We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Activewear We Found the Best Petite Leggings After Testing Dozens of Top Options These comfortable, stylish picks work well for yoga, running, lounging, and more By Rachel MacPherson, BA, CPT Updated on September 06, 2024 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Kristin McGee, CPT Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Print In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Look For How We Selected and Tested Our Experts FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Verywell Fit / Alena Kharlamenko Petite leggings are typically designed for wearers 5 feet, 4 inches or shorter. However, if you're taller, with a longer torso and shorter legs, you may also notice that petite leggings fit you better than standard sizes. While countless options are available, few are high-quality, comfortable, and opaque enough to withstand long-term use, intense workout sessions, and frequent laundering. To find the best petite leggings, we extensively researched and tested dozens of pairs from top trusted brands in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home, wearing them while lounging, running errands, working out, and more. We also spoke with a NASM-certified women’s fitness specialist and a dermatologist about what key features to look for and what to avoid when shopping for a quality pair. We then evaluated each pair of petite leggings for their comfort, performance, care, quality, opacity, and value to find the top options on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Athleta High Rise Legging at Gap.com Jump to Review Best for Running: Athleta High Rise Legging at Gap.com Jump to Review Best for Yoga: Beyond Yoga High Waisted Capri Legging at Amazon $95 Jump to Review Best Flare: Yogipace Bootcut Yoga Pants at Amazon $34 Jump to Review Best Budget: Old Navy PowerChill Hidden-Pocket Leggings at Old Navy Jump to Review Best Compressive: Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Legging at Amazon $78 Jump to Review Best Maternity: Born Primitive Maternity Legging at Bornprimitive.com Jump to Review Best Fit: Knix HiTouch High Rise Legging at Knix Jump to Review Best Overall Athleta High Rise Legging PHOTO: Athleta View on Gap.com Pros Contours to the body and holds its shape Great balance of stretch and compression Durable Cons Waist may feel somewhat constrictive when sitting down Patterned underwear may be visible if performing squats Key Specs Sizes: 00-14 | Inseam: 25 inches | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, polyester | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash and dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.7 Who They're For Best for those who want high-quality petite leggings that will hold their shape regardless of activity or how many times they're laundered. Why We Love Them We love Athleta gear for its true-to-size fit and high-performance materials, and Athleta's Salutation Legging is one of our all-time favorites for petite wearers. We love that these leggings move comfortably during vinyasa yoga, barre class, and as we lounge around the house. We also love that the waistband stays firmly in place during more intense yoga sessions. They fit so well that we never felt overly constricted while wearing them—an important feature in a versatile pair of leggings. We didn't notice any bunching or bagging while wearing them as we ran errands. We also appreciate their thickness and durability and never worry about them ripping. Even after multiple washes, they still held their shape and showed no wear or thinning. We also love that they're flattering, proportionate, and contour nicely to our bodies. Plus, they have a nice balance of stretch and compression, allowing us to feel supported whether wearing them to work or at the gym. Potential Flaws While these leggings are comfortable and supportive, the waist area is slightly more compressive, which we especially notice when sitting down. While they can be worn comfortably while lounging, they may work best for those who don't mind a compressive fit in the waist.Our patterned underwear was slightly visible when we tested these while performing squats. We recommend wearing nude or black underwear if you plan to perform similar moves. 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 Souza, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Phoebe Sklansky Verywell Fit / Kimberly Souza Verywell Fit / Kimberly Souza Verywell Fit / Kimberly Souza Verywell Fit / Kimberly Souza Verywell Fit / Kimberly Souza Best for Running Athleta High Rise Legging PHOTO: Athleta View on Gap.com Pros Comfortable and high-quality Thick, squat-proof material Sweat is quickly wicked away Cons Pricier than other options Key Specs Sizes: 00-14 | Inseam: 23 inches | Materials: Lycra, polyester, elastane | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash and dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.6 Who They're For Best for runners or intermediate to advanced exercisers who want a compressive petite legging that isn't overly tight and won't cause chafing. Why We Love Them Athleta's Ultimate Stash High Rise 7/8 Leggings are comfortable and compressive, allowing them to work well for more intense workouts. We found them supportive on runs and