If you’re under 5’4″, you know the struggle of finding the perfect pair of jeans all too well. As a petite woman, I’ve spent countless hours scouring the racks of my favorite stores, only to come up empty-handed. That is until I discovered Nelle Atelier, a petite fashion brand specifically designed for women under 5’4″. Their focus on providing stylish, well-fitting pieces for petite bodies has been a game-changer for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their existence.
Founded in November 2023, Nelle Atelier initially launched with a line of jeans, but has since expanded into other pants and outerwear, all made with a petite fit in mind. As a fellow petite woman, I was immediately drawn to their brand and curious to try out their pieces after seeing them on various petite influencers and fashion editors on my Instagram feed. And let me tell you, these jeans did not disappoint.
As someone who stands at 5’2″, jeans have always been a staple in my wardrobe. However, the shopping process has always been a journey. More often than not, I have to settle for “petite” or “short” lengths among more commercial brands like Madewell and Abercrombie, which limits my sizing and color options. And when it comes to higher-end denim brands like Frame and Mother Denim, I’m out of luck. I either have to spend extra money at the tailor or nervously try to cut the jeans myself. And even then, the fit is never quite right. It’s safe to say that finding the perfect pair of jeans has never been a quick, off-the-rack purchase for me.
But that all changed when I discovered Nelle Atelier and their range of petite-friendly jeans. With styles ranging from straight-leg and boyfriend jeans to high-rise and low-rise silhouettes, they truly have something for every petite woman. I decided to challenge myself and try out a pair of jeans that I wouldn’t normally reach for – the Nelle Atelier Lily Jean in Kohl ($268). And let me tell you, these jeans exceeded all of my expectations.
Their jeans are made from Candiani denim, created by an Italian denim manufacturer that uses sustainable materials. The fabric varies slightly depending on the style – the Lily, Laura, Claire, and Maddy are made of 100 percent cotton, while the Kate and Gabi are made of 98 percent cotton and 2 percent elastane. This not only ensures a comfortable and high-quality fabric, but also aligns with Nelle Atelier’s commitment to sustainability.
Their sizing ranges from 23 to 32, and I highly recommend taking your measurements in advance to find your perfect fit. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort. I sized up one size, as recommended, and ordered a size 27 in the Lily Jean. And let me tell you, these jeans fit like a dream. The barrel-leg style, which is fitted at the hips, baggy down the legs, and tapered at the ankles, may not be for everyone. But for me, it was incredibly flattering and versatile. Not only are they comfortable for everyday wear, but they also make a statement when paired with heels or dressed up for a night out.
One of the things I love most about Nelle Atelier is their “try before you buy” program. Through TryNow, you can order four pairs of jeans at a time, try them on at home, and decide within seven days which ones you’d like to keep. This takes the guesswork out of online shopping and allows you to find your perfect fit without committing to a purchase upfront.
While the inseam length of the Lily Jean was slightly shorter than I would prefer, I expected this based on the measurements provided on their website. It’s important to consider your preferences and body shape when choosing your style, as every jean has different lengths available.
Nelle Atelier’s denim is currently available to shop on their website and select styles are also available at Nordstrom. With prices ranging from $228 to $278, their jeans may seem like a splurge. However, as a petite woman who has struggled to find well-fitting and stylish jeans for years, I can confidently say that they are worth every penny.
In conclusion, Nelle Atelier has been a game-changer for petite women like myself. Their commitment to creating stylish and sustainable pieces
