The biggest surprise of the trip was buying the Long length even though I am 5’1”. I started with the Short because that is the obvious choice on paper, but the shorter inseam made the jeans look cropped and they sat right at my ankles. That was not the long, relaxed puddle-adjacent shape I wanted from a baggy wide leg.

I tried the size 10 in both lengths and the Short also felt smaller through the waist. The Long gave me the silhouette I wanted and felt better over my mom pooch. Most importantly, they stay zipped when I sit down. That sounds like a small thing until you own jeans that make you check the zipper every time you stand up.

I paid $22 during an in-store promotion. Because Old Navy promotions move quickly, I would not expect that exact price online. The current product description lists the style as mid-rise with a super-baggy thigh and a below-the-ankle length, which explains why changing the inseam changed the entire attitude of the jean.

How I would style them: with the fitted rib tank I bought, a cropped suede or leather jacket and a shoe with enough presence under the wider hem. A slim sneaker works for everyday; a pointed boot would dress them up.

Verdict: Bought—and proof that petite women do not always need the shortest inseam.