On paper, leggings seem like they’d be an easy purchase or quick, no-frills update to the basics in your closet. But when you’re petite (5’4″ and under) and you’re aiming for a specific look—be it for the gym or going out—shopping for leggings is no mindless activity. Most of us own different leggings for working out, which may be part of complete sport sets and are separate from our lounge or athleisure wear. And while you might like to play around with bright colors and splashy patterns when it comes to your yoga gear, perhaps you prefer to keep your everyday leggings to neutral tones. That’s why we rounded up the 15 best variations of leggings for petite women, taking all factors into account. There are designs here with ankle slits, both to add flare to your shape and to allow for visual shoe moments. Then there’s a best-selling faux-leather option for a night out, and some leggings you can repurpose for workwear on a day where comfort is key. Ahead, find 15 pairs of leggings for petite women, tried and tested by people around the world (as well as some brand fit models), all of which receive positive customer reviews to put your mind at ease before hitting the checkout button.
If you’re under 5’4″ and on the hunt for the perfect pair of leggings for your petite frame, there are a few product specs you should keep in mind. Aside from looking for cropped variations you can be sure won’t interfere with your shoes, scan sites for added details such as slits at the ankle (adjustable is a bonus!), and read as many reviews as possible, taking into account every customer’s experience with the pant should shed light on how they really fit—and most people who take the time to leave a review will also share information about their height, weight, and the size they purchased for your consideration. Sculpting tech and compression fabric are added benefits, but they’re not necessarily required for you to find the fit or lift you’re looking for. Click through the roundup ahead to read up on our current favorite selections on the internet.
If you’re looking for cozy fall- and winter-appropriate leggings, this seamless knit style has the ribbed detailing you’re looking for. However, these pants aren’t overly thick or bulky. They’re seamless for smoothing with an extra-flattering high rise. The bonus is that they’re made from organic cotton and recycled nylon so you can feel good about your purchase. Customer Review: “I am so stoked to have found these mostly-cotton tights. They’re sculpting and secure, and completely opaque. I wear them almost daily and they easily dress up or down. My only complaint is they don’t come in white/grey, because the brown isn’t as versatile. I am 5’1”, 120 lbs with muscular legs, larger bum, and small waist, and the XS/S fits very well.” — Everlane customer
Need a wide-leg legging that you can actually style for the office with an oversize blazer? We’re there for all the comfort, too. These pants are ridiculously stretchy and they come in a petite option, too, for people 5’4″ and under. They’re easy to throw into the wash, so you don’t have to worry about getting them dry cleaned if you need to wear them multiple times in one week. Customer Review: “These are amazing. They run slightly large for Spanx as I went with xs and am normally a small in Spanx (5’4” 125lbs). I have big hips and a generous rear, and these just fit so well. They feel like sweatpants but will not wrinkle and you look like a real adult in them. They look like real pants.” — Nordstrom customer
If you’re one to read ratings and reviews (and you should be!), rest easy knowing that this affordable pair of leggings has feedback from over 100,000 customers, cementing them as a best seller on Amazon. There are a whopping 31 color options and you can select from full length, capri, and fleece-lined varieties, as well as extended sizing. Customer Review: “These leggings are the softest leggings I have ever worn…by a landslide! The material is polyester and spandex, but feels a lot like modal, similar to brands LuLaRoe and Butter, but in my opinion softer.” — Amazon customer
Shop these leggings for the cozy vibes (they’re lined with fleece inside!), but also for the crop, which is finished with a tiny slit at the outer hem for style. We love these for completing a chic, retro look with Mary Janes or loafers just as much as we do with a hoodie and sneakers.
