Skip the gym, and lift these on instead.

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Leggings are a fashion staple, and I personally favor those with figure-enhancing features. If you feel the same, you’ll definitely love our best shapewear leggings list. They’re stretchy, slimming, and highlight your curves without constricting your movement. Plus, they go with everything!

Regardless if you’re plus size, more mature, or looking for a pair to wear to the gym, there are lots of leggings with body contouring to choose from. Best of all, they’re versatile in their look. From basic black to faux leather, there’s one for every occasion, and season. No wardrobe is complete without several pairs.

Stomach or “tummy control” leggings are high-waisted, and have light compression. This helps flatten your middle, disguising any pooch or food baby you may be sporting after lunch. Additionally, these type of leggings elongate the legs, and smooth the hips to create a leaner appearance.

It’s no surprise that some of the best shapewear leggings with stomach control comes from Spanx, the undergarment company that took the world by storm in 2010. Lots of their looks are high-waisted, and suck in muffin tops. Some, like these really cool faux-leather leggings, even have a contouring waistband to create an hour-glass shape.

The brand makes active leggings, seamless leggings, and leggings that look like jeans. They also offer free-shipping — always a nice bonus, especially if you’re revamping your closet. Other places to find leggings with stomach control include:

When looking slender is your aim, fit is the name of the game. To find the best shapewear leggings for you, it’s wise to measure yourself first. This will minimize your chances of selecting a pair that’s too big or small. Length is also important.

Although shorter styles, like capri-length leggings, are cute, they can make you appear larger than you actually are. According to a blog post at Leonisa, longer or “ankle length” styles lengthen the leg, crating a taller, and leaner profile.

Spanx Ponte Ankle Leggings are a great option if you want to look like you’ve lost a few. They have a Slim Is Built In technology that minimizes your tummy, while lifting your bum. They can also be dressed up or down, as illustrated above.

Additionally, Miraclesuit’s Tummy Control Performance Leggings will also suck you in. The compression in the middle is light, so it doesn’t dig into your torso. This is great, because no one should sacrifice comfort for beauty!

Shapermint is a body-inclusive shapewear brand, and they offer everything from underwear to camis. Their compression leggings are extremely popular. More than 1,500 people on Amazon are obsessed with them for their anti-slip, tummy control waistbands, and buttery material. If you’re looking for leggings for daily wear, they’re definitely worth checking out.

Yes and no. Although some companies try branding their leggings as “anti-cellulite” or fat zapping, there’s no scientific evidence to back that up. The good news is that those of the compression variety are thicker, and perform a better job at hiding any dimples beneath.

Compression leggings, like the On-The-Go Leggings from Fabletics, are good for working out in. They’re light but durable, and include a deep pocket for your phone. They also have a design technology called Insta Lift, which gives the illusion of a firmer backside.

Other compression garments, such as socks or sleeves, are worn for therapeutic purposes. They’re tighter, and shouldn’t be worn continuously. According to the journal of Lymphatic Research and Biology, they’re helpful for conditions like lymphodema, but you may be better off sticking with the best lymphatic drainage machines if cellulite is your concern. They actually have technology to penetrate the epidermis, and stimulate fat cells.

Looking for even more options? Check out our other fashion recommendations:

There’s so much to love about the Look At me Now High-Waisted Seamless Leggings. Their tummy control goes all around, making it a favorite of new moms but also a great choice for ladies who have some back fluff. Sitting right below the bra area, they won’t roll down or bunch, and feature a matte finish. Our favorite part is that the crotch is seamless, which means you can rock them with a short sweater or crop top without drawing attention. If you want to be supported but comfortable, while looking effortlessly slimmer, these bestsellers are the ones to grab! Although we love them in the look above, we can also see ourselves wearing them with knee-high boots come fall, along with a cozy sweater.

