Your questions, answered

Everything we get asked about cellulite, heavy legs and our 3D knit, in one place. What causes cellulite and what really works on it, why legs feel heavy and what helps, what our leggings do and what they do not, which product fits which need, sizes, care, delivery and returns. If your question is not here, write to us at contact@leonieandco.com. A real person replies, usually within 24 hours.

01

Cellulite: causes and what works

Why do I have cellulite even though I'm slim and active?

Because cellulite comes mostly from how the skin is built, not from weight.

Most adult women have some, whatever their size or fitness level.

Factor Why it matters
Skin structure In women, the fibrous bands that tie the skin to the muscle run straight up and down. Fat pushes up between them and creates dimples. In men the bands cross, which is why men rarely have cellulite
Hormones Estrogen influences where fat is stored, mainly on the hips, thighs and glutes
Genes Cellulite runs in families
Age Skin gets thinner and less firm with age, so dimples show more
Muscle tone and long hours sitting Weaker muscles under the skin and long days at a desk make it look more marked

We explain the research in Do anti-cellulite leggings work?.

Can I get rid of cellulite for good? Do exercise, diet or water help?

Not completely.

You can make it look smoother, but nothing at home removes it for good.

What people say What is true
Exercise gets rid of it Strength work and walking firm the muscles underneath and make it look better. They do not remove it
Losing weight makes it disappear It can help if you have weight to lose. In some women, looser skin after weight loss makes dimples more visible
Drinking more water flushes it out No study shows that drinking more water reduces cellulite
Detox diets and teas melt it No. There are no toxins to flush out of cellulite
Nothing lasts A few treatments done by a doctor, such as subcision, show longer-lasting results in studies. Most others are temporary

For the thighs specifically, see How to reduce cellulite on thighs.

Why does cellulite get worse after pregnancy, after stopping the pill or at menopause?

Because hormones, weight and skin firmness change at these times, and cellulite shows more.

Life stage What changes What helps
After pregnancy