during workouts without being too tight. They're also thick, and we felt confident wearing them to the gym while we performed squats. Plus, they're incredibly durable and high-quality without any thinning despite numerous washes and wears. Whether we're working out at the gym or running on roads, we love that they stay put, never sagging, bunching, chafing, or pinching. We also appreciate that despite how thick and compressive they are, they still feel extremely breathable and dry quickly after we work up a sweat. And they never show sweat marks, even after sweatier workout sessions. Potential Flaws These leggings are pricier than other options on our list, but we think their price point is well-matched by their quality. Most Valuable Insight "As someone who is 5'1, I love that these come in petite sizes! The length was perfect for me, and they're truly high-rise. They go on smoothly and are easy to put on. They don't dig into my belly, and they don't sag anywhere." —Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD, CDN, Verywell Fit senior editor and product tester We found these leggings to be completely opaque while squatting. Verywell Fit / Alena Kharlamenko These leggings are designed for high-impact workouts and may be too stiff for lounging. Verywell Fit / Kate Geraghty These leggings stay in place without digging or sagging in unwanted areas. Verywell Fit / Alena Kharlamenko Best for Yoga Beyond Yoga High Waisted Capri Legging PHOTO: Beyond Yoga $95 at Amazon View on Beyondyoga.com Pros Ultra soft, smooth fabric Breathable Stay in place Cons Underwear lines may be visible Key Specs Sizes: 0-32 | Inseam: 20.5 inches | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash and dry | Our Overall Rating: 4.6 Who They're For Best for those who want a flexible pair of petite leggings for practicing yoga or lounging at home in comfort. Why We Love Them The best yoga leggings are comfortable and flexible enough that they won't hinder your movements or distract you by rolling down or bunching up—Beyond Yoga's Spacedye Walk And Talk High Waisted Capri Leggings do just that. We love that they are ultra soft and smooth and mold to our body perfectly. Plus, we appreciate how supportive the high-waisted band feels without being restrictive. From the minute we put these leggings on, we never felt like we needed—or wanted—to take them off. They were comfortable throughout our day and transitioned easily from yoga class to lounging in the evening. Plus, we love that these leggings are extremely breathable and kept us cool and comfortable during longer walks in warm weather. They never seem to sag or bunch up, and they stay comfortably in place and don't require adjusting throughout the day. Potential Flaws Although you can't see anything through the fabric of these leggings, underwear lines may be visible. Most Valuable Insight "These leggings are exceptionally comfortable. The fabric is ultra-soft and smooth. They molded to my body perfectly. They were comfortable throughout the day, whether I was doing yoga or lounging on the couch. The fabric never feels like it's cutting into my skin, no matter how I bend or twist, and I never feel or notice the seams." —Clare Bates, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Cecily Mcandrews Verywell Fit / Cecily Mcandrews Best Flare Yogipace Bootcut Yoga Pants PHOTO: Amazon $34 at Amazon Pros Wide, comfy waistband Sweat-proof and don't hold onto odors Hold their shape Cons May be tight in the crotch Not well-suited for high-intensity workouts Key Specs Sizes: 2-18 | Inseam: 25, 27, or 29 inches | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash | Our Overall Rating: 4.2 Who They're For Best for those who want a stylish pair of petite leggings that are comfortable enough to wear around the house or to a yoga class and sleek enough to wear to run errands. Why We Love Them The beauty of flared leggings is that they can easily transition from running errands to the yoga studio, and Yogipace's Bootcut Yoga Pants don't disappoint. During testing, they held up well, showing no signs of wear and tear despite how many times we laundered them. We love how comfortable they are, that they're sweatproof, and that they don't retain odors. We like that they retain their shape, including in the waistband, whether we're doing yoga, going for a walk, completing some tasks around the house, or running errands. We appreciate that they never sagged or pilled, which is a testament to their high quality. We also loved that the wide waistband didn't dig into our skin, while the slight fare of the leg gave a casual yet pulled-together look. Potential Flaws These leggings hold their shape well, but one of our testers felt they were a little tight in the crotch area, which may not work well for some. Due to the risk of catching your foot in the flared leg, they may be better suited for lounging, yoga, walking, or running errands instead of strenuous or high-intensity workouts. Most Valuable Insight "These leggings are not see-through, whether I wear them indoors or outdoors, and are very comfortable. Despite how many times I laundered them, they didn't thin out anywhere, nor pill or rip. They also don't seem to hold onto odor and are sweat-proof." —Sheila Tong, Verywell Fit product