Buy from Lululemon, starting at $59 (was $119)

These Lululemon shapewear leggings were made with runners in mind, but they’re also great for yogis, cyclist, or your Wednesday Zumba class. They’re made with the brand’s trademark flexible Luxtreme fabric, and are perfect for those on the go. Extra lycra pulls any lumps or bumps in, and they also have four-way stretch. The tights include zippered back pockets — perfect for your cell or cash — and are breathable for those sweat sessions. Available in fifteen different colors, and currently on sale, we strongly suggest you scoop these up pronto!

Promising review: “I love them so much I now have six pairs! The high compression keeps them in place and does not fall down while working out. They’re tight around the waistband, which also helps hide extra unwanted fat. The pockets are great. They are deep, and can fit phone, keys, cards, wallet, or whatever else you do not want to hold in your hands.”

I love leather but hate that it hurts animals! It’s also expensive. These Faux Leather Leggings let me enjoy the look without the guilt — and honestly, it should be criminal how good these things contour your figure. There is shaping in the waist and bum, which means they cinch you in, while boosting your rear. The have no center seam — we don’t want every curve highlighted — and can be washed in the machine on cold. I would pair them with a pair of stilettos and a loose button down, but you could also go with a blazer, and sleeveless blouse for something more business-causal. No matter what you choose, you’ll look positively dangerous while wearing them, so prep yourself for the compliments to come! FYI, some fans say these run small. Don’t forget to check the Spanx sizing guide, and don’t be afraid to size down.

You’ll love how buttery these high-rise leggings feel. The moisture-wicking, ultra-stretchy tights have lycra, and are designed to highlight your muscle tone, while minimizing jiggle. Whether you’re wearing them to downward dog or check emails, your movements will feel easy and friction-free. The secure fit lifts your derriere and other hanging parts, and there’s even a hidden pocket for your keys or phone. We love them in the poolside blue color, but you can also grab them in dark olive, charged indigo, and seven other shades. Sizes go up to 20, and although some happy customers report them showing sweat, they do have quick-drying fabric.

Promising review: “I wore the instill tight for the first time today to walk my dog, and then do flow yoga. It was great! They stayed in place, and look flattering. To me, this tight is what you would get if the align tight and Luxtreme material had a baby. It’s soft, yet compressive. I recommend!”

Whether you’re doing chores or running errands, these Ponte Ankle Leggings will make you look like you squeezed a workout in. They hit at the natural waist, so even if you’ve been skipping those Russian twists, no one will know. Stomach contouring shapewear is in the center to pull you in without cutting off circulation, and there’s even some contouring for the rear. Pair with your most crisp white tennis shoes, a button-down shirt, and bag. You’ll look like a model off duty, and feel like one too!

Buy from Leonisa, starting at $52

According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 80 percent of women have cellulite. And even if we’re working out and eating right, it’s no guarantee everything will get as tight as you want. Enter these awesome compression, cellulite dimishing leggings. They sit extra high, hitting just below the bra-line, and have multiple types of compression to hide thigh dimples, and make the butt look perkier. They’re surprisingly breathable, and also feature a Power Slim waistband to give that Marilyn Monroe hourglass shape. More than 1,000 shoppers rave about their body-contouring abilities. Available in an assortment of colors and prints, consider this the affordable — and safer — alternative to any lunchtime procedure you don’t need anyway!

Promising review: “These are perfect leggings for everyday or [for workouts]. They have great material, are not see-through, and have firm compression. They make me look at least one size slimmer, and hide my cellulite.”

The Boss Leggings may as well be gravity defying. Their medium compression not only softens thigh dimples, but makes your backside look higher, and firmer. The waistband comes to your natural waist, keeping your stomach in check. Durable enough for your deepest squat, you won’t want to take these off — they’re that comfy. Available in several bright colors, each legging has embossed detail, and a cute little crown to remind you of the queen you are. Sizes go up to 6XL or what the body positive brand refers to as 6Luxe. Take a chance, and join the 2,000 plus ladies who love wearing these!

