Best Activewear Brands for Petites

As a 4'11" petite woman, I've always found it difficult to find activewear that fits well and feels comfortable. Many brands design with taller body types in mind, leaving us petite women under 5'3" to deal with crazy long lengths, too much fabric, or awkward proportions. I've studied responses from hundreds of petite women and complied a list of the most recommended brands, plus a few exciting new start ups. To see the full list of petite friendly brands visit the Petite Brand Directory.

Old Navy

Old Navy is a go-to for many petites looking for budget-friendly activewear that doesn’t compromise on style or fit. Their Powersoft, CloudMotion and StudioSmooth activewear lines offer leggings, sports bras, and tops designed with shorter inseams and adjusted proportions.

Why it works for petites:

• Shorter inseams and tailored cuts ensure leggings hit where they're supposed to

• Wide size range from XXS to XXL and inseams from 23" to 28"

• Budget friendly prices

  
  

Petite Favorites:

High-Waisted StudioSmooth 7/8 Pocket Leggings - These leggings come with pockets and have a petite 23" inseam and regular 25" inseam.

High-Waisted PowerSoft Crop Pocket Leggings - Finally a true cropped legging for petites. The petite inseam is 19"! I have these in several colors and love them.

Halara

Halara has rapidly become a petite fan favorite due to their commitment to listening to customer feedback and using it to make their designs better. Their activewear is created for every day apparel focusing on functionality and comfort.

Why it works for petites:

• Inclusive sizing from XS - 4X

• Inseams range from 26" - 28" and are easy to search for

• Rave reviews for quality and fit

Petite Favorites:

SoftlyZero High Waisted Joggers - These come in a petite 26.5" inseam and a ton of colors. Buttery soft and has pockets too!

High Waisted Travel Joggers - These joggers come in a 27" inseam and reviewers say they're light and comfortable.

Athleta

Athleta is well-known for combining performance fabrics with thoughtful design. Their petite activewear line offers a range of options for petites who want high-quality gear for running, yoga, or gym workouts.

Why it works for petites:

• Petite sizing with adjusted proportions for torso, sleeve, and inseam lengths

• High quality fabrics that wick moisture and provide stretch

• Wide variety of styles from compression leggings to loose-fitting tops

Petite Favorites:

Salutation Stash High Rise 7/8 Legging - These leggings have a petite 23" inseam, provide support and are buttery soft.

Forever Fleece High Rise Jogger - These sweatpant joggers come in a petite 26.5" inseam. Reviews say they are soft and comfortable but run large, so you should go a size down.

The Short Cut

New startup petite brand focusing on scaling down proportions, not just making clothes shorter. Founded by Andrea (5'0") who grew tired of having to tailor all of her clothes. Her mission is to create timeless, high quality clothes for short women so they can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Why it works for petites:

• Made exclusively for petites and extra petites

• Designed with shorter inseams, shorter sleeves and shorter proportions

• Made by a petite, for petites

Top Picks:

Everyday Leggings - Inseam is 23.75", perfect for petites and extra petites. Made with 4-way stretch fabric and a touch of shine.

Lightweight Joggers - These mid-rise joggers have a 24" inseam and are silky smooth.

Avo Activewear

Award winning UK brand Avo Activewear is gaining attention for its commitment to petite sizing. They are the UK's first sportswear brand dedicated exclusively to petite women 5'3" and under. They also ship worldwide.

Why it works for petites:

• Made specifically for petites with shorter torso lengths and inseams

• Designs that flatter without overwhelming smaller frames

• Focus on comfort and durability for long-lasting wear

Top Picks:

The Elera Flare Legging - Made just for petites with a 28" inseam. Flattering, form fitting and soft.

The Senera Legging - Named The Best Petite Gym Leggings by Women's Health Magazine. These leggings have a 23.5 inseam and customers buy it on repeat.

Dewey Clothing

Dewey Clothing is a petite UK brand focused on creating activewear that fits extra petites 5'2" and under. Their number one priority is fit and empowering their customers to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Why it works for petites:

• Sizing is exclusively for petites and extra petites

• Inclusive nseams range from 18" - 26"

• Dedicated to sustainablitiy

Top Picks:

Mira Flared Leggings - The classic flare legging redesigned for extra petites under 5'0". Comes in 19" and 26" with a sculpting fit.

Iris Sculpting Leggings - Comes in 18" and 25' inseams for exra petites 5'0" and under. Designed for all day comfort.

I have to admit that compiling this list makes me excited and energized knowing that there are better options out there. The brands that we've grown to trust and repect, like Old Navy and Athleta haven't forgotten us and consistently include petite sizing. What gives me even more hope, is the increase in petite specific brands created by these amazing and brave women. Let's help them succeed and support their missions!