tester Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Verywell Fit / Jhett Thompson Bonus Favorites Although we didn’t test the following petite leggings, we still think they’re worthwhile options to consider. They have many of the same key features that we love about the leggings we’ve tried ourselves. Best Budget Old Navy PowerChill Hidden-Pocket Leggings PHOTO: Old Navy View on Old Navy Pros Four-way stretch Hidden waistband pocket Breathable Cons May not be opaque enough for some Petite size range is more limited Key Specs Sizes: 0-18 | Inseam: 26 inches | Materials: Polyester, Tencel Modal, cotton, spandex | Pockets: Yes | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry low Who They're For Best for those who want a budget-friendly pair of petite leggings that won't bunch up during workouts. Why We Love Them For budget-friendly petite leggings, 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. We love that they feature a four-way stretch with great hold—no readjusting necessary. Their wide elastic waistband features a hidden pocket at the back for storing your phone, change, keys, or other essentials. Plus, they're designed to hit right at the ankle, providing the perfect length for petite wearers looking for a more budget-friendly option to stock up on. Potential Flaws These petite leggings come in fewer size options than some others on our list.Some wearers have found that this pair isn’t as opaque as other options, so they may not be ideal for squats or weightlifting. Best Compressive Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Legging PHOTO: Girlfriend Collective $78 at Amazon View on Girlfriend.com View on Backcountry.com Pros Wide range of sizes Four-way stretch Made with recycled materials Cons May show underwear lines 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 Who They're For Best for those who want a supportive, compressive pair of petite leggings with plenty of size and inseam options. Why We Love Them Girlfriend Collective’s Compressive High-Rise Legging is our recommendation for petite compression leggings that offer ideal support for high-impact activities, including running, jumping rope, squat jumps, and more. We love that they come in a wide range of sizes and two petite inseam options, allowing you to pick a full-length or ankle-skimming fit. Made from recycled water bottles, this garment is squat-proof, breathable, and sweat-wicking. It also has a four-way stretch that won’t lose shape, even after a long day of wear. We like that the ultra-high-rise waistband (with a hidden pocket for your keys or cards) won’t roll down, regardless of activity. Potential Flaws Some wearers have noticed that the fabric is on the thinner side, so your underwear lines may show. Best Maternity Born Primitive Maternity Legging PHOTO: Born Primitive View on Bornprimitive.com Pros Waistband can be worn over or under your bump Comfortable, breathable fabric Ideal for working out or lounging Cons May run small Key Specs Sizes: 00-16 | Inseam: Not listed | Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Pockets: Optional | Care: Wash with like colors on cold, line dry Who They're For Best for pregnant individuals who want a soft and comfortable pair of leggings that work well for lounging and high-intensity workouts. Why We Love Them Born Primitive's Maternity Legging is one of our top recommendations for pregnant individuals because it’s soft and comfortable but doesn’t skimp on high-performance features. We love that these durable, lightweight leggings are ideal for everything from CrossFit and cardio to yoga classes. Thanks to performance fabrics, these leggings are stretchy and breathable. We also 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 to relieve some of the pressure on your back and pelvis. Potential Flaws Some users have found that these leggings run small, so you may consider sizing up. Best Fit Knix HiTouch High Rise Legging PHOTO: Knix View on Knix Pros Breathable Durable, with bonded seams Wide range of sizes and colors Cons No pockets Key Specs Sizes: 0-26 | Inseam: 25 inches | Materials: Nylon, Lycra, cotton, spandex, carbon | Pockets: No | Care: Machine wash cold, lay flat to dry Who They're For Best for those who want a flattering pair of petite leggings that are durable, compressive, and comfy. Why We Love Them For petite leggings that contour to your body, we recommend Knix’s HiTouch High Rise Legging. A wide, high-rise waistband, seams in the back, and light compression help support your body for a flattering, comfortable fit. Plus, its thick, non-slip waistband won't roll down whether you're running, jumping, hiking, or squatting. Made from a blend of high-performance materials, these leggings are super soft and breathable. They’re also anti-chafe and have bonded seams for extra durability, so you can count on them not to fray or fall apart over time. We also appreciate that they come in various sizes and many color options. Potential Flaws These leggings don’t have pockets, which may not be ideal for some. What to Look for When Shopping for Petite Leggings Inseam Length: The main feature that separates petite leggings from other pairs is the inseam length, or how long the legs are. 