If you’re always looking for a place to store your keys, cards, and phone, these leggings with pockets are made for you. Available in core and seasonal colors, totaling seven options, they’re also conveniently offered in sizes XXS to 4X. They come in a midi length so you never have to worry about them being too long, and if you don’t want to show a sliver of your ankle, you can wear them with high sport socks. Read the 1000+ reviews for proof you’re getting bang for your buck with these pants. Customer Review: “The fit is incredible. I have curves, and I’m so comfortable in these. I love being in them and never want to take them off.” — Beyond Yoga custoemr
These high-rise leggings are made for petite women. They’re soft and stretchy and have a high-rise fit with an elasticized waistband. Wear them with socks and sport sneakers or dress them up. They’re some of the most versatile pants on this list. Customer Review: “Excellent fitting and looks and feels like a quality product. Not worn them enough to see if they slip down yet when walking etc, but it doesn’t feel like they will.” — ASOS customer
If you’re looking for a pair of body-conscious leggings with a subtle pattern like pinstripe, try these thick jersey leggings that will last you for years to come. They’re extremely versatile for everyday and equipped with a flattering high waistband. Customer Review: “Love the quality for the price. I sized down for a more fitted look, I’m usually a size large in H&M and am happy I did this, they look great. They stay in place. Will be wearing them through the fall.” — H&M customer
There’s a limited-time discount on these leggings, which you can shop in regular or short variations of every size. We love the unique Port Royale and Olivine colorways they come in. Seamed at the front and back, there are also tiny vents at the inner ankle which elevate them even more. Customer Review: “My 3rd pair! Quality fabric. Elastic at waist is not too tight, yet prevents the pants from slipping. My other black pants are going to Goodwill. Love these!” — Macy’s customer
These extra-short flared leggings come in Palm Court or Dramatic Magenta and sizes 0 to 14. They’re designed for yoga, and since they’re short, you won’t have to worry about the length tripping you up as you walk. Crafted from the brand’s signature Nulu fabric, these are also buttery soft and lightweight. Customer Review: “I am in love with my mini flair extra short pants. It’s so challenging to find flare pants that are flattering on my short stature, but these compliment my petite figure perfectly. Often I have to get them shortened to the proper length, but the 28 inch inseam works effortlessly.” — Lululemon customer
If you’re in the market for a pair of faux-leather leggings, we highly recommend this Spanx pair as they are a best seller on Revolve’s site. Made from 87% nylon and 13% spandex, they have an elastic stretch fit that reviewers love. Customer Review: “I have been wanting these for years, and they didn’t disappoint. Fits true to size/a little on the smaller size. I am an XS-SM and the SM fits perfectly.” — Revolve customer
The front split on these leggings makes them decidedly more wearable for petite women, as there’s more room for a shoe moment at the ankle. With a stretch fit and the undeniably cool leg opening, you won’t regret investing in these because of the sleek look they bring to your wardrobe. Customer Review: “Love these pants for a night out! The XS fit perfectly. I am 5’5”, 113lbs. Really good quality!” — Revolve customer
These lightweight leggings can either be worn with boots for a day out or casually at home for lounging. We recommend them if you’re looking for a full-length legging and need a pair that will cover your skin from the waist down. They have a mid-rise waistband that’s smoothing, and the brand recommends ordering a size down if you want to avoid stretch over time. Customer Review: “It is always difficult for me to find quality pants and leggings that are long enough and don’t become transparent when I bend over (due to my generously-sized derrière). I bought these in a large (black), and they fit marvelously.” — Nordstrom customer
We absolutely love this sculpting legging, with its optional invisible zip-up at the ankle to create more of a flare leg and its breathable interlock fabric. These pants are tested in-house and fit true to size. For those who need a very small size, they also come in XXS/00. What’s more, they just so happen to be odor resistant if you want to wear them for a workout. Shop them in Dark Cactus or the more elevated Espresso and Black shades. Customer Review: “Very comfortable pair of pants for working out and for running errands. Love the fabric.” — Alo Yoga customer
Available in regular or tall, a slew of core and seasonal colors, and sizes XXS to XXXL, these incredibly versatile leggings have over 4000 customer reviews to prove their perfection. There’s a high waistline for extra contouring and a seamless front for a completely smooth look. Customer Review: “THE leggings. Can we talk about these leggings? I’ve been looking for the perfect pair for ages. These just fit perfectly! I have them in two colors now and waiting for my size to come back in other colors too.” — Adanola customer
These leggings are ultra sculpting and come with a flattering, high-rise fit. With a 7/8 length and slimming tech, the compression fabric doesn’t restrict movement. In addition to Black, they’re available in Bubble Blue and Pink Vanilla. Complete the full set with the matching push-up sports bra.
This article was published at an earlier date and has been recently updated.
