When you think of Spanx, you might think of sculpting bodysuits or control top tights, but the brand offers so much more than just compression undergarments. Their luxuriously soft loungewear set made last year’s Oprah’s favorite things list, and Jennifer Garner, Mindy Kaling, Kylie Jenner, and more celebs have shown their love for Spanx, including the brand’s Bra-llelujah bra and the Perfect Pant trousers. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to appreciate the apparel offerings from Spanx. Just slip on a pair of their super-sculpting faux leather leggings or booty-boosting yoga pants, and you’ll fall in love — with the pants and with yourself because you’re going to look amazing in them.
Spanx first hit the shapewear scene in 2000 because founder Sara Blakely was in need of a wardrobe solution. She didn’t have the right thing to go under the white pants she wanted to wear, so she cut the feet off of a pair of control top tights, and the idea for Spanx was born. “We’re 22 years in and we’re still a group of women addressing those wardrobe frustrations,” says Spanx Chief Merchandising Officer Kiana Miree.
If you’re skeptical of a brand with its roots in shapewear, rest assured that the goal of Spanx is to solve wardrobe problems, not body problems. “It’s your wardrobe that’s letting you down!” says Miree. “We’re all doing so much [as women], and we just want to want to put on some pants and think, ‘I know I look good in these, so that’s one thing I don’t have to worry about today’ before going on to do everything else you need to do in your day.”
We’ve tested tons of Spanx styles and have gathered our favorites below.
Spanx
Whether you’re actually wearing these leggings to a workout class or just putting them on to run to the grocery store, the Booty Boost Active ⅞ Leggings will not only quite literally boost your rear end, but they’ll likely boost your confidence, too. After convincing one of her best friends to purchase these Spanx leggings, one of our editors received a text stating, “Somehow these pants make it look like I didn’t have a baby 2 weeks ago.” That’s high praise from a new mom.
Traditional workout leggings have a way of flattening your backside, and if you’re going to a fitness class that includes mirror walls (and let’s be honest, so many of them do), then you want to feel good about what is being reflected back at you. These leggings are here to help you do just that.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size range: XS-3X | Fit: True to size | Color options: Butterscotch, Sherry, Very Black, Dark Palm, Jade
Spanx
Is it worth highlighting another item in the Booty Boost collection? Yes, it absolutely is. These yoga pants come in classic black as well as navy and green and the sizes range from extra small to 3X and petite to tall. These high-waisted pants will not only boost your booty, but they’ll hug your thighs and support your stomach — plus, there’s a hidden cell phone pocket, which is always a nice addition. Several of our editors rock Booty Boost yoga pants regularly, and they skyrocket our confidence every time we put them on.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size range: XS-3X (Petite, Regular, Tall) | Fit: True to size | Color options: Midnight Navy, Very Black, Dark Palm
Amazon
We can’t continue on with this list until we have also raved about the AirEssentials Half Zip, because Oprah loves it, too. “When I tell you this collection feels as light as air, I’m not kidding. The perfectly loose and lightweight fabric is like buttah,” she says.
“AirEssentials is the best thing that’s ever happened to the lounge-athleisure space,” says Miree. She shares that her weekend uniform is usually the AirEssentials pullover paired with Booty Boost leggings, and honestly, you could pair this deliciously comfy pullover with pretty much anything — jeans, your favorite leggings, or the matching wide-leg pants — and you’ll feel comfortable and cozy all day long.
Price at time of publish: $118
Sizes range: XS-3X | Fit: Oversized, no need to size up | Color options: Spice, Butterscotch, Very Black, Classic Navy, Dark Palm
Nordstrom
If you want to totally indulge, you might as well add the Spanx AirEssentials pants to your cart, as well. These buttery soft pants are the other half of the half-zip mentioned above, and they will become your go-to for travel days, Netflix-binging days, errand days — you name it. These also made Oprah’s list this year and last year, and anytime our editors are asking about Spanx products, this is usually the first item they start raving about.