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. In addition to petite leggings, look for leggings that come in 7/8 length, as these are ideal for petite individuals who don't want capris.Fit: Petite refers to height, not size. When shopping for petite leggings, first start with your typical size. You may want to size down if you want leggings with more support and compression for high-impact exercise. Consider sizing up for a looser, more relaxed fit better suited for walking and lounging. Check the brand’s size or fit guide for more details.Materials: Leggings are usually made from a blend of performance materials, like nylon, spandex, polyester, and elastane. These stretchy fabrics move with you and help wick away sweat to keep you dry. Material can also affect how opaque leggings are. If you’re concerned about your underwear lines or pattern showing through, look for thicker, squat-proof leggings.Price: The price point can vary when shopping for high-quality petite leggings. More expensive pairs may have added features, including UPF protection, multiple pockets, and four-way stretch. In contrast, more budget-friendly options may not have as many features, including pockets, moisture-wicking fabric, and more. However, price doesn’t always indicate how well each pair will perform.Use: Consider what activities you'll be doing while wearing your leggings. If you plan on performing high-intensity exercises, you may want to opt for a pair that's moisture-wicking and compressive. If you plan on walking, lounging, or performing lower-intensity exercises, you can choose a less compressive pair that doesn't feature as many moisture-wicking fabrics. How We Selected and Tested the Petite Leggings To find the best petite leggings, we extensively researched dozens of top options and carefully reviewed product specifications. We also tested some options in our Lab and at home while running, doing yoga, lounging, walking, and more. When testing petite leggings, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria. Comfort: When we evaluate the leggings, we consider how they feel against our skin, including after we've worked up a sweat. Do they keep us dry? Do they feel soft and comfortable for all-day wear? Are they overly tight? Do they roll down, pinch, or bunch up? Do we constantly have to adjust them, or do they stay in place?Performance: When evaluating for performance, we think about how well each pair does during various activities. Are they stretchy enough to handle various workouts? Do they offer any sun protection? How much compression do they have? Are they moisture-wicking?Care: When we launder the leggings, we look for any signs of shrinkage and discoloration. We also note if any threads or seams unravel and if any holes form. We prioritize leggings that are easy to care for and maintain their shape and quality, no matter how many times they're laundered.Quality: When we evaluate quality, we note how well the leggings hold up and whether they show any signs of wear and tear. Do they perform as well as they did when we first got them? Can they be laundered without any change to their performance or appearance? Do they maintain their shape? Do they retain odor over time? We prioritize leggings that maintain their quality after continuous wear and multiple washes.Opacity: When evaluating for opacity, we look at to what extent the leggings are see-through when we're indoors, outdoors, running, squatting, and more. We prioritize completely opaque or nearly opaque leggings that we can comfortably wear in multiple settings and while doing various exercises.Value: After assessing all other key criteria, we check the price of each pair of leggings. We consider whether the price appropriately matches the quality of the legging. Would we buy them at full price? Would we only buy them on sale? We prioritize leggings with quality that exceeds their value. Our Experts We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, selection, and reporting process. The following experts helped us identify which key features to look for when shopping for high-quality petite leggings, including safe materials. While we select products independently, expert input influences our decisions. Alayna Curry, NASM-certified women's fitness specialist and AFAA-certified group fitness instructor at Workout with Mom Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital 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. Regular leggings may be too long for petite wearers, but petite leggings are shorter and can 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. In 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing polyester and spandex blends. Zeichner notes that the best way to prevent BPA exposure is to make educated decisions when choosing activewear and not to wear leggings made with polyester and spandex blends for an extended period. These products have not been recalled, and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled. 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. 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Nutrition C for FS and A. Questions & answers on bisphenol a (Bpa) use in food contact applications. FDA. Published online March 27, 2023. By Rachel MacPherson, BA, CPT Rachel MacPherson is a health writer, certified personal trainer, and exercise nutrition coach based in Halifax. 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