Whether you’re gearing up for an intense workout, a centering yoga session, your weekly round of errands, or a cozy hangout on the couch, your clothes can have a direct impact on how you feel. Leggings are no exception. A pair that perfectly hugs your body can add a little pep to your step, while ones that scrunch and bunch up can feel distracting, especially during your workout. Petite leggings are designed for people 5 feet, 4 inches or shorter, but they can also fit taller individuals with longer torsos and shorter legs better than standard length leggings.
In search of the best petite leggings, we researched and tested dozens of pairs from top trusted brands in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home, wearing them while lounging, working out, relaxing, and more. We also spoke with a NASM-certified personal trainer and a physical therapist to learn what key features to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a high-quality pair. We evaluated each pair of petite leggings for their quality, opacity, fit, performance, and value to determine the top options on the market.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/salutation-stash-tight-13b05900c45f412ab78be5709685deed.jpg)
-
Perfectly compressive, without feeling too restrictive for all-day wear
-
Stay securely in place, even when performing squats
-
High-quality, soft, and durable material
Key Specs
Sizes: 00-26 | Inseam: 25, 27, or 30 inches | Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash and dry
Who They’re For
Best for those who want soft and supportive petite leggings they can comfortably wear to the gym, yoga class, or a casual coffee shop hang.
Why We Love Them
Athleta’s Salutation Legging has stood the test of time as our top pick for petite people. This true-to-size option features a secure high waist, side pockets, and durable, super-soft fabric ideal for all-day wear and more challenging workouts. Minimal seams keep us comfortable in barre class, at the yoga studio, and when navigating the various demands of our days. Rarely requiring adjusting, these leggings stay securely in place, even when performing squats, making it easy to focus on our workouts and day-to-day activities.
Physical therapist Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS, says Athleta leggings are her postpartum favorite because the brand’s materials feel more forgiving on her constantly changing body. We also find the high-quality fabric perfectly compressive and dense enough to provide support and hold its shape over time without feeling too restrictive or leaving us overheated at the end of a more challenging workout. Plus, we can’t resist their flattering, contouring fit, which not only looks great, but also feels amazing for all-day wear.
Potential Flaws
- Our patterned underwear was slightly visible when we performed squats in these leggings. To avoid this, we recommend wearing nude or black underwear with them.
- The leggings’ waist compression is especially noticeable when sitting down. While those who don’t mind a more compressive fit can comfortably wear them while lounging, others might find they serve better as a more active pair of petite workout leggings.
Most Valuable Insight
“I like that these seem dual purpose. They can stand up to more intensive workouts, but aren’t too athletic to feel out of place lounging around at home or while running errands.” —Kimberly S., Verywell Fit product tester
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/beyond-yoga-spacedye-walk-and-talk-high-waisted-capri-3ade7fe88e6a4fdd8d262041deea4564.jpg)
-
Ultra soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric
-
Stays in place without too much compression
-
Comfy enough for all-day wear
Key Specs
Sizes: 0-32 | Inseam: 20.5 inches | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash and dry
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a flexible yet supportive pair of petite capri-length leggings for flowing through their favorite yoga poses.
Why We Love Them
The best yoga leggings are the ones we hardly notice as we move through our asanas. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Walk And Talk High Waisted Capri Legging blends perfectly into our daily practices. Its ultra soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabric gently hugs our bodies and keeps us nice and cool. Plus, its high waistband provides helpful support without restricting our movement, no matter how much we twist or bend.
Outside the studio, these petite yoga leggings are comfortable enough for all-day wear. They never seem to sag or bunch up, and they remain in place without any adjusting. They also stay quite cool for leggings with such excellent opacity (wear your boldest prints and no one will know). Meanwhile, their four-way stretch makes them a cozy lounging essential.
Potential Flaws
- While you can’t see through the fabric of these leggings, you may be able to see the lines of your underwear.
- Unlike other pairs of leggings from Beyond Yoga, these capris are only available in a limited color palette.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester wears leggings for day-to-day activities and when practicing yoga. She loves that these leggings molded to her body perfectly and that their fabric feels smooth and seam-free whether lounging or performing a more challenging yoga pose.
-
![A person does the downward dog pose in the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Walk And Talk High Waisted Capri Legging]()
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-athleta-leggings-test-beyond-yoga-spacedye-walk-talk-high-waisted-capri-cecily-mcandrews-03-70409880eaa24eba84aab7c1e44389c4.jpeg)
Credit: Verywell Fit / Cecily Mcandrews
-
![The Beyond Yoga Spacedye Walk And Talk High Waisted Capri Legging on a white bed]()
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-athleta-leggings-test-beyond-yoga-spacedye-walk-talk-high-waisted-capri-cecily-mcandrews-01-1272a38617584f09a2bf3b0cf5778a53.jpeg)
Credit: Verywell Fit / Cecily Mcandrews
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-yogipace-bootcut-yoga-pants-46b2c4b4ca4847ebaff1e59597e1822e.jpg)
-
Opaque, odor-resistant, and moisture-wicking fabric
-
Durable, with no signs of wear and tear after repeated laundering
-
Retains shape well, wear after wear
Key Specs
Sizes: 2-18 | Inseam: 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, and 37 inches | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a stylish pair of petite leggings with a relaxed fit that can double as casual wear outside the yoga studio.
