I Tried the Best Butt-Lifting Workout Shorts for Women

Want a lifted rear? You could hit the gym or just wear this pair of butt-lifting workout shorts!

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Shapewear in shorts form

Butt-lifting leggings are a trend that’s here to stay but I wanted to try a pair of butt-lifting workout shorts for warm weather. Comfort, shape, lift, breathability, and style are important factors for workout shorts that hit the sweet spot between athleisure style and performance gear.

I wore a pair of Yummie Mel Cotton Stretch Shaping biker shorts to Pilates and barre classes, and to the coffee shop. Here’s everything you need to know about wearability and fit. And if you’re looking for traditional shapewear, here are our favorite Nordstrom shapewear pieces.

What are butt-lifting workout shorts?

Yummie Mel Cotton Stretch Shaping biker shorts actually started life as Yummie Rachel shapewear leggings. The booty-enhancing leggings were so comfortable and popular that designers decided to shorten them for warmer weather.

I already love Yummie leggings for athleisure wear. For summer, I was looking for a pair of shaping biker shorts that provide a booty lift. The Mel shorts were the perfect solution. I find that sizing shapewear can be difficult. Compression fabric runs small and can feel aggressively constricting but if you size up too large you won’t get the shape and lift effect. For these shorts, I went with a size medium and hoped for the best.

How did we test butt-lifting workout shorts?

When I tried on the butt-lifting workout shorts, I was immediately impressed. The compression was snug enough to lift my butt and smooth my tummy but it wasn’t painful or too tight. The eight-inch inseam provided a good amount of leg coverage. If you need work-appropriate wardrobe staples, here are the best dresses for returning to the office.

The first time I wore the Yummie shorts to a Pilates class, I caught a glimpse of myself in the studio mirror. I thought, ‘wow, my body has really changed since I started working out more consistently.’ Then I remembered that the butt-lifting shorts were probably more responsible for my flatter tummy, lifted rear, and toned thighs than doing regular planks.

Throughout the high-intensity class, the shorts stayed put. I didn’t have to hike up the waist or discreetly wiggle out any wedgies. No issues with gaping in the waistband or the leg openings rolling up either. The breathable cotton fabric felt lightweight and the seamless construction meant no digging into my skin and unsightly marks. I washed the shorts and wore them to an outdoor barre class with the same results.

It’s been hard to wear anything besides these shorts—even on the days when I don’t hit the gym. Biker shorts are very on-trend for 2021. They’re easy to wear to the dog park, grocery store, and for casual drinks with friends. The eight-inch inseam is on the longer side so these feel conservative, even though they’re fitted. I style them with an oversized top and sneakers or sandals.

Pros:

  • Comfy! The fabric is lightweight yet supportive at the same time.
  • Slims the hips and thighs while lifting the butt and smoothes the tummy.
  • No rolling down in the waist or riding up in the groin.
  • Stylish. I pair the shorts with a white button-down or oversized sweatshirt on non-workout days.
  • An eight-inch inseam provides leg coverage.
  • Size inclusive! Available from extra small to double extra large in black.
  • Affordable at under $50.
  • Washes well. I’ve washed my pair dozens of times with no shrinking or pilling.

Cons:

  • There are cheaper workout shorts on the market (but we can’t vouch for the quality.)
  • The eight-inch inseam might be too long for some wearers.

The final verdict on butt-lifting workout shorts

Honestly, I wear my butt-lifting workout shorts whenever they’re clean. In fact, I’m going to order a second pair of shorts—there’s a lot of warm weather left! I just need to decide if I want an additional classic black pair or if should I switch to white or the blue or gray camouflage print. The shorts also come in a version with handy pockets.

Even my mom noted a change when I wore the shorts to her house. She asked if I was working out more. I’ll give the credit to the Yummie butt-lifting shorts and not my gym schedule.

Where to buy butt-lifting workout shorts

Get your own pair of butt-enhancing Mel Cotton Stretch Shaping biker shorts on Yummie.com. As of press time, some of the colors were on sale! You can also find the same shorts on Shopbop, Amazon, and Zappos. Note that Yummie.com offers the most size and color options. Adding a white pair to my cart now!

Butt Lifting Shortsvia yummie.com

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Megan Wood
As Deputy Affiliate eCommerce Editor, Megan Wood helps Reader's Digest readers find the best products to make their lives better, easier, and more joyful. She has 10 years of service journalism and product review experience across a variety of national websites. When she’s not tracking down the best sales and deals, you can probably find her walking her dog.