If you’re under 5’4″, you’re probably familiar with the stress that comes with shopping for jeans. That struggle was the impetus behind Nelle Atelier, a petite fashion brand specifically designed for women under 5’4″. While the brand initially launched with jeans in November 2023, it’s since expanded into other pants and outerwear, all made with a petite fit in mind.
As someone who’s 5’2″, I’ve been curious to try Nelle Atelier’s chic jeans after seeing them on various petite influencers and fashion editors on my Instagram feed. Jeans are a staple in my wardrobe, and while I’ve collected a handful of pairs I love, the shopping process is always a journey. If “petite” or “short” lengthsare available among more commercial brands like Madewell and Abercrombie, I’ll grab them, though that typically limits sizing and color picks. But when it comes to some of the beloved, higher-end denim brands like Frame and Mother Denim, that’s not an option. I either have to spend the extra cash at the tailor or (nervously) cut the jeans myself. Or, I’ll try out a cropped silhouette as full-length jeans, which can make the rise and knee placement look a little off. For me, jeans are never a quick, off-the-rack purchase.
Nelle Atelier offers a variety of styles, ranging from straight-leg and boyfriend jeans to high-rise and low-rise silhouettes. I decided to put myself up for a challenge and try out a pair of jeans I wouldn’t normally reach for, the Nelle Atelier Lily Jean in Kohl ($268), to really put them to the test.
Ahead, check out my thorough review of Nelle Atelier denim, and find out if it’s worth the price tag for the under 5’4″ crowd.
About Nelle Atelier Jeans
- Nelle Atelier currently offers six different style jeans: The Lily Jean ($268), The Laura Jean ($278), The Claire Jean ($258), The Maddy Jean ($258), The Kate Jean ($238), and The Gabi Jean ($228).
- The 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.
- Sizing ranges from 23 to 32.
- The jeans should be machine-washed cold with like colors and hung dry or tumbled dry on low.
- Nelle Atelier offers a “try before you buy” program that allows you to try on four pairs of jeans at a time, without paying for them upfront. Through TryNow, you can order four pairs, decide within seven days after delivery which ones you’d like to keep, and mail in your returns.
What I Like About Nelle Atelier’s Lily Jeans
Nelle Atelier’s Lily Jean is a barrel-leg jean “made with petite proportions in mind,” so it’s fitted at the hips, baggy down the legs, and tapered at the ankles. Barrel-leg jeans can be polarizing — the trendy, curvy shape certainly isn’t for everyone — and I was worried the balloon fit would make the pants puddle at my ankles and make me appear shorter.
But when I tried on the jeans, I found the fit to be incredibly flattering. I sized up one size as recommended and ordered a size 27, which fit perfectly. The jeans are roomy enough for comfortable, everyday wear, but also fitted and structured in all the right places. Because of their versatility, I’ve gotten so much wear out of the Lily jeans — they appear as regular, baggy jeans when worn with sneakers or flats and become more fashion-forward with the accentuated barrel silhouette when worn with heels.
The denim fabric, which is made of 100 percent rigid cotton, also feels high-quality. I prefer jeans made with 100 percent cotton, as they tend to be more durable and mold to the body over time.
What to Consider Before Buying Nelle Atelier Jeans
As Nelle Atelier recommends, take your measurements in advance to find the perfect fitting jeans. Make note of your waist and hip measurements, and refer to the size chart for whatever denim style you’re interested in. (Sizing can vary based on the style and wash.) Trust me, I’m a lazy shopper, too, but save yourself the trouble.
The inseam length of the Lily Jean is slightly shorter than I’d prefer, but I expected that to be the case because I’d referenced the measurements in advance. Every jean style has different lengths, so consider your preferences when choosing your style.
Where You Can Buy Nelle Atelier Jeans
Nelle Atelier denim is available to shop on the brand’s website and select styles are available at Nordstrom.
Rating:
★★★★★
Yerin Kim (she/her) is the features editor at PS, where she writes, assigns, and edits feature stories and helps shape the vision for special projects and identity content across the network. Originally from Seoul and currently based in New York City, she’s passionate about elevating diverse perspectives and spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, style, wellness, and pop culture. A graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, she has over six years of experience in the women’s lifestyle space.
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