10 Best Petite Leggings for Short Women, According to a 5-Feet-2 Editor

Pros: Great for stretching and movement; no riding up; vibrant colors
Cons: Not compressive enough for high-impact workouts; limited sizing

These compression leggings keep everything in place and look so cute—a hallmark of Alo’s viral activewear. They have a shiny finish with the Alo logo in the mid-waist, which is great if you love the branding, but not ideal for anyone who likes to go a little more understated. Despite the compression, there’s no camel toe, which I appreciate when I wear them as Pilates leggings. They come in a 7/8 option for petites, or full-length for taller women.

Pros: Sculpting; high-compression
Cons: Might need to size up; not easy to take off and off

I don’t normally wear running leggings because I prefer flowy shorts, but now that the temperature is beginning to drop, I need a pair for my outdoor workouts. These leggings are great at supporting me while not squeezing. I don’t like anything too restrictive on my midsection, but I also don’t want them to slip as I move. Luckily, these stay in place and provide enough stretch. They’re available on Amazon if you need a pair delivered fast. (The brand also makes pairs designed for pregnant moms and curvy figures, so there are plenty of options to choose from.) I’m a fan of Beyond Yoga’s running shorts and sports bras, too, for cardio workouts like running on the treadmill or climbing on the stair machine.

Pros: Secure fit without being restrictive; easy shipping from Amazon
Cons: Might be too long for especially short women

I’ve written about these Knix leggings and highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-compression bottoms. They’re squat-proof and hold you tight for high-impact workouts like burpees, jumping jacks, and sprinting—basically everything happening during your CrossFit class. I love the trendy, neutral colors and the flattering rise, plus the fact that there’s no pooling or bunching at the bottom, even on petite frames.

Pros: Nice compression; inclusive sizing
Cons: Might be too restrictive for some; rides up

The quality of these leggings from YPB—Abercrombie & Fitch’s in-house activewear line—is just as good as the more expensive options I’ve tried. They’re gently sculpting and stay up nicely while I work out, plus they’re available in short and regular sizing. alike. Colors range from bold cobalt blue to refined burgundy, meaning there’s something for everyone’s personal style. Go down if you’re between sizes, since the fit runs slightly large.

Pros: Relatively affordable; stylish design
Cons: Sizing runs slightly large

These leggings from the buzzy brand Vuori are, like the rest of the brand’s offerings, unbelievably soft to the touch. I’ve worn them for easy trail hikes and most recently on a trip to Los Angeles, where I hiked the pretty intense trails near the Griffith Observatory. They’re great for outdoor walks or short-distance hikes. Plus, I always get compliments on these leggings when I wear them.

Pros: Seamless; super-soft fabric
Cons: Sometimes slips at the midsection

I didn’t think I was into butt-lifting leggings—most of them have the bum scrunch that I’m not a fan of—but these Oner leggings have the booty effect without that annoying design. I’ve worn these to fitness classes, and I love how they keep everything in place. They’re available in a regular-short length, plus long for taller wearers. I also appreciate the gorgeous blue color and the fact that they’re not as expensive as other options on this list. If you’re looking for workout leggings that give your butt a a nice shape, this contoured design is right for you.

Pros: Butt-lifting effect; vibrant colors; relatively affordable
Cons: Might be too long for shorter women

These Gymshark leggings are great for every type of strength training or gym workout I’ve tried, with the right compression and feel for your most intense days. They’re comfortable and come in short, regular, and tall sizing, meaning you can get a customized fit for your height. I’ve noticed that certain sizes tend to sell out quickly, so you might have to act fast to snag a pair.

Pros: Great for lifting and gym workouts; moisture-wicking
Cons: Frequently sold out