Why We Love Them
If you prefer a little more breathing room than compressive leggings offer and need an option that easily doubles as casual wear, these Yogipace Bootcut Yoga Pants don’t disappoint. Comfortable for the gym, yoga class, errands, and lounging, these petite yoga pants retain their shape from the waistband to the subtle leg flare. They also don’t show signs of wear and tear after repeated laundering.
We like that their thicker fabric remains truly opaque no matter our movement. They also don’t sag or pill, keeping them looking like new wear after wear. Plus, they’re sweatproof and don’t retain odors, keeping us feeling fresh and comfortable as we move through whatever the day throws at us.
Potential Flaws
- While the thicker fabric has a lot of benefits, it sacrifices stretch, which is noticeable in the crotch area for some people when they position the waistband as high as it can go.
- The lack of stretch in the thicker fabric and wider leg opening make these petite pants better suited for yoga, walking, or casual wear instead of higher intensity workouts.
Most Valuable Insight
“These leggings aren’t see-through, whether I wear them indoors or outdoors, and are very comfortable. Despite how many times I launder them, they don’t thin out anywhere, nor pill or rip. They also don’t seem to hold onto odor and are sweatproof.” —Sheila T., Verywell Fit product tester
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/yoga-spacedye-love-the-bump-maternity-pocket-midi-legging-81de4491563246d0a710103601ed8582.jpg)
-
High waistband can be worn over or under bump, or folded over postpartum
-
Plenty of stretch and support to keep growing bodies comfortable
-
Two big side pockets
Key Specs
Sizes: 2-14 | Inseam: 25 inches | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash and dry
Who They’re For
Best for active individuals who want a comfy, stretchy, and soft legging that works throughout pregnancy and can also be worn postpartum.
Why We Love Them
Whether you’re navigating your first pregnancy or your fourth, a quality pair of leggings that feel comfortable and supportive throughout every trimester can be a game-changer. Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Love the Bump Maternity Pocket Midi Leggings do exactly that with their ultra-soft and exceptionally stretchy performance fabric. We think they’re comfortable for lounging, supportive for a prenatal yoga flow, and moisture-wicking for warm walks and moderate-intensity movement like strength training.
The ultra-wide waistband is designed to stretch as you grow and they don’t lose their shape, no matter how many times we wear and wash them. It can also be positioned over your bump or folded beneath it, offering an easy style during and after pregnancy—we still wear ours 15 months postpartum. Plus, two big side pockets along the thighs keep your necessities within reach—a non-negotiable detail as you approach your third trimester.
Potential Flaws
- Given that maternity leggings need to be stretchy enough to support a vast range of body shapes and sizes, this pair can require readjusting depending on the person and which stage of the pregnancy they’re in.
- The fabric is the perfect weight for temperature regulation during pregnancy, but that does mean some underwear lines may be visible.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester wore these leggings throughout her pregnancy and loves how stretchy, soft, and versatile they are. As her pregnancy progressed, they stretched perfectly to fit her, and she can still comfortably wear them postpartum with the belly band folded over her hips.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/alo--high-waist-airlift-legging-98b931e2957c4a6f886a39796ce1cbd0.jpg)
-
Stylish with a flattering sheen
-
Sculpting and lifting fit that hits just above the ankle
-
Double-layered high waistband stays in place
Key Specs
Sizes: 00-18 | Inseam: 24.5 and 28 inches | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash cold inside out with like colors, tumble dry low heat
Who They’re For
Best for those who love that locked-in feeling and sculpted look that quality compression legs provide for virtually any kind of movement.
Why We Love Them
If you love high levels of compression, Alo’s 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Leggings are a must-try. Personal trainer Lauren Seib NASM-CPT, swears by them as one of her favorite pairs, highlighting their compressive design and hold-you-in, double-layered high waistband that stays in place. She also says the fabric’s stylish sheen looks amazing on everyone. Tavel says this pair is one of her go-to picks as well, saying they make her feel strong and sexy and they function how she needs them to when moving her body.
We think the 7/8 option of these workout leggings fits true to size for petite wearers and provides an ideal sculpting and lifting fit, hitting just above the ankle and staying snug throughout the legs, hips, and waist. While designed for more intense workouts, these leggings also work well for yoga, Pilates, and everyday movement. Whether you prefer neutral tones or a bolder color in your leggings, Alo offers the Airlift in various hues to suit every need.
