The Sweaty Betty Power is the British legging that built an entire category. Before brands like Alphalete and Gymshark figured out the bum-sculpting silhouette, Sweaty Betty had already shipped this seam construction to thousands of customers in London. After five months of training in mine, I understand the cult. The lift effect is visible, the compression is firm without choking the leg, and the inseam options actually accommodate taller frames. At $110 it is not cheap, and the pockets are oddly small, but the legging does the things it claims to do.
Why you should trust this review
I have been training in performance leggings for almost a decade and have rotated through every major sculpt-style brand. For this review I purchased one pair of the Sweaty Betty Power 7/8 at retail in Black, size Medium with 28-inch inseam. Sweaty Betty did not provide a sample. The pair went through approximately 35 wash cycles on cold, line-dried indoors. I tracked the sculpt effect at month 1 and month 5 with side-profile photographs taken in identical lighting.
How we tested the Sweaty Betty Power
- 5 months of three-to-four-times-weekly wear across strength, intervals, and running
- Side-profile photography at month 1 and month 5 to track seam-induced lift
- Compression test through deep squats, deadlifts, and box jumps
- Squat-proof opacity check in Black under direct gym lighting
- 35 wash cycles, line-dried, with seam and color check
- Pocket utility test with house key, credit card, and iPhone 15 Pro
- Side-by-side fit comparison against Lululemon Wunder Train, Alphalete Amplify, and Spanx Booty Boost
Read the full protocol on our methodology page.
Who should buy the Sweaty Betty Power?
Buy if:
- You train three or more days a week and want a legging that looks strong
- You are 5’7” or taller and need a true 28 or 31-inch inseam
- You like firm compression and the visible lift of seam-based sculpting
- You can rotate two pairs to spread out wash cycles
Skip if:
- Your activity is mostly yoga or low-impact (Align is softer and cheaper)
- You need a phone-friendly side pocket (Athleta Salutation is better)
- You hate firm compression for casual wear
Sculpt fit: the seam placement does the work
The Power uses a curved back yoke seam that runs along the lower glute and pulls the fabric up at the right angle to round the silhouette. There is no padding and no ruched fabric trick. In side-profile photos taken at month 1 and month 5, the lift effect was identical: a noticeable rounded shape that does not look artificial. Compared to Spanx Booty Boost, which uses heavier compression to create the same effect, the Sweaty Betty result feels less restrictive on the waist.
Compression: firm without crossing the line
The Power fabric blend is 73 percent polyamide and 27 percent elastane, which puts it in the firm-compression category. During heavy back squats my pair did not thin out at the seat. During deadlifts the waistband stayed put without rolling. The hand feel is denser than the Lululemon Wunder Train, which means it traps slightly more heat during summer sessions. In a 65F gym it was perfect; in an 80F class it felt heavier.
Inseam options: a real win for tall frames
The 28-inch inseam hits clean at the ankle on a 5’7” frame. The 31-inch is one of the only proper tall options at this price tier. If you have ever pulled on a “long” Lululemon and found it still landed two inches above the ankle, this is the brand that understands you.
Pockets: the weakest link
The two side pockets fit a house key and a folded-flat credit card. An iPhone 15 Pro will fit, but the fabric tension stretches visibly and the phone bounces during running. The waistband hidden pocket is the better phone home. Compared to the Athleta Salutation, the Sweaty Betty pocket layout is a step behind.
Durability: 35 washes, no pilling
At month 5 and 35 wash cycles, my pair shows zero pilling and minimal color loss in Black. That is better than the Lululemon Align at the same wear count and on par with the Wunder Train. The seams have stayed flat and the four-way stretch has not loosened.
Should you buy the Sweaty Betty Power?
If sculpt-style training leggings are what you want, yes. The Power earns its $110 with seam construction the cheaper brands have not matched and inseam options the US-based competition rarely offers. If you mostly do yoga or you need real pocket capacity, the Align or Salutation are the smarter spends.
Sweaty Betty Power High-Waisted 7/8 Workout Leggings vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Sculpt | Compression | Inseam | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweaty Betty Power | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | Yes | Firm | Up to 31 in | $110 | Top Pick |
| Lululemon Wunder Train | ★★★★★ 4.5 | No | Medium | 25 in | $118 | Editor's Choice |
| Spanx Booty Boost Active | ★★★★☆ 4.0 | Yes | Firm | 27 in | $88 | Recommended |
| Alphalete Amplify | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | Yes | Firm | 27 in | $78 | Runner-up |
Full specifications
| Fabric | 73% Polyamide, 27% Elastane |
| Fabric name | Power |
| Inseam options | 23, 25, 28, 31 inches |
| Rise | High (11 inches) |
| Pockets | 2 side, 1 hidden waistband |
| Sizes | XXS-XXL |
| Compression | Firm |
| Care | Machine wash cold, line dry |
Should you buy the Sweaty Betty Power High-Waisted 7/8 Workout Leggings?
The Sweaty Betty Power is the legging that started the bum-sculpting category and still does it best. The seam placement lifts visibly without padding, the compression is firm but breathable, and the inseam length runs longer than most US competitors. The price is $110 and the side pockets are smaller than they should be. For training and confidence-boosting wear, the Power earns the cult following.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sweaty Betty Power worth $110 in 2026?+
If you train consistently and value the bum-sculpting seam construction, yes. The Power outlasts most $50 to $80 alternatives at 35-plus washes and the lift effect does not fade. For pure yoga or casual wear, the Align is a better $98.
Sweaty Betty Power vs Lululemon Wunder Train: which is better?+
Power has the visible sculpt, longer inseam options, and slightly firmer compression. Wunder Train wins on cooling fabric and pocket size. For training where you want the leg to look strong, Power. For pure performance in a hot gym, Wunder Train.
Do the Power leggings actually lift?+
Yes, in a measurable visual sense. The curved back yoke seam draws the eye up and the firm compression rounds the silhouette. It is not a padded effect; the lift comes from seam placement and fabric tension.
How does the inseam range work?+
Sweaty Betty offers 23, 25, 28, and 31-inch inseams across the Power line. The 28-inch hits clean on a 5'7" frame at the ankle. The 31-inch is one of the only true tall options at this price.
📅 Update log
- May 5, 2026Updated 5-month wear notes and refreshed competitor table.
- Dec 2, 2025Initial review published.
Priya Sharma
Priya Sharma writes for The Tested Hub.