- Best for: Creating a rounded shape under clothing
- Worth noting: May not be totally seamless under tight pants and dresses
- Sizing: S–XL
- Material: 78% polyamide, 22% elastane; 100% cotton gusset
- Compression: Light
Frequently asked questions
How does butt-lifting shapewear work?
Butt-lifting shapewear typically uses targeted compression, strategic seams, and supportive panels beneath or around the glutes to push the butt upward and enhance its shape. Some styles cinch the waist or smooth the hips to create more contrast, while padded panties physically add volume with built-in or removable inserts. The effect varies by design: Some pairs offer a subtly lifted look, while firmer shapewear can create much more noticeable sculpting.
What to look for in butt-lifting shapewear
If you want a subtle lift, choose lighter compression with supportive bands or contoured seams beneath the glutes. For a more sculpted look, firmer compression and higher-waisted shaping will do more, while padded panties are the better pick if your goal is added volume. Briefs tend to work best under jeans and pants, while mid-thigh shorts are useful under dresses for extra smoothing and anti-chafing. Under clingy fabrics, prioritize flat seams, no-dig leg openings, and thinner materials that are less likely to show.
Our shopping editor tried 15 pairs of butt-lifting shapewear, including briefs and shorts, under formal dresses, jeans, leggings, and everyday clothing. Each pair was worn for hours at a time while sitting, walking, commuting, and moving around to assess comfort, compression, smoothing, staying power, and how seamless it looked under different fabrics. Most importantly, she evaluated the actual effect on her butt: Did it look more lifted, rounder, or noticeably more shaped? She also noted rolling, digging, bathroom access, and how easy each style was to get on and off.
Others we tested
- Skims Body Core Sculpt Butt-Lifting Brief, $68: Our tester found that the briefs offered firm shaping and a noticeable lift, but the material felt thicker and less comfortable after hours of wear than other styles she tried.
- Skims Seamless Sculpt Butt-Lifting Short, $44: Though she liked the strong waist compression and smoothing, our tester felt that the dense fabric was heavier than other shorts and did not stand out enough in lift or comfort.
- Leonisa Airlift Seamless Butt Lifter Shaper Short, $65: Our tester found the compression so firm that she struggled to pull the shorts on comfortably enough to evaluate them fully, despite wearing the same size in other shapewear shorts from the brand. They may be better suited to shoppers who want a very strong hold and don’t mind a more difficult on-and-off process. We recommend sizing up.