Promising review: “These are a perfect fit. They’re like a second skin, are lightweight, which is ideal for me since I sprint intermittently throughout my walks, and are very breathable. SheFit has truly made me look forward to my workouts, feel comfortable, and look stylish while doing them.”

Create slimmer and more shapely gams with these shapewear leggings from Miraclesuit. The legs have firm compression to smooth out any bumps, and there’s a mesh panel in the front to flatten your tummy. The laser cut design also features silicone gripping on the cuffs to keep them from rolling up, and there’s a ventilated triangle inset if you want to skip the underwear. Available in nude and black, these are just a few inches above the ankle. Although they may not work to wear solo, they will help body-con dresses look more seamless.

Promising review: “I ordered this in black for both warmth and smoothing for an upcoming cruise. It warms beautifully, and smooths beautifully. They also end at the perfect spot for all of my cropped pants, and jeans.”

If you’re feeling a little insecure about your belly, these ribbed leggings may help. They have firm compression to streamline your middle, and their ribbed texture actually gives the appearance of a sculpted leg. If you’d like to wear them to workout you’ll be glad to know they dry fast, but they’ll also great for more festive activities, like date night or shopping with friends. Pair with a blouse, and booties (like shown above) for a dressier look. For something more laid back, go with one of your best lightweight running shoes, and a fitted hoodie. Also available in black.

More than 15,000 — yes, 15,000 — woman love these Shapermint High-Waisted Leggings, and we think you will too. They’re machine-washable, non see-through, and cinch in the waist. Made from a combo of nylon and spandex, the tights have four-way stretch, are breathable, and great for daily wear. The top won’t roll down, thanks to the adhesive band on the inside, and these would look great with tees, sweaters, or a shirt dress. Along with being available in black, you can get them in olive, navy, burgundy, and grey.

Promising review: “These are soft, comfortable leggings with good stretch. They are definitely thick enough to cover a visible panty-line and cellulite. Although the control top is strong in the tummy area, I would’ve preferred a little more compression in the lower legs, just for increased leg revitalization. I normally wear size 26-28, so the 4XL was a good fit. I’m happy overall with the purchase.”

Whether you’re a Kim K fan or not, we think you’ll like her Skims Sculpting Leggings. Made from nylon and spandex, they slim the tummy, lift the butt, and streamline the thighs and calves. They’re available in nine skin-tone shades — another selling point — and go up to size 5XL. They aren’t heavy, and virtually undetectable beneath a skirt or dress. They can even be worn beneath pants, as this one happy customer can tell you.

Promising review: “These leggings are excellent. They whip out the cellulite in the back of my thighs, and now I feel sexy again in my jeans.”

Spanx makes some of the best shapewear leggings available, and this pair should be in every woman’s closet. The Every.Where Knock Leggings are basically the LBD of body-contouring clothes, and feature moisture-wicking, performance fabric. Its four-way stretch is not only breathable, but let’s you move without worry of bunching or ripping. If that’s not enough to become excited about, there’s hidden Printed Power smoothing technology built-in to the legs and tummy. This not only makes you look slimmer, but taller — even if you’re sporting flats. They only come in black, but that means they can go with practically everything in your wardrobe. We also love that they include pockets, go up to size 3X, and are anti-microbial. According to a Google review, they run large, so don’t be afraid to size down.

Promising review: “Flattering and very comfortable.”

Buy from Athleta, starting at $44.99

Even if you’re not into yoga, wearing flexible activewear can feel better than jeans or a dress. These Ultra High Rise Elation Leggings from Athleta are one of our faves. The waistband has three stomach flattening layers, but is surprisingly comfortable. Its Powervita fabric is supple against the skin, nixing any chance of becoming itchy or sweaty — so important! But the best part is the hidden pocket in the back, where you can slip your ID or gym card into. We love them in grey heather (shown above), but they’re also available in black, navy, and ginseng olive. More than 1,600 folks give them five stars!

