Your Activewear Drawer Needs These Ultra-Supportive Leggings

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Finding the holy-grail pair of leggings could be a full-time job. Whether you want fleece-lined, butt-sculpting, or leggings with pockets, there are endless options to choose from. If you’re looking for some cinching, you may want to focus your search on tummy-control leggings.

As the name suggests, tummy-control leggings are high-waisted leggings that offer compression for extra support in your belly and lower back, says Kim Perry, CPT, a certified personal trainer and fit pregnancy coach who offers multiple pre- and post-natal strength programs online. It's not just about looks, either. "Having extra compression can help reduce back pain and soreness, improve posture, provide muscle support and stability, and improve circulation,” she explains.

Jump right to the top tummy-control leggings to shop now:

The extra compression can also act as a shock absorber since it reduces the vibration on your muscles on impact, especially during higher intensity workouts, says Perry. In fact, lower limb compression leggings were effective in reducing muscle displacement during running, a 2020 study found. As a result, the support from the compression stabilizes your muscles while you train and can reduce muscle fatigue during and after your workout, adds Perry.

Meet the expert: Kim Perry, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and fit pregnancy coach who offers multiple pre- and post-natal strength programs online.

On top of that, tummy-control leggings worn during postpartum can speed up recovery time, reduce swelling, and relieve pelvic girdle pain, says Perry. Just note that it’s still super important to incorporate belly breathing, pelvic floor exercise, and core engagement a few times a week to help restore your core strength, she adds.

The material makes a big difference in feel and performance. The best tummy-control leggings are ideally made from a combination of nylon, spandex, polyester, or Lycra, says Perry. It’s also best to look for a lightweight material that is flexible and breathable while still providing enough compression so you feel supported, she adds.

Ahead, the eight best tummy-control leggings, according to an expert trainer and rave reviews.

Sculpt & Recovery Postpartum Leggings

These high-waisted postpartum crop pants are a go-to for new mamas, says Perry. They’re designed to provide core compression to support your abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and legs, and the buttery-soft FLEX Athletic fabric is lightweight and sweat-wicking. They range in size between an extra-small and large, but if you’re early postpartum, the reviews suggest sizing up.

EcoCare Seamless Leggings

The EcoCare seamless leggings feature a double-layer waistband for tummy smoothing and a four-way stretch, seamless design for easy movement and comfort, says Perry. The hem hits at the natural waist and offers 360-degree tummy-control without feeling tight or restrictive. They range between an extra-small and 3X, and the center is seam-free to prevent pesky ride-up.

Thick High Waist Tummy Compression Pants

The price is right for these tummy- and leg-compression leggings, says Perry. With gentle compression and double material around the stomach and legs, these bottoms are great for everyday wear whether you’re off to yoga or the grocery store, she adds.

The nylon and spandex blend is also extra stretchy and easy to get on and off. They run between a small and 2XL, and with 16 colorways you’re sure to find a pair (or three!) you love.

Thick High Waist Yoga Pants

Available in 41 colors and sizes between an extra-small and 3XL, these high-waisted leggings are an affordable option for daily wear, says Perry. The wide elastic waistband offers subtle compression and abdominal support, and the skin-friendly polyamide and spandex material is squat-proof. Another perk? Side pockets that fit your phone, wallet, and keys!

Mother Tucker Postpartum Shapewear Leggings

Designed with an ultra-high waistband that provides complete tummy coverage (it hits right under the bra line), you won’t have to worry about anything digging into your belly. The seamless, breathable knit fabric holds its shape wash after wash, and the gentle compression helps smooth and sculpt your belly, thighs, and tush. With four simple colors and sizes between an extra-small and large, these leggings are perfect for new moms.

Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging

If you’re looking for incredibly soft leggings with a touch of tummy compression, here’s your pick. With no outside seam, four-way stretch, and moisture-wicking material, these bottoms are perfect for working out, running errands, or traveling. Plus, they have built-in UV sun protection, over 2,4000 positive reviews, and come in sizes XXS to 4X.

High Waist Yoga Leggings

These tummy-control leggings with pockets will be a staple in your closet thanks to the wide elastic waistband (which won’t roll down!), stretchy yet squat-proof material, and interlock seams to minimize chafing. Reviewers also love the 27 colors and patterns and extra-small to 3XL size range.

Reveal Ultra High Waisted Tummy Control Postpartum Legging

High-waisted postpartum leggings with pockets? Yes please! The stretchy fabric is soft on the skin but offers just the right amount of compression to support your abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and legs, says Perry. They’re also seamless to avoid possible C-section incision aggravation, and the full-length design is perfect for seasonal wear. The sizing is limited and only runs in a small, medium, or large, but there’s a 30-day hassle-free return and exchange program.

How We Chose

Over the past few months, our team of editors and writers tested and compared the top-rated leggings with tummy control features. We tapped Kim Perry, CPT, a certified personal trainer and fit pregnancy coach who offers multiple pre- and post-natal strength programs online, for expert shopping recommendations and to review additional customer-beloved leggings.

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