The Best Leggings For Short Women

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We're always on the hunt for the best leggings on the market, and we never back down from putting them to the test. However, if you're short or petite, you know how difficult it is to find comfortable leggings that fit you properly. Some are way too long and cause that extra fabric to bunch up around your ankles, while others have a waistband so high that it almost ends up reaching your bust. Ill-fitting leggings can not only look awkward, but also feel distracting during a workout. Fortunately, we found the best leggings for petite bodies for every workout, whether you're a Pilates pro or prefer a high-intensity exercise, like running or spin class.

We found several options with specific short or petite sizing, including a few that let you choose your ideal inseam. There's ones with super-flattering crossover waistbands to accentuate your curves while staying securely in place, and a few leggings with pockets too. We even discovered a handful of compression leggings to provide a body-hugging fit. If you're on the shorter side and searching for a new pair of flattering leggings, brands like Old Navy, Lululemon, and Girlfriend Collective have solid options. Shop our top picks ahead.

Additional reporting by Gina Florio

Best Petite Leggings For Running: Lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Tight 25"
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Best Petite Leggings For Running: Lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Tight 25"

The Lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Tight 25" ($128) is an editor-favorite designed for running. The pant is crafted from the brand's super-compressive Luxtreme fabric, which is smooth, cool to the touch, and sweat-wicking. Plus, these leggings have a contoured waistband that firmly hug your waist so that they stay put during your workout, a feature one of our editors greatly appreciated. Read our in-depth review of the review of the Lululemon Swift Speed High-Rise Tight.

What customers are saying: Customers love how the waistband sits securely in place even when running — some even claim they don't need the waist tie. Several reviewers commented on how supportive and compressive these are, especially for running.

Why we love them: These have two side pockets and a zippered back pocket. They have a continuous drawcord that's easily adjustable and will keep your leggings in place. The fabric is slightly compressing, delivering a non-slip wear that stays put no matter how you move. The seams are on the outside to eliminate friction and rubbing.

What's worth noting: These leggings are made with a nylon and lycra elastane blend. It comes in a 28-inch length as well, but if you're on the shorter side, we recommend sticking with the 25-inch length.

The Details: Sizes: XXS-XXL | Length: 7/8 | Color Options: 6

Best Cropped Leggings For Short Women: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Crop Leggings
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Best Cropped Leggings For Short Women: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Crop Leggings

If you're in the market for a pair of cropped leggings that fit just right, the Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Side-Pocket Crop Leggings ($37) come in petite sizing. The fabric has a slight compressive feel with a four-way stretch that doesn't limit your movement. It's breathable and lightweight, with a smooth texture that feels heavenly on your skin.

What customers are saying: Reviewers enjoy how comfortable and functional these are, especially for a wide range of workouts including cardio and lifting. Almost every review mentioned how amazing the pockets are too.

Why we love them: These have on-seam side pockets at the hips, and flat-lock seams to prevent chafing. The leggings have an elasticized waistband, and are fitted through the hip and thigh, so you can be supported without feeling squeezed in.

What's worth noting: These leggings are made with a polyester and spandex blend. They have a high waistband with a 21-inch inseam in regular sizing and a 19-inch inseam in petite sizing.

The Details: Sizes: Regular: XXS-4X, Petite: XS-XXL | Length: Cropped | Color Options: 7

Best Petite Leggings For High-Intensity Workouts: Outdoor Voices SuperForm 7/8 Legging
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Best Petite Leggings For High-Intensity Workouts: Outdoor Voices SuperForm 7/8 Legging

If you're trying a more rigorous workout, you want something that'll move with your body and feel supportive. The Outdoor Voices SuperForm 7/8 Legging ($88) is one of our top picks. These leggings can handle all your high-intensity activities and workouts. If you sweat a lot, these are equipped with a sweat-wicking, cool-to-the-touch fabric that will have your back during cardio, spin class, hot yoga, and Pilates.

What customers are saying: Customers describe the quality of these leggings as stretchy but form-fitting. Many adore how the waistband sits securely in place even when running. Plus, several reviewers say these are a must for those who are petite or short.

