If you've been on the social media scene for a while now, then you've likely seen a ton of trends that have made their debuts on practically everyone's For You pages. Maybe you even hopped on a few? I know quite a few people did when a certain pair of "booty lifting" leggings came onto the scene.
Back in 2020, when loungewear and comfy activewear were at an all-time high due to how much time we spent inside, the Seasum Slimming Leggings went viral for their shaping features. Fast forward five years later and they remain one of the top-rated leggings on Amazon, with over 54,000 five-star reviews.
I may have missed out on the trend back in the day, but I finally got my hands on a pair to see what all the fuss was about — and if they still live up to the hype.
Why I like the Seasum Slimming Leggings
They are extremely comfortable
As a commerce writer, I've come to own quite a few leggings from various brands, and I have to admit that these feel just as comfortable as my most expensive pairs. The material is thick, which lends to its shaping abilities since they're able to glide over any "problem areas" instead of enhancing them. They also offer the perfect amount of spandex which keeps them extra stretchy. And it could be my imagination, but I truly believe the honeycomb pattern adds a tiny bit of cushioning.
Don't sweat it — they're squat-proof
I tested these leggings with the most vibrant underwear in my wardrobe — bright green briefs. Despite my best efforts to have my "gotcha!" moment, there was not a deep enough squat, stretch or bend that revealed a hint of green through the Seasum pants. I'll definitely have more peace of mind knowing this if I ever wear these to my very public gym.
My rear end has never looked better
Now for the question you're probably asking — did these leggings make my butt look more lifted and sculpted? Shockingly, I'd have to say yes. Let me start by saying that my derrière wasn't exactly flat to start with, but I have to admit that it looked rounder and more enhanced once I put these leggings on. I even had my sister and mom confirm (and they are truthful to an almost painful, but still loving, degree).
What to consider
The design is not my cup of tea
Based on the product photo, I was expecting a "net pattern" design. However, in person, I can now see that the leggings have a double-layered design with a textured, bubble fabric that runs from the waist to the ankle. I can see how it helps with the butt-enhancing illusion, but I don't like how it also thickens my legs from the lower thigh and everything below. It's just my taste, but I don't think it looks flattering on me, despite the fact that they make my behind look lovely.
The seams can be uncomfortable and revealing
As you can expect from these leggings, they leave little to the imagination. The seams are purposefully sewn in a way to show off the butt area in the best way possible. So, the seams pull down from the waist and make a half circle, if you will, above each cheek to create that round effect. Those lines definitely run the risk of wedgie territory, and in some cases, can tightly bunch in the front area to create quite an unflattering look.
Who are these leggings for?
For anyone looking to show off, or enhance, their best asset, these leggings are for you. They come in a ton of colors and sizes, and after trying them for myself, I can confidently say that they deliver on their booty-lifting promise.
More booty-lifting leggings I like
I love how smooth these leggings feel. They are also buttery soft and don't disappoint when it comes to how they shape the body. I opted for the navy blue pair and was pleasantly surprised upon opening and seeing the color was exactly as pictured.
This pair not only delivers on its butt-lifting promises, but it also has one of the most comfortable waistbands I've ever tried. It's high-rise, thick (but not too much) and has a ribbed texture that lays softly on the skin instead of digging in.
Editor-approved lifting leggings
“I wore these to the gym last week for a lifting day and they were really good!” raves associate editor Kamari Stewart. “[They] stayed in place, and I love the pocket on the side. They’re good for light workouts, like I would definitely wear them to a Pilates class.”
Editor Nina Bradley found this line of affordable shapewear at Target but says she became attached to this particular pair of seamless leggings. "They’re super comfortable and do a great job of smoothing, defining and lifting in all the right places," she adds. "I have several pairs and love how lightweight and cozy they feel. Pro tip: In colder months, I wear them beneath long dresses and other pants as a base layer for a smoother-looking silhouette."
“These are my first pair of compression and sculpting leggings,” admits editorial assistant Annie Shigo. “I really like how they keep you secure and do not slide down. The compression parts are not too constricting and they are sweatproof.”
Editor Vivien Moon says she's been a fan of Oner Active's leggings for years, to the point where she just stopped wearing other brands. “They cinch me in perfectly to give me a very flattering shape and are on the higher end of the compression scale which is why I have so many — I can’t find anything that comes close to matching these,” she says.
"If you want leggings that compress your thighs and booty, this is the one," says writer Jannely Espinal. "I wear these whenever I'm going for a run and need everything in place. This pair doesn't roll down and is very stretchy. I also love the linear designs around the back, which emphasize your curves."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Danielle Murphy is the audience development writer for Shop TODAY. She’s been writing for the team since 2021, covering everything from fashion and beauty to product reviews and sales content.
