stratus Pants
J.Crew
J.Crew is a dream for petite shoppers. Almost all of its bottoms come in a petite option, including my favorite style: the Stratus Pants. I bought the classic length when I was shopping in-store, but I just added the petite size to my shopping cart. Not only are these pants incredibly comfortable, but they have a trouser-like appearance that will elevate any outfit. Also, the lightweight, pre-crinkled textured satin is great for traveling, whether you wear them on the plane or pull them out of a suitcase.
Gap Relaxed Sweater Pants
GAP
Winter is almost over, but I’ll wear a pair of sweater pants during any season. Made from 100 percent cotton, these breathable, petite bottoms have a luxurious look that will take my airport style to the next level. Plus, these knit pants have an elastic waistband for added comfort and a ribbed hemline that adds another chic touch.
Spanx Airessentials Wide Leg Pants
SPANX
It wasn’t until recently that I discovered Spanx makes more than just shapewear, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite loungewear brands. I own the Half Zip from the brand’s AirEssentials collection and can say that the fabric truly has an airy feel to it. It only makes sense to buy the wide-leg bottoms (that Oprah herself loves) to complete my travel attire. The roomy style comes in three size options: regular, petite, and tall, and in nine colorways, including a bold red and classic black shade.
Reformation Hallie Mid-Rise Pants
Reformation
A pair of sophisticated travel pants are never a bad idea to have on hand for those times you’re hopping off the plane and headed straight to dinner or a meeting. I found these petite pants from Reformation to be extremely versatile—you can easily dress them up or down. They’re made with a drapey, crepe fabric that makes any travel outfit look like an effortlessly cool, “straight-off-the-plane” celebrity paparazzi moment.
Keep scrolling for more of my petite travel pant picks, including options from Amazon and Lululemon.
Lululemon Softstreme High-Rise Pants
lululemon
Baleaf Fleece Lined Pants
Amazon
Lululemon Align High-Rise Mini-Flare Pants
lululemon