If your activewear is in need of a pick-me-up, the best butt-lifting leggings can offer a little boost where it counts. The right pair of rear-focused bottoms subtly (or very obviously) enhance your backside, whether you’re at the gym or on a coffee run. Similar to butt-lifting jeans and tummy-control leggings, booty-shaping pairs exist on a spectrum. Some use light compression to firm the backside, while others rely on strategic seams, ruching, or paneling for a more sculpted look. Performance matters too, especially for workout leggings—strong stretch, moisture-wicking fabric, and passing a squat test are nonnegotiable.
To find the standouts, Glamour editors tested butt-lifting leggings for shaping, comfort, and performance. Below, find our six favorites.
Our top butt-lifting legging picks
Best Overall: SPANXshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings
SPANXshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings
Original video from Malia Griggs testing SPANXshape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings
What we love: Spanx has sculpting down to a science, and these Booty Boost high-rise leggings deliver without relying on ruching. A wide, contoured waistband and four-way stretch fabric enhance the backside while offering strong tummy control and medium compression. In testing, they stayed completely squat-proof through a heavy strength workout, and the breathable fabric never felt overly restrictive. The length hit just above the ankle on a five-foot tester without bunching—a rare win for petites. “I’ve seldom encountered leggings that made my butt so shapely,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs, who owns two pairs. “They smooth my stomach, subtly enhance my butt, and have a silky, high-quality feel that’s sturdy enough to wear as pants. Bonus points for the inner pocket.”
