No matter your height, there are few things more annoying (when it comes to wardrobe malfunctions, that is) than spending the day hitching up your leggings every few minutes when all you really hoped for when you slipped them on was to feel comfortable. Short girls, however, will most likely have faced this problem more than most, as finding leggings that have the right proportions for petite heights, either for working out or simply for everyday life, can be extremely difficult.
Even as a fashion editor, I've felt this struggle. That was until I turned my attention to discovering what makes a great pair of petite leggings. Now, from my thorough research online, my own personal trials and insights collated from my fellow petite editors, I've come to realise there are a few key factors to look out for when buying leggings as a petite person.
How to Choose Petite Leggings:
Firstly, any brands offering 7/8 leggings or shorter inseam lengths head straight to the top of the list — Shout out to Alo and Lululemon. Also, keep an eye out for brands offering dedicated petite activewear. ASOS 4505 now comes in petite lengths, while petite brand Avo Activewear focuses solely on petite styles. For fashion styles, M&S are a winner with many styles available in shorter lengths, including faux leather leggings and stirrup designs.
Finally, it's not just leg length that's important to consider when shopping for the best petite leggings — the waist rise can also play a role. If you're opting for a high waist style, ensure the seam sits at the correct point on your waist. Too high or too low, and you'll find yourself tugging at them every 5 minutes, which we definitely want to avoid.
If that all sounds a little complicated, don't worry, it's not just petite styling advice I'm here to help with. If you're under 5'3" and have the same difficulties with leggings in the past, I've done the (extensive) research for you and come up with an edit of the best leggings for petite frames. So, whether you're looking for performance leggings that won't bunch at your ankles during your workout or a classic, wrinkle-free seamless pair to tuck into knee-high boots—I've got you covered.
So without further ado, keep scrolling to see and shop the best leggings for petites, tried and tested by me, a 4"11' fashion editor.
The Best Leggings for Petites, Tried Tested:
- The best overall petite leggings: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25-Inch (£88)
- The best workout petite leggings: Adanola Ultimate Leggings 7/8 (£40)
- The best luxury petite leggings: Alo Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Heart Throb Legging (£128)
- The best affordable petite leggings: ASOS 4505 Petite Icon Active Bum Sculpt High Waist Gym Legging (£22)
- The best fashion petite leggings: M&S Leather Look Leggings (£19.50)
1. Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25-Inch
Size range: 4-24
Leg lengths: 23", 25", 28", 31"
Shade range: Blue, black, pink, green and more
Style notes: While Lululemon's Align leggings are designed for yoga and light exercise, they are so comfortable I wear them day in, day out. The fabric feels buttery soft and sits close to the body like a second skin for maximum comfort and flexibility. In terms of fit, the waist is ultra-high, which is great for making petite legs look longer. Best of all, they come in 4 leg lengths, two of which are ideal for petite frames. I'm wearing the 25" above; however, I also love the 23" for wearing with trainers, so I happily switch between the two.
Pros
- Soft fabric
- Available in multiple leg lengths
Cons
- Little sculpting
2. Adanola Ultimate Leggings 7/8
Size range: XXS-XXXL
Leg lengths: 7/8, regular and tall
Shade range: Black, brown, burgundy and more
Style notes: For working out and more intense exercise, Adanola's leggings are my absolute favourite. Made from a stretchy compression fabric, they hug the body for a fit that feels snug and supportive. The 7/8 length is ideal for petite heights, sitting high on the waist with barely any bunching at the ankle, even on my 4"11' frame. Plus, they come in the most delicious colours, including this burgundy ton,e which feels so chic and makes a nice alternative to classic black.