Price at time of publish: $138
Size range: XS-3X (Petite, Regular, Tall) | Fit: True to size | Color options: Midnight Navy, Very Black, Dark Palm
SPANX
This Bra-llelujah bra is one of Spanx’s best-sellers, thanks in part to its celebrity following, but also, it’s just a fantastic, soft bra that you can wear all day. “You guys have no idea how many friends I’ve turned on to the Bra-llelujah,” Jennifer Garner once told the brand. Other celeb fans include Kylie Jenner, Rita Ora, Kelly Rowland, Jessica Alba, and Lauren Conrad. While there are a few Bra-llelujah variations, this front-clasping, lightly-lined full coverage Bra-llelujah bra is one of our favorites. Since the band is so smoothing and flexible, consider sizing down a band size and up a cup size for the perfect fit.
Price at time of publish: $68
Size range: 32A-40DD | Fit: Consider sizing down a band size and up a cup size | Color options: Very Black, Naked 2.0
Spanx
Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, and Katie Holmes have all agreed that wide-leg jeans are a denim trend that’s here to stay, so we love that Spanx offers their own version. The super-flattering pants feature hidden core-shaping technology that makes us feel comfortably sucked in without feeling compressed or uncomfortable. While the front has a pull on style that lacks a real zipper or button, we love that the pockets in the back are real and completely functional. Best of all, we love that these jeans have the appearance of rigid denim with generous stretch.
While these fit true to size around the waist, it’s important to keep in mind that they run quite long. If you’re between sizes, consider sizing down since the wide-leg style can look extra-baggy.
Price at time of publish: $168
Size range: XS-3X (Petite, Regular, Tall) | Fit: Size down if in between sizes, they fit long | Color options: Raw indigo and Charcoal
Spanx
Another Jennifer Garner favorite, the Spanx faux leather leggings are an incredibly innovative and stylish legging, and they regularly sell out at Nordstrom. These booty-lifting leggings will hug your thighs, booty, and stomach, and their versatility makes them a wardrobe staple. Spanx sent one of our editors a pair of these leggings to try, and she wore them out that very night — that’s how quickly she fell in love with them. These leggings, as well as the best-selling faux patent leather leggings, tend to run small, so if you’re in between sizes, consider sizing up.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size range: XS-3X (Petite, Regular, Tall) | Fit: Runs small, size up if in between sizes | Color options: Black
Spanx
Both Mindy Kaling and Oprah are fans of Spanx’s The Perfect Collection, and now the perfect pants come in a variety of styles: hi-rise flair, slim straight, wide leg, ankle, or kick flare. “These actually feel like leggings, but they look like really expensive, premium tailored pants — and they’re machine-washable,” says Miree. These stretchy, booty-lifting, core-shaping pants prove that you don’t have to be uncomfortable in order to look professional at work. Pair these with The Perfect Blazer to create the ultimate power suit.
Price at time of publish: $148
Size range: XS-3X (Regular, Petite, Tall) | Fit: True to size, cropped | Color options: Classic Black
Nordstrom
We didn’t expect Spanx to develop a supportive and shaping sports bra, but they did it anyway. This bra is great because it’s longer than a traditional sports bra, so while it offers the support of a quality sports bra, it fits more like a cropped tank. If you pair it with high-waisted leggings, you’ll likely just have a sliver of your midriff showing, as opposed to your entire stomach. Throw a zip-up jacket over it when traveling to and from the gym or wear it as-is on a hot day. The longline bra comes in eight sizes and six different colors, so you can find one to pair with any of your other fitness gear.
Price at time of publish: $68
Size range: XS-3X | Fit: True to size | Color options: Very Black, White, Storm Blue, Navy Haze, Dark Palm, Rich Red
Spanx
We’ll say it: The Faux Suede Leggings walked so the Flare Pant could run. Every time I wear these pants someone asks me where I got them. This pant is truly a Spanx brand ambassador, and it’s a perfect culmination of style and supportive Spanx technology that’s sure to boost your confidence the moment you slip them on. These high-waisted, machine-washable pants are begging to be marched around town. Pair them with heels and a chunky sweater for a cozy chic look or add a blazer for an easy office outfit.
Price at time of publish: $118
Size range: XS-3X (Regular, Petite, Tall) | Fit: True to size, no need to size up | Color options: Rich Caramel, Classic Navy
Bare Necessities
While it’s amazing that Spanx offers confidence-boosting clothing, when you need a solid, sculpting bodysuit to wear under a formal dress or outfit you already own, Spanx hasn’t forgotten its roots — it has enhanced them.
