cool skin and wellness

THE 20 BEST TUMMY CONTROL LEGGINGS FOR POSTPARTUM AND COMFORT

Congratulations on your new arrival! After giving birth, your body is on a journey of healing and rediscovery. While you’re busy caring for your little one, you also deserve to feel comfortable and supported. Tummy control leggings can be a game-changer in the postpartum period, offering gentle compression that helps your body recover while shaping and smoothing for a confidence boost.

This guide dives into the top picks for tummy control leggings, focusing on both comfort and effectiveness during postpartum recovery. We’ll explore a variety of features to consider, from high-waisted styles for extra support to breathable fabrics that move with you.  With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect pair of leggings to become your postpartum essentials.

OUR TOP PICKS 

BAOBEI SCULPT & RECOVERY POSTPARTUM LEGGINGS

Baobei’s Sculpt & Recovery Postpartum Leggings are another great choice for those seeking both comfort and support.  These leggings boast Baobei’s signature CORE COMPRESSION technology, which utilizes targeted fabric panels to gently compress your abdomen, low back, pelvis, and legs. This compression can aid your body’s natural healing process while shaping and smoothing your figure.  Similar to the previously mentioned leggings, Baobei’s Sculpt & Recovery leggings are crafted from a buttery-soft, high-stretch fabric that wicks away sweat to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day. 

SPANX LOOK AT ME NOW HIGH-WAISTED SEAMLESS LEGGINGS

Known for their shapewear expertise, Spanx brings their magic touch to the world of postpartum leggings with the Look At Me Now High-Waisted Seamless Leggings.  While they might not be specifically marketed for postpartum recovery, their features can be a welcome benefit for new moms.  The high-waisted design offers comfortable compression around your midsection, helping smooth and support your core as your body heals.  The seamless construction eliminates any potential for chafing or irritation, a major plus during postpartum sensitivity.  Spanx’s signature smoothing fabric promises a flattering silhouette, and the leggings are made for everyday wear, so you can feel confident and comfortable running errands or cuddling up with your newborn. Keep in mind that these leggings provide light to moderate compression, so if you desire a more intense level of support, you might want to consider other options on this list.

HOMMA THICK HIGH WAIST TUMMY COMPRESSION PANTS

If you’re seeking high-waist leggings with a focus on tummy control, Homma’s Thick High Waist Tummy Compression Pants are worth checking out.  These leggings are designed to deliver a sculpting effect, using a thicker fabric to provide a more compressive fit around your midsection. This compression can help smooth your tummy and offer support as your core muscles recover postpartum.  While specific details about the fabric content aren’t readily available, some retailers mention a combination of nylon and spandex, which is common in leggings and offers breathability with a stretchy fit. Thicker fabrics might not be ideal for everyone, especially during warmer months. If you prioritize breathability and maximum comfort, you might want to explore leggings made from thinner, sweat-wicking materials.  However, Homma’s Thick High Waist Tummy Compression Pants could be a good option for those who prefer a more substantial feeling of support and shaping.

90 DEGREE BY REFLEX HIGH WAIST POWER FLEX LEGGINGS

Aiming for a balance of comfort and support? Then 90 Degree by Reflex’s High Waist Power Flex Leggings might be your perfect match.  These leggings are a popular choice for their versatility, and they can be a solid option for postpartum wear as well.  They feature a high-waisted design that offers gentle tummy control without feeling restrictive.  The Power Flex fabric is known for being soft, stretchy, and durable, allowing for comfortable wear throughout the day. While these leggings might not provide the most intense level of compression,  they can still be beneficial for postpartum recovery by offering light support to your core and smoothing your silhouette. 

THE GYM PEOPLE THICK HIGH WAIST YOGA PANTS

Though information specific to postpartum use is limited, The Gym People’s Thick High Waist Yoga Pants offer intriguing possibilities. Their thicker fabric might provide tummy control, but breathability could be a factor, especially in warmer weather. Designed for yoga, the compression level might be lighter than dedicated postpartum leggings. However, if comfort and a subtle shaping effect are your priorities, they’re worth exploring.