Promising review: “Always a great fit, especially for shorter women. The material is super soft, and moves with you.”

Was Michelle Pfeiffer your favorite Cat Woman? Me too, and what I like about these pants is that you can steal her look without training like a gymnast. The Faux Leather Patent Leather Leggings have a hidden control smoothing panel to keep your stomach svelte, and there’s some stretch in the waist. Truth be told, they are snug, but awesome once broken in. Wear with your highest heel or a pair of platform boots. You’ll be the cat’s meow!

Promising review: “I bought these last year for a night out in New York City. They are incredibly comfortable, and forgiving especially on the tummy area. The inside of the pants are lined so they go on easy. Just be careful because I put my nail through my first pair being that the material is thin. I applied a little bit of coconut oil in between my legs on the outside of the pant to prevent the “swish” sounds — love them!”

Buy from Nordstrom, starting at $54.60 (was $78)

Some days concealing your middle is not a priority, and these Wrap Lose Control Leggings give you a choice in the matter. They sit high, but also have a wrap-style design to create the illusion of a tinier waist. Wear them up to pull things in, or roll them down on days you’re feeling great as is. Made from a combo of elastane and polyester, the flexible pants feel like a second skin. They’ll suck you in without restricting circulation, and you can enjoy them even on days you’re not feeling bloated. They’re available in four colors, and go to size 16.

These Yummie Rachel Cotton Stretch Shaping Leggings are wonderful for summer. Along with being lightweight, they’re ultra-soft. Offering 360 degrees of slimming, the ankle length tights also make the legs appear longer, so you can skip the heels. There are no side seams to deal with, and the two-ply waistband creates a lovely hourglass shape. To prevent the top from rolling down, size up. Available in a heather charcoal grey, and black, we see these paired with a plain white tee, and some chunky flip flops.

( Become a VIP member and get 2 pairs for $29)

Feeling tired of basic black? Try these wild print tights on for size. Part of Lizzo’s shapewear Yitty collection, the Headliner Shaping High Waist Legging are fun, stretchy, and make you look like a goddess. Featuring a high shine fabric and medium zoned compression, these won’t roll down no matter what shenanigans you’re up to. Along with being smoothing to the belly, hips, and thighs, they also have an ingenious back yoke to lift your posterior. Going up to size 6X, and also available in a neon green called ‘Limelight,’ you’ll be a total showstopper when wearing them.

Promising review: “These leggings are it! I absolutely love the finish of the fabric! They’re so cute, and the color is so vibrant. They’re also very comfortable — great to wear as shapewear, but opaque enough to wear out.”

I love Lane Bryant for their stylish looks for curvy women, and if you haven’t checked them out, you really should. They make awesome clothes, including these plus size shapewear leggings. The waistband is wider for better support, and has a seam stitch style that fights against thigh-chafing. There are slimming tech panels throughout to smooth the tummy and legs, and the fabric is soft and stretchy. Along with being great for the gym, these leggings work for a low-key lunch appointment, a dash to the grocery, or trip to the salon. They also have a hidden pocket!

Promising review: “The fit on these leggings were spot on. I love the extra wide waistband that holds the stomach in. These shaped my body all day, and did not slip like other leggings. I highly recommend having a pair even if not [worn for] working out.”

( Become a VIP member and get 2 pairs for $24)

For those early morning hikes you need these high-waisted leggings from Fabletics. Along with being UPF protective, they have two types of technology that slim and lift. The first is called PowerHold, which sucks in your tummy and any other wobbly bits. The next is called InstaBoost, which sculpts your legs and lifts your bum. Multidirectional stretch allows you to move without constriction, and the fabric is chafe-resistant. You’ll love them so much you’ll want several pairs. Fortunately, there are dozens of colors and prints to pick from.

Promising review: “Fabletics leggings are my go-to! The fabric is thick, and compressive. The style is very comfortable, and they last a long time. I highly recommend snagging a pair — or several like me!”

