I'm 5'3", and These Are the Workout Leggings That Actually Fit Me

The 15 Best Workout Leggings for Petite Women, Period

Photo:

@sarahayang

Listen. I don't mind being a little bit on the short side. But at 5'3", I find there are some instances where I wonder why I didn't get my dad's tall genes and got my mom's petite ones instead. One: when I have to reach something on a high shelf. And two: when I'm trying to find pants.

Oh, pants—what a love-hate relationship I've had with you. When I was a preteen and teen, I found it tough to find jeans that didn't need to be hemmed. Some had shorter inseams, but for some options, I was out of luck. Anything "ankle" length fit me like full-length pants. While there are a lot more inseam options out there now, trying to find my new favorite jeans or pants can still be a long search, even to this day.

The 15 Best Workout Leggings for Petite Women, Period

Photo:

@sarahayang

The same predicament applies to workout leggings. Most brands don't even have inseam options. And while you want your bottoms to fit all the time, it's especially important for your activewear to fit so that you can feel comfortable during workouts and so that the extra fabric doesn't really get in the way.

If you're reading this and nodding and saying "same," I got your back. As a wellness editor who has recently upped her workout game, I've tried out quite a few workout leggings lately, and I'm happy to say that there are some gems out there that will fit short people perfectly. No bunching up, just a sleek look—all without having to pull them up to your chest in order for the hem to hit correctly.

Take a look at some of my favorite options and others I've found through scouring online reviews below.

1. Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II 7/8 Tight

Thank you, Athleta, for having petite sizing for people 5'4" and under! They're the exact same styles but are about two inches shorter in length. I like this comfy pair for yoga and barre classes. They also have convenient pockets.

2. Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging

With Girlfriend Collective's leggings, you get three inseam options—28 inches, 23 3/4 inches, and 19 1/2 inches. It's one of my favorite brands. The leggings are buttery soft yet supportive, and it's really cool that they're made from recycled water bottles.

3. Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging

Alo is another activewear brand I love. It has so many interesting colors and silhouettes; it definitely makes working out really fun. I find its 7/8 Leggings are the perfect length for me—they hit right at my ankles. The Airlift Leggings are super supportive, lifting, and sculpting. I've worn them for all kinds of workouts, from yoga to indoor cycling.

4. Zella High Waist Studio Lite Pocket 7/8 Leggings

Zella leggings are a cult favorite with our readers because they're easy to move in yet are sweat wicking for intense workouts. This is a lightweight, high-waisted option.

The 15 Best Workout Leggings for Petite Women, Period

Photo:

@itsmekellieb

5. Outdoor Voices Core 7/8 Legging

One of my favorite pair of leggings in my activewear collection is from Outdoor Voices. The fabric is thick enough to provide so much support without weighing me down. I always feel confident when I'm wearing them. Plus, the 7/8 Leggings hit my ankle so perfectly.

6. FP Movement High-Rise 7/8 You're a Peach Leggings

I have these leggings in my closet, and they are just so good. First, they're soft and comfortable, yet I've worn them for HIIT and barre classes. Second, the details are so fun, from the piping to the ruched detail at the ankle.

7. Avamo Yoga Pants

These leggings hit right at the ankle, so they'll probably fit perfectly on shorter people. The moisture-wicking pair has four-way stretch, a high waist, and pockets that are big enough to stash your credit cards and phone.

8. Nike One Lux 7/8 Tights

Nike designed this pair of tights to "lock into the muscles of key regions," so you know they will give you the perfect amount of support to do your thing during workouts. The mid-rise leggings have hidden pockets at the front and back.

9. Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging

Made for the yoga studio and the street, these leggings are the kind that you can also wear while lounging around the house or running errands. They're super comfortable, but they also smooth and sculpt.

10. Lululemon Align Pant

Lululemon has so many length options in its inventory, from 17 inches to 31 inches. The Align Pant was designed for yoga classes, but I find that you can wear these lightweight and soft leggings for barre and Pilates, too.

11. Sweaty Betty Power Pocket Workout 7/8 Leggings

These leggings work for low-impact and high-impact workouts equally. There's also a hidden back pocket and reflective details.

The 15 Best Workout Leggings for Petite Women, Period

Photo:

@thatcurlytop

12. Athleta Elation Crossover Rib 7/8 Tight

Another option from Athleta, this super-soft pair of leggings is best for yoga and studio classes. They have a V-shaped waistband to help you move easily.

13. Old Navy High-Waisted PowerPress 7/8-Length Compression Leggings

I have about five pairs of Old Navy leggings. I just love them so much because they're so affordable and really get the job done. I can wear them for HIIT classes and restorative yoga classes and feel good in both. 

14. Under Armour Meridian Leggings

Under Armour's Meridian Leggings come in short, regular, and tall, so everyone's covered here. The performance fabric is durable and soft and has four-way stretch. They also have anti-odor technology, which prevents the growth of microbes.

15. Port de Bras Arrow Leggings

The mid-weight, activewear jersey fabric works well for low-impact workouts. Plus, the striped pattern on the side is eye-catching.

Next up: The Workout Tops You'll Actually Want to Wear Outside of the Gym, Too

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.