Potential Flaws
- The drawback of high compression fabric for support in more challenging workouts is often a less comfortable lounging experience.
- The lighter color options of these leggings may show mid-workout sweat marks, which some people may not prefer.
Meet Our Tester
Our tester loves how these leggings fit, their sheen, and how well they move with her body. She likes wearing them while stretching, practicing yoga, and working out, and appreciates their supportive fit.
Expert-Approved Bonus Favorites
Although we didn’t test the following petite leggings, our experts agree they’re worthwhile options. They have many of the same features we love about the leggings we’ve tested.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lulu-5c29bf6b6aa243d5a6e24974d53ab9be.jpg)
-
Lightweight, quick-drying fabric
-
High-rise, with a stay-put waistband
-
Five pockets for essentials
Key Specs
Sizes: 0-20 | Inseam: 23, 25, and 28 inches | Materials: Nylon, elastane, Lycra elastane | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry on low heat
Who They’re For
Best for those who love that bouncy, weightless feeling from their petite workout leggings while out for a run or jog.
Why We Love Them
Whether you’re looking to log some serious outdoor miles or crank out a quick 5K on a treadmill, lululemon’s Fast and Free High-Rise Tight can leave you feeling prepared for the challenge ahead. The sleek, lightweight fabric feels cool to the touch and dries quickly when you get extra sweaty. They also move with you like a second skin, never requiring adjusting mid-workout, thanks to the compressive high-rise waist featuring a continuous drawcord for extra security.
Designed with runners in mind, these leggings skip the seams on the inner thigh, making for a smooth, friction-free ride every time you lace up. We also appreciate the attention paid to runner safety with the strips of reflective dots at the hips and calves. And pocket fans, this pair features five of them: two side pockets that easily fit a phone and three smaller pockets within the waistband to store smaller necessities.
Potential Flaws
- Those who prefer sweat hidden on their leggings during a workout may want to skip the brighter color options.
- The lightweight fabric does compromise warmth and may not be the best choice for wintry outdoor runs.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Quince-Ultra-Form-High-Rise-Legging-547d23115d904e2bbb4f379a5d5b7c7b.jpg)
-
Super soft and stretchy fabric
-
Made with sustainable, Standard 100 OEKO-TEX certified materials
-
Wide range of sophisticated color options
Key Specs
Sizes: 0-16 | Inseam: 21, 25, and 28 inches | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low heat
Who They’re For
Best for those who want a luxe pair of petite leggings for everyday wear without the financial investment.
Why We Love Them
Quince’s Ultra-Form High-Rise Legging gives that coveted sleek and elevated look without the splurge. For a budget-friendly price, feel comfortable and at ease wearing these leggings in the yoga studio and throughout the to-dos of your day. They feature a wide, high-rise waistband that stays put and includes a hidden interior pocket for convenience.
Their lightweight fabric is super soft, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and stretchy enough to conform comfortably to the body without a lot of compression. We also appreciate that the material is Standard 100 OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it’s safe for our bodies and the environment. What’s more, these leggings are available in a wide range of beautiful colors, bringing sophistication to athleisure that we love.
Potential Flaws
- While the compression level of these petite leggings is ideal for yoga and other forms of low-impact exercise, it doesn’t provide the support some people prefer for higher intensity movements.
- The weight of the fabric is very comfortable but too light to conceal underwear seams.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vuori-daily-legging-1daeb9ca2f8b433682bafefc469cbcf8.jpg)
-
Soft fabric with a smoothing effect
-
High waistband with drawcord detail to customize the fit
-
Non-slip fit with moisture-wicking capabilities
Key Specs
Sizes: 00-20 | Inseam: 22.5, 24.5 and 27.5 inches | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors, tumble dry low heat
Who They’re For
Best for petite people seeking a balance of compression, comfort, and style in leggings they plan to wear for a wide variety of workouts.
Why We Love Them
Vouri’s Daily Legging was clearly designed with petite people in mind. A 7/8 style with three inseam length options and a slightly compressive fit, these leggings not only look flattering, but also support a wide range of movement. Seib says these soft leggings are some of her favorites due to how well they stay put when strength training, during barre class, and more.
The high-rise waistband on these petite workout leggings features a built-in drawstring so you can further customize your fit. Meanwhile, the smoothing fabric is compressive enough throughout the hips and legs to provide a non-slip fit, and its moisture-wicking capabilities keep you dry and comfortable as you move. At the end of the day, they’re equally comfortable for lounging.
Potential Flaws
- While the regular length of these leggings is available in six colors, the short length only has three color options, and the long length has just two color choices.
- As a brand, Vuori tends to run on the smaller side, according to a large swath of wearers. Finding the right fit may require a little trial and error with sizing.
