We here at Closer love to celebrate all bodies of all different shapes and sizes, but if you're looking for that extra smidge of confidence during your daily workout, the best shapewear leggings are here to help.
If you're feeling a bit insecure about bloating, your stomach or your legs this summer, you may want to invest in leggings that control your tummy and sculpt your curves without any bulges. Basically, shapewear is your knight in shining armour.
Closer's best shapewear leggings at a glance
Kim Kardashian is the current reigning master with her famous shapewear brand SKIMS, with shapewear dresses, leggings and shorts. SKIMS is popular for a reason - it's life-changing stuff, and the reviews are raving.
SKIMS is a gorgeous brand, but it can be a little bit on the expensive side. Not all of us want to splash out our cash on leggings. So, we've got a guide to the best shapewear leggings to buy online, which includes SKIMS, but also a ton of amazing budget-friendly tummy-control shapewear from Amazon, John Lewis and M&S.
The best shapewear leggings to buy online in 2024
Best shapewear leggings overall
SKIMSskims.com
Part of the official SKIMS shapewear collection, these sculpting Soft Smoothing Seamless Leggings are the G.O.A.T. With a seamless look for effortless shaping and sculpting - they're a flattering high-rise fit, perfect for matching with any outfit. Reviews state that these leggings are life-changing.
Pros
- These come in a variety of colours to suit any skin tone
- They have an ultra-soft feel
- Offer a light level of support
Cons
- The fabric is fairly thin, so would be suited to wear under things like jeans or dresses
Best highly rated shapewear leggings
AmazonAs one of the most highly rated pairs of leggings on Amazon, we couldn't help but include these IUGA Yoga Pants in our list. Not only do they come with handy side pockets and a hidden concealed pocket in the waistband, but the flattering seams and sculpting material make for a great pair of shapewear leggings that'll see you through your gym sessions to the everyday.
Pros
- Highly reviewed and rated on Amazon, with thousands of reviews
- Made from comfortable and buttery feel fabric that sculpts and shape
- Has practical side pockets for storing your essentials
Cons
- Some reviews state they can come up a little short on taller women
Best everyday shapewear leggings
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
These M&S high-waisted leggings are made with patented Magicwear™ material and come in either black or navy. These are perfect if you're looking for a more affordable dupe of SKIMS because the "stretch fabric pulls you in while clever stitching lifts your bottom for a sculpted silhouette". Yay to pert bums. The thick waistband also holds your waist.
Pros
- You can buy these leggings in a variety of leg lengths - short/petite, regular and long
- They're also not see-through and are perfect for everyday wear by themselves
- Thick fabric is good for colder climates
Cons
- Some reviews state the material is thicker than other shapewear products, so may not be good for exercise or very hot weather
Best gym wear shapewear leggings
AmazonAnother piece of shapewear from Amazon, these JOYSPELS leggings are designed to make sure you look as snatched as possible at the gym (who knows, you could meet your future partner whilst doing a pull-up?) For example, as well as the tried and tested tummy control waist, these leggings are designed with a Y line. This makes your legs look longer and allows for more flexible movements.
Pros
- These are the best shapewear leggings on our list to wear specifically at the gym: with its Y line, quick-drying fabric, and deep pockets
- Reviewers liked the quality of the fabric and said it felt buttery soft
- There is also a wide range of customisation, with 17 different colours to choose from
Cons
- Some reviews state they can come up a little short on taller women
Best reliable shapewear leggings
Verywww.very.co.uk
You can always rely on Spanx when it comes to shapewear, and its range of leggings is no exception. Just trust Spanx to pull you in, in all the right places, whether it's a base layer underneath your clothes or on their own.
Pros
- Offers a medium level of control and supports the tummy, according to reviews
- In a versatile black colourway so they work with a number of outfits across seasons
- The sizing runs from a XS to a 3X
Cons
- Some said that they were thinner than expected
Best tummy-control shapewear leggings
TLCtlcsport.co.uk
Made with plenty of stretch, these Extra Strong Compression Leggings from TLC shouldn't be so comfortable. But, according to reviews, they're comfy enough to wear while you're lounging on the couch, so they're a winner in our eyes. They offer plenty of support, with a powerful doubled inner mesh waistband that supports your back, legs and tummy all day. The ultimate tummy-control shapewear.
Pros
- These leggings have an extra strong level of support, especially around the stomach area
- You can buy these leggings in a variety of leg lengths - short/petite, regular and long
- Also available in a size range of XS to 4X
Cons
- Some reviews state the material is thicker than other shapewear products, so may not be good for exercise or very hot weather
Best waist-cinching shapewear leggings
AmazonIf you're looking for corset-level suction, look no further than these super affordable RIOJOY Corset Gym Leggings. With three levels of cinching available on your waist, you can choose how tight you would like your leggings to be. Available in a variety of different colours and even in shorts, too.
Pros
- These high-waisted leggings have a corset waist which means you're in complete control of your waist
- Because they're yoga leggings, they are made of moisture-wicking fabric
- There's a wide shade of colours on offer
Cons
- If you need more support, you may need to size down
Best leather look shapewear leggings
Simply Bewww.simplybe.co.uk
Looking to elevate your look and fancy a new pair of shapewear leggings to wear on a night out? These MAGIC Bodyfashion Leather Look Leggings from Simply Be are the right ones. A highly sought-after pair, these leggings have medium control and a built-in shaping brief inside for easy sculpting.
Pros
- These leggings have a built-in shaping brief inside for tummy control
- Comes in a medium control for the stomach, back and hips
- High rise waist provides perfect coverage
Cons
- Could be a better range of sizes, as 2XL only goes up to a size UK16
Does shapewear actually work?
Heck yes. Shapewear has become extremely popular over the last couple of years because of its ability to contain and accentuate your curvy features without having to do a million workouts at the gym. It takes the idea of a simple garment and elevates it with a combination of sinching, for example transforming a swimsuit into a shapewear swimsuit, meaning body-oddy-oddy at the poolside.
Plus, something like a shapewear bodysuit can be both worn as a top, or under a garment. It has a seam-free design, meaning no bumps or lines under your clothes.
Are shapewear leggings comfortable for daily wear?
Shapewear leggings can be comfortable for daily wear, but it depends on several factors, including the quality, size, and personal preferences. High-quality shapewear leggings are often made with breathable, moisture-wicking materials that enhance comfort. It's crucial to choose the right size to avoid discomfort or restricted movement.
Some people find shapewear leggings comfortable for all-day wear, while others prefer to reserve them for special occasions, like backless shapewear, or when they want a more polished look. Ultimately, comfort is subjective, so it's essential to try on different styles and brands to find what works best for you.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for heat, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her “dupe queen”, as there’s not a product in the world she can’t find a cheaper alternative for.