J.Crew Reviews: Sydney Petite vs Full Length

I recently took advantage of J.Crew’s big sale and bought another pair of these awesome pants that I had been loving in navy. I was curious about how the standard sizing would compare with the petite, so ordered both to try out.

Sydney Wide Leg Pant

The pants in their latest 4 season fabric have been one of the best additions to my wardrobe this year. The fabric feels weighty and substantial for me, with a little stretch that’s comfortable for all day wear. For commuting in the cold weather, I’ve also tried them on with stretch ankle booties for ankle coverage.

I’m 5 feet tall and the Petite is a slightly cropped, ankle length on me, while the Standard is nearly floor length on me and works perfectly with flats or lower profile sneakers. If you like to wear heels, I think the Petite looks better on someone my height for an intentionally cropped look.

Petite 00 crop: 24” inseam, 9.5” rise, 12.5” across the waist
Standard 00 crop: 26.5” inseam, 10” rise, 13” across the waist

Notice the Petite sizing is not only shorter, but also proportionately smaller at the waist and rise compared to the same style pant in Standard sizing. FYI there is also a newer Full Length Sydney style but with a much longer 30″ petite inseam, too long for me personally to wear even with heels.

Other Pieces I Tried On

• Sophia tweed dress – Gorgeous and well made shorter dress. Even though the 00 fit is loose on me all around, this was a keeper and I’ve already worn it with turtlenecks layered under. Length is good for petites and would be mini on someone taller. See on me.
• Cable knit lady jacket (see try-on pic at bottom of post) – This is a chunky, cropped cardigan jacket that’s thick in weight. The balloon sleeves also add to the relaxed vibe, compared to the slim classic look of their Emilie cardigan jacket.
• Vintage rib Lady Jacket – this is more like a ribbed long sleeve tee shirt that is thin and snug fitting and not really a “jacket.” However, if I sized up the sleeves would be very long.
• Double breasted top coat in Petite sizing. I’d only recommend this newer style for someone who wants a more masculine overcoat, as this has defined shoulder pads and a looser boxier fit. The quality is nice though, with a weighty wool fabric and full lining.
• Daphne coat (see try-on pic at bottom of this post) – I also like the relaxed, classic fit of this in a size 00 regular, but note that it is unlined and made of a textured boiled wool fabric.

Chunky Stripe Sweater

In tons of colors and stripe options. This is a more plush, thicker weight pullover that’s slightly wider and relaxed cut with a shorter petite-friendly length. I’m surprised they titled this a crewneck since it’s more of a low mock neck which I personally like. I fold the sleeves up once on this one.

Lady Day Coat

Mine is a few years old so I can’t speak to how the latest version fits, but in my experience the sleeves run short and the Lady Day is one of J.Crew’s smallest and slimmest-fitting coats. Most reviewers mention sizing up, and as you can see in the below photo, my previous 00 Petite is now too snug on me especially with a weightier sweater under. If I were buying this same coat again now, I’d go either 0 Petite or 00 Regular for a longer sleeve length.

J.Crew Factory also carries a version of this coat in petite and classic sizing.