The best shapewear leggings to perfect your curves

Feel your best with the best shapewear leggings to buy, rated and reviewed by the internet

Best shapewear leggings

by Ruby Barry |
Updated on

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 on 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.

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.

Closer's best shapewear leggings at a glance:

Editor's choice: SKIMS Soft Smoothing Seamless Leggings, £54 on SKIMS

Best highly rated shapewear leggings: IUGA Yoga Pants With Pockets, £19.99 on Amazon

Best everyday shapewear leggings: M&S Magic Shaping High Waisted Leggings, £22.50 on M&S

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

Editor's choice

SKIMS Soft Smoothing Seamless LeggingsSKIMS

Description

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.

Customer review: "I have to say that this is life-changing shapewear. It is exactly what is needed when using pants with short shirts. I just love it!"

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

IUGA Yoga Pants With PocketsAmazon

Rrp: $29.99

Price: $24.99

Description

As 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 every day.

Customer review: "Really soft, good thick material to cover all the lumps and bumps. They do not budge, unbelievable staying put power. The only downside for me is the waist height, probably doesn't help I'm 5'11" but I would have liked even 1 more inch higher on the waist. But, I will purchase again, they're unbelievably comfortable."

Pros

  • Highly reviewed and rated on Amazon, with thousands of reviews
  • Made from comfortable and buttery feel fabric that sculpt 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

Description

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.

Customer review: "It’s a thick fabric that holds you in but still allows your skin to breathe. I like the fact that there are different length options because my daughter is tall and struggles to find leggings the right length."

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
  • Available in black and navy

Cons

  • Some reviews state the material is thicker than other shapewear products, so may not be good for exercise or very hot weather

Best gymwear shapewear leggings

Description

Another 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.

Customer review: "I bought these for a hiking holiday after they were recommended to me. Used them once so far and they suited my needs just right. I’m a very curvy girl and my thighs did not rub in these at all (6-hour hike) they also stayed in place. I found it a little tight on my stomach when I first put them on - but it didn’t last and it gave me a nice shape across all my lumps and bumps which just made me feel better and more comfortable about myself especially when I’m hiking with others.

"The material is very nice, it’s also thick which kept the heat in for me. The material also feels nice against my skin too. I’ve got quite a long leg and would have liked an extra inch or two at the bottom - but as you can see in the pic it goes right down to my ankle and once I had my thick socks and boots on you can’t see it anyways. I’m a size 18 and got these at an XXL which fits me nicely with a high waist (which I like) I’ll be ordering more of these for my trip!"

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

Description

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.

Customer review: "Best leggings ever, comfortable and can wear with everything. Also great tummy control."

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

Description

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.

Customer review: "The best quality leggings I have ever come across. They slim down my thighs and tummy whilst staying comfortable. The thick material is perfect for the winter."

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

Description

If 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.

Customer review: "I love the corset leggings so much I ordered a second pair and another for my friend within 24hrs of purchasing the 1st pair! They are super comfortable, feel like a second skin, the waistband is very sturdy, the leggings themselves are a little bit thinner than expected.. but not see-through thankfully. I'm a typical hourglass shape size 10/12 and bought the size small, my friend is a size 14/16 and bought size large. If your looking for extra support I'd say go a size smaller, they stretch well and are double stitched so well made, you won't be disappointed they give you a wonderful shape. Very pleased with purchase. Highly recommend 👌"

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
  • Six different colours available

Cons

  • If you need more support, you may need to size down

Best leather look shapewear leggings

MAGIC Bodyfashion Leather Look LeggingsSimply Be
Price: £55.20 (was £69)

www.simplybe.co.uk

Description

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 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.

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