Old Navy Short vs. Petite: Sizing comparison [2026]

The key distinction between Old Navy's Short inseam and their Petite sizing line is one of proportion versus simple length. “Short” refers to a shorter inseam option within the regular sizing system, made for those with shorter legs but an average-sized torso. "Petite" is a completely distinct sizing system designed for women 5'4" and under, featuring not just a shorter inseam but also a shorter rise and proportionally smaller measurements throughout the entire garment.

Here’s what you need to know about each sizing system to find the perfect Old Navy fit for your body type.

Old Navy Short Inseam

Old Navy's "Short" option is an inseam length offered within their standard sizing range. It's meant for shoppers who find "Regular" length pants and shorts too long but don't need the other proportion adjustments that come with a true petite fit. Think of it as a customization for leg length, not a change in the overall size or cut of the garment.

• What it is: A sizing option for women, typically between 5'4" and 5'7", who have proportionally shorter legs for their height.
• Key features: Shorter pant leg relative to the regular inseam, usually by about 2 inches. All other proportions - like the rise (crotch to waistband distance) and knee placement - remain the same as the "Regular" fit.
• Price: Same as Regular length options.
• Sizing/Fit: Ideal if your main sizing issue is excess fabric bunching at your ankles. The fit in the hips, waist, and seat is identical to the standard sizes.
• Pros: Solves the simple problem of pant legs being too long. Eliminates the need for hemming. Available for many popular pants and jean styles. Can be a great fit for those with average torsos but shorter legs.
• Cons: Does not address fit issues like a rise that's too long, gaping at the back of the waistband, or knee pads on jeans landing on your shins. It is not a comprehensive solution for a smaller frame.

This is the perfect choice for someone whose only complaint about standard pants is that they are too long.

Shop Old Navy Women's Bottoms: oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=5667

Old Navy Petite Sizing

The Petite collection from Old Navy is a dedicated sizing category created specifically for those 5'4" and under. Unlike the "Short" inseam, Petite sizing reengineers the entire silhouette. Every key measurement - inseam, rise, knee placement, hip-to-waist ratio, and sometimes even sleeve length on tops - is scaled down for a proportionately smaller body frame.

• What it is: A complete sizing system for women 5'4" and under.
• Key features: Shorter inseams, a shorter rise so the waistband sits properly at the natural waist, and adjusted knee placement. Pockets and other details are scaled down for a balanced look.
• Price: Same as Regular length options.
• Sizing/Fit: Designed for an all-over smaller frame, not just shorter legs. A size 6 Petite is proportioned smaller than a size 6 Regular in every way.
• Pros: Provides a much better overall fit from waist to ankle. Prevents a baggy seat or bunching at the knees. The rise hits comfortably at the natural waist without going too high. Offers a "fits-right-off-the-rack" experience.
• Cons: Style selection can sometimes be more limited than in the Regular range. May not work for someone who is under 5'4" but has a longer torso and shorter legs (a "Short" inseam might work better).

This is the ideal option for women 5'4" and under who find that regular-sized clothes feel too big all over, not just too long.

Shop Old Navy Petite Collection: oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=5833

Old Navy Short vs. Petite Comparison

Inseam & Length

This is the most straightforward difference. A "Short" inseam is typically 2 inches shorter than the "Regular" inseam for the same style. For example, a Regular pair of jeans might have a 31" inseam, while the Short version has a 29" inseam.

A "Petite" inseam is also shorter, often comparable to or slightly shorter than the "Short" length. The crucial difference is that this shorter length is part of a garment that has been completely rescaled. Its purpose is to fit a proportionally smaller body, not just to offer a shorter pant leg.

Proportion & Fit (Rise, Knees, Hips)

Proportion is where the real distinction lies. "Short" sizing only affects the vertical length from the knee down. The rise - the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband - is identical to the "Regular" size. For a truly petite person, this can mean the rise comes up too high on their stomach or creates unwanted fabric bunching.

Petite styles solve this by featuring a shorter rise tailored for a shorter torso. This ensures the pants sit correctly on the waist. The outseam (total length from waistband to hem) is also shorter, knee placement is higher, and the hip-to-waist fit is adjusted, preventing the bagginess that petite frames often experience with regular clothing.

Who Each One Works Best For

The "Short" inseam is best for individuals who hover around average height (around 5'4" to 5'7") but have shorter legs and an average-length torso. If standard pants fit you well everywhere except the length, "Short" is your straightforward solution.

Petite sizing is fundamentally designed for women 5'4" and under who need a garment to match their smaller frame from top to bottom. If pants are consistently too long, the knees are in the wrong place, and the waist gaps or rides up too high, you need the all-over proportional adjustments of the Petite collection.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to identifying whether your primary fit issue is length or overall proportion.

Choose the "Short" inseam if:

• You are between 5'4" and 5'7", but regular pants always feel too long.
• The waist, hips, and seat of regular-fit pants fit you perfectly.
• Pants marketed as "high-rise" sit comfortably at your natural waist without going too high.
• Your only fit challenge is bunching fabric around your ankles.

Choose the "Petite" size if:

• You are 5'4" or under.
• Standard pants not only drag on the floor but also feel baggy in the seat and thighs.
• The built-in knee shape on jeans always lands closer to your shins.
• The waistband on regular high-rise pants often comes up to your ribcage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Old Navy Short and Petite?

"Short" is a length option that only changes the inseam length of a regular-sized garment. "Petite" is a comprehensive sizing category for women 5'4" and under, with proportions redesigned all over, including a shorter rise, shorter inseam, and higher knee placement.

Can I wear Petite if I am taller than 5'4”?

Possibly, but it’s uncommon. A person taller than 5'4" with an exceptionally short torso and longer legs might find a good fit in some Petite tops or dresses, but Petite pants would likely be too short in the leg.

Can I wear a Short inseam if I'm shorter than 5'4”?

You can, but it may not address all your fit issues. If you have a longer torso for your height, a Short inseam pant might offer the right leg length without the rise feeling too constricting, a common issue some petite women with longer torsos face in Petite sizing.

How much shorter is Old Navy's Short inseam?

Typically, the Short inseam is about 2 inches shorter than the Regular inseam. The Long inseam is usually 2 inches longer than the Regular.

Is Old Navy Petite true to size?

Yes, Old Navy Petite is generally considered true to size for a petite frame. Choose your usual size (e.g., 4, 8, 12), but in the Petite category, to get the right proportions.

Do all Old Navy pants come in Short and Petite?

Not all, but a very large selection of their most popular styles, especially jeans and Pixie pants, are offered in a wide range of sizes including Short, Regular, Long, and Petite.

How is "Short" different from "Cropped" pants?

"Short" is a fit modification that shortens the inseam of a full-length pant. "Cropped" refers to a specific style of pant that is designed to end above the ankle, between the calf and ankle, regardless of your height or size category.

Should I choose based on my height or my inseam?

Use both to guide you. If you are 5'4" or under, start with the Petite section. If you are taller but just need less length, opt for the Short inseam. Knowing your inseam measurement (the length from your crotch to your ankle) is always helpful and can be compared to the size charts on Old Navy's website.