HOMMA HIGH-WAIST COMPRESSION LEGGINGS

Homma High-Waist Compression Leggings prioritize control and shaping for your midsection. They utilize a thicker fabric to deliver a more compressive fit around your tummy, aiming to smooth and potentially aid postpartum recovery. While details about the fabric content are scarce, it’s likely a combination of nylon and spandex, offering breathability with a stretchy fit.** It’s important to consider** that this thicker material might not be ideal for everyone, particularly during warmer weather. If you prioritize maximum comfort and breathability, you might want to explore leggings made from thinner, sweat-wicking materials. However, Homma’s High-Waist Compression Leggings could be a good option for those who prefer a more substantial feeling of support and shaping for their core.

BELLY BANDIT MOTHER TUCKER POSTPARTUM SHAPEWEAR LEGGINGS

Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Postpartum Shapewear Leggings are designed to aid women in their postpartum recovery while also providing a shaping effect. They use compression technology to help shrink the belly, waist, and hips. The leggings are high-waisted to offer support to the upper body during breastfeeding and comfort to the midsection, including those who have undergone a C-section.  They are made with a soft, breathable fabric and come in a variety of sizes.

EVCR

EVCR leggings are designed for activewear, offering compression and comfort for workouts and athletic activities. They come in a variety of lengths, with options like 7/8 length hitting just above the ankle or full-length high-waisted styles. The fabric is designed to be soft, non-see-through, and breathable.  EVCR leggings come in a range of solid colors and some patterned options. You can find them directly from the EVCR website or on retailers like Amazon.

BEYOND YOGA SPACEDYE CAUGHT IN THE MIDI HIGH WAISTED LEGGING

Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye Caught in the Midi High Waisted Legging is a comfortable and stylish option for workouts or lounging. Made from Beyond Yoga’s signature Spacedye fabric, these leggings are known for being incredibly soft and lightweight. The high-waisted design offers a flattering silhouette and extra core support, while the 7/8 length hits just above the ankle for a versatile look. They come in a unique space-dye pattern, which adds a touch of visual interest.  These leggings are moisture-wicking to keep you dry during exercise, and reviewers rave about how well they maintain their shape even after multiple washes.

EMPETUA

Empetua used to be a brand of shapewear offered by Shapermint. They focused on everyday essentials for women, including shapewear like leggings, shorts, and bras, but also offered panties, camis, and waist cinchers. Their shapewear used compression to help smooth and sculpt the body.  However, Empetua has transitioned to become Shapermint Essentials. So, if you’re looking for Empetua products, you’ll find them under the Shapermint Essentials name now. They likely made this change to streamline their branding and make it clearer that Shapermint Essentials offers a variety of basic undergarments and shapewear.

DRAGON FIT HIGH WAIST YOGA LEGGINGS

Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Leggings are designed for the active woman who wants comfortable and stylish workout wear.  They feature a high waistband with tummy control for a flattering fit, along with four-way stretch fabric that moves with you during any exercise.  These leggings come with convenient pockets to hold your phone or keys, making them perfect for running errands or hitting the gym. With positive reviews for comfort and affordability, Dragon Fit High Waist Yoga Leggings might be a good option to consider for your next pair of workout leggings.

NIKE

While Nike doesn’t offer leggings explicitly marketed for “tummy control,” they do have a wide range of high-waisted leggings that provide a similar effect.  These leggings typically feature a snug, supportive waistband that sits at your natural waist or higher.  This design helps smooth and compress your core, creating a flattering silhouette.  Look for styles made with Nike’s Dri-FIT technology, which wicks away sweat to keep you cool and comfortable during workouts.  Nike leggings come in various lengths, colors, and features, so you can find a pair that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. You can browse their selection on the Nike website or at sporting goods stores.

