So if you’re looking to make that derrière of yours look sculpted, lifted and thoroughly peachy — you are absolutely in the right place. We found the best butt-sculpting leggings across every category: sweat-resistant pairs with thick waistbands built for serious sessions, ultra-soft bum lift leggings with four-way stretch technology, seamless compression styles that smooth and contour, squat proof leggings that pass every bend-over test, and yes — the viral honeycomb-pattern pairs that your FYP has been pushing since January.
Our edit of the best butt-sculpting leggings, bum lift leggings and squat proof leggings in 2026 covers every shape, size and price point — from under £20 high street heroes to the splurge-worthy pairs worth every penny. Keep scrolling for Cosmo’s definitive guide to the leggings that actually do what they promise.
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With over 14 colours available, this pair of seamless, butt-sculpting leggings is a must-have for your activewear drawer. The flattering scrunch detail and shaping waistband give you that snatched look without delivering corset-level restriction.
Plus, the fabric is lightweight, moisture-wicking and super-stretchy, so you can stay comfy and breathable whether you’re squatting in the gym or running errands.
THE REVIEWS: “These are by far the best leggings I own, the material is high quality with plenty of durability–they’re just as good today as when I bought them almost 12 months ago!”
| Size range | XS -XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 14 |
| Material | 91% Polyamide, 9% Lycra |
Whether you’re running errands, squatting heavy, or lounging at home, the ultra-stretchy, super-soft fabric of these bad boys smooths your silhouette for effortlessly sculpted curves.
THE REVIEWS: “Love these leggings, they are super soft and not see-through at all. They fit true to size and don’t go baggy or wrinkly like most of my other leggings. Would highly recommend for the value for money.”
Features at a Glance
| Size range | S-XXL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 13 |
| Material | 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane |
Boasting well over 20,000 five-star reviews, people can’t get enough of these super soft Gym People leggings that have *pockets* (the holy grail!). They also come in plenty of colour and length options and are 100 percent squat-proof, according to the reviewers.
THE REVIEWS: “They have really good stretch and a slight control compression at the top. Makes my butt look great!”
| Size range | S – XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 8 |
| Material | 88% Polyamide, 12% Elastane |
If we weren’t already sold by over 22k five-star reviews (woah), the fact that these super-soft yoga pants have two deep pockets for phones, keys and other miscellaneous items would have done the trick.
We also love the flared look (hello, balletcore and ‘70s revival) and think these will be perf for everything. From coffee dates to dog walks – your butt has never looked so good!
THE REVIEWS: “Easily the best yoga pants I’ve come across in years. I’m an ex-dancer who exercises every day and still dances. Great weight to the material, they feel lovely and hang beautifully. Best I have come across in years. What a find!”
| Size range | XS – XXL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 7 |
| Material | 80% Polyester, 20% Elastane |
If TikTok is the reason you’re even searching for leggings that accentuate your rear, then you’ve found The One. Users on the app swear by these, and we’re not surprised because its unique honeycomb pattern and scrunch seam were literally made to push up the booty.
THE REVIEWS: “My husband said my butt looked good in these leggings. I have zero butt. Go buy them, they’re magical!”
| Size range | XS – 4XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 12 |
| Material | 90% Polyester, 10% Elastane |
Joyspels’ leggings are a reader fave, and these teal beauties are designed to sculpt your butt and smooth your tummy. Made from a super-smooth, buttery soft fabric, they also have pockets for ypur phone, wallet and keys. Result!
THE REVIEWS: “These are fantastic! They are made of a great, strong material, and have pockets in them. Would definitely buy them again without a doubt. EXCELLENT.”
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 6-20 |
|---|---|
| Colours | 18 |
| Material | 75% polyester, 25% spandex |
Made with recycled plastic bottles and spandex, these insanely popular leggings (which have earned THOUSANDS of five-star reviews, nbd) are sweat-wicking, squat-proof, have just the right amount of compression, and you can get ’em in six muted colour options.
THE REVIEWS: “Amazing!” says one tester. “The compression is great, my butt looks AMAZING, [and] I get a ton of compliments on the colour. Would buy again in a heartbeat!”
Features at a Glance
| Size range | XXS-6XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 27 |
| Material | 79% Polyester, 21% Elastane |
This cool, navy blue shade meets serious sculpting. With ultra-soft, weightless fabric, contour shading, and a refined scrunch bum detail, these seamless leggings hug your curves and lift in all the right places while the high-rise, squat-proof fit keeps you supported through every set.
THE REVIEWS: “Super good quality. Overall fit is also good. iIm 164cm/58kg but I have long legs and they still are a good fit. Squat proof. no complaints.”
Features at a Glance
| Size range | 6-20 |
|---|---|
| Colours | 5 |
| Material | 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane |
Designed to shape, smooth, and support in all the right places. With thicker, stretchier fabric and a wide, secure waistband, these butt-sculpting leggings enhance your curves while keeping you locked in for squats, lifts, and everything in between.
THE REVIEWS: “Super comfy. Great fit. Great for all training types.”
This pair of seamless, butt-sculpting leggings is a must-have for your activewear drawer. The flattering scrunch detail and shaping waistband give you that snatched look without delivering corset-level restriction.
Plus, the fabric is lightweight, moisture-wicking and super-stretchy, so you can stay comfy and breathable whether you’re squatting in the gym or running errands.
THE REVIEWS: “These are by far the best leggings I own, the material is high quality with plenty of durability–they’re just as good today as when I bought them almost 12 months ago!”
| Size range | XS – XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 13, in full stock |
| Material | 50% Nylon, 41% polyester, 9% Spandex |
Count on Gymshark to make leggings that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional for the gym. Not only do these babies feature a cool body-contouring design, but they’re also made of sweat-wicking fabric.