As a proud owner of multiple pairs of Gymshark leggings, I assure you that these are worth trying. The Adapto Camo’s sit high and have compression in the waist that streamlines your silhouette — even when you’re bloated or have just had lunch. The leggings are seamless, tagless, and also made with a moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool. Since I’m someone who sweats a lot when working out, I’ve come to really appreciate that. If you’ve been squeamish about wearing something so figure-hugging to the gym, don’t be. These are very forgiving, and come in lots of fun colors. The also have a line down the back that make your booty look bigger — in a good way.

Promising review: “Cute design, squat-proof, and not see-through! The length is perfect, and they’re stretchy enough that the waistband doesn’t cut into your tummy but has enough compression that you feel secure.”

( Become a VIP member and get 2 pairs for $24)

More than 20,000 folks on Fabletics swear by the On-The-Go High Waisted Leggings, and we don’t blame them. Their PowerHold fabric keeps your tummy tight without hindering movement, and there’s also lifting material in the legs and tush. Even when you’re not working out in these bright tights you’ll want to keep them on, because they’re seriously that comfortable. Along with being chafe-resistant and moisture-wicking, they’re also UPF protectant, and have a handy pocket for your smartphone. No wonder this genius design has so many admirers.

Promising review: “I love the PowerHold material. [They have] high compression, and are sweatproof — even in the red color!”

These shapewear leggings are no joke! The waistband starts an inch above your hips to turn a muffin top into a Coke bottle, and comes to the natural waist. It also has firm compression to sculpt the tummy area. Built with four-way stretch, moisture-wicking fabric and targeted ventilation, you’ll feel comfortable and trim once you’ve slipped them on. Available in an assortment of colors, including mocha, teal, olive, and navy, these are great for working out, lounging, or whenever you’re feeling puffy.

Promising review: “[These have] great material. They’re not see-through, give a great shape, and removes tummy bloat. I got them in mocha, and green. I love them.”

No wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of black tights, and these SomaWKND Essential Fleece Leggings are no exception. They’re great for winter, chilly spring mornings, or home when the AC is blasting. The high-waist top flattens and gently holds the tummy in, while the ankle cut elongates the leg. And since they’re opaque, you can wear them like regular pants without anyone seeing your undergarments. All you need to complete the look is a drape sweater, and ankle boots.

Promising review: “I originally purchased the fleece legging in November of 2020. Over a year later, they are as good as new. They have washed and dried well, showing no pulling, fading, or other signs of wear. This year I purchased 23 pairs so that every female family member or friend in my life can know this level of comfort…I’m receiving thank you texts saying, ‘These feel like butter!’”

Buy from Amazon, starting at $23.10

True to their name, these High Waist Control Shapewear Leggings are slimming. Happy customers on Amazon love them for their cellulite minimizing design, and the way they comfortably cinch you in. The waistband doesn’t collapse when you sit, and the spandex and nylon fabric limits chafing. They don’t have any seams or itchy tags, and are light enough to wear beneath other garments. Available in sixteen different colors, and less than $30, you’ll be able to buy one for every occasion.

Promising review: “I have now purchased these leggings in both the full length, and carpi in both nude, and black at least 10 times. I’m five-foot-two, 140 pounds, and while the medium fits me, I order the XL because it gives me the right amount of cellulite camouflage without really feeling tight. Initially, I purchased these to wear under professional pants, since they do a terrific job of hiding cellulite without being overly hot. They make me look far more in-shape than I am, which is terrific. I then started wearing them under gym pants, under tight jeans, and generally with any pair of pants that I felt could use a little help in hiding the flab. While I have never worn them without another pair of pants over them, they are opaque enough that I could wear them as is, particularly in the larger sizes, where there is less stretching over my butt.”

