These Leggings Won't Flatten Your Bum Like A Pancake

Photo credit: Christine Giordano
Photo credit: Christine Giordano

Leggings have transitioned from an essential piece of workout wear to an everyday wardrobe staple...even when you're not exercising. From running errands to actually training, these stretchy pants have taken over (not that we're complaining).

But the thing is, the same tight, compression material that’s used to help leggings keep their shape and enhance your performance by boosting blood flow to your lower body can have some not-so-flattering side effects for your derriere. Mainly, it can smoosh your bum and flatten it in a way that doesn't really do justice to all the glute workouts you've been doing.

Fortunately, there's a solution that doesn’t involve getting rid of your yoga pants (bless up!). Enter: butt-lifting leggings. The bottom line is that these babies can really perk up your peach, thanks to high waists, side panels, and design elements like strategic stitching.

Below are the best butt-lifting leggings that won't flatten your bum like a pancake.


Coming in 13 different colors, these leggings were made to fit like a second layer of skin. They have double-knit fabric that lifts and sculpts to enhance the natural shape of your rear end. They're also moisture-wicking and antimicrobial, meaning they can handle your sweatiest workouts—and then some.

Reviewer Rave: “It feels so light and smooth on your skin. I love how I can move and stretch without feeling restricted in anyway. It really does move with you. I can honestly wear this all day. Got it in Rich Navy and I hope to get more colors!”


Skeptical about leggings with a little extra texture? Don't be. This pair feature a back fold design that gently lifts your butt. Made of breathable, seamless, and strong compression fabric, you're in for a tight fit that (thankfully) won't feel like it.

Reviewer Rave: “I bought these because I saw them in a girl who works out at my gym and her butt looks AWESOME in them! I loved them on her so much that I bought 4 pairs. And let me tell you, I’m in LOVE with them on me!”


If there's one thing Lululemon's known for, it's making butts look their best. And this pair is no exception, thanks to the Full-On® Luxtreme fabric that offers great support and coverage. These leggings nail the perfect balance between feeling light and being strong enough to sculpt and smooth.

Reviewer Rave: “I absolutely love these pants. This is my third pair and I know not my last. They tighten everywhere without suffocating or feeling uncomfortable.”


A super soft, lightweight pair of leggings that make your butt look great? Sign me up! With a subtle booty framing pattern and tight, yet breathable fit, these leggings will stay up while you squat it out during your next leg day.

Reviewer Rave: “I’m blown away 😳 By far one of the best pair of tights that I have for the gym, hands down. The material is great, squat proof, high waisted, and freaking sweat proof!”


You want full-length compression leggings? You got 'em. A wide waistband that smooths and contours will round out your behind. Plus, the fabric comes with four-way stretch and UV protection, so you can wear this anywhere and everywhere.

Reviewer Rave: “Whatever you’re doing, stop and buy yourself a pair of these. Buttery soft, perfect fit, and so flattering. Pockets are a plus. No complaints and my favorite new brand!”


Soft, quick-dry fabric and mesh paneling already make these leggings practically perfect. Add in seams that round the top of your butt and detailing that follow the curve on the bottom, and they're unbeatable.

Reviewer Rave: “Gorgeous leggings! They feel soooo soft! I want to wear these around the house but also want to only wear them to be observed by other eyes strictly because the design is so cute and sexy. So hmm yeah, that means I want to wear them constantly.”


These leggings have all the smoothing, lifting, and compression power of your trusty pair of Spanx—while being stretchy enough to do a HIIT workout without making you feel like you're getting squeezed to death. Instead, they hug you just where you need it, making that booty POP.

Reviewer Rave: “I live in the Spanx faux leather leggings on the weekends but these just slid in front as my favorite. They are not quite as tight as the faux leather leggings. They stay in place and they don’t attract lint!”


The seams wrap ever-so-elegantly around your curves to accentuate your butt. Plus, the ultra-high waist band and mesh detailing helps to shape and flatter your other curves and, as a result, boost your backside. Win-freakin-win.

Reviewer Rave: “The formation mesh tight is light in weight and fits wonderfully! I always have to order the small petite and the length and width is comfortable and the right size. Love how soft the tight feels while exercising or just wearing it around.”

