Trust Me, These Are the Best Petite Leggings When You Want Something Soft That Stays Up

By Morgan Ashley Parker

Published on 8/18/2021 at 5:45 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Morgan Ashley Parker
POPSUGAR Photography | Morgan Ashley Parker
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I never feel more like Goldilocks than when I'm shopping for workout leggings, 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, this pair 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

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 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 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
oldnavy.gap.com

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 ($30).

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings — In the Navy
oldnavy.gap.com

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 ($30).

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings — Weeping Willow
oldnavy.gap.com

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 ($30) next.

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings — Carbon
oldnavy.gap.com

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 ($30) totally stand out.

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted PowerChill Ruched 7/8-Length Leggings — Black Jack
oldnavy.gap.com

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 ($30) as the cinched bottom makes them special no matter what.