Whether you want extra coverage or prefer a higher level of compression in the midsection, the best tummy control leggings provide snug comfort with a supportive, high-waist design. You’ll notice that some of these leggings are specifically called tummy-controlling, but many others are grouped together with shapewear. A few don’t carry any specific label yet work wonders on days you feel bloated or just want to smooth your stomach. To find the best versions out there, we consulted personal trainers, fitness enthusiasts and even a physician.
As a runner, hiker, and strength trainer myself, I also added in some of my favorites that I’ve tested throughout the years. Below, the best tummy-control leggings that are both supportive and stylish.
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: Black | Materials: 94% nylon, 6% elastane | Compression Level: High
When you think of shapewear, Spanx may be one of the first brands to pop into your head—for good reason. This seamless pair is one of our favorite high-waisted leggings and also comes recommended by Dr. David Amron, M.D., medical director of the Roxbury Institute, where he advises patients on compression garments to wear after surgery. The material is luxurious and thick, and although this may be hard to get on, it’s comfortable enough to wear all day once you do.
Best Budget Tummy Control Leggings
Pair That’s Hard To Beat For $20
Lingswallow High Waist Yoga Pants
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Colors: 25 colors total | Materials: 77% polyester, 23% spandex | Compression Level: Medium
Reviewers who want tummy control are passionate about these leggings—and with over 28k reviews, a 4.6-star rating, it’s easy to see why. At just $20, they’re an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on quality. The high waistband and compressive fit make them ideal for anyone looking for extra support during workouts or everyday wear. Plus, with 25 colors to choose from, you can easily mix and match with your existing workout wardrobe.
Best Tummy Control Leggings for Everyday Wear
Fun, Crossover Design And Comfy Material
Halara Crossover Flare Leggings
Sizes: XS to 4XL | Colors: 14 colors total, including Cinnabar and Asparagus | Materials: 79% polyester, 21% elastane | Compression Level: Medium
Halara flare leggings are my go-to for everyday use because they offer a blend of style and functionality that’s hard to beat. The crossover waistband is a bit more interesting than your average leggings, but also takes some of the pressure off your stomach that you get with a straight waistband. These have a pocket in the back waistband, and the fabric is thick yet super breathable. They run a bit short, so if you have long legs, get the tall inseam version.
Best Tummy Control Leggings for Strength Training
Seamless And Contouring
Alphalete Amplify Leggings
Sizes: XXS to 2XL | Colors: 33 total, includingWashed Denim and Dusty Rose | Materials: 51% polyamide, 38% polyester, 11% elastane | Compression Level: Medium When it comes to strength training, you need leggings that can keep up with all your movements, like lunges, squats and high steps. “I’ve tried a lot of different leggings over the years and my absolute ride-or-die leggings to work out in are the Alphalete Amplify leggings,” says Audrey Pham, an avid gym-goer who works out four times a week. In fact, this style has almost completely replaced her other pairs. They come in nearly every color imaginable (33 total), and while there are plenty of dupes out there, nothing compares to the real thing, so they’re worth the price.
Best Tummy Control Leggings for Yoga
High-Waisted Staple That Isn’t Restrictive
Alo High-Waist Airbrush Leggings
Sizes: XXS to XL | Colors: 4 core colors, a few limited options | Materials: 87% nylon, 13% elastane | Compression Level: Medium
As a fitness expert and mama of two, Noelle McKenzie, certified personal trainer at Leading Edge Personal Trainers, loves these leggings because they are “super stretchy, comfy and really hold the belly in,” she says. They have a soft, matte finish (instead of a shiny coating that’s found on some leggings) and offer medium support that’s ideal for cycling, lifting or yoga. The high waistband stays solidly in place during even the most dynamic poses, like bird of paradise, so you can focus on your breath rather than adjusting your leggings. The only downside: The size range only extends to XL.
Best Compression Tummy Control Leggings
Cinches Without Discomfort
2XU Form Stash Hi-Rise Compression Tight
Sizes: XS to 2XL | Colors: Black | Materials: 62% polyamide, 38% elastane | Compression Level: High
For serious tummy control on days that I feel bloated or do high-impact workouts when I need extra support, I reach for this pair. At first, these leggings feel pretty constricting (they offer high compression, after all), but once you wear them a few times, they mold to your body and hold you tight in all the right places. I was tempted to size up, but I’m glad I didn’t. The waistband is a dual material with a back band that is stretchier than the rest, so it doesn’t create pressure points or discomfort.
Best Flare Tummy Control Leggings
Goes Up To 6XL Sizing
Yitty Ultra-Smooth Flare Leggings
Sizes: XS to 6XL | Colors: 4 colors total including Black and Deep Cactus | Materials: 63% nylon, 27% spandex | Compression Level: Medium
The Yitty Ultra-Smooth Flare Leggings are the kind that look good enough to wear around town but are technical enough to keep you supported during your workouts. The material is thick and protective, especially at the waist where there’s a double-lined fabric provides core support. However, the one drawback is that sweat may show on lighter colors, so opt for a darker color to avoid this problem. With sizing up to 6XL, these tummy control leggings are the most inclusive on this list.
My Expertise
I’m a freelance journalist who writes about fitness, health and wellness, and I have been reviewing outdoor and fitness gear for four years. In addition to being a Forbes Vetted contributor, my work has been featured in The New York Times, GQ, and National Geographic, where I’ve covered everything from fitness trends to in-depth gear reviews.
I’m also a fitness enthusiast who works out about five or six days a week. As someone who spends a significant amount of time in leggings—whether I’m out for a run, tackling a tough strength training session or working up a sweat in a boxing class—I’ve come to know what fitness clothing works and what doesn’t. I’ve tested everything from high-end options to budget-friendly picks, and I’m always on the lookout for leggings that strike the perfect balance between comfort, support and style. Even when I’m not testing gear for work, I pay close attention to performance, durability and comfort for any item of clothing.
How We Chose The Best Tummy Control Leggings
To find the best options, I combined my own hands-on testing with expert insight to ensure a well-rounded selection. I spoke with three experts for this article including:
Noelle McKenzie, a certified personal trainer at Leading Edge Personal Trainers who understands the importance of proper support during high-intensity workouts
Audrey Pham, a travel blogger and experienced gym enthusiast who spends hours testing different activewear on the go
Dr. David Amron, M.D., medical director of the Roxbury Institute who advises patients on post-surgical compression-wear
Their perspectives helped shaped this list to cover a wide range of needs. Then, I evaluated each pair of leggings based on its ability to provide sufficient tummy control, stay in place during movement and maintain comfort throughout the day. I also read through reviews and analyzed specs to consider factors like fabric durability, waistband design and overall fit.
What to Consider When Choosing Tummy Control Leggings
Fit
Tummy control doesn’t mean you need to cut off your circulation: A good pair should fit snugly without digging into your skin or leaving red marks. Pay attention to the waistband—it should be wide enough to distribute pressure evenly across your midsection without creating a muffin-top effect or rolling down during movement (which may be a sign that the size is too small.)
Design
High-waisted designs are often the best choice for tummy control, as they offer additional coverage and support, keeping everything in place whether you’re bending, stretching or running. The higher waistband helps smooth out the stomach and offers light, medium or high compression (depending on the material) and makes them ideal for activities that involve a lot of movement, like yoga or HIIT training.
However, there may be situations where a mid-rise design is preferable. If you want a little less coverage or find high-rise leggings to be too constricting, especially during activities where you’re frequently bending or sitting, mid-rise leggings can be a comfortable alternative as they offer a more relaxed fit just below that natural waistline. By design, they won’t provide as much tummy control, though.
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