I own one pair of petite leggings I’d call perfect, and it took me a while to find them. The rise sits where it should, the hem lands at my ankle, and I never think about them once they’re on — which is really all you want from a legging.
This fall’s roundup has ten options, from stylish petite activewear options for the gym to a polished ponte pair for the office. I pulled the actual inseam, fabric, and rise style from each retailer’s listing, so you have all of that information right at your fingertips while you shop.
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A Note on Sizing Before You Shop
As always, the label alone won’t tell you everything. Where a retailer didn’t list a length, I’ve marked it “not listed” rather than guess. Fabric content works the same way — if a percentage breakdown isn’t shown here, it’s because the retailer didn’t supply one, not because I left it out.
Before you choose a size, check our Petite Clothing Sizing Guide for tips on measuring yourself and the leggings you already own.
A Note About Prices
For these picks, I use a simple price icon based on the regular/list price in our research: $ = under $50, $$ = $50–$99, $$$ = $100–$149, and $$$$ = $150+. Prices, promotions, shipping terms and availability can change, so check the retailer’s current information before ordering.
The Picks
Elation Ultra High-Rise 7/8 Legging — Athleta
$$ | Petite XXS–L | Full: 25 in / 7/8: 23 in | Ultra High-Rise | 5 colors
- Solid: 75% nylon/25% LYCRA;
- Shine: 75% recycled polyester/25% LYCRA;
- Rib: 85% nylon/15% elastane
- Back drop-in pocket, limited seams, moisture-wicking, breathable, quick-drying
Athleta’s Elation legging comes in both a full-length and a 7/8 option, so you can pick your ankle depending on how you like to wear them. The three-layer waistband is designed to sit flat without digging in.
Shipping & returns: 30-day return window (“Give-It-A-Workout” guarantee applies within that window). Free returns and exchanges. Free shipping on $50+ for Rewards members.
Knit Denim Mid-Rise Leggings — Coldwater Creek
$$ | Petite 4P–16P | 26 in | Mid-Rise | 6 colors
- Cotton/spandex
- Flat-front waistband that stays smooth
- Extra stretch with strong shape retention and long-lasting color
- Tapers to a 12″ leg opening
The denim-look knit gives this one a slightly dressier edge than a typical legging—pairs well with long sweaters and tunics.
Outbound shipping runs $9.99–$19.99 depending on order value — there’s no free-shipping threshold. Returns: 60-day return/exchange window with a valid receipt. A $9.95 return processing fee plus tax is deducted from the refund, and shipping fees are non-refundable. Exchanges require a call to Customer Care.
Intro Petite Love the Fit Slimming Pull-On Leggings — Dillard’s
$ | PS–PXL | 26 in | Rise Not listed | 4 colors
- Cotton/spandex, with an inner panel of polyester/spandex
- Slimming tummy panel
- Pull-on style, no zipper or fly
The slimming inner panel makes this a good option if you want a pull-on legging with a little extra structure through the middle, rather than a purely stretchy knit.
Shipping & returns: 30-day return window. Free returns in-store; mail returns use a label with a $9.95 fee deducted from refund. Free shipping on orders $150+.
$ | Petite XSP–XLP | 19 in | Sits below the waistline (per retailer) | Black, Deep Blue, White
- Black/Deep Blue: 92% Pima cotton, 8% Lycra spandex
- White: 94% Pima cotton, 6% Lycra spandex
J.Jill’s capri is the shortest pick in this roundup at a 19-inch inseam, and it’s built from Pima cotton rather than a performance synthetic, which gives it a softer, more casual feel.
Shipping & returns: 60-day return window — eligible returns of unworn, unwashed, or defective merchandise, from your in-store purchase date or order shipment date. Free standard shipping on orders $150+.
Pima Ankle-Length Leggings — J.Jill — ✅ We Tried This
$ | Petite XSP–XLP | 24 in | Not listed | Black, Deep Blue, White
- Black/Deep Blue: 92% Pima cotton, 8% Lycra spandex
- White: 94% Pima cotton, 6% Lycra spandex
- Machine washable — cold, gentle cycle, nonchlorine bleach only if needed, tumble dry low
This is the pair I actually own, and it’s fits true to size and is soft, and comfortable from the first wear. It’s the same Pima cotton fabric as the capri above, just at a full ankle length, so if you’ve tried one J.Jill style and liked the feel, the fit should translate to this one too.
Shipping & returns: 60-day return window — eligible returns of unworn, unwashed, or defective merchandise, from your in-store purchase date or order shipment date. Free standard shipping on orders $150+.
