Sad, flat, saggy, shapeless or even droopy buttocks… You really don’t love your bottom! You rely on all sorts of tricks to hide it and dream of a firm, rounded bum. Don’t panic! First, let’s look at why buttocks can become saggy or droopy: genetics, lack of exercise, muscle loss and age. Then we’ll share our 6 tips for looking after your bottom: sport, skincare, clothing, fitness, diet and massage.
Why do I have sagging buttocks?
1- Genetics
Unfortunately, we rarely get to choose our body shape. Heredity — and therefore genetics — makes that decision for us! Some women tend to store fat around the thighs, others around the stomach… and some are naturally blessed with a fuller bottom. The culprit: the location and number of adipocytes (fat-storing cells) that we “inherit”. Because yes, subcutaneous fat can sometimes work in our favour, starting with giving the skin its structure. So if you notice that a sagging bottom runs in the family, there’s a good chance you’ve inherited that body type.
2- Lack of exercise
In most cases, sagging buttocks come down to insufficient muscle development. If you do little or no exercise, it’s no surprise your bottom lacks lift. The gluteal muscles are underdeveloped, leaving the buttocks with neither volume nor firmness. Add to that the occasional cellulite and skin laxity… and it can really take a toll on your confidence and your silhouette!
3- The result of significant weight changes
A significant drop in weight can bring a few unwanted side effects, including muscle loss. When the body is in a calorie deficit, it draws energy from all its reserves: fat stores, but also muscle tissue. This muscle loss can very well affect the gluteal muscles. The result: buttocks that tend to flatten, lose firmness and sag. On top of that, loose skin can sometimes appear after a major drop in weight. The skin tends to hang loose, including the skin on the buttocks!
4- Age
And since we’re on the subject of skin changes, let’s keep going! With age, the skin naturally loses elasticity: the fibres that help it stay supple and resilient don’t renew as well as they used to. Ageing also goes hand in hand with muscle loss, as muscle mass gradually decreases over the years. The causes include hormonal changes and reduced absorption of nutrients from food. So yes, getting older can sometimes mean a saggier bottom.
Saggy, flabby or droopy bum: what are we actually talking about?
These words often describe two different things. A flabby or saggy bum usually lacks muscle tone: the glutes, either rarely used or affected by muscle loss, no longer give the bottom any shape. A droopy bum is more often down to loose skin, which loses elasticity with age or after significant changes in weight.
Quite often, the two go together. That’s why the tips below work on both fronts: muscle (sport, fitness, diet) and skin (skincare, massage).
Our 6 tips to lift and shape sagging buttocks
1- Get moving!
To get a rounder, perkier bottom, there’s no magic formula: you have to work for it! That said, not all sports are ideal for toning the glutes. Some are actually best avoided: seated sports, for instance, aren’t the most effective. So skip the bike (unless you’re tackling steep hills out of the saddle), the aquabike, rowing and the rowing machine. Instead, go for:
- Roller skating, which works your glutes and will also help you get dream legs!
- Hiking, because climbing hills is great for the glutes!
- Swimming, especially front crawl, as the leg kicks really work the gluteal muscles.
- Dancing, particularly ballroom styles (rock, salsa, mambo), zouk, African dance… and samba, for a truly Brazilian bottom!
- Board sports (surfing, skiing, snowboarding), which demand balance and plenty of work from the legs, thighs and glutes.
2- Invest in targeted skincare
What if skincare could help you look after your bottom? As mentioned above, skin firmness plays a huge role in how droopy your buttocks look. So it can be worth taking care of your skin and keeping it properly moisturised. A routine of targeted firming skincare seems like the right move:
The Firming Cream is designed to care for the skin on your buttocks. Its formula contains fenugreek seeds.
The body cream that hydrates and helps firm the skin
- Kigeline & Fenugreek, two plant-based actives at the heart of the formula
- Hydrates the skin and helps strengthen its firmness on targeted areas
- Melting texture: it absorbs quickly, with no residue or greasy film
3- Choose the right clothes
When it comes to lingerie, a little cheating is perfectly allowed. The days of old-fashioned shapewear are long gone! Today you’ll find beautifully feminine, really comfortable shaping underwear that also offers good support. Go for second-skin sculpting lingerie and choose cuts that flatter the bottom: push-up briefs, shaping shorts… there are some amazing styles out there!
