Petite activewear is more than just scaled-down versions of regular sizes, it’s about pieces that truly fit and enhance the petite frame. From shorter inseams to adjusted proportions, these designs ensure that we, petite ladies, can move freely and confidently, whether we’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga. The right fit can make all the difference, transforming our workout experience and boosting our confidence!

Thankfully, the fashion industry is growing to be more inclusive*—*slowly but surely! In this blog, we’ll dive into the top petite activewear brands on the scene. We’re also spotlighting Ally’s inspiring story behind her brand, AVO Activewear!

Don’t forget to check out the quick survey at the end of the article—your feedback helps make Ever Petite an even better space for our community!

Spotlight Story

AVO Activewear: Built by a Petite, for Petites

AVO Activewear isn’t just about fitness apparel—it’s a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. Founded by Ally Patterson in 2018, AVO is the UK’s first activewear brand specifically designed for women 5’3” and under. Standing at 5’1”, Ally experienced firsthand the frustration of wearing leggings that bunched at the ankles and tops that didn’t fit right. Instead of settling, she decided to create the change she wanted to see.

From the beginning, AVO Activewear has been a labor of love. Ally single-handedly launched the brand, learning everything from product design to marketing with no prior experience in textiles or business. Her dedication and perseverance have paid off—AVO has catered to over 7,000 women worldwide and earned accolades from Women’s Health and other leading publications for its innovative designs.

Function Meets Fit

What sets AVO apart is its commitment to crafting activewear that fits petite proportions perfectly. While most brands shorten inseams and call it a day, AVO goes further, designing leggings, sports bras, and tops that consider the unique proportions of shorter women. The best-selling Senara Leggings, for example, provide a tailored fit that enhances movement and ensures comfort, eliminating the need for alterations.

AVO Activewear also champions affordability without compromising quality. With leggings priced between £42 and £52, the brand offers premium options that stand up to industry giants like Lululemon and Sweaty Betty—at a fraction of the cost.

Empowering a Community

AVO isn’t just about clothing; it’s about building a supportive community for petite women who are passionate about movement and wellness. From hosting pop-up shops at John Lewis to launching the #ShortButMighty Challenge, Ally is creating spaces where petite women feel empowered to embrace fitness on their own terms.

What’s Next for AVO?

Ally has big plans for 2025, including introducing new styles, researching petite-sized accessories like socks, and expanding AVO’s reach. Whether it’s flared leggings or maternity-friendly activewear, AVO is continuously evolving to meet the needs of its growing community.

Style Tips:

The Best Activewear Brands For Petite Women

Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or practicing yoga, these brands bring the perfect fit, function, and style for an active lifestyle.

1. AVO Activewear

Kicking off with AVO Activewear! Their collection includes a mix of plains and prints, from shorts to leggings to sports bras—and yes, many items come with pockets! Their leggings are designed to provide the perfect length for petite women, ensuring a comfortable and stylish fit. They even cater to petite moms with maternity leggings that provide comfort, style, and versatility. (Tried and tested by their founder, Ally, herself!)

AVO’s pieces offer the perfect blend of comfort and compression, enhancing your shape without restricting movement during workouts. Browse their store for a wide variety of stylish, petite-friendly options!

2. Blogilates

Blogilates, founded by fitness entrepreneur Cassey Ho, combines function and trend-setting designs.

Their collection caters to petites with different length options for leggings and tops, but their Pirouette Skort truly stole the show, taking the internet by storm. This versatile piece is perfect for workouts and casual outings alike, blending comfort, style, and practicality.

3. Alo Yoga

Known for its sleek, fashion-forward designs, Alo Yoga offers petite-friendly options like 7/8-length leggings and shorter tops. They also provide yoga pants designed for petite women, ensuring comfort and versatility for various activities.

Their performance-driven materials make them great for both workouts and athleisure looks, effectively preventing visible sweat marks during intense activities.

4. Athleta

Athleta has long been a go-to for women seeking high-quality activewear, and their petite-specific options do not disappoint. Their petite line features shorter inseams and adjusted proportions, ensuring leggings, joggers, and tops fit just right, with a wide range of petite options to choose from.

Look out for their new Powermove fabric, perfect for everything from yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

5. J.Jill

J.Jill may not be the first name you think of for activewear, but their petite collection includes comfortable, functional workout clothes perfect for casual walks, light workouts, or lounging.

Their relaxed styles, like petite joggers, leggings, and tops, offer ease of movement without compromising on fit, all designed to fit petite sizes comfortably and stylishly.

6. Girlfriend Collective

While not strictly petite, Girlfriend Collective‘s leggings come with 23 3/4” inseams for petites 5’3 and under. Their Compressive High-Rise Leggings are a fan favorite, offering excellent support and style for various activities, with petite options available for shorter women. They come in limited edition colors so be sure to check them out quickly!

Key Considerations for the Perfect Fit

Your activewear should feel like a second skin, offering support and flexibility without compromising on style. These key considerations will help you find the perfect fit for your petite frame:

1. Inseam length: Look for leggings with shorter inseams (around 20-25 inches) to ensure a comfortable fit for petite legs.
2. Waistband height: A high-waisted design can provide additional support and comfort for petite women.
3. Stretch and flexibility: Choose leggings with four-way stretch for a full range of motion and comfort.
4. Sweat-wicking fabric: Look for activewear made from sweat-wicking fabrics to keep you dry and comfortable during your workout.
5. Pockets and storage: Consider leggings or jackets with pockets or storage compartments to keep your essentials within reach.

My Take:
A Brand That Moves with Purpose

When I discovered AVO Activewear, I immediately felt a connection. As someone who values fitness and movement as transformative parts of life, I know how frustrating it can be to find activewear that fits well and performs. AVO isn’t just solving a problem—it’s making petite women feel seen and supported in spaces where they’ve often been overlooked.

What I love most about AVO is Ally’s intentionality. Her journey—from sewing her first leggings to creating a brand celebrated by thousands—is inspiring. The Senara Leggings, in particular, are a reminder that fit and functionality don’t have to be sacrificed for style. AVO’s commitment to affordability also speaks volumes—it’s about making high-quality activewear accessible to as many petite women as possible.

I’m thrilled to feature AVO Activewear on Ever Petite. Ally’s passion for empowering petite women through fitness aligns perfectly with our mission, and I can’t wait to see what our collaboration brings to the petite community. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running errands, or chasing after goals, AVO is proof that you can do it all with confidence and comfort. Let’s move forward together—because petite women deserve activewear that fits their lifestyle.