The short answer: for a rounder, lifted butt, choose shapewear with an open or shaped seat that supports without flattening. For fuller hips and more curve, choose padded shapewear with removable hip and butt pads. For both, pick padded shorts with a high waist so your tummy stays smooth too.
Butt-lifting and padded shapewear change your silhouette only while you wear them. They don't build muscle or change your body permanently. They're a styling tool for the shape you want under your clothes.
Who this is for
- You want a lifted, rounder look under jeans, skirts or dresses
- You'd like fuller hips for more of an hourglass shape
- Your regular shapewear flattens your butt
- You want tummy smoothing and curve at the same time
Lift vs padding: which do you need?
Lift
Butt-lifting styles use shaped panels, seams or an open back to support and round what you already have. Choose lift if you're happy with your size but want a higher, more defined shape.
Padding
Padded styles add fullness with built-in or removable pads at the hips, butt or both. Choose padding if you want more volume or a more dramatic curve. Removable pads let you change the look for different outfits.
Features that matter for plus size curves
- High waist: smooths your tummy while your butt and hips are shaped, and stops the waistband cutting in.
- Leg length: shorts with longer legs stay put, smooth the thighs and help stop chafing.
- Pad placement: hip pads should sit on the side of your hip, not the thigh. Check product photos and sizing.
- Grip at the leg: silicone or wide leg bands keep shorts from riding up.
- Real extended sizing: use each product's own size chart. Some of our padded styles go up to 6XL.
The best styles for butt and hips
Padded hip enhancer shorts: for fuller hips
For the most curve through the hips and butt, padded shorts are the go-to. The Zelie Padded Hip Enhancer Shorts add shape at the hips and butt, in sizes up to 6XL.
Zelie Padded Hip Enhancer ShortsShop now
Belted hip pad shorts: for curves and waist definition
If you want an hourglass shape, add waist hold to your hip shape. The Paulette Belted Hip Pad Shorts pair padded hips with a wrap waist belt, also up to 6XL.
Paulette Belted Hip Pad ShortsShop now
Padded butt-lift shorts: for a rounder butt
For lift and a little volume focused on the butt, the Lucia Padded Butt-Lift Shorts shape and round your seat under jeans and fitted skirts.
Lucia Padded Butt-Lift ShortsShop now
Lace-trim padded shorts: for dresses and skirts
A softer, prettier option for under dresses. The Marisol Padded Lace-Trim Shaper Shorts add curve with a lace edge that lies flat under skirts.
Marisol Padded Lace-Trim Shaper ShortsShop now
High-waist padded shorts: for tummy smoothing plus curves
Want your tummy smoothed while your hips and butt are shaped? Go high-waisted. The Ottilie High-Waist Padded Shaper Shorts smooth your midsection and add curve below.
Ottilie High-Waist Padded Shaper ShortsShop now
For firmer tummy hold, the Delphine Hook-Front Padded Shaper Shorts add adjustable front hooks to padded shaping.
Delphine Hook-Front Padded Shaper ShortsShop now
Browse every option in butt lifting and shaping, hip enhancers and padded shapewear and hip shaping.
Fit and sizing tips
- Measure your waist and hips and match them to each product's own chart. Padded styles can fit differently from regular shapewear. See our plus size sizing guide.
- Between sizes? Size up. Too small pushes pads out of place and makes the waistband roll.
- Check pad position. Pads should sit on the curve of your hips and butt. If they sit low on your thighs, try a different size or style.
- Do the sit test. Sit, bend and walk. Good shorts stay in place. Read how tight shapewear should be.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a low rise. It can create a ridge at your tummy. Go high-waisted.
- Wearing pads under very thin, clingy fabric. Pad edges can show. Pick thicker fabrics or skip the pads.
- Ignoring your outfit. Short legs can show under short skirts. Longer legs can show under shorts.
- Sizing down. It flattens instead of lifting.
What to wear it with
- Jeans and trousers: padded butt-lift shorts. Shop shapewear for pants.
- Bodycon dresses: hip enhancer shorts for an hourglass line. Shop bodycon shapewear.
- Skirts and dresses: lace-trim or high-waist padded shorts. Shop shapewear for dresses.
Butt-lifting and hip shapewear FAQs
What is the best butt-lifting shapewear for plus size women?
High-waisted padded or lifting shorts that fit your real measurements. They shape your butt and hips while smoothing your tummy.
Does butt-lifting shapewear really work?
Yes, while you wear it. Shaped panels and pads create a rounder, lifted look under clothes. The effect is temporary.
Should I choose padded or non-padded shapewear?
Choose non-padded lift if you want a higher, rounder shape. Choose padded if you want more volume at your hips or butt.
Can hip pads be seen through clothes?
Under thicker or structured fabrics, usually not. Under very thin, clingy fabrics, the pad edges may show.
What shapewear gives you wider hips?
Padded hip enhancer shorts, like Zelie or Paulette, add fullness at the sides of your hips for a curvier shape.
Can I get butt-lifting shapewear in 5XL or 6XL?
Yes. Zelie and Paulette go up to 6XL. Browse our full range up to 6XL.
Shape your curves your way
Lift, padding or both, the right shapewear works with your shape and your outfit. For more help choosing, see our best plus size shapewear guide and best shapewear for curves. Shop butt-lifting shapewear, or visit our Shapewear Guides.