We Researched the Best Petite Leggings So You Can Find the Perfect Fit
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These are our favorite pairs for yoga, running, and everything in between
Verywell Fit / Taylor Tieden
Reviewed by Kristin McGee, CPTFact checked by Rich Scherr
Classic, streamlined leggings are an athleisure staple. But when there’s extra fabric bunching around your ankles, the fit can feel less than flattering—that’s when you know it’s time for a petite wardrobe update. Luckily, plenty of activewear brands make leggings in petite sizes and shorter inseams.
Petite leggings are typically designed for wearers who are 5 feet, 4 inches tall or shorter. But even if you are taller, with a longer torso and shorter legs, you may also notice that petite leggings fit you better than standard sizes. And although there are countless options on the market, only a select few are comfortable, stretchy, and opaque enough to become your new favorites.
When shopping for petite leggings, first check the inseam length. To find your inseam, measure from the top of your inner thigh down to wherever you would like your leggings to stop (which could be anywhere from your ankle bone to the floor, for flared leggings). You can use this measurement to shop for leggings that are your perfect length. We also recommend checking the material, opacity, and price of each pair before making a purchase.
To find the best petite leggings, we spoke with an NASM-certified women’s fitness specialist and researched dozens of pairs from the top, trusted brands. And we had a certified personal trainer from our Review Board review this story for accuracy, plus the best way to evaluate leggings. We also relied on our experiences trying on leggings in The Verywell Testing Lab to help guide our recommendations.
Best Overall: Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Legging
Pros
Buttery soft fabric
Flattering crossover waistband
Comfortable compression and support
Cons
No pockets
May pill easily
OFFLINE by Aerie’s High Waisted Crossover Legging is our top overall pick due to its soft fabric and budget-friendly price point. Designed with a 7/8 length that hits just above the ankle, it comes in three inseams—Short, Regular, and Long—so you can find the right fit. “The Short length leggings fit me like a dream, with no bunching at the bottom,” says Alayna Curry, an NASM-certified women's fitness specialist at Workout with Mom, who also likes this pair’s high-rise crossover waistband.
We love that these leggings are made from buttery fabric that feels like a second skin. The fit moves with you without rolling down, which is a real plus when you’re lifting weights or holding Wheel Pose. And the light compression is supportive, without feeling tight or restrictive.
Some wearers have found that these leggings are prone to pilling over time, and they don’t have any pockets. Still, we love that they’re a reliable option that costs less than half of what some of our other picks do.
Price at time of publication: $55
Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Inseam: 23, 25, or 27 inches | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash
Best Budget: Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Hidden-Pocket Leggings
Pros
Four-way stretch
Hidden waistband pocket
Breathable
Cons
May not be opaque enough for some
Petite size range is limited
For budget-friendly petite leggings that have a more traditional waistband, Old Navy’s Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Leggings are our top pick. They’re made from a smooth, breathable fabric blend that wicks away sweat, keeping you cool during hot yoga or outdoor workouts. And we love that they feature four-way stretch that has great hold—no readjusting necessary.
The wide elastic waistband features a hidden pocket at the back for storing your phone, change, keys, or other essentials. But although we like that there are three inseam lengths to choose from, the Petite size range is fairly limited. Some wearers have also found that this pair isn’t as opaque, so they may not be ideal for squats or weightlifting.
Still, these petite leggings are designed to hit at the ankle, providing the perfect length at a price that makes stocking up on multiple pairs simple.
Price at time of publication: $27
Key Specs:
Sizes: XS to 4X regular, XS to XL petite | Inseam: 26, 28, or 32 inches | Materials: Polyester, TENCEL modal, cotton, spandex | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Best Athleta: Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Tight
Pros
UPF 50+ protection
Layered waistband
Medium compression
Cons
May pill
Petite size range is limited
We love Athleta gear for its true-to-size fit and high-performance materials. When we tested flare leggings, the brand’s Elation Flare Pant was our favorite compressive pair. With a higher-rise waistband and a tapered leg, Athleta’s Ultra High-Rise Elation Tight has many of the same features we loved in our flared pairs.
The thick, opaque fabric is soft to the touch, while the waistband has three layers of smoothing material that offers medium support without pinching or squeezing. And both pairs are rated UPF 50+, meaning they block 98% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays for better protection when you’re walking or exercising outdoors. Curry also loves these leggings because they provide plenty of support, which is great if you're lifting heavy weights or going for a run.
Plus, we like they have a sizable hidden pocket in the waistband to keep your essentials close by. The 7/8 length is designed to fall right above your ankle. Choose from a 27-inch seam in Regular sizes or a 25-inch inseam in Petite sizes (which are more limited). Just note that some wearers have found the fabric to be prone to pilling, especially between the thighs.