“When in doubt, we say OnCore,” says Miree. “OnCore is our most transformative shaping collection, and it comes in regular-waisted and high-waisted styles.” So whether you’re new to the shapewear scene or looking for something to wear underneath your prom dress, wedding dress, or just about any dress, start with OnCore.
Price at time of publish: $78
Size range: XS-3X | Fit: Runs a tad small, size up if in between sizes | Color options: Soft Nude, Cafe Au Lait, Chestnut Brown, Very Black, Naked 3.0
Dillard’s
And finally, Spanx has offered a solution to one of the most problematic pieces of clothing in everyone’s wardrobe: jeans. If you’ve got a pair of jeans you love, that’s amazing, but some days traditional jeans might feel too stiff, too tight, too loose — you get it. Spanx offers their version of jeans in white, black, and two shades of traditional denim blue in both flare and skinny styles (so Millennials don’t have to pick a side in that battle). If you’ve never been someone to lounge around in jeans after you get home from a long day, this comfortable, stretchy denim is going to change that.
Price at time of publish: $148
Size range: XS-3X (Petite, Regular, Tall) | Fit: Size down if in between sizes | Color options: Midnight Shade, Very Black, White, Vintage Indigo
Spanx
For a gorgeous work pant that’s versatile enough to wear to dinner or a night out, check out the Perfect Pant Hi-Rise Flare. Made in a pull-on style with no zipper, the hidden core shaping technology offers a structured look that’s perfectly comfortable at the same time.
These exceptionally flattering pants have a sleek silhouette with a seamed front that adds extra texture and style. We love that these come in three inseams — petite, regular, and tall — so there’s a fit for everybody. Our taller team members especially love that they’re still long enough even when wearing high heels.
Price at time of publish: $148
Size range: XS-3X (Petite, Regular, Tall) | Fit: Runs a bit long | Color options: Spanx True Red, Classic Black, Classic Navy, Charcoal Heather, Blue/Brown Houndstooth
Spanx
If you’re a fan of the Spanx AirEssentials line, you need these tapered pants. As comfortable as sweatpants with the silhouette of a more structured pant, they’re the perfect thing to wear when you want to feel comfortable without looking like you just rolled out of bed. Perfectly stretchy no matter how you move, the fabric is soft, light and luxurious. The cuffed hem adds a stylish edge, and the drapey fabric looks just a little bit fancy. The tapered style means you can wear them with sneakers, flats, or sandals.
Price at time of publish: $138
Size range: XS-3X | Fit: Relaxed fit, true to size | Color options: Very Black and Classic Navy
Spanx
A sleek, tucked-in look can instantly elevate any outfit; it gives an elegant silhouette accentuated waistline no matter what you’re wearing. There’s nothing more annoying than a tucked-in shirt repeatedly coming untucked, no matter how often you run to the bathroom to shove your shirttails back into your pants. That’s why we love a subtle bodysuit — it looks just like a shirt while staying in place thanks to a hidden gusset secured by snaps. We love wearing it underneath jeans or even the Spanx Perfect Pant High Rise Flare; it looks just like a casual turtleneck but stays securely in place no matter how much we move around.
This sexy, breathable, and soft bodysuit comes in four classic colors, so it’s easy to style with a blazer or jean jacket. While it’s thin enough to layer, the ribbed material and opaque fabric make it thick enough to wear all on its own.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size range: XS-3X | Fit: True to size | Color options: Parchment, Classic Black, Wild Rose, Salted Caramel
Take Our Word For It
Erin Johnson is a senior commerce editor at PEOPLE, specializing in home and lifestyle content. Before joining the PEOPLE team, she tested and wrote about the best products for InStyle, Real Simple, Southern Living, and more. For this piece, she interviewed Kiana Miree, Chief Merchandising Officer of Spanx, and polled PEOPLE staff for their favorite Spanx pieces. She also personally tried nearly every item of clothing on this list to examine the fit, wearability, comfort, and sculpting abilities of each piece. Laura Denby later updated this piece by testing additional Spanx styles and adding in her favorites.
