Activewear For Petites

Today’s post is all about a topic I love very very much: activewear for petites!!! If you’re short like me, it can be hard to find activewear that fits you just right because a lot of brands don’t have a designated “petite” section. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has thought about having a tailor shorten leggings (I never do because who wants to spend the money?!) or sneaking into the kids section to see if they have any large sizes ?  Luckily, I have discovered some amazing options over the years for petite women – you just need to know what to look for! So, here is a roundup of activewear for my fellow short gals!

Also, if you’re not petite, these brands all have regular lengths – and some even have tall, too. If you’re a Lululemon fan, I also have a Leggings Guide that might be helpful for you!

Pictured above: Cropped Tank & Bike Shorts

Activewear For Petites

Lululemon Align Leggings – 21″ and 25″

If you’ve ever tried a pair of align leggings that are too long, you got the wrong length!!! While Lululemon doesn’t have a petite section they do offer a bunch of different lengths to accommodate different preferences and heights. I am 5’2″ and my favorite is the 21 inch inseam which is pictured above and slightly cropped on me. I also have a pair of 25 inch inseam, which is basically full length on me.

The align leggings are made out of their Nulu fabric which feels buttery soft, almost weightless. It has four way stretch and is super breathable. I will say though, while it is moisture wicking, it definitely isn’t their MOST sweat wicking style. They also usually start pilling eventually, but as long as you don’t put them in the dryer, you can prolong that for a long time. I mostly wear these for yoga, low impact strength training, and/or just lounging around the house. I wear a size 6, which is similar to a normal size small.

Lululemon Wunder Under Leggings – 21″ and 25″

If you prefer high intensity workouts, I LOVE my wunder under leggings. It is made with another signature Lululemon fabric called full on luxtreme. I think it feels more substantial and provides more compression than the aligns and can hold up to literally ANY workout, including spin classes! And they won’t pill after washing! I wear my usual size 6, which fits like a typical size small. They also have different length leggings, just like the aligns (I suggest 21″ or 25″!).

Girlfriend Paloma Bra

I had been swooning over this top for so long, and I truly don’t know why I hesitated. It fits more like a cropped tank than a sports bra, but it’s still thick and supportive. If you have a large chest, you might not want to do crazy cardio in it, but I think it’s supportive enough for a strength, pilates, yoga, or barre class. I also wear it for spin classes, but I definitely do not have a large chest! 

But the best part? It’s made from recycled water bottles. How cool is that?! I have a size small and I’d say it runs true to size or even a little small. I definitely wouldn’t go with an XS for me.

Girlfriend Compressive High Rise Leggings – 23.75″ and 19.5″

Along with the paloma bra, I’ve had these leggings in my cart for a while – and I am happy to report that they really do live up to the hype. They are also made from recycled plastic bottles and run true to size. I have a size small in the 23.75″ length and as you can see, they are pretty much full length on me. They have similar compression to the wunder unders, but I think they feel a little bit lighter. I wear these for every workout I do, from yoga to spin to HIIT!

Everlane Perform Leggings in Ankle Length

These leggings are another sustainable option (made of 58% recycled nylon) and they’re only $58!! I think these leggings hold up really nicely to all different types of workouts, and they run true to size. That being said, you MUST order the ankle length. If you order the regular length and you’re short like me, they will definitely be too long!

Everlane Perform Cami

I just got this cami a few weeks ago and I LOVE IT. It’s not wildly supportive, but it does have a built in shelf bra and it is the PERFECT cropped length with high waisted leggings or shorts. I even tried it on with jeans and it was cute! My size small fits but it’s not overly tight, which I kind of love. I think I’ll mostly wear this for walks or low impact workouts like barre, pilates, yoga, or a focused strength class (aka no burpees ?).

Everlane Perform Bike Shorts

Okay I’ll admit, I am not someone who looks cute in bike shorts, so there might be even better options out there – but these are my favorite that I’ve tried so far. The inseam is 8″ but they don’t feel overly long. They also have compression and stay in place!!! Other bike shorts that I’ve tried usually roll down/up during workouts which drives me crazy. They run true to size and while I’ve only worn them for cycling so far, I think they’ll work for a lot of other workouts!

Outdoor Voices 7/8 Legging

If you prefer a thicker legging with lots of compression, I highly recommend Outdoor Voices. These have a 26″ inseam, so they’re a little longer than the other options, but they fit my 5’2″ self like full length leggings. They do run a little snug, so if you are in between sizes, definitely size up. These are great for pretty much any activity – and they’re especially nice if you’re at a gym or a class because they make you feel a little bit more covered than the others.

Aerie Offline Leggings in Short

I don’t have a photo of me in these leggings, but I can confirm that they are SUPER comfortable and really great quality for the very affordable price. I think they run true to size, but the trick with Aerie is to look for sizes in short so they aren’t too long for us!

Athleta Petite Section

I don’t have anything recent from Athleta, but they offer a whole petite workout section! We’re talking tops, leggings, joggers, dresses, and more. Can more brands start doing this please?!

Alo Yoga 7/8 and Capri Leggings

While Alo Yoga doesn’t have a petite section, they do offer 7/8 and capri lengths for their leggings! I haven’t tried Alo leggings yet, but I hear that they’re great quality.

Fabletics 7/8 and Capri Leggings

I haven’t shopped at Fabletics for years, but I remember their leggings being really nice quality and they definitely have 7/8 and capri lengths for us shorties! Also, how cute are these pink leggings? 

Beyond Yoga Capri Leggings

I discovered Beyond Yoga leggings back when I worked in Equinox retail shops a million years ago – and they really are incredibly soft. I tend to lean towards more moisture wicking materials for leggings (LOVE their tops though!!!), but if you prefer buttery soft and comfy, you will LOVE these. I think they run true to size and are best for yoga, barre, and pilates.

If you’re petite, what are your favorite places to get activewear?

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PS. You might also like Guide To Lululemon Leggings, The Best Petite Friendly Items From Everlane, Peloton Bike Alternative, and Peloton Strength Classes Review.