Find out how to work your booty without squats or lunges:


For double the butt-lifting impact, try a pair of leggings that use a simple color-block design to casually frame your rear. Here for it!

Reviewer Rave: “So obsessed with these leggings, I purchased them in black and grey. I love how they sculpt the thighs, butt, and tummy perfectly.”


Let’s put this pair of patterned leggings squarely into the "wow" category. The quick-dry fabric keeps you cool—a good thing since you’re bound to wear these babies everywhere, while the contouring construction helps to accentuate your assets.

Reviewer Rave: “These are so comfortable—I wear them all the time. They are really flattering and so soft!”


With strategically placed ruching (i.e scrunched fabric) details, these leggings are designed to give your bum a lift. Plus, the wide waistband helps ensure you have maximum coverage and support, while avoiding any potential for fabric to ride up and cause discomfort.

Reviewer Rave: “The compression feel of these are great! Used them for the gym and they're perfect. The butt ruching is just an added bonus! Worth the money and they make your butt look amazing”


These body-hugging, yet stretchy, leggings from Beyond Yoga use Spacedye performance material to keep you comfy while adding so subtle sculpting. The waistband is also designed to prevent slippage and sagging—helping your booty from being cut into in an awkward way.

Review Rave: “These are the most amazingly comfortable and butt beautifying legging type pants I have ever worn ever. Ever. Love them.”


The figure-contouring, tonal color-blocking on these leggings is flattering for all body types. Plus, they're non-slip, breathable, and supportive, meaning they'll go the extra mile whenever you do.

Reviewer Rave: “Love these pants. I get many complements when I wear them. Not to mention they are comfortable.”


For a more understated booty pop, opt for a legging that is designed with a tight waist band for shaping. Instead of placing an obvious focus of your rear, this will help define your curves naturally.

Reviewer Rave: “I usually buy black yoga pants because they go with everything. However, I decided to give it a try with pop color so I chose the hot pick ones. Let me tell you, they are amazing! The material is on the thick side but still soft and comfortable to wear. The quality is comparable to the big brand ones.”


The seamless design of these leggings means fewer lines to cut across your frame in unflattering ways. Win! What's more, they utilize design elements like contouring patters on the sides of the legs and hips to enhance your shape and add dimension.

Reviewer Rave: “I love the fit of these leggings! It's cute and also super comfortable, not to mention it flatters your butt for leg day ;) I would love to purchase this item in every color.”


Subtle details, like the heart-shaped bottom of the waistband in the back of these leggings helps and color-blocked pattern on their sides help to add definition and dimension.

Reviewer Rave: “I have spent a lot of time researching and trying on leggings from various retailers. The best ones I have come across without breaking the bank are these. I was pleasantly surprised by the material quality and after several uses, the color, seams, and fit remained intact. In fact, this brand has held up better than my other more expensive leggings.”


While many butt-lifting leggings rely on outward design to enhance the appearance of your behind, these leggings use a compression material, both on the legs and waist, that help secure everything else, while giving your glutes a little extra elevation.

Reviewer Rave: “The tummy control band here is a plus. I've been walking around in these all morning and have not pulled them up once!! I'm really impressed. I can squat, climb stairs, jump and it stays put.”


The honeycomb fabric on these leggings will help to accentuate the natural curves of your frame.

Reviewer Rave: “Get these, you will love them, but don’t be surprised if you suddenly want to start entering rooms backwards!”


Using a rounded top seam to emphasize the natural shape of a bum, these butt-lifting leggings are perfect for anyone who loves to make a bold statement with their workout bottoms.

Reviewer Rave: “Nice fabric, bright colors, not too heavy weight nor too snug on the legs. Very comfortable waist line that stays where it’s supposed to. Love these!”


Not all butt-lifting leggings have obvious bum-enhancing features, but that doesn't mean they aren't doing their thing. Instead, these leggings use a back-fold pattern and a shapewear-like fabric to flatter your figure without anyone ever knowing.

Reviewer Rave: “Absolutely love these leggings!!! They fit perfect! They don’t slide when I run, when I do yoga! I have never found leggings that make me truly feel as good as I look!”

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