THE REVIEWS: “The material is very good, it is squat-proof, the quality is great. I love them!”
Features at a Glance
| Size ranges | XXS-XXL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 3 |
| Material | 57% Nylon, 36% Polyester, 7% Elastane |
Ofc we’ve gotta include these beloved leggings from Lululemon on here. Available in three lengths and several colour options, these bbs wick away sweat, include a drawcord waistband, and contour to your body like a damn dream.
THE REVIEWS: “Literally my favourite pants,” one buyer writes. “These go from lounge, to out and about, to workouts, to runs, to hikes, anything at all. They are so comfortable, and make my butt look great (let’s be honest, this is pretty important).”
Features at a Glance
| Size range | UK 4-24 |
|---|---|
| Colours | 20 |
| Material | Pocket Lining: 90% Recycled Polyester, 10% Lycra® Elastane |
We could hardly leave the purveyor of all things sculpting out of this edit. SKIMS’ high-waisted leggings are appropriate for work and play — they’re crafted from a thick, mid-weight fabric and feature flattering back darts and an invisible side-zipper for that elevated feel.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | XXS-4XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 1 |
| Material | 68% Viscose/ 27% Nylon /5% Elastane (Lycra®) |
Calling all Pilates princesses! If you want to keep your booty looking juicy during those fire hydrants, this pair of yoga flares should do the trick. The sweetheart contouring on the bum guarantees your derrière maximum flattery.
THE REVIEWS: “So flattering! The perfect fit (even as a tall girl!). Looks gorg with the matching sports bra.”
Features at a Glance
| Size range | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 1 |
| Material | 75% polyamide, 25% elastane |
These leggings are literally called ‘Glow Up’, and that’s exactly what they’ll give your behind. Crafted with sleek fabric and a smoothing waistband technology, you’ll feel sculpted and supported whether you’re walking the dog or practising your tree pose on the yoga mat. Available in sizes UK 4-18.
| Size range | UK 4 – 18 |
|---|---|
| Colours | 4 |
| Material | Gusset: 90% Recycled Polyester, 10% Lycra® Elastane
Body: 76% Nylon, 24% Lycra® Elastane |
Sweaty Betty is the OG purveyor of sculpting leggings, and these bad boys have over 16k five-star reviews. As well as featuring side slip and back zip pockets, they’re also made from quick-drying, sweat-wicking material, so you can stay cool and comfortable no matter how intense your workout gets.
REVIEW: “Fantastic leggings, so comfortable, stay in place well – so no pulling them up or adjusting them while working out, fantastic value for money, and not see-through at all.”
Features at a Glance
| Size range | XXS – 4L |
|---|---|
| Colours | 31 |
| Material | 62% Polyamide, 38% Elastane |
Chances are you’re familiar with Halara’s internet-famous Activity Dress, but the brand also has a very popular (and very budget-friendly) pair of butt-scrunch leggings that has earned rave reviews. Available in 10 colours, these leggings are made with breathable, stretchy fabric that wicks away sweat before it even forms—all while making your peach look fab.
THE REVIEWS: “My FAVORITE pair of leggings EVER!!” one tester raves. “An amazing feel and perfect fit! Squat proof and defines your assets in the BEST way! I had to buy more!!”
| Size range | UK 6 – 16 |
|---|---|
| Colours | 15 |
| Material | 78% nylon, 22% elastane |
A navy legging is a v chic alternative to a classic black. Female-founded brand LENY make a ’90s-approved pair with four-way stretch and quick-dry technology. The result? A functional fit and compressive lift that smooths and sculpts.
Features at a Glance
| Size range | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 3 |
| Material | 69% Polyamide 31% Elastane |
best leggings with pockets
Victoria’s Secret Desert Cactus Green 7/8 Length Essential Pocket Leggings
Victoria’s Secret might be the queen of lingerie land, but it sure knows how to make a legging that gives your booty a baby BBL.
These leggings have 4-way stretch, deep side pockets, a high-rise waistband and flattering seams that contour your peach to perfection. They also come in grey, red and black. *Adds to basket*.
| Size range | XS – XL |
|---|---|
| Colours | 4 |
| Material | 85% Polyester, 15% Elastane |
These midi leggings from Beyond Yoga may not be cheap, but they are well, WELL worth the investment, trust. Thanks to its quick-dry, four-way-stretch fabric, you can wear this pair for just about any kind of workout, and they’re just as great for lounging around the house, too.
THE REVIEWS: According to one reviewer, “They are so so so soft and the colour is great. I also think they make my butt look much better than it does in most of my other leggings, which of course makes me want to immediately buy a dozen more pairs (or maybe just a couple more).”
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
Jennifer Savin is Cosmopolitan UK’s multiple award-winning Features Editor, who was crowned Digital Journalist of the Year for her work tackling the issues most important to young women. She regularly covers breaking news, cultural trends, health, the royals and more, using her esteemed connections to access the best experts along the way. She’s grilled everyone from high-profile politicians to A-list celebrities, and has sensitively interviewed hundreds of people about their real life stories. In addition to this, Jennifer is widely known for her own undercover investigations and campaign work, which includes successfully petitioning the government for change around topics like abortion rights and image-based sexual abuse. Jennifer is also a published author, documentary consultant (helping to create BBC’s Deepfake Porn: Could You Be Next?) and a patron for Y.E.S. (a youth services charity). Alongside Cosmopolitan, Jennifer has written for The Times, Women’s Health, ELLE and numerous other publications, appeared on podcasts, and spoken on (and hosted) panels for the Women of the World Festival, the University of Manchester and more. In her spare time, Jennifer is a big fan of lipstick, leopard print and over-ordering at dinner. Follow Jennifer on Instagram, X or LinkedIn.