Price at time of publication: $89
Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS to 3X regular, XXS to L petite | Inseam: 25, 27, or 30 inches | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash and dry
Related: The 9 Best Athleta Leggings for Every Workout and Style
Best lululemon: Lululemon Align V-Waist Pant 25”
Pros
Flattering V-shaped waistband
Hidden waistband pocket
Buttery soft fabric
Cons
Expensive
May pill easily
When we tested lululemon leggings, we fell in love with the brand’s high-quality fabrics and barely-there feel. This pair is offered in lululemon’s petite-friendly 25-inch inseam and features a flattering, low-rise, V-shaped waistband—a nice upgrade if you’ve already worn your Align High-Rise Pants too many times to count.
Made from Nulu fabric—which is silky soft, lightweight, and stretchy—these leggings are ideal for yoga, walking, or everyday wear. And they’re a great alternative to lululemon’s more common high-waisted styles. For Curry, these leggings are another favorite: She says the higher price is absolutely worth it (and we agree).
A pocket in the back of the waistband has room for your cards or phone. Ideal for low-impact workouts, like yoga, these comfortable leggings will hit right above your ankle. However, some wearers have noticed that they may pill between the thighs over time.
Price at time of publication: $118
Key Specs:
Sizes: 0 to 14 | Inseam: 25 inches | Materials: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low
Best With Pockets: Outdoor Voices SuperForm 7/8 Legging
Pros
UPF 50 protection
Compressive enough for high-impact activities
Internal drawstring
Cons
May run small
Featuring two deep side pockets that are large enough to securely stash your phone, Outdoor Voices’ Superform 7/8 Legging is our top pick for petite leggings with storage. The 25-inch inseam will fit most petite wearers well, while the high compression offers plenty of support whether you’re running or tackling a HIIT class.
This pair’s durable nylon and Lycra blend has great hold that won’t sag as you move. We like the matte finish, and that they’re resistant to pilling. The Superform 7/8 Legging is also lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking, with a UPF protection rating of 50. And as an added bonus, the high-rise waistband will stay in place, thanks to an internal drawstring that allows you to customize the fit.
They’re easy to care for, too—just machine wash them on cold and tumble dry them on a low setting. But since they’re so compressive, some wearers recommend ordering one size up for a more comfortable fit.
Price at time of publication: $98
Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Inseam: 25 inches | Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson
Best Compressive: Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging
Pros
Wide range of sizes
Four-way stretch
Made with recycled materials
Cons
May show underwear lines
With fewer pockets, but just as much compression, Girlfriend Collective’s Compressive High-Rise Legging is our recommendation for petite leggings that offer ideal support for high-impact activities. We love that they come in three inseam options, starting at 19.5 inches—shorter than most other leggings on our list. And with sizes ranging from XXS to 6XL, finding the right fit is easy.
Made from recycled water bottles, the material is squat-proof, breathable, and sweat-wicking. Plus, it has four-way stretch that won’t lose its shape after a long day of wear. We also like that the ultra high-rise waistband (which has a hidden pocket for your keys or cards) won’t roll down.
Some wearers have noticed that the fabric is on the thinner side. Since these leggings aren’t lined, they may show underwear lines—so we recommend wearing a seamless pair underneath. But we love that when you’re ready to part with them, they’re recyclable through the brand’s Re-Girlfriend program (where you’ll score store credit in exchange for helping the planet).
Price at time of publication: $78
Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Inseam: 19.5, 23.75, or 28.5 inches | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles, spandex | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors, line dry flat
Related: The 16 Best Compression Leggings of 2023
Best for Running: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity High-Waisted 7/8 Running Leggings
Pros
Breathable perforations
Two pockets
Adjustable waist
Cons
Expensive
Our favorite running leggings are breathable, with high compression—like Sweaty Betty’s Zero Gravity Running Leggings. Made with polyamide, which is often found in high-quality activewear and swimwear, the quick-drying fabric is sturdy and durable. It also has UV 40+ protection, to shield your skin during outdoor runs.
The 7/8 length, which translates to a 24-inch inseam, is ideal for petite wearers. We also love the deep side pocket, the back zippered pocket, and the adjustable waistband. This feature (plus all-over compression) helps the band stay in place while you run.
Breathable perforations up the sides of both legs boost airflow, so you’ll stay cool and dry for miles. Although these are some of the most expensive leggings on our list, we think their smart design is worth investing in.
