Best Petite Running Clothing for Women

To all petite women out there…

Are you struggling to find running kit to fit a petite frame? Would you like to find running gear that fits you beautifully? It is not a secret that finding sports clothing is hard for us. You can end up a little fed-up at times. To try on more than 10 items and find that none feels like it should – tights too long, T-shirts too baggy, etc. – can be dispiriting. You can even end up abandoning the search or settling for something that doesn’t make you feel great.

As a 5ft runner and a size UK 4-6, I understand how it can be frustrating to find the perfect pair of running tights, etc. I have even taken sports clothing to a dressmaker to make alterations, and asked my patient mother to fix my clothes. Don’t get me wrong, I like being petite, but no one likes to be hitching up their tights every kilometre when running.

That's why I want to share with you my personal edit of running clothing. These pieces have made me feel better; I love them and I think you will too. So, let’s make this process easier and more satisfying, so that running is the only thing you have to concentrate on.

Loose Shorts / 2-in-1 Shorts / Lycra Shorts / Capris / Tights / T-Shirts / Lightweight Long Sleeves / Thermal Tops / Jackets / Accessories

Best Petite Loose Running Shorts

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Women's Gore R5 Twin 7in Shorts
Navy £51.00 £60.00

Coverage, compression and comfort for the long run. Zippered pocket on back and broad waistband.

Women's Brooks Rep 3in Twin Shorts
Grey/Black £33.00

DriLayer® fabric wicks sweat away to keep you comfy, dry & feeling light. No-bounce pocket on side.

Women's Gore R7 Running Skirt
Black £51.00 £60.00

Highly breathable. Integrated tights offering light compression. Zippered back pocket & thigh pocket.

Best Petite 2-in-1 Running Shorts

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Women's Ronhill Stride Revive 4in Shorts
Black/Blue £36.00

Eco-conscious, breathable, high-wicking fabric in recycled yarn. Zipped security pocket.

Women's Odlo Zeroweight Ceramicool Split Shorts
Black £40.00

Lightweight & comfortable. Stretchy, breathable elastane for maximum mobility.

Women's Crewroom Endurance 4in Shorts
Navy £42.00

Secure zip pockets and internal mesh liner, wide waistband & highly moisture wicking.

Women's Odlo Zeroweight Ceramicool Split Shorts

Best Petite Lycra Running Shorts

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Women's Gore Essential Half Tights
Black £34.00 £40.00

Keep your muscles supported. Highly breathable fabric that feels soft and light against the skin. Back zip pocket.

Women's Crewroom Ribbing Half Tights
Navy £35.00

Comfort & support without restriction. Breathable, anti-microbial & wicking.

Women's Ronhill Stride Stretch Half Tights
Black £37.00

High quality fabric with good coverage & no-show through. Breathable & stretchy.

Best Petite RUNNING Capris

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Women's Brooks Greenlight Capris
Black/Grey £45.00

Chafe-free & sustainably made. Supportive fit, sweat-resistant pocket & drop-in pockets.

Women's Gore Essential Capris
Black £42.50 £50.00

Unbelievable next-to-skin comfort, support & breathability. Back zip pocket.

Women's Ronhill Everyday Run Capris
Black £27.00

Go-to capris. Comfy, flattering cut and soft, quick-drying fabric. Internal pocket.

Best Petite Running Tights

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Women's Brooks Greenlight Tights
Black/Grey £45.00 £55.00

Chafe-free, flatlock seams. Sustainably Made with UPF 50+ sun protection. Smooth cordless waistband with two pockets.

Women's Odlo Shift Medium 7/8 Tights
Black £50.00

High elastane, light & soft fabric that provides freedom of movement. Generous medium waist height. Key pocket.

Best Petite Runnning T-Shirts

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Women's Gore Running R3 Tee
Navy/Blue £35.00 £43.00

Extra soft & breathable material for comfort. Moisture management to keep you dry.

Women's On Active Breathe Tee
Olive £60.00

Super-light, sustainable fabric dries quicker than you can sweat. Versatile training top.

Best Lightweight Long Sleeve Running Tops

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Women's Ronhill Infinity Merino Half Zip Top
Purple £58.00

Merino wool & synthetic polyester mix to regulate temperature. Soft next to the skin, anti-microbial & odour-resistant.

Women's Odlo Seamless Element Top
Coral £35.00

Seamless & light material designed to adapt to you all year round. Super breathable & excellent freedom of movement.

Best PETITE Thermal Running Tops

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Women's Salomon Lightning Half Zip Top
Sky Blue £58.00 £70.00

AdvancedSkin technical fabrics keep you dry, warm and protected. Reflective details & thumb loop.

Women's Montane Katla Half Zip Top
Blue £55.00

Light moisture wicking Thermolite stretchy fleece to keep you warm & dry. Polygiene treatment for odor management. Flatlocked seams.

Women's Crewroom South East Fleece Top
Navy £65.00

Soft, warm, versatile running top, useful as a mid-layer or an over-layer. Generous side pocket with compass zipper.

Best Petite Running Jackets

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Women's OMM Kamleika Race Jacket New
Blue £165.00 £190.00

Fully waterproof & windproof. Maximum freedom of movement thanks to its soft, light & stretchy fabric. Taped pockets.

Women's On Weather Jacket
Grey/White £190.00

So light that it feels like wearing nothing. 360° ventilation – perfect for any weather conditions. Can be packed into its own chest pocket.

Women's On Weather Vest
Navy £110.00

High water-resistance & perforated back panel for extra ventilation. You can fold it up into its own chest pocket. Back pocket.

Best Petite Running Accessories

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SPIBelt Running Belt With Window
Grey £27.00

Great for runners who are not comfortable using an armband. It has two separated compartments - for your phone & extras.

Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones
Grey £120.00 £150.00

Be completely free & yet 100% connected with the lightest open-ear headphones to date! Enjoy 8 hours of music & calls.

Sunwise Waterloo Photochromic Sunglasses
Black £70.00

Photochromic lenses - light-reacting, anti-glare, anti-fog, water repellent, impact-resistant, with anti-scratch coating.

Garmin Forerunner 45 Small GPS Watch
Iris/Black £139.99 £170.00

Easy-to-use running watch – perfect for daily runs, training sessions & every day wear. Built-in GPS, track stats & heart rate monitor.

Women's Gregory Maya 10L Running Backpack
Blue £48.00 £60.00

Women's specific design moves with your body. Fits everything you need for a run home, day hike or bike ride.

Evelyn Romero

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