I never feel more like Goldilocks than when I'm shopping for workout leggings [1], especially considering my 5'3" frame. Whether one pair is too big or another is too tight, it's hard to find the ideal balance of comfort and compression that doesn't require a trip to the tailor. And even for stores that do offer free tailoring, when shortened, standard- or 7/8th-length pants don't ever fit snugly to my ankle, as that part's meant for the calf of a taller person. Sigh.
But I'm not a quitter, and when browsing new arrivals at Old Navy [2], this pair [3] with a ruched ankle immediately caught my eye. Not only did it come in petite, but the crinkling also looked like it would be totally cute even if they turned out a little long still.
While, of course, looks aren't everything, learn why I'm absolutely loving these for my weekly barre classes . . . and keep them on long afterward, too.
Why I Love the Look, Fit, and Feel of These Old Navy Ruched Leggings
While I often like pants with high compression, unless the fit is just right, they roll at the waist or constrict too much for mat-based exercises. This pair's top stayed up no matter how I moved, and the light compression wasn't uncomfortable, even during the abs portion of class.
In fact, these moisture-wicking GoDry leggings [5] are made mainly of cotton jersey so they feel like a thick, soft tee, but they still passed my squat test as they're not sheer at all. Of course, I'm never mad at a hidden pocket (which easily fits a phone and keys), either.
The petite one I selected [6] hit my leg right where 7/8 leggings should, but the bottom can also be scrunched up a little more for someone shorter. And if I'm being totally honest, the real reason I love these most for barre in particular is that I can check out that very ruched ankle detail while I'm confirming my foot placement in the mirror . . . and they look just as cute with slides when I head home, too.
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings — Dusty Red
I can't get enough pink, so I opted for these Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings in Dusty Red [7] ($30).
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings — In the Navy
When you've already filled your maximum capacity for black leggings, there are always these Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings in In the Navy [8] ($30).
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings — Weeping Willow
This color is so fresh, I'm definitely opting for a pair of Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings in Weeping Willow [9] ($30) next.
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings — Carbon
If you look closely, you can see contrast stitching that makes these Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings in Carbon [10] ($30) totally stand out.
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings — Black Jack
Of course, it's impossible to go wrong with a pair of Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings in Black Jack [11] ($30) as the cinched bottom makes them special no matter what.