High-Rise Ponte Ankle-Zip Leggings — Lands’ End
$$ | Petite 2–16 | 26.5 in | High-Rise (sits at natural waist) | Black
- Ponte fabric
- Zipper fly with hook-and-bar closure, plus belt loops
- Two zippered back pockets
- Functional ankle zipper for a customizable hem
This one blurs the line between leggings and pants — the Ponte fabric looks sleeker than a typical legging, and details like the zipper fly, back pockets, and ankle zips give it a trouser-like finish. It makes a great option for the office.
Shipping & returns: 90-day return window (unworn, unwashed, unaltered); an $8.95 flat return-processing fee is deducted from the refund unless you choose a merchandise credit instead. Free shipping on orders $99+.
High-Waisted Jersey Fashion Layering Leggings — Old Navy
$ | Petite XS–XXL | 25 in | High-Waisted | 15 colors, including several patterns
- 58% cotton, 38% polyester, 4% spandex
- Jersey knit, designed as a layering piece
This is the most affordable pick in the roundup, and the jersey knit is built to be worn under dresses, tunics, or oversized sweaters rather than stand-alone — with 15 colors and patterns to choose from, it’s an easy way to build out a layering rotation without a big investment.
Shipping & returns: free shipping on orders $50+ for Core/Premier Encore Members, or $35+ for All-Access Cardmembers with the Encore Credit Card. Orders under $50 ship for $7.50 (members) or $9.50 (nonmembers). Returns are free, either by mail with a prepaid UPS label or in-store with your shipping confirmation email and the card used for purchase.
Ultra-Soft High-Rise Pocket Legging — Quince
$ | Short XS – XL, (no “petite” sizes) | 14 colors
- 86% polyester, 14% spandex
- Moisture-wicking, anti-microbial, 4-way stretch
- Hidden inner waistband pocket, plus two bonded-edge side pockets
- Built for low-impact workouts or everyday wear
Quince doesn’t carry a dedicated petite line — but their Short length checks out for a shorter frame, and the fabric details (moisture-wicking, 4-way stretch, anti-microbial) make it a solid athletic option.
Shipping & returns: Free standard shipping. 365-day free returns (unused, tags on, original packaging) — the longest return window in this roundup.
Out & About Essential Leggings — Talbots
$$ | Petite P–XL, Petite Plus X–3X | 24 in (both Petite and Petite Plus) | RiseNot listed | Black, Indigo Blue
- 78% polyester, 22% spandex
- Side stash pocket, plus an inner waistband key pocket
Talbots offers this style in both Petite and Petite Plus sizing at the same 24-inch inseam, which makes it one of the more size-inclusive picks here. The side and waistband pockets are a practical touch if you want to wear leggings out and about — errands, walks, travel days — without carrying a bag.
Shipping & returns: 60-day return window. Standard shipping is a flat $8.95, often waived during $150+ promotions.
Petite Side Pocket Ankle-Length Pull-On Leggings (Woman Within) — Target
$ | Petite 1XP–6XP, also offered as Petite S/M/L (S=12W, M=14W/16W, L=18W/20W) | 26 in | High-Rise | 16 colors
- Cotton and spandex
- Side pocket, pull-on waistband
- Skinny leg with a relaxed, regular fit
This Woman Within pair is the plus-size petite option in the roundup, and it’s worth knowing the sizing runs on the relaxed side — size down if you’re between sizes. The S/M/L labels map to numeric sizes (S=12W, M=14W/16W, L=18W/20W)
Shipping & returns: Confirmed — this is a Target Plus Partner item, not sold or shipped by Target directly. It ships free with a Target Circle 360 membership or on orders $35+; otherwise standard (3–5 business days) or 2-day shipping where available. It’s not sold in Target stores, but it can still be returned in-store at Guest Services with the original packaging and a receipt or return barcode or mailed back with a free prepaid label. Return window is 30 days for a full refund.
A Few Things to Check Before Ordering
Rise — none of these retailers give an exact measurement.
Inseam vs. leg opening — most of these are true leggings that taper to the ankle, but the Coldwater Creek pair tapers to a 12″ leg opening specifically
Fabric — performance synthetics (Athleta, Quince) are built for movement and moisture-wicking; cotton or Pima blends (J.Jill, Old Navy, Target) lean softer and more casual; ponte and denim-look knits (Lands’ End, Coldwater Creek) dress up more easily.
Petite labeling — not every option here is labeled as true petite sizing — Quince offers a short size on its regular line rather than a dedicated petite category, so check the size chart against your own measurements.
Shipping and returns — windows range from 30 to 90 days across these retailers. The Target/Woman Within pair has the shortest window at 30 days since it’s a Target Plus Partner item rather than sold by Target directly, and Coldwater Creek doesn’t offer a free-shipping threshold — factor both into your decision if you’re ordering from either.
The Bottom Line
Between office-ready Ponte, everyday cotton blends, and true athletic performance fabric, this roundup covers a genuinely wide range of ways to wear a legging. As always, the size label is a starting point, not the answer.