Price at time of publication: $128
Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Inseam: 24 inches | Materials: Polyamide, elastane | Pockets: Yes | Care: Wash warm on reduced spin
Best for Yoga: Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging
Pros
Odor-resistant
Thick waistband provides more coverage
Opaque
Cons
No pockets
Alo Yoga’s 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging is our top pick for yogis due to its thick, wide waistband that won’t roll down. It also has a smoothing panel in front for extra coverage and support from Downward Facing Dog to Savasana.
These leggings are made from a soft blend of polyester and spandex that’s also moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, making them ideal for even the sweatiest hot yoga sessions. Plus, you can bend with confidence, knowing that these leggings are completely opaque. And four-way stretch makes them comfortable from the studio to brunch, and everywhere in between.
The brand’s sizing guide confirms that these 7/8 leggings will hit petite wearers right at the ankle. But they don’t have any pockets, so you may want to pick up a yoga mat bag with extra storage for your studio must-haves.
Price at time of publication: $98
Key Specs:
Sizes: XXS to XL | Inseam: 24 or 24.5 inches | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, inside out, with like colors, tumble dry low
Best for Everyday: Vitality Day Dream Pant
Pros
Flattering crossover waist
UPF 50+ protection
Anti-microbial
Cons
May not be as opaque
No pockets
Designed for flexibility and comfort, Vitality’s Daydream V Pant is our favorite petite legging for everyday wear. It comes in sizes 2XS to 4XL and is made from silky, lightweight fabric with four-way stretch. Plus, the crossover waistband is flattering and supportive.
Available in a variety of bright and pastel colors, these leggings are also designed to prevent camel toe. And we love that the material is made with recycled materials, is antimicrobial, and has UPF 50+ sun protection. With light compression, these leggings are ideal for long hours of wear—although petite wearers note that you can size up for more support without drowning in additional fabric.
They don’t have any pockets, and some have found that they’re not fully opaque. If you’re searching for a thicker legging, we recommend Alo Yoga’s 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging.
Price at time of publication: $78
Key Specs:
Sizes: 2XS to 4XL (00 to 28) | Inseam: Not listed | Materials: Recycled nylon, recycled polyester, Lycra | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low
Best Flare: Adidas Yoga Studio Flared Leggings
Pros
Buttery soft fabric
Made with recycled materials
Moisture-wicking
Cons
Limited range of colors
The best flared leggings cover your ankles without causing a tripping hazard. Luckily, Adidas’ Yoga Studio Flared Leggings come with an easy-to-use Fit Finder that will help you choose the perfect size for your height.
Made with recycled polyester and elastane, the silky, moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool and comfortable. And we love that it offers a contoured fit with a barely-there feel.
The high-rise waistband is both supportive and stretchy. As a bonus, it has a hidden pocket in the back, to hold your cards or phone. But we wish this pair came in colors beyond black and gray.
Price at time of publication: $70
Key Specs:
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Inseam: Not listed | Materials: Recycled polyester, elastane | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold on a delicate cycle with like colors
Best Maternity: Born Primitive Maternity Legging
Pros
Wear the waistband over or under your bump
Comfortable, breathable fabric
Ideal for working out or lounging
Cons
May run small
Born Primitive is a veteran-owned activewear brand that makes durable basics. Their Maternity Legging is one of our top recommendations because it’s soft and comfortable, but doesn’t skimp on high-performance features. Petite wearers have found that these leggings are ideal for everything from CrossFit and cardio to yoga classes.
Nylon and Lycra make these leggings stretchy and breathable. We love that the wide waistband offers customizable support—wear it under your bump while lounging or pull it up for more compression while you work out.
Some users have found that these leggings run small, so you may want to order a size up from your usual. But once you find the right fit, this pair will be your new go-to.
Price at time of publication: $78
Key Specs:
Sizes: XS to 2XL (00 to 16) | Inseam: Not listed | Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Pockets: No | Care: Wash with like colors on cold, line dry
Best for Contouring: Knix HiTouch High Rise Legging
Pros
Breathable
Durable
Wide range of sizes and colors
Cons
No pockets
For leggings that contour your curves, we recommend Knix’s HiTouch High Rise Legging. The inseam is a petite-friendly 25 inches across all sizes. Meanwhile, detailing and seams in the back help sculpt, shape, and lift for a flattering fit.
These leggings have a wide, high-rise waistband that keeps you feeling supported, with light compression. Made from a blend of nylon, Lycra, cotton, spandex, and carbon, the material is both soft and breathable. We also like that they’re anti-chafe, with bonded seams for extra durability—so you can count on them not to fray or fall apart over time.
Available in sizes from XS to 4XL, this pair comes in over ten jewel tones and patterns. Sadly, they don’t have pockets. If you’re looking for a place to stash your phone, a running belt or fanny pack might come in handy.