ODODOS

ODODOS High Waist Tummy Control Workout Leggings are designed to be your go-to for comfortable and flattering workouts.  They boast a high-waisted design with a wide waistband that provides tummy control, smoothing and shaping your core for a confident look.  The fabric is often described as buttery soft and offers four-way stretch, allowing for a full range of motion without restriction.  Many ODODOS leggings also feature convenient pockets on the sides, perfect for storing your phone or keys during exercise or errands.  With a variety of colors and lengths to choose from, you can find a pair of ODODOS High Waist Tummy Control Workout Leggings that fits your style and workout needs. They are known for being affordable and receiving positive reviews for comfort and quality, making them a strong contender in the world of workout leggings.

SWEAT AND MILK REVEAL ULTRA HIGH WAISTED TUMMY CONTROL POSTPARTUM LEGGING

Specifically designed for postpartum recovery, the SWEAT & MILK Reveal Ultra High Waisted Tummy Control Postpartum Legging offers a supportive and comfortable option for new moms.  These leggings feature an ultra-high waist, reaching 25 inches, that provides gentle compression to your abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and legs.  This compression is said to aid in the healing process after childbirth.  The soft, stretchy fabric is comfortable against your skin and allows for a full range of motion.  Plus, these leggings come with pockets, a feature many moms appreciate for stashing essentials while on the go.  If you’re looking for supportive and comfortable leggings to aid in postpartum recovery, the SWEAT & MILK Reveal Ultra High Waisted Tummy Control Postpartum Legging could be a great choice.

FP MOVEMENT

Founded by Free People, FP Movement infuses their signature bohemian aesthetic with activewear, creating pieces that are both fashionable and practical. Instead of solely focusing on performance, FP Movement prioritizes a feel-good philosophy, encouraging a holistic approach to wellness.  Their clothing aims to support not just your physical activity but also your overall well-being.  You’ll find comfortable, high-quality materials with a focus on color and unique design elements.  Whether you’re hitting the gym, running errands, or practicing yoga, FP Movement offers activewear that lets you express your personal style while feeling confident and comfortable.

GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE

Girlfriend Collective stands out for its commitment to both sustainability and ethical practices in the activewear industry. They design high-performance activewear made from recycled materials, like plastic water bottles, that are transformed into soft, durable fabrics. This eco-friendly approach minimizes environmental impact without sacrificing quality. They prioritize transparency, even providing an “eco-recipe” for each garment that details the recycled materials used.  Beyond its sustainable and inclusive practices, Girlfriend Collective is known for its comfortable, stylish activewear that transitions seamlessly from workouts to everyday wear.

OFFLINE BY AERIE

OFFLINE By Aerie is American Eagle Outfitters’ sub-brand dedicated to comfortable and real-life inspired activewear.  They cater to women who value comfort and functionality during workouts, without sacrificing style.  OFFLINE’s collections feature a range of pieces, from leggings and sports bras to tanks and hoodies, all designed with movement and sweat-wicking fabrics in mind.  Their leggings are particularly popular for their soft, high-waisted styles with different silhouettes like bootcut or crossover. Standing out from competitor brands with a focus on body positivity, OFFLINE avoids heavy photoshopping and uses diverse models to showcase their clothing on real bodies.  They promote a message of feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin, no matter your fitness level.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH

Abercrombie & Fitch, often shortened to A&F, is an American brand known for casual and preppy style clothing. Founded in 1892, it has a long history that started with selling high-end sporting goods. Today, A&F caters to a younger demographic with trendy jeans, graphic tees, and hoodies. Their stores are known for a specific atmosphere, including dimmed lighting and strong cologne scents. In the past, A&F received criticism for exclusionary marketing tactics and clothing that skewed towards a narrow body type. However, the brand has undergone a shift in recent years. They now offer a wider range of sizes and have toned down their marketing strategies.

COMMANDO

Commando is renowned for its high-end women’s leggings, celebrated for their exquisite designs that flatter the figure and their luxurious, comfortable fabrics. Crafted from premium sculpting materials, these leggings offer a sleek, streamlined appearance. What sets Commando leggings apart is their signature internal smoothing waistband, providing enduring support throughout the day. Take a glance at the leather leggings below; they’re the perfect choice for a night out leather leggings outfit ideas.

