As a petite girl (I’m talking 5ft1), I’ve always struggled to find the best gym leggings that don’t bunch up around my ankles or sag at the waist. If you’re also on the shorter side, then you definitely know what I’m talking about—it can really make or break a workout.
Luckily, lots of my favourite brands have started to cater to shorter leg lengths, and here at MC UK, we couldn’t be happier about it. After discovering my first pair of petite gym leggings and realising how much easier it was to work out in sportswear that actually fit me, I got testing.
Knowing where to start was the hardest part. Rather than testing for the best high-waisted workout leggings, patterned gym leggings or gym leggings with pockets, I focused on options specifically designed for shorter legs – so 5ft4 and under – and tried a range of high-waisted, low-waisted, patterned and plain styles.
I also enrolled the help of Marie Claire UK Writer, Grace Lindsay, Fashion Writer, Sofia Piza and Junior Shopping Editors Valeza Bakolli and Amelia Yeomans. Although we might be similar heights, when it comes to working out, Grace, Sofia, Valeza, Amelia and I have very different methods. While Sofia and I love nothing more than a long-distance run and a bit of weight training thrown in for fun, you’ll find Grace at home doing a quick 20-minute HIIT workout before heading to the office, and both Valeza and Amelia love nothing more than a low-impact Pilates, yoga or Barre workout.
Keep on scrolling for our top picks of petite gym leggings for all kinds of workouts, and say goodbye to baggy leggings for good…
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Testing process
So, what did we look for when testing the best petite gym leggings? The fit was the most important thing. We wanted leggings that weren’t too long on the leg, but still supported us during our workouts. As above, when it comes to fit kit and general clothing, petite is classed as 5ft4 or less, so we made sure to take this into account.
Of course, we also looked at things such as how sweat-wicking they were, and if they were comfortable enough to wear from the gym to the local coffee shop (just like our favourites in our matching gym sets edit).
What did I look for when testing petite gym leggings?
- Are the leggings the right length?
- Do they run true to size?
- Are they sweat-wicking?
- Are they non-see-through?
- How did the material wash?
- Is the product a reasonable price?
This article was last updated in February 2026 with new information and products.
17 of the best petite gym leggings to buy now:
Best leggings overall
(Image credit: Sweaty Betty)
“Sweaty Betty has been my go-to sportswear brand for a while now. Although the leggings are a little more on the pricey side, they will last you for years to come. The brand offers a wide range of 7/8 length styles, and the Power leggings are my favourite. When I tested, I found that the stretchy fabric meant that they are comfortable no matter what workout you are doing, plus they sweat-wicked well. What more could you want?” – Grace Lindsay, Writer
Best gym-to-brunch leggings
(Image credit: Adanola)
“I used to think that Adanola was more of a fashion brand than an activewear brand, but boy was I wrong. Not only are these the softest leggings I have ever worn, but they are great for working out, too. The 7/8 length means they are perfect for petites, and can definitely be worn both to the gym and to brunch with the girls. I love this colour for autumn, however if you’re doing a really intense sweat session, black might be better. You have been warned.” – Grace Lindsay, Writer
Best home workout leggings
(Image credit: Nike)
“I’ve owned these leggings for over five years now (yes, really) and they still look as good as new. I bought them on a whim as I was looking for a new pair of simple, everyday leggings and these seemed like good value for money, and I was right. The length is perfect on me (if you’re taller than 5ft1 they might be slightly cropped), and the mid-rise waist is super supportive. The light grey colour option will show up sweat (which is why they’ve become my at-home pair), but I’m a fan of the black. Thanks to the fit, they suit pretty much any style of exercise.” – Grace Lindsay, Writer
Best high street leggings
(Image credit: M&S)
“M&S have been designing sleek, supportive activewear as part of their GoodMove range for a few years now. I’m a fan of the price point, plus the fact it sweat-wicks well. While they likely won’t last as long as other leggings in this round up, they’re a great option if you work out semi-regularly and want an affordable option. But be warned: they sell out extremely fast.” – Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Best petite leggings with pockets
(Image credit: New Balance)