Price at time of publication: $80
Key Specs:
Sizes: XS to XXXXL | Inseam: 25 inches | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, cotton, spandex, carbon | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry
How We Selected the Best Petite Leggings
To choose the best petite leggings, we first spoke with Alayna Curry, an NASM-certified women's fitness specialist at Workout with Mom. She helped us identify which features to look for when shopping for petite leggings that fit well and feel great. Then, we researched dozens of leggings from popular, trusted brands. We examined each brand’s size range and fit guide to determine which leggings were best for petite wearers. We considered the price of each pair, which materials they were made from, and how many pockets they had, too.
We’ve also tested many leggings in The Verywell Testing Lab. Although we didn’t test any of the specific pairs on this list, we referred to tests we’ve done with similar pairs from the same brands (like Athleta and lululemon) to help guide us while making this list.
What to Look For in Petite Leggings
Inseam Length
The main feature that separates petite leggings from other pairs is the inseam length, or how long the legs are. Whether you are shorter and have always worn petite sizes, or you have shorter legs and prefer a petite inseam just for your pants and leggings, petite leggings can offer the right fit without bunching up at your ankles or knees.
While it’s difficult to tell how leggings will fit online before you try them on in person, checking the inseam length before buying can help. The inseams on our list range from a cropped 19.5 inches all the way up to 32 inches, which is more standard. To make sure you’re getting the right fit, we recommend measuring your own inseam so you’ll have an idea of where leggings will fall on you. Also, look for leggings that come in 7/8 lengths—these are ideal for petites, without being too cropped or capri-length.
Fit
Petite refers to height, not size. When shopping for petite leggings, first start with your normal size. If you’re looking for leggings with more support and compression for high-impact exercise, you may want to size down. For a looser, more relaxed fit that’s better for walking and lounging, consider sizing up. Check the brand’s size or fit guide for more details. Some pairs on our list, like Sweaty Betty’s Zero Gravity High-Waisted 7/8 Running Leggings, also have an adjustable waistband for a customizable fit.
Material
Leggings are usually made from a blend of performance materials, like nylon, spandex, polyester, and elastane. These fabrics are stretchy, will move with you, and help wick away sweat to keep you dry. Some leggings, like Knix’s HiTouch High Rise Legging, include cotton, which absorbs more sweat and moisture than other materials. These leggings may be softer and comfier for lounging or light activity, rather than sweaty HIIT sessions.
Material can also affect how opaque leggings are. If you’re concerned about your underwear lines or pattern showing through, look for thick leggings that are squat-proof, like Alo Yoga’s 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging.
Price
When shopping for high-quality petite leggings, you can expect to spend anywhere between $30 and $130. Less expensive pairs may not have UPF protection. More expensive pairs often do, but they’re harder to stock up on once you find a pair you love. For light activity, lounging, or errands, you can choose some less expensive options to go with a pair or two of more expensive, higher-performance pieces to round out your activewear wardrobe. It’s also important to note that price doesn’t always indicate how durable leggings are or how well they will perform: Our best budget pick, Old Navy’s Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Hidden Pocket Leggings, has just as much four-way stretch as our best compressive pick, Girlfriend Collective’s Compressive High-Rise Legging, does.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of petite leggings?
Petite leggings usually have inseams between 19.5 and 27 inches. Full-length petite leggings are often 26 inches long. Or, you can opt for a 7/8 length, which is usually 25 inches.
What is the difference between petite and regular leggings?
The only difference between petite and regular leggings is the inseam length. While regular leggings may be too long for petite wearers, petite leggings are shorter, to prevent any bunching around your knees and ankles.
Who should wear petite leggings?
You may prefer petite leggings if regular leggings are too long for you. Petite leggings may also fit you better if you have shorter legs and a longer torso, even if you don’t normally wear petite clothing. We recommend measuring your inseam to decide which length of leggings will fit you best.
Do leggings contain BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some types of plastic. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of BPA can lead to obesity, hormonal imbalances, and uterine cancer, among other health complications.
In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including sports bras from Sweaty Betty, leggings from Nike, Athleta, Champion, Patagonia, and Kohl’s, shorts from Champion, Nike, and Adidas, and athletic shirts from Fabletics. We may recommend some of these products or similar items from these brands in this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled.
“The best way to prevent BPA exposure is to make educated decisions in choosing your personal care products,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. As a precaution, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it when you are finished working out.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Rachel MacPherson, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and exercise nutritionist who knows how important it is to find leggings that fit correctly. She often wears petite, 7/8 length, and cropped leggings while she works out. For this story, she prioritized high-performance leggings from top brands that are comfortable to wear. Her work has been published in Insider, Business Insider, Livestrong, The Upside, Byrdie, and more.
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