Jeggings (leggings with denim) are the way to go when you can’t decide between stylish jeans and comfy loungewear. We like this pair by Karen Kane. They highlight your shape, while making you appear leaner. The classic dark denim goes with virtually anything, and effortlessly transitions from day to nighttime. They’re machine-washable, high-waisted, and look deceptively like your favorite pair of skinny jeans. Whether you pair with flats, a sassy pair of heels or boots, you’ll look stylish from head to toe.

Promising review: “Karen Kane jeggings are the best of both worlds…great elastic at the waist but classic jean styling right down to reinforced seams on the legs. Overall, very well made, and the material is light enough to be worn on milder summer days (maybe not a scorcher, though!). I was happy to find them, and feel they were fairly priced given the quality.”

These sleek performance leggings are functional and fashionable — a great combo, and come in more than five gorgeous colors. They have compression throughout the leg and torso that slim your silhouette without restricting your movement, and moisture-wicking fabric to fight sweat. The pants also feature pockets on each leg, and another hidden pocket in the back. You’ll love how comfy and soft the tights feel, and will keep them on hours after your cardio session.

Promising review: “These leggings are very compressive, supportive, and the perfect length.”

Buy from Amazon, starting at $12.99

If you’re shapewear-curious, but not sure it’s worth they hype or money, these Tummy Control Leggings are a great place to start. They’re high-waisted, have just enough spandex to suck you in, and are super soft. Three come in a single order, and they’re available in basic black, camouflage, red, grey, and more. There are 44,000 people on Amazon who love how they form to your frame without highlighting wobbly parts. Whether you wear a small, athletic or extra curvy, you’ll find the slimming pair for you.

Promising review: “I love these leggings! I’m a bigger girl, and it’s hard for me to find leggings that I love…These make my butt look fantastic, and really thin out my hips and tummy, while also [hiding] my “imperfections.” They are also not see-through — that’s a huge plus!”

Buy from Amazon, starting at $23.58

The Firm Foundations Shapewear Leggings may be too warm for summer months, but they’ll come in handy in fall. There’s shaping throughout the hips, and thighs, and they look really cute with a blazer, and oxfords. They’re made from a mix of nylon and spandex, making them soft with lots of stretch. The two-ply waistband can hold your phone or cards with its hidden pocket, but what we like best about it is its tummy-controlling power. Whether you wear alone or beneath a skirt or pants, you’ll look a little more svelte and put together.

Promising review: “I wanted something to wear under long shirts or short skirts for modesty. Most leggings I have tried before are either better suited for workouts, or only seem to accentuate cellulite. These are perfect! No ripples or bumps, they don’t roll down when you sit, they don’t have a ton of seams and crap all over. They are just basic, comfy, shaping leggings. I will be buying many to use as a wardrobe staple.”

Buy from Walmart, starting at $17.06

These shapewear legging yoga pants may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re worth considering if you want something that hides booty cellulite. The thick tights’ texture work great at camouflaging dimpling, and there’s lifting material in the back to make your rear look plump and high. There’s tummy-slimming panels in the front, and regardless if you wear these to squat or just walk around town, you’ll feel comfy, and supported. Available in 11 different colors, and going up to 3XL, they’re a great option for both petite and plus size ladies.

Buy from Amazon, starting at $14.99

There’s nothing wrong with a juicer backside, and yours will look fantastic in these contouring seamless leggings. Along with being high-waisted (perfect for hiding a menopause belly fat), they have shaping in the butt and thighs that make it seem like you haven’t skipped a day of lunges or donkey kicks. Although the material is durably thick, it’s also lightweight, allowing you to enjoy them even in summer. They’re available in a dozen different fun colors, go up to XXL, and have more than 8,000 fans on Amazon.

Promising review: “They are very stretchy, light, and flattering. The contour is pretty subtle and sits at the perfect spot on my legs… They are fully squat-proof. I tried them on with black underwear and nothing showed. They are pretty high-waisted, and go about two inches above my belly button.”

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