Hey there! Just a heads up—this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the site and helping us keep the content coming!
Unthewe High-Waisted Lifting Leggings Review
Real Good Looks, Real Good Performance
Are These Budget-Friendly Leggings Built for Real Workouts or Just Looks?
With fitness apparel, you usually have two choices: pay premium prices for big-name brands, or take a gamble on lesser-known options. The Unthewe High-Waisted Butt Lifting Workout Gym Leggings fall squarely in that second category—marketed as buttery soft, curve-enhancing, and squat-proof, all for under $30.
We took a close look at these leggings to see how they actually perform in real-world training. From weightlifting and yoga to casual wear and recovery days, here’s what we found.
First Look and Fabric Quality
Unthewe High-Waisted Lifting Leggings
Unthewe High Waisted Butt Lifting Workout Gym Leggings for Women Buttery Soft Athletic Yoga Pants
These leggings arrive looking clean and minimalist. No loud logos, no distracting branding—just a sleek, athletic pair of tights with contouring seams and a high-rise waistband.
Right away, the fabric feel stands out. Unthewe uses a blend of nylon and spandex designed to be lightweight and extremely soft. And it delivers on that promise. These leggings are some of the softest we’ve tested in this price range. The material has a brushed, smooth texture that feels great against the skin and doesn’t irritate during movement.
There’s a decent amount of stretch, thanks to the spandex, and the leggings return to shape well after being pulled, squatted in, or worn all day.
Fit and Compression
Unthewe markets these leggings as “butt lifting,” and they’ve clearly put effort into achieving that effect. The high waistband helps create a slimming look through the midsection, while the v-shaped stitching across the back adds contour around the glutes.
That said, the leggings don’t offer heavy compression. If you’re looking for tights that support your legs during heavy lifts or offer true compression recovery benefits, these won’t deliver that level of performance. But for daily training, yoga, walking, or even just errands, they’re tight enough to stay in place without digging in or restricting movement.
For most users, the fit runs true to size. The fabric adapts well across different body types, with plenty of stretch to accommodate muscular thighs or wider hips. If you’re between sizes and want a slightly more compressive feel, sizing down might be a good call.
How They Perform During Training
We tested the Unthewe leggings in a range of training conditions:
- Squat and deadlift sessions
- HIIT-style workouts with burpees and lunges
- Low-impact yoga and stretching routines
- Casual wear and extended lounging
Here’s how they held up.
Squat Test and Opacity
This is where a lot of budget leggings fall apart—literally and figuratively. But Unthewe impressed us here. The material remained opaque under full-depth squats, even in lighter colorways. That’s important not just for modesty but for confidence during training. You don’t want to second-guess your gear every time you hit the bottom of a lift.
The leggings didn’t ride down during barbell work, and the waistband stayed in place during both static lifts and dynamic movements. That said, without a drawstring or reinforced waistband panel, you may need to adjust slightly if you’re doing a lot of sprinting or jumping.
Mobility and Breathability
These leggings are lightweight and breathable, with plenty of stretch in all directions. They don’t restrict movement during lunges, yoga poses, or deep squats, and the fabric dries fairly quickly once you start sweating.
They’re ideal for warm-weather training or indoor gyms where ventilation is important. For winter use or colder climates, you’ll probably want something with a thicker weave or brushed inner lining.
All-Day Comfort
One of the strongest points for the Unthewe leggings is how comfortable they are outside of the gym. The ultra-soft fabric makes them a solid choice for lounging, running errands, or wearing under oversized hoodies and tees.
We didn’t experience any rubbing, itching, or waistband discomfort—even after several hours of wear.
Durability and Care
After multiple wears and washes, the stitching and color held up well. There was no noticeable fading, pilling, or fraying seams. The fabric feels durable enough for regular use, though it’s still not at the same level as premium options like Gymshark or Lululemon.
If you train 5+ times a week and need something that can survive heavy use for years, you might want to rotate these with other pairs. But for light-to-moderate use, the leggings perform well above what their price suggests.
We recommend cold washing and hang drying to preserve softness and elasticity over time.
Key Pros and Cons
What We Liked:
- Buttery soft fabric feels premium, especially for the price
- High waistband provides a flattering fit without rolling down
- V-contour seam enhances glutes visually without overdoing it
- Squat-proof and sweat-friendly for most training situations
- Minimal branding and clean design makes them easy to pair with any outfit
What Could Be Improved:
- Waistband could use more reinforcement or a silicone grip for intense cardio
- Light compression only—not ideal for serious recovery or heavy lifting days
- No pockets, which some users might miss during outdoor or casual wear
Sizing Guide
Here’s a rough guide to help with sizing based on typical activewear fits:
| Usual Size | Recommended Unthewe Size |
|---|---|
| XS | XS |
| S | S |
| M | M |
| L | L |
| XL | XL |
These run fairly true to size. If you’re in between sizes and prefer a snug fit, consider going down one.
How They Compare
Here’s how Unthewe stacks up next to some other popular leggings in the same budget tier:
| Feature | Unthewe Leggings | CRZ YOGA Butterluxe | Colorfulkoala High Waist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Feel | Buttery soft | Extra soft (Lululemon dupe) | Soft, slightly firmer |
| Compression Level | Light to moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Squat-Proof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waistband Roll-Down Risk | Low to moderate | Very low | Low |
| Price Range | $22–28 | $30–35 | $25–30 |
| Ideal For | Light gym/yoga/casual | Training + everyday wear | All-purpose use |
Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?
Unthewe High-Waisted Lifting Leggings
Unthewe High Waisted Butt Lifting Workout Gym Leggings for Women Buttery Soft Athletic Yoga Pants
The Unthewe High-Waisted Butt Lifting Workout Leggings are a solid choice for women who want affordable gym wear that looks great, feels amazing, and handles most kinds of training. They’re especially well-suited for yoga, circuit work, and everyday wear.
They’re not built like top-tier compression leggings, and they won’t be your go-to for CrossFit or max squats. But if you’re looking for softness, coverage, and flattering style without breaking the bank, they’re more than worth the price.
These are the kind of leggings that make you wonder why some brands charge double—or triple—for similar performance.
Reviewed by:
Our gear testing crew
Built for athletes who train for more than just the mirror.
If you found this post to be helpful, then you may be interested in the rest of our blog page here.