And what to wear on top? High-waisted pieces are your best friend: tailored cigarette trousers, pencil skirts, paired with crop tops or short-cut jumpers. Build a structured silhouette through your outfit choices: the goal is to highlight your waist, elongate your legs and create a streamlined look, rather than drawing attention to a slightly sagging bottom. The occasional heel works wonders too — it’ll lengthen your figure and flatter the curve of your back! Avoid anything that does your bottom no favours: low-rise trousers, shapeless joggers or tight-fitting clothes that cling to your buttocks. You can go back to wearing slims once you’ve rediscovered a beautiful bottom!
4- Try fitness training
To get a rounder bottom, there’s no secret: you need to build muscle. In addition to your regular sport, incorporate a few fitness moves into your daily routine. Lunges, squats, resistance band exercises (such as leg raises or glute bridges): these moves should help you build muscle and regain some shape! If you’re not sure where to start, plenty of fitness tutorials are available online — both video and photo guides. There are even programmes dedicated to home workouts… You can also try our Fitness Resistance Band Kit: it includes a resistance band specially designed for all “firm glutes” exercises, plus 3 coaching guides to support you through your fitness routine. No more excuses to skip your beautiful bottom fitness sessions!
5- Eat more protein
Muscles love protein! If you’re getting serious about your bottom and getting back into sport, your diet needs to follow suit. For meat lovers, opt for white meat such as poultry or veal. Fish is also an excellent source of lean protein, and the choice is endless. For vegetarians, there are plenty of great protein sources too: eggs, cottage cheese, and plant-based proteins (soy, seitan, tempeh, quinoa, legumes). Just make sure to keep your meals balanced, incorporating your protein intake as part of a healthy, varied diet (fruit and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, regular hydration).
6- Massage your buttocks
Why not make the most of what technology has to offer when it comes to massage, to care for your bottom? Today, many handheld massagers can be part of a silhouette care routine, starting with our massage device. It draws on a well-known massage technique: effleurage massage. This massager features a ball head and a wave head. Allow for a daily 15-minute massage per buttock, and be consistent. Why not incorporate it into your skincare routine for your bottom?
The cordless massager: 2 900 rotations per minute to stimulate your skin
- A deep mechanical massage: rotations and vibrations, up to 2 900 turns per minute, knead the skin on your thighs, stomach, arms and bottom
- 2 complementary heads: the ball head kneads deep down, then the wave head smooths and tones the surface
- 5 intensity levels on a touchscreen, a blue light, cordless and quiet
Frequently asked questions
What can I do about a saggy bum?
The most useful thing is to work your glutes: sports that get your legs moving (hiking, swimming, dancing, roller skating) and fitness exercises such as lunges, squats or glute bridges. Round this off with a protein-rich diet, moisturising and firming skincare, and regular massage.
How can I lift my bum without exercise?
Without exercise, it’s hard to work your glutes, but you can play with how your bottom looks: shaping lingerie or push-up briefs, high-waisted clothes and the occasional pair of heels. For your skin, a firming skincare routine and massage are ways to look after it.
Why am I losing my bum?
Several causes can add up: a lack of exercise that leaves the glutes underdeveloped, muscle loss during a significant drop in weight, or age, which reduces muscle mass and skin elasticity. Genetics also play a part in the shape of your bottom.
How can I get a nice bum?
Consistency is key: suitable exercise, a few targeted fitness moves, balanced meals with enough protein, and well-moisturised skin. Well-chosen clothes can also show off your figure day to day.
Related articles
- The 6 Best Glute Exercises to Do on Stairs
- 6 exercises to lift your glutes
- Rounder, lifted butt: exercises, nutrition and styling tips
Useful categories: Slimming the Buttocks, Weight Management.