Why we love them: These have two phone pockets and a waistband with an internal drawstring for a customized fit. Plus, they have built-in UPF 50 protection.

What's worth noting: These leggings are made with a nylon and lycra blend. They have a mid-rise waistband with a 25-inch inseam across all sizes.

The Details: Sizes: XXS-XXL | Length: 7/8 | Color Options: 6

Compression Leggings: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Color-Block 7/8-Length Compression Legging
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Compression Leggings: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Color-Block 7/8-Length Compression Legging

The Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Color-Block 7/8-Length Compression Leggings ($45) are made with a light, soft compression fabric. With four-way stretch, these leggings are ideal for running and Pilates. Their breathable fabric is moisture-wicking and will keep you dry as well. Plus, they've got flat-lock seams, which help deter friction and prevent chafing.

What customers are saying: With a near five-star rating, these leggings are a customer-favorite at Old Navy. Reviewers love the snug but comfortable and flexible fit. People like to work out and lounge around in them. Customers prefer the 7/8 length for the summertime, but they're a great year-round pick for shorter people. With the 7/8 length, the fabric doesn't bunch at the bottom.

Why we love them: They're equipped with an elastic, flexible waist and a gusset for easy movement. These leggings support you in all the right places for a sculpted look. Plus, who doesn't love something that prevents chafing?

What's worth noting: These are made with a polyester and spandex blend that can be machine washed. They come in regular, tall, and petite sizing that fits true to size. We suggest going with the petite section to get an ideal fit — the inseam for the petites is 23 inches.

The Details: Sizes: Regular: XXS-4X, Petite: XS-XL | Length: 7/8 | Color Options: 3

Best Ribbed Leggings: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Rib-Knit Side-Pocket 7/8-Length Leggings
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Best Ribbed Leggings: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Rib-Knit Side-Pocket 7/8-Length Leggings

The Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Rib-Knit Side-Pocket 7/8-Length Leggings ($45) are a stylish pair that have a buttery-soft feel. The rib-knit texture gives these leggings a flattering and flexible look. They're thick and breathable with a comfortable stretch that moves with your body. We recommend them for lounging around and low-impact workouts.

What customers are saying: Customers love the fit and feel of these leggings, noting how stretchy and breathable it is.

Why we love them: These leggings have a waistband that sits high on the waist but won't reach your bust, especially if you get the petite sizes. Plus, these have on-seam hip pockets that fit your phone.

What's worth noting: These leggings are made of a nylon and spandex blend. They come in regular, tall, and petite sizing that fits true to size. The inseam for the petites is 23 inches.

The Details: Sizes: Regular: XXS-4X, Petite: XS-XL | Length: 7/8 | Color Options: 5

Crossover-Waistband Leggings: Offline by Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover High Waisted Pocket Legging
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Crossover-Waistband Leggings: Offline by Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover High Waisted Pocket Legging

The Offline by Aerie Real Me Xtra Crossover High Waisted Pocket Legging ($38, originally $55) has a crossover waistband and delivers medium support, resulting in a pair that gives you a flattering look. Even with a slight compression, the leggings feel lightweight and are quite stretchy. You can run a mile or a few errands in these versatile leggings.

What customers are saying: Customers are loving the the fit and feel of these leggings. Many rave about how the material is comfortable. Reviewers who are on the shorter side say these don't bunch up at the ankles and actually fit properly.

Why we love them: The leggings are great for medium- to high-impact workouts. They are squat-proof and have a moisture-wicking, fast-drying fabric. The crossover waistband has a V seam to give you a proper fit and feel. And yes, these are equipped with pockets.

What's worth noting: They're made from a nylon and elastane blend that is machine washable. They come in regular, short, and long sizing, so we suggest going with the short sizing for a more accurate fit. The regular-size inseam is 25 inches, and the short-size inseam is 23 inches. It's supposed to hit just above the ankle.