Pros
- Made from a stretchy compression fabric
- Seasonal colours to tap into trends
- Great size range
Cons
- Waistband can feel too snug for lounging
3. ASOS 4505 Petite Icon Active Bum Sculpt High Waist Gym Legging
Size range: 2-16
Leg lengths: Petite
Shade range: Black
Style notes: Affordable petite activewear can often be hard to come by, so when people ask me, I always point them to ASOS 4505. Designed with petite proportions in mind, they sit high on the waist with a shorter inseam for a great fit. This sculpting style features a clever V-shaped seam on the bum, which makes them ultra-flattering without the obvious bum-scrunch that many sculpting leggings have. I order these whenever they drop on site, as they always sell out fast, so it's a case of get them while you can.
Pros
- Sculpting detail
- Perfect for petite heights
Cons
- Limited colour options
4. Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Heart Throb Legging
Size range: 00-14
Leg lengths: 7/8 and regular
Shade range: Black and red
Style notes: Alo's leggings are a celeb and influencer favourite, and lucky for us, they're also perfect for petite frames. What I love most about this style is that they don't feature the additional waistband that many leggings do, and instead, they run in one continuous piece from top to bottom. This makes them incredibly comfortable, especially if you're sitting down or doing an exercise that requires a lot of twisting and bending like yoga or pilates. The white stripe detail is also perfect for making legs appear longer, working in a similar way to vertical stripes, drawing the eye downwards for a lengthening effect. Wear these to work out, to lounge or for busy days running errands and they won't do you wrong.
Pros
- Soft fabric
- No additional waist panel
Cons
- The banding on the bum does take some getting used to
5. Avo Activewear The Senara Legging
Size range: XXS-XL
Leg lengths: Petite
Shade range: Black, grey, navy and more
Style notes: As a petite fashion editor, I always like to spotlight brands doing exciting things in the petite space and Avo Activewear is one such brand. Designed specifically for petite frames, they have a concise edit of leggings and gymwear all designed with a 23.5" inseam. The Senara leggings are designed to both sculpt and support, made from a blend of nylon and spandex, which stretches as you move and flex. I've had multiple leggings from this brand and they always deliver so they're well worth checking out if you want to support a petite-focused brand.
Pros
- Hidden pocket for storing essentials
- Stretchy fabric
Cons
- One leg length available
6. M&S Leather Look Leggings
Size range: 6-22
Leg lengths: Short, regular and long
Shade range: Black
Style notes: Now onto fashion leggings in the form of M&S' leather look style. Feeling just as dressy as leather trousers but offering a little more comfort thanks to the addition of an elasticated waistband and cosy soft-touch lining, these are the perfect leggings to invest in for party season and beyond. The short length is ideal for petite heights, finishing at the ideal length for wearing with court heels or ballet flats. My only suggestion is avoid pairing with tops that show the waistband at the top. Although M&S has done their best to camouflage the elastic, it isn't the most stylish, so stick to oversized shapes or longline tops to keep things chic.
Pros
- Lined for extra comfort
Cons
- Not the chicest waistband
7. Karen Millen Petite Lace Stirrup Legging
Size range: XS-L
Leg lengths: Petite
Shade range: Black
Style notes: Sitting between stirrup leggings and lace tights, this style from Karen Millen may be my favourite petite fashion leggings I've come across this season. Perfect for Christmas parties or events, they look so chic paired with an oversized blazer, playsuit or LBD. Plus, the length is ideal for petite heights as the elasticated stirrup wraps snugly around the foot, pulling the fabric downwards for the perfect fit.
Pros
- Trending style
Cons
- Stirrup can loosen over time
Why Trust Us:
AtBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
How We Test:
I tested and meticulously vetted the best leggings for petites to land at the ultimate edit of the 7 best leggings for petite women. I spent hours rigorously reviewing the best petite leggings to ensure the styles I recommended not only met but exceeded my high standards. To do this, we revisited the pieces we already owned and loved and took to the high street and independent designer set to find new leggings worth inspecting closely. With a starting panel of hundreds of options, we whittled it down to a select view and appraised these based on quality, weight of the material, transparency of the fabric, cut, ability to stay bright after washing, size accuracy and price point. Plus, of course, if they actually fit petite frames.