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

Shop Women's Loose Running Shorts

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

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

Best Petite 2-in-1 Running Shorts

Shop Women's 2-in-1 Running Shorts

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

Shop Women's Lycra Running Shorts

Women's Gore Essential Half Tights
Black £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

Shop Women's Running Capris

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 £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

Shop Women's Running Tights

Women's Brooks Greenlight Tights
Black/Grey £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.

Women's Ronhill Stride Revive 7/8 Tights
Black/Blue £45.00

Recycled yarns. Breathable, lightweight & moisture-wicking fabric. Secure pocket & stash pocket on the thigh.

Best Petite Runnning T-Shirts

Shop Women's Running T-Shirts

Women's Odlo Blackcomb Pro Tee
Grey/Purple £35.00 £45.00

Built-in active cooling and anti-odour technology. Body-mapped ventilation.

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

Shop Women's Long Sleeve Running Tops

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 Salomon Agile Hoodie
Red £41.00 £55.00

Perfect for layering & moving between seasons. Stretchy meshy fabric that keeps you cool. Hoodie opening for your ponytail!

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

Shop Women's Thermal Running Tops

Women's Salomon Lightning Half Zip Top
Sky Blue £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

Shop Women's Running Jackets

Women's OMM Kamleika Race Jacket New
Blue £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

Shop Running Accessories

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
Grey £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
Iris/Black £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

More by this author »

How to Find Your Best Running Bra, 2020 »