7 best scrunch bum leggings that will accentuate your (already great) glutes
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I, too, assumed that scrunch bum leggings would be a short-lived activewear trend. They first rose to fame in 2020, loudly praised for their ability to lift and enhance the glutes you've worked so hard for — yet they're still proving popular among the fashion set, with Kim Kardashian, Olivia Wilde, and Alix Earle all fans, regularly calling on them for working out and running errands.
Made from stretchy, sweat-wicking fabric with a ruched backside, scrunch bum workout leggings are designed to sculpt while also being 100% squat-proof, lunge-proof and comfortable enough to see you through an intense HIIT workout or your next long run. Yep, I'm a recent convert, happy to confirm they offer both style and substance.
It goes without saying, though, that you've got ample options when it comes to activewear. Hence why I've spent the last six months personally testing a range of scrunch bum leggings from the likes of Gymshark, TALA, Amazon (for those keen for their leggings to arrive the very next day) and Fabletics, to locate the very best leggings to shop in 2026.
So, read on to discover the scrunch bum gym leggings, yoga pants and Pilates leggings, all finished with a flattering scrunch butt. Plus, answers to common activewear FAQs.
Ahead, the best scrunch bum leggings for 2026 that Glamour editors love.
- Sizes: XXS (UK 4-6) — XXL (16-18).
- Material: 78% nylon, 22% elastane.
- Colours: 6.
- Care: Machine wash.
For those who lift weights, Gymshark’s high-waisted gym leggings have got you covered. Squatproof and made from a thick, compressive fabric, plus finished with a supportive waistband, I felt supported and sculpted for all 100 reps of my latest Shreddy workout. I also found them to be both breathable and sweat-wicking—even after a sweaty, glute-focused F45 class, I still felt dry and didn't have visible sweat patches.
Pros & ConsPros- The softest set of leggings in our edit.
- No front seam, meaning no risk of a camel toe.
- Squat-proof in every colour.
Cons- No variation in terms of length.
Sculpt Seamless Scrunch Leggings
- Sizes: XS (UK 8) — XL (16).
- Inseam: 27.5 inches.
- Material: 52% recycled polyamide, 40% recycled polyester, 8% elastane.
- Colours: 9.
- Care: Machine wash cold and inside out.
TALA’s seamless scrunch leggings have already worked their way into over 40k women’s wardrobes. Yep, you read that right. Available in nine neutral shades, they’re chic, sleek and super soft. Plus, the brand stocks sports bras and jackets that match exactly, so you can turn up to your next Pilates class in a colour-matched co-ord. Personally, I had to size up once to feel comfortable, and wasn't the biggest fan of the medium-height waistband. However, I did love the fact that they're crafted from 92% post consumer recycled materials.
- Sizes: XXS (UK 4-6) — XXL (16-18).
- Inseam: 5 inches.
- Material: 82% nylon, 12% polyester, 6% elastane.
- Colours: 4.
- Care: Machine wash.
The first hint of summer and I'm subbing out my leggings for shorts — specifically, the scrunch bum variety that will show off my gains. This pair from Gymshark is my personal favourite, as it's 100% squat-proof and features an extra-high-rise waistband that's both supportive and sculpting. Granted, they're short shorts — and I did find the legs rolled up a little when worn during a hybrid workout (running and weighted HIIT) at 1Rebel. But for strength training, they're a solid option — and available in four colours, all with matching sports bras.
Pros & ConsPros- Stay put, no matter how intense your session.
- Extra high-rise ribbed waistband for a ‘locked-in feeling’.
- Breathable and sweat-wicking.
Cons- No longer-length option for tall girls.
Seamless Scrunch High-Waisted Leggings
- Sizes: XXS (UK 4-6) — 4X (32).
- Material: 77% nylon, 18% polyester, 5% elastane.
- Colours: 11.
- Care: Machine wash.
I'm one of those people who won't upgrade my activewear until it's falling apart — literally. My last pair weren't tossed until there was a rather large hole in the crotch. Yet, I'm always stressing that they won't be washed and dry ahead of my next fitness class.
Enter: Fabletics, designed to supply the gym-keen with regular deliveries of fresh activewear. It's a bit like a subscription, with the option to skip if you don't feel like you need anything new that month. And with this VIP membership, these leggings drop to just £16.79 a pair.
Other perks, though? The fact that they're super size-inclusive, available in every size from a XXS (UK 4-6) to a 4X (32) and sweat-wicking — even in this Heated Red colourway, I wasn't the victim of embarrassing sweat patches. My best friend also confirmed they were squat-proof, and I didn't have to unroll the super high-waist once.
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- Sizes: XS (UK 2) — XL (10).
- Inseam: 25 inches.
- Material: Polyester, nylon.
- Colours: 17.
- Care: Machine wash.