“New Balance produce some of the best fit kit, especially if you’re a runner looking for sweat-wicking, supportive and seamless kit. These leggings are great, with a side pocket on each leg and one on the lower back, too. Plus, at just under 5 foot 2, they’re the perfect length on my shorter legs.” – Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Most versatile leggings
(Image credit: Monday Body)
“With a 27″ inseam, these leggings are the perfect fit for my short legs. They’re high rise, beautifully soft, don’t dig in, and even have a hidden pocket in the front waistband. They work for pretty much every type of exercise, from low to high impact, making them a fantastic all-rounder investment. I’ve experienced zero bunching at the ankles, no pulling or stretching of the fabric over time, and they wash well too.” – Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
Best next day delivery leggings
(Image credit: Amazon)
“Both Valeza and I have tested the CRZ YOGA kit, and it’s impressive, especially for the price point. These leggings hold their shape well, sweat-wick, and wash well, too. Despite not being specifically designed for petite girls, they sat just above my ankle, being they should be a good length for anyone around my height (5ft 1). If you’re after a pair of petite workout leggings that you can have delivered next day, these are available on Amazon and a great steal.” – Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Best yoga leggings
(Image credit: ASOS)
“These leggings are another great investment that’ll last you for years to come. The Align leggings are designed for more gentle workouts such as yoga, and I’m not ashamed to say that I wear mine almost every day. Although they are advertised as a cropped style, the 23″ leg is perfect on me, and I could even get away with the 21″ leg as well. (Note that Ally wears the 25″ at 5ft2, so it’s worth trying on to see what suits you). When testing, I found that they ran true to size, fit comfortably, and were non-see-through, too. They also came out of the wash looking as good as new. Nothing bad to say here.” – Grace Lindsay, Writer
Best running leggings
(Image credit: Gymshark)
“I recently ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon – my first half – in these leggings and they were a dream. While not specifically designed for petite women, they sit perfectly around my ankle (I’m 5ft 4). They’re also seamless and run true to size. As a petite girl, I’ve long struggled with leggings that are too long and bunch around the ankles, or leggings that fit my leg length but ride down. During my 13.1 mile run last week, they did neither of these things, keeping me dry, comfortable, and supported throughout.” – Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer
Best cross-waist leggings
(Image credit: BAM)
“These leggings from BAM are incredibly comfy thanks to their soft, stretchy and supportive material that’s made using bamboo viscose and organic cotton. They’re lightweight and breathable but still manage to be super opaque (meaning they pass the squat test). One thing I will mention – these leggings aren’t the most sweat-wicking, so are better suited to low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates than, say, a 10-mile run. The ⅞ length makes them perfect for petite frames, and the flattering cross-over waistband doesn’t slip down, no matter how many Downward Facing Dogs and Tree poses I do.” – Valeza Bakolli, Junior Shopping Editor
Best form-fitting leggings
(Image credit: Alo)
“I’ve used long socks to hide leggings that are too long for my legs for years – but no longer, thanks to the 7/8 leggings from Alo Yoga specifically designed with petite women in mind. They’re the first I ever tried that really blew me away – they fit me like a glove and sit at the perfect leg length above my ankle. I’ve worn these both in sweaty gym classes and to run errands and they’re always flattering, form-fitting and comfortable, plus actually fit properly, meaning I can wear them with low-rise socks and trainers.” – Sofia Piza, Fashion Writer
Best sustainable leggings
(Image credit: LNDR)
“If you don’t own any kit from LNDR, this is your sign. The female-founded kit company promises to produce sustainable, high-quality workout leggings here in the UK, and offer not one but two petite options. So what did I think when testing? I tried the 7/8 ankle grazing petite – you can also get a 6/8 cropped length – and they felt like butter and fit like a glove, sitting just above my ankle with no crinkly knees. They’re super lightweight and sweat wick quickly, too. An investment but worth the price tag as you’ll wear them for years to come (I’ve had mine for yonks now).” – Ally Head, Senior Health Editor
Best HIIT leggings
(Image credit: SEFI)