CRZ YOGA

CRZ Yoga focuses on providing comfortable and stylish activewear at an accessible price point. Their most popular collection features their signature “Butterluxe” fabric, known for its incredible softness and stretch. This material allows for maximum freedom of movement during any activity, whether you’re practicing yoga, hitting the gym, or running errands. CRZ Yoga offers a wide range of leggings, sports bras, tops, and more, all designed with a focus on comfort and functionality.  They cater to a variety of body types and activity levels, making them a popular choice for those seeking affordable, high-quality activewear.  You can find CRZ Yoga products through their website or on various online marketplaces.

CONCLUSION

Whether you’re a new mom seeking postpartum support or simply looking for comfortable, flattering leggings with tummy control, there’s a perfect pair out there for you. With a focus on high waists, gentle compression, breathable fabrics, and overall comfort, you can find leggings that aid in recovery while keeping you feeling confident and comfortable throughout your day.  Don’t hesitate to explore different brands and features to find the ones that best suit your needs and preferences.

Gua Sha Before and After Plus A Quick Review

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that has gained popularity in recent years as a facial massage technique. With claims of improving skin tone and texture, reducing puffiness, and even contouring the face, it’s no wonder that gua sha has become a buzzword in the world of beauty and wellness. But does this ancient practice really work? Can it truly reduce a double chin or slim down the face? 

In this article, we will dive into the truth about gua sha and examine its effectiveness for facial sculpting, giving you a better understanding of what to expect from this popular technique.

Gua Sha Before and After review

Stage 1: I experienced a minor breakout

This outcome wasn’t what I anticipated from a soothing skincare treatment. It’s akin to stirring up sediment from the bottom of a pond. When beginning any form of facial massage routine, such as gua sha or lymphatic drainage, breakouts may emerge.

If you, like me, observe breakouts on your face after several days of gua sha, consider adjusting your technique to use downward strokes, starting from the jawline and ending at the clavicle.

Stage 2: I gained a deeper understanding of my facial stress patterns

While I thought I had a decent grasp of my facial tension through daily oil cleansing and massage, gua sha opened up a more nuanced understanding. Running a flat stone over your facial contours provides intricate insights.

With a gua sha stone, you can detect the high points, low points, crevices, and yes, even knots in your face. I tend to hold tension beneath my cheekbones, across my forehead, and along the sides of my face, from my temples to my jawline. As I worked on my forehead lines, feeling the distinct shape of the tissue beneath the skin revealed a lot about how I express and carry stress in my face.

We often hear about understanding how we hold tension in our bodies, but it’s equally valuable to be attuned to how we hold tension in our faces. Regular facial massages can assist in this awareness.

Stage 3: I began focusing more on my neck

I’ve come to believe that anyone embarking on a self-gua sha practice should prioritize neck work, commencing and often concluding with it.

After several consecutive days of gua sha, I noticed a slight swelling beneath my jawline and chin. It’s possible that lymph fluid was accumulating in that area. Starting and ending with gentle strokes down the neck is crucial to maintain proper lymphatic flow..

Does Gua Sha Work?

The million-dollar question: does gua sha actually work? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.

There is limited scientific evidence to support the claims that gua sha works. However, some studies have shown that gua sha may be effective for relieving muscle pain, reducing inflammation, and improving skin tone and texture.

For example, in a study from 2018 featured in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal, gua sha was shown to effectively alleviate muscle pain and stiffness in individuals dealing with chronic neck pain. Similarly, a study from 2021, published in the journal Pain Medicine, demonstrated the effectiveness of gua sha in reducing inflammation and enhancing pain relief and functionality in those suffering from shoulder pain. Furthermore, a study in 2022, published in the Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine journal, confirmed that gua sha yielded positive results in enhancing skin tone and texture among individuals with photoaging.

In fact, these studies were small and short-term. More research is needed to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of gua sha for all of its purported benefits.

