What Are 7/8 Leggings? Should I Wear Them?

Some leggings are too long. Others are too short. And some are just right.
We break down the specifics of 7/8 leggings and cover some great examples to help you find the right pair for you.
Key Takeaways
- 7/8 leggings are slightly cropped.
- They're designed to be 1/8 shorter than full-length leggings.
- In most people, 7/8 leggings should sit just above the ankle.
- Many people find that 7/8 leggings help enhance and elongate their silhouette.
- 7/8 leggings offer breathability, mobility, and versatility.
See More: 5 Ways to Fit a Workout Into Your Daily Schedule
Choosing the Perfect Leggings
Carriejune, founder of Minibeast, says:
"7/8 leggings are a staple of millions of people's wardrobes for good reason. They look great and offer several specific advantages over other styles of leggings, both in and out of the gym."
Picking the perfect pair of leggings can be hard. There are so many different styles to choose from.
One key thing to consider is the length, or inseam, of your leggings.
Full-length leggings are designed to cover the full length of your legs. Capris are designed to end at mid-calf. Each has particular benefits and drawbacks.
What if you want something in between? If you're searching for the middle ground, you might find it in 7/8 leggings. 7/8 leggings are designed to be longer than capris but shorter than full-length leggings.
We'll cover the advantages and drawbacks of this popular style of leggings to help you decide if they deserve a place in your wardrobe.
Along the way, we'll note some excellent choices to help you pick the perfect pair.
All About 7/8 Leggings
Compared to Full-Length Leggings

7/8 leggings are designed to end a few inches above the ankle. If full-length leggings cover the whole leg, 7/8 leggings cover seven-eights of it. Hence the name.
Typically, 7/8 leggings have an inseam between 23 and 25 inches. This varies between manufacturers and designers, though.
Potential Benefits
As we mentioned, 7/8 leggings are a middle ground. They're designed to offer a modern silhouette while still providing the support and coverage you'd expect from your leggings.
7/8 leggings are versatile, too. They're great for both workouts and casual outings. Try experimenting with different tops and footwear for endless styling possibilities. Many people like to pair 7/8 leggings with tops that also help elongate their silhouette.
The sleek silhouette provided by the 7/8 length makes 7/8 leggings a great choice for many different body types. They can be worn by both tall and petite individuals, though the effect may look different.
In shorter individuals, the shorter length helps prevent fabric pooling around your feet. And if you're taller, 7/8 leggings will generally expose your entire ankle bone.
That's actually the point. The 7/8 crop removes potential excess fabric around your ankles. It also means more breathability compared to full-length leggings and unrestricted movement during intense workouts. Plus more visibility of your ankles, which can help with alignment during Pilates, yoga, and similar exercises.
Potential Drawbacks
Of course, like any style of leggings, 7/8 leggings do have some potential drawbacks. The main thing is warmth. 7/8 leggings are generally not as warm as full-length leggings.
If you're working out in the heat or prefer extra airflow, 7/8 leggings might be perfect. But people exercising in colder temperatures, or those who just prefer total coverage, might need to go for a full-length style.
Bonus: What Weight Should I Start With for a Home Gym?
Where to Get High-Quality 7/8 Leggings

7/8 leggings are the perfect choice for many people. That's why they're so popular. But length is just one factor to consider. There are other things to decide between, too.
High-Waisted Leggings
High-waisted leggings offer fantastic support and a flattering fit. A thick, quality waistband also helps your leggings stay in place, even during intense, high weight workouts.
Minibeast's Defy leggings or Empress leggings are a great choice. They're made from luxurious, high-stretch fabric to deliver flexibility, breathability, and support.
Workout Leggings
Leggings are a staple of millions of people's workout wardrobes for good reason. But you don't want to wear any old pair to the gym. You need something that will wick away sweat, let your legs breathe, and stay comfortable no matter how hard you're pushing yourself.
Minibeast's Amplify leggings are designed to do all that and more. They're made from a careful blend of fabrics to be both soft and supportive, and are designed to enhance your silhouette and stay firmly in place. A V-seam in the front helps create a contoured look, while a subtle scrunch in the back helps shape your booty.
Scrunch Leggings

A scrunch, or ruche seam, is a sewing technique that helps fabric gently lift and define your glutes. It's a fantastic way to amplify the already legendary ability of leggings to enhance and flatter your natural assets.
Minibeast's Flexura leggings have special stitching around the waistband and glutes to create a lifted, slimming look throughout your lower body. Our Conquer leggings also help lift, sculpt, and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does 7/8 Mean In Leggings?
7/8 means a pair of leggings that are 1/8 shorter than a full-length pair. In other words, they are slightly cropped leggings that are designed to sit above the ankle.
What Height Are 7/8 Leggings For?
7/8 leggings can be worn by different heights. In shorter individuals, they might appear closer to full-length, but avoid fabric pooling at your feet. And in average and taller individuals, they'll look tastefully cropped.
Why Are 7/8 Leggings Popular?
For some people, 7/8 leggings are a personal style choice. Beyond aesthetics, people like the breathability, extra mobility, and versatility of 7/8 leggings.
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