The best petite leggings in my closet are the ones I reach for the most. They never drag or scrunch at my ankles, and most importantly, I always feel confident wearing them. As a shopping editor, I’ve tested more than a dozen activewear brands over the years and written about some of my favorite women’s leggings. And since I’m 5-foot-2, I frequently run into pairs that are way too long at my ankles, have too-long inseams, or feature awkward waistband lengths. So to help you find the most petite-friendly pairs, I tested options designed for shorter frames, like 7/8-length and capri leggings. I’m a pretty active person, so you can trust these pairs will really hold up on runs, through workout classes, or just while lounging at home.
The best petite leggings, at a glance
1. Best Overall: Lululemon Align No-Line High-Ride Pants, 25"
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Everyone needs a good pair of black leggings in their closet, and that’s what these Lululemon tights are for me. My fellow editors love their durability (it never pills or shrinks, even after multiple washes) and that famously soft, stretchy fabric. I picked this pair as the best option for petites overall because of the length and inseam options; you can get 23-, 25-, 28-, and 31-inch lengths, which is great for women of different heights. (The 23-inch size is the shortest I’ve seen compared to other brands.) I love that they’re versatile for any activity, whether it’s working out intensely or walking around my neighborhood. Dress this pair up for fall and winter with a puffer vest or a zip-up jacket for a sporty vibe—or go with a cropped trench coat and ballet flats for a more elevated look.
Pros: Soft, stretchy fabric; two unique petite crops available
Cons: Pricey
2. Best Everyday: Athleta Elation Ultra-High-Rise Double Up Leggings
I’ve recommended this pair of high-waist leggings time and time again because they’re just that good. I’ve worn them for just about everything, from reformer Pilates classes to lounging at home. I particularly like them for hot Pilates mat classes because they don’t feel sticky, even after I’ve been moving for close to an hour. The design is firm in the all the right places, but I’m able to stretch and slip in and out of this pair without hassle. They’re comfortable enough for all-day wear, and I’m obsessed with the flattering high-rise fit. Athleta offers regular and tall inseams, so taller folks can get a more customized fit for their height too.
Pros: Great for hot, sweaty workouts; flattering high rise; soft but supportive fabric
Cons: Some transparency
3. Best for Yoga: FP Movement Never Better 7/8-Length Leggings
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Some leggings squeeze my gut too much, and you definitely don’t want that when you’re doing lunges or entering downward-facing dog. That’s why these leggings, from Free People's FP Movement line, are great for, well, movement. Plus, they’re some of the softest pairs of leggings I own. In addition to yoga classes, I recommend these leggings for nature walks, low-impact workouts like barre, and long-distance walks. The 7/8 length and the 24.5-inch inseam make these perfect for petite women. Plus, the unique colors are great for standing out at the gym or mixing into your capsule wardrobe; throw on an oversized hoodie or a denim jacket for an easy off-duty outfit.
Pros: Great for stretching and movement; no riding up; vibrant colors
Cons: Not compressive enough for high-impact workouts; limited sizing
4. Best for Pilates: Alo 7/8-Length High-Waist Airlift Leggings
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These compression leggings keep everything in place and look so cute—a hallmark of Alo’s viral activewear. They have a shiny finish with the Alo logo in the mid-waist, which is great if you love the branding but not ideal for anyone who likes to go a little more understated. Despite the compression, there’s no camel toe, which I appreciate when I wear them as Pilates leggings. They come in a 7/8-length option for petites, or full-length for taller women.
Pros: Sculpting; high-compression
Cons: Might need to size up; not easy to take off and off
5. Best for Running: Beyond Yoga Powerbeyond Strive High-Waist Midi Leggings
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I don’t normally wear running leggings because I prefer flowy shorts, but now that the temperature is beginning to drop, I need a pair for my outdoor workouts. These leggings are great at supporting me while not squeezing. I don’t like anything too restrictive on my midsection, but I also don’t want them to slip as I move. Luckily, these stay in place and provide enough stretch. They’re available on Amazon if you need a pair delivered fast. (The brand also makes pairs designed for pregnant moms and curvy figures, so there are plenty of options to choose from.) I’m a fan of Beyond Yoga’s running shorts and sports bras, too, for cardio workouts like running on the treadmill or climbing on the stair machine.
Pros: Secure fit without being restrictive; easy shipping from Amazon
Cons: Might be too long for especially short women
6. Best for High-Impact Workouts: Knix HiTouch High-Rise Leggings
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I’ve written about these Knix leggings and highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-compression bottoms. They’re squat-proof and hold you tight for high-impact workouts like burpees, jumping jacks, and sprinting—basically everything happening during your CrossFit class. I love the trendy, neutral colors and the flattering rise, plus the fact that there’s no pooling or bunching at the bottom, even on petite frames.
Pros: Nice compression; inclusive sizing
Cons: Might be too restrictive for some; rides up
7. Best for Low-Impact Workouts: YPB StudioFlex 7/8-Length Leggings
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The quality of these leggings from YPB—Abercrombie & Fitch’s in-house activewear line—is just as good as the more expensive options I’ve tried. They’re gently sculpting and stay up nicely while I work out, plus they’re available in short and regular sizing alike. Colors range from bold cobalt blue to refined burgundy, meaning there’s something for everyone’s personal style. Go down if you’re between sizes, since the fit runs slightly large.
Pros: Relatively affordable; stylish design
Cons: Sizing runs slightly large
8. Best for Hiking: Vuori Evolve Leggings
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These leggings from the buzzy brand Vuori are, like the rest of ITS offerings, unbelievably soft to the touch. I’ve worn them for easy trail hikes and most recently on a trip to Los Angeles, where I hiked the pretty intense trails near the Griffith Observatory. They’re great for outdoor walks or short-distance hikes. Plus, I always get compliments on these leggings when I wear them.
Pros: Seamless; super-soft fabric
Cons: Sometimes slips at the midsection
9. Best Butt-Lifting: Oner Effortless Seamless Leggings
I didn’t think I was into butt-lifting leggings—most of them have the bum scrunch that I’m not a fan of—but these Oner leggings have the booty effect without that annoying design. I’ve worn these to fitness classes, and I love how they keep everything in place. They’re available in a regular-short length, plus long for taller wearers. I also appreciate the gorgeous blue color and the fact that they’re not as expensive as other options on this list. If you’re looking for workout leggings that give your butt a a nice shape, this contoured design is right for you.
Pros: Butt-lifting effect; vibrant colors; relatively affordable
Cons: Might be too long for shorter women
10. Best for the Gym: Gymshark Vital Leggings
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These Gymshark leggings are great for every type of strength training or gym workout I’ve tried, with the right compression and feel for your most intense days. They’re comfortable and come in short, regular, and tall sizing, meaning you can get a customized fit for your height. I’ve noticed that certain sizes tend to sell out quickly, so you might have to act fast to snag a pair.
Pros: Great for lifting and gym workouts; moisture-wicking
Cons: Frequently sold out