These Doulafass high-waisted leggings are available in a huge range of shades, from basic black to baby blue and even eye-catching tie-dye styles. But, most importantly, they're squat-proof and seamless, meaning no seams were digging in or chaffing during long runs. Yep, these offered enough compression to stay put for the duration of a 10k run, and for an intense HIIT-style session too. Plus, 62% of shoppers rated them five stars on Amazon.
Save when you shop for the best scrunch bum leggings with these Amazon discount codes.
Pros & ConsPros- Thick, compressive material makes them suitable for winter workouts outdoors.
- Wash and wear well, retaining their shape.
- No camel-toe or surplus fabric at the front.
Cons- Limited size range.
- Sizes: XXS (UK 4-6) — XXL (16-18).
- Inseam: 30, 33 or 36".
- Material: 78% nylon, 22% elastane.
- Colours: 6.
- Care: Machine wash.
I tend to wear my flares on rest days — but while I might not be working out, I'm still keen to flaunt my hard-earned gains. These flared leggings from Gymshark feature a subtle scrunch bum that lifts and pops my glutes — so much so that my boyfriend asked if I was wearing the SKIMS Body Butt Enhancing Padded Short underneath. However, to really put them to the test, I also wore them to hot yoga and Pilates. I can confirm this pair didn't slip down or roll at the waist, plus they didn't concave at the front either. My only request: more fun colours, please!
Pros & ConsPros- Super soft, yet still supportive.
- No front seam means no front-creasing.
- Available in three lengths: Short, Regular, Tall.
Cons- Just three colourways.
RIOJOY Scrunch Seamless Leggings
- Sizes: XS — XL.
- Material: 90% Polyamide, 10% Elastane.
- Colours: 21.
- Care: Machine wash.
These RIOJOY leggings shot to fame on TikTok, with plenty of people praising their sculpted booty look. To perk up your posterior even further, two smile contouring lines sit beneath the bum to help lift, while the ruched fabric on top adds the appearance of extra volume – pretty high-tech stuff for a set of gym leggings. The ribbed waistband also provided additional support around the tummy, which I massively appreciated when worn during my weekly Pilates classes.
Pros & ConsPros- Super high-waisted.
- 100% squat-proof.
- Seamless design.
Cons- Some shoppers say sizing is a little inconsistent between colours.
Scrunch bum leggings FAQs, answered:
Most (including me) would argue yes. That's because they use a a gathered, ruched seam at the back to lift, separate, and contour the glutes, creating a rounded, more ‘perky’ appearance. Some go even further, adding side panels to further emphasise your shape and tone.
If you choose the right pair, yes! Like other gym leggings or yoga leggings, they're often made with contain lycra or elastane so as to stretch, while also maintaining their shape and offering decent support. And for those wondering whether it felt as though you had a wedgie while wearing this style, I can confirm this didn't cross my mind once.
Yes, and that's because they combine aesthetic enhancement with functional performance. Essentially, the closer fit will help you keep track of your gains, while not limiting your movement or flexibility. Also, because the butt is the focus area, most styles tend to be squat-proof, giving you extra piece of mind.
How I tested the best scrunch bum leggings:
For context, Ive been working with my fellow editors to test leggings — including gym leggings, yoga leggings, fleece-lined leggings and scrunch bum leggings — for more than two years. In that time, our editors have tried more than 200 styles from a host of brands, reviewing each pair against the following criteria:
| Design | Are they practical, fit for purpose and aesthetic? |
| Fit | Are they trust to size? Are there options in terms of length and style? |
| Support | Do they offer some compression without limiting our movement? Does the waistband roll or slide down? |
| Price point | Would we be willing to spend that much again? Are they good quality? Will they last, and do they wash well? |
| Delivery | How quickly did each pair arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
For those we haven't yet tested, we asked experts, including personal trainers, activewear designers and Glamour contributors, for their honest opinion, plus read countless customer reviews. Essentially, we can confirm that every pair in this edit is squat-proof, fit for purpose and great value.
Why you can trust me:
I've been reviewing activewear and wellness launches, including sports bras, underwear for working out and running trainers, for almost three years — that's one year at Women's Health and 17 months at Glamour. During that time, I've seen countless trends and advancements, as well as a boom in our options.
But to ensure I am an authority on sports gear and functional fashion, I regularly attend press launches, read the latest journals and interviews, and chat one-on-one with sportswear designers, personal trainers and sportwear brand founders, asking for their expert insight and shopping tips.
In terms of my personal experience, I run up to three times a week — I'm currently training for a sub-50-minute 10k — and attend multiple strength classes at either F45 or 1Rebel every week. This means I know what I want and need in a pair of gym leggings. So, read on for my honest reviews.
But, because a girl can only try so many pairs, I also asked my fellow shopping editors and some dedicated freelancers to review a selection, too. The samples or gifts they received were ranked against the same criteria after being worn for multiple workouts over the course of a month.
For more from Lauren Cunningham, follow them on Instagram @laurencunningha.m.