What to Look for When Shopping for Petite Leggings
- Inseam Length: A shorter inseam, or leg length, is key to a properly fitting pair of petite leggings. Start by measuring your own inseam to determine your preferred leg length. Based on that measurement, you can shop more easily for full-length, 7/8, and capri leggings that fit your body well.
- Fit: Fit is the top priority when choosing the right pair of leggings, says Tavel. She suggests looking for leggings that not only allow you to move, but also feel like they’re supporting the body without restricting it. She recommends a degree of compression to help your legs feel lifted, as well as a secure fit at the waist and hips to create a sense of buoyancy. Similarly, Seib prefers a snug feel and a high waistline in a 7/8 length for her petite frame.
- Function: Pay close attention to details that can support—or hinder—your preferred method of movement. For instance, Tavel requires pockets in her running leggings that secure her phone and keys against her body without noticeable drag or jostling when on the move. Seib says when it comes to strength training, she reaches for a performance pair with a high waist and more sweat-wicking capabilities, but for barre, yoga, and training her clients, she looks for stretchier, softer materials.
- Feel: Leggings should feel either unnoticeable or uplifting and empowering, says Tavel. She says she looks for a feeling of freedom to move and the ability to focus on her workouts because her outfit isn’t distracting or holding her back.
- Cost: Tavel says some leggings are worth the splurge, however, she has limits in terms of what she deems appropriate in terms of cost. While some leggings work better than others, their differences aren’t so extreme that it’s worth it to purchase a super pricey pair if it’s not in your budget, she adds. She suggests checking out sales first to find a solid pair from a reliable, trustworthy brand.
Verywell Fit / Kimberly Souza
How We Selected and Tested the Petite Leggings
To find the best petite leggings, we researched and tested dozens of options from trusted brands and carefully reviewed their product specifications. We also tested a number of pairs in our Lab and at home, wearing them while running, strength training, practicing yoga, lounging, fitness walking, and more. When testing petite leggings, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.
- Quality: We note how well the leggings hold up and whether they show any signs of wear and tear. Do they continue to perform as well as they did when we first got them? Do they maintain their shape well? Do they hold up well to laundering? We prioritize leggings that maintain their quality after continuous wear, various workouts, and multiple washes.
- Opacity: We assess to what extent we can see through the leggings when indoors, outdoors, running, squatting, and more. Does the material thin out with wear or after multiple washes? Are they completely opaque regardless of setting? We prioritize completely opaque or nearly opaque leggings that we can wear comfortably in multiple settings and while moving through various types of exercises.
- Fit: Do the leggings still fit the same after multiple wears and washes? Do they stretch or shrink? Has the waistband maintained its shape? Do they roll down, pinch, or bunch up? Do we have to adjust them constantly, or do they stay in place well? We prioritize leggings that stay securely in place and maintain their shape, despite how often we wear and launder them.
- Performance: We consider how well each pair of leggings performs during various activities. Are they stretchy enough to handle a wide range of workouts? How much compression do they have? Do they keep us dry? How do the leggings feel against our skin, both before and after working up a sweat?
- Value: After assessing all other key criteria, we check the price of each pair of leggings and consider whether the price appropriately matches the quality of the leggings. Would we buy them at full price? Would we only buy them on sale? We prioritized leggings with quality that exceeds their value.
Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
Our Experts
We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us identify which key features to look for when shopping for high-quality petite leggings. While we select products independently, expert input influences our decisions.
- Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS, physical therapist, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and avid runner
- Lauren Seib, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer, pre- and post-natal exercise specialist, and founder of Bump + Thrive
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the length of petite leggings?
Full-length petite leggings are typically 26 inches long. Meanwhile, 7/8 leggings, which are designed to cut just above the ankle, usually have inseams ranging from 23 to 25 inches and are a popular style choice for petite individuals.
What’s the difference between petite and regular leggings?
The primary difference between petite and regular leggings is inseam length, or leg length. Petite leggings have leg lengths that are inches shorter than regular leggings. Some petite leggings also have a shorter rise—the fabric from the gusset to the waist of the leggings—to accommodate petite body proportions further.
Who should wear petite leggings?
People 5 feet, 4 inches or shorter often find petite leggings fit their bodies best. Taller individuals with longer torsos and shorter legs may also prefer the fit of petite leggings over standard length leggings.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Alena Davis is a Verywell Fit writer and exercise enthusiast who understands that your clothes are key to feeling comfortable in your body while on the move. She relies on petite and 7/8 length leggings for all of her workouts, preferring different fabrics and levels of compression depending on the activity of the day. For this story, she interviewed experts and reviewed insights from the Verywell Fit testing team, considering each pair’s comfort, performance, opacity, value, and quality. She prioritized comfortable and supportive leggings that hold up well over time.