“These leggings are from SEFI, the activewear brand created by fitness influencer Stef Williams. When I first put these on, I knew I was going to love them. First of all, the brown colour is beautiful for autumn, and the material is super thick and supportive. The length was spot on, and in my opinion they would work for all petite ladies under 5ft4. I did a very sweaty HIIT workout in these, and you couldn’t see one single patch of moisture. An absolute winner.” – Grace Lindsay, Writer
Best high waisted leggings
(Image credit: Gymshakr)
“I wasn’t expecting these leggings to work for my 5ft1 frame, given that they only come in one length which is 30.5″ (I typically need an inseam of 28″ or shorter for the right fit). However, I was extremely pleasantly surprised. They sit perfectly at my ankle without any bunching and tuck seamlessly into longer socks, the same as all other Gymshark leggings I’ve tried in a regular leg length. They’re also made from a buttery soft fabric that is a joy to wear, and they have a comfortable high waisted fit that doesn’t slip down. I also love the V seam at the back that adds some style, and they come up exactly true to size. I’ve been wearing them on repeat for Pilates classes, gym sessions, and work from home days.” – Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
Best flared leggings
(Image credit: Hollister)
“Gilly Hicks leggings are seriously underrated, especially for petites. All leggings come in short, regular, and long leg lengths, so it’s easy to get the perfect fit at any height. I have had my pair of flared GH leggings for years and I’d say I wear them at least two times a week, so you can trust me when I say they wash and last incredibly well without losing their shape. The short leg length is absolutely perfect for me, and they’re extremely comfortable, stretchy and sweat-wicking. They also have a back waistband pocket that is the ideal size for a phone and keys, making them my top pick for long walks. It’s an added bonus that the flared shape gives them a put-together feel that will also take you to coffee dates or a yoga class.” – Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
Best seamless leggings
(Image credit: Oner Active)
“When I say I live in these leggings, I live in these leggings. Due to their seamless design, these super soft and lightweight options put comfort first, so they are ideal for WFH and working-out-from-home because the fabric feels like second skin. But not only do they feel amazing, they are flattering too. They come with a reinforced bum scrunch and contouring to accentuate your waist. But the best thing yet? They’re available in two different lengths, with the short length designed for those who are 5’5” and under and the long length crafted for those who 5’6” and over. So, believe me when I say that the design team at Oner Active has done us all a favour in creating these super flattering want-to-wear-them-all-the-time leggings.” – Rebecca Shepherd, Health Contributor
Best quality leggings
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“Whether you’re looking for a treat or just a little slice of luxury during a downward dog or deadlift — the Vuori AllTheFeels™ Leggings tick all the boxes. I’ll start off by saying that at over £100 these options aren’t cheap. But considering you can do just about any form of low-impact workout in these leggings — from a gym session and Pilates class to a yoga flow and a walking workout — if you wear these super soft and sustainable options day in and day out, then the cost per wear will soon become pennies, not pounds. I’ve owned these leggings for just over a year and they look and feel as brand new as the day I got them. Coming in a short, regular and long leg length, there is something for everybody.” – Rebecca Shepherd, Health Contributor
Best statement-making leggings
(Image credit: Beyond Yoga)
“Who said leggings had to be boring? Not Beyond Yoga, who is the brains behind these bright and beautiful contrast trim options. I have been lucky enough to try out the lilac colorway, although if you’re looking for more muted tones, this design is also available in khaki and navy, which look just as pretty. I love the fact they come with a chunky 5” waistband, side pockets so you can keep your phone in reach and that the logo is discreet. Designed in a midi length, which means the bottom will sit in between your calf and ankle, what is not to love?” – Rebecca Shepherd, Health Contributor
Are 7/8 leggings good for petite frames?
Short answer – yes, they are, as they’re shorter in the leg that other alternatives. Opting for a 7/8 length leg also means you’re able to shop all of the most popular designs and styles but just at a length that’ll actually fit your leg, no crinkles or bunched material around the ankle.
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