What to Look for When Shopping for Petite Leggings

• Inseam Length: A shorter inseam, or leg length, is key to a properly fitting pair of petite leggings. Start by measuring your own inseam to determine your preferred leg length. Based on that measurement, you can shop more easily for full-length, 7/8, and capri leggings that fit your body well.
• Fit: Fit is the top priority when choosing the right pair of leggings, says Tavel. She suggests looking for leggings that not only allow you to move, but also feel like they’re supporting the body without restricting it. She recommends a degree of compression to help your legs feel lifted, as well as a secure fit at the waist and hips to create a sense of buoyancy. Similarly, Seib prefers a snug feel and a high waistline in a 7/8 length for her petite frame.
• Function: Pay close attention to details that can support—or hinder—your preferred method of movement. For instance, Tavel requires pockets in her running leggings that secure her phone and keys against her body without noticeable drag or jostling when on the move. Seib says when it comes to strength training, she reaches for a performance pair with a high waist and more sweat-wicking capabilities, but for barre, yoga, and training her clients, she looks for stretchier, softer materials. 
• Feel: Leggings should feel either unnoticeable or uplifting and empowering, says Tavel. She says she looks for a feeling of freedom to move and the ability to focus on her workouts because her outfit isn’t distracting or holding her back.
• Cost: Tavel says some leggings are worth the splurge, however, she has limits in terms of what she deems appropriate in terms of cost. While some leggings work better than others, their differences aren't so extreme that it's worth it to purchase a super pricey pair if it’s not in your budget, she adds. She suggests checking out sales first to find a solid pair from a reliable, trustworthy brand.

How We Selected and Tested the Petite Leggings

To find the best petite leggings, we researched and tested dozens of options from trusted brands and carefully reviewed their product specifications. We also tested a number of pairs, wearing them while running, strength training, practicing yoga, lounging, fitness walking, and more. When testing petite leggings, we evaluate each pair based on the following key criteria.

• Quality: We note how well the leggings hold up and whether they show any signs of wear and tear. Do they continue to perform as well as they did when we first got them? Do they maintain their shape well? Do they hold up well to laundering? We prioritize leggings that maintain their quality after continuous wear, various workouts, and multiple washes.
• Opacity: We assess to what extent we can see through the leggings when indoors, outdoors, running, squatting, and more. Does the material thin out with wear or after multiple washes? Are they completely opaque regardless of setting? We prioritize completely opaque or nearly opaque leggings that we can wear comfortably in multiple settings and while moving through various types of exercises.
• Fit: Do the leggings still fit the same after multiple wears and washes? Do they stretch or shrink? Has the waistband maintained its shape? Do they roll down, pinch, or bunch up? Do we have to adjust them constantly, or do they stay in place well? We prioritize leggings that stay securely in place and maintain their shape, despite how often we wear and launder them.
• Performance: We consider how well each pair of leggings performs during various activities. Are they stretchy enough to handle a wide range of workouts? How much compression do they have? Do they keep us dry? How do the leggings feel against our skin, both before and after working up a sweat? 
• Value: After assessing all other key criteria, we check the price of each pair of leggings and consider whether the price appropriately matches the quality of the leggings. Would we buy them at full price? Would we only buy them on sale? We prioritized leggings with quality that exceeds their value.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us identify which key features to look for when shopping for high-quality petite leggings. While we select products independently, expert input influences our decisions.

• Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS, physical therapist, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and avid runner
• Lauren Seib, NASM-CPT, certified personal trainer, pre- and post-natal exercise specialist, and founder of Bump + Thrive

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the length of petite leggings?

Full-length petite leggings are typically 26 inches long. Meanwhile, 7/8 leggings, which are designed to cut just above the ankle, usually have inseams ranging from 23 to 25 inches and are a popular style choice for petite individuals.

What’s the difference between petite and regular leggings?

The primary difference between petite and regular leggings is inseam length, or leg length. Petite leggings have leg lengths that are inches shorter than regular leggings. Some petite leggings also have a shorter rise—the fabric from the gusset to the waist of the leggings—to accommodate petite body proportions further.

Who should wear petite leggings?

People 5 feet, 4 inches or shorter often find petite leggings fit their bodies best. Taller individuals with longer torsos and shorter legs may also prefer the fit of petite leggings over standard length leggings.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Alena Davis is a Verywell Fit writer and exercise enthusiast who understands that your clothes are key to feeling comfortable in your body while on the move. She relies on petite and 7/8 length leggings for all of her workouts, preferring different fabrics and levels of compression depending on the activity of the day. For this story, she interviewed experts and reviewed insights from the Verywell Fit testing team, considering each pair's comfort, performance, opacity, value, and quality. She prioritized comfortable and supportive leggings that hold up well over time.