How Gua Sha Works

Gua sha is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which believes that energy or qi flows through our bodies. When this flow is disrupted, it can lead to various health issues, including skin problems. Gua sha is said to help restore the flow of qi and promote overall well-being.

When used on the face, gua sha is thought to increase blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote lymphatic drainage. This can result in a brighter complexion, reduced puffiness, and a more defined facial structure. The tool’s pressure on the skin also helps to relax tense muscles and release tension, leading to a more rejuvenated appearance.

Gua Sha Before and After Double Chin

One of the most sought-after benefits of gua sha is its potential to reduce a double chin or contour the face for a slimmer appearance. Here’s a closer look at how gua sha can help with these concerns.

Reducing Double Chin

A double chin is caused by excess fat or loose skin under the chin, making the area appear fuller and rounder. It can be challenging to get rid of a double chin as it requires a combination of diet, exercise, and possibly medical procedures. However, incorporating gua sha into your skincare routine may provide some improvements.

Using the gua sha tool to massage the chin and neck area can stimulate blood flow and promote lymphatic drainage, which can help reduce puffiness and improve the appearance of a double chin. Additionally, regular gua sha massages can help to tighten and tone the muscles in the neck and jawline, resulting in a more defined and sculpted appearance over time.

Contouring the Face

Facial contouring has become a popular trend in recent years, with many people seeking ways to achieve a more defined and chiseled facial structure. While there are various techniques and treatments available, gua sha offers a natural and non-invasive option for facial sculpting.

The pressure and movements of the gua sha tool on the face can help to relax tense muscles and release tension, resulting in a more relaxed and defined appearance. Additionally, the increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage can reduce puffiness and improve skin tone, further enhancing the facial contours.

Gua Sha for Face

Now that we’ve established that gua sha can work for reducing a double chin and contouring the face, let’s dive into how to use this technique properly for the best results.

How to Use Gua Sha Stone

First and foremost, it is essential to choose the right gua sha tool for your needs. There are various types of stones available, with jade and rose quartz being the most popular choices. Jade is said to have cooling properties, making it ideal for reducing inflammation and puffiness, while rose quartz is believed to promote self-love and inner peace, making it a popular choice for facial massages.

To use a gua sha stone, start by applying a facial oil or serum to your clean and dry face. This will help the tool glide smoothly on the skin and prevent any discomfort. Hold the gua sha tool at a 15-degree angle and gently scrape it over your face using upward and outward strokes. Use light pressure and move the tool in long, smooth motions, avoiding any areas with moles or blemishes.

For the chin and neck area, start in the center and use upward strokes towards the ears. For the cheekbones, start at the nose and glide towards the temples. When working on the forehead, start from the center and move outwards towards the hairline. Repeat each stroke three to five times, and remember to be gentle as the skin on the face is delicate.

Gua Sha Facial Massage

In addition to using the gua sha tool, incorporating a facial massage into your skincare routine can provide even more benefits. Massaging the face with your hands can help to promote blood circulation, reduce tension, and enhance product absorption. You can use your fingers or a facial roller to massage your face in upward and outward motions, or you can follow a specific gua sha facial chart for a more targeted massage.

Gua Sha Facial Chart

A gua sha facial chart is a visual guide that illustrates which areas of the face to target for different skin concerns. It provides a step-by-step guide for using the gua sha tool to achieve specific results. Here’s an example of a gua sha facial chart for facial sculpting:

As you can see from the chart, there are specific strokes and pressure points to target for each area of concern. This can be helpful for those new to gua sha and looking for guidance on how to use the tool effectively.

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, gua sha may not be a miracle cure for all skin concerns, it can provide noticeable improvements in skin health and appearance when used properly and consistently.

From reducing puffiness and promoting lymphatic drainage to contouring the face and reducing a double chin, gua sha has many potential benefits. By incorporating this ancient practice into your skincare routine and following a gua sha facial chart, you can achieve a brighter complexion, defined facial contours, and a more relaxed and rejuvenated appearance. So why not give gua sha a try and see the before and after results for yourself?