The Details: Sizes: XXS-XXL, Short: XS-XL | Length: 7/8 | Color Options: 1

Best Yoga Leggings: Core 10 Women's All Day Comfort High-Waist Side-Pocket Yoga Legging
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Best Yoga Leggings: Core 10 Women's All Day Comfort High-Waist Side-Pocket Yoga Legging

The Core 10 Women's All Day Comfort High-Waist Side-Pocket Yoga Legging ($21) is a great pair of everyday leggings with its snug, body-hugging fit that doesn't slack when it comes to flexibility. It has a 27-inch inseam, which is an ideal length for those who are short, especially if you're in the market for a full-length pair. It's made from a breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking fabric ideal for all types of workouts.

What customers are saying: Reviewers rave about how high quality these leggings feel, from the super-soft fabric to how great it makes them look. They love how thick the fabric is and how these leggings are squat-proof. One reviewer also adored the deep pockets.

Why we love them: The leggings are made with comfort in mind with a breathable fabric that you can lounge around in. The waistband is wide as well, and they have big side panel pockets that can fit all your essentials, including your phone.

What's worth noting: The leggings have a high-rise waist that sits above the belly button. They're made from a polyester and spandex blend that is machine washable.

The Details: Sizes: XS-3X | Length: Full | Color Options: 14

Bestselling Lululemon Leggings For Short Women: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25"
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Bestselling Lululemon Leggings For Short Women: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25"

The Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25" ($98-$118) is made from Lululemon's beloved buttery-soft Nulu fabric. It's made for low-impact workouts like Pilates, yoga, or light walking. It's sweat-wicking as well. The 25-inch length is perfect for those who are shorter since it sits right above the ankle.

What customers are saying: This is one of the bestselling pieces at Lululemon, with many raving about the comfortable fit. Several reviewers are repeat customers, saying they can wear these all the time. They stay in place no matter how you move.

Why we love them: They're lightweight and breathable with a four-way stretch that moves with your body. There's a hidden pocket in the waistband where you can keep your cards or keys.

What's worth noting: They're made with a nylon and lycra elastane blend. It's best to machine wash on cold and tumble dry on low.

The Details: Sizes: 0-20 | Length: 25", 28", 31" | Color Options: 21

Best Petite Leggings For Low-Impact Workouts: Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight
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Best Petite Leggings For Low-Impact Workouts: Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight

Whether it's yoga, barre, Pilates, or hot-girl walks, the Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight ($79-$109) is built to move with your body for a flexible feel. It's made with a slight compression fabric that is sweat-wicking, quick drying, and breathable. These will make you feel good and look good during your low-impact workouts. Plus, the leggings come in specific petite sizing.

What customers are saying: Customers love to work out and lounge around in these. One reviewer loves the thick fabric that has a smoothing effect on your legs. A customer who is 5'2" says these are full length on them.

Why we love them: They have two pockets so you can store your phone, cards, and other essentials. These leggings also have a UPF 50+ rating, so they'll keep you protected during the sunny days.

What's worth noting: They come in regular, tall, and petite sizing that fits true to size. We suggest going with the petite section to get an ideal fit. The inseam for the petites is 23 inches.

The Details: Sizes: Regular: XXS-3X, Petite: XXS-XL | Length: 7/8 | Color Options: 5

Best Midrise Leggings For Short Women: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Mid-Rise Legging
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Best Midrise Leggings For Short Women: Girlfriend Collective Compressive Mid-Rise Legging

If you're someone who prefers a mid-rise waistband, the Girlfriend Collective Compressive Mid-Rise Legging ($78) is pretty much the same as the original but with a nine-inch rise. It still stays up without the need of a high-rise waistband, and it's sweat wicking and sheer proof. It's a great option for those who are shorter as well. It's best for medium- to high-impact workouts.

What customers are saying: Those who are petite say this pair is a perfect fit; it hits right below the belly button and feels super comfortable. People love to wear it during workouts, running errands, and even out to dinner.

Why we love them: This is a great option for those who are shorter since it has a nine-inch rise. It is squat proof and has a supportive compression without compromising on flexibility.

What's worth noting: It's made with 79 percent recycled single-use bottles and 21 percent spandex. Machine wash on cold, and let air dry.

The Details: Sizes: XXS-6XL | Length: 28.5" and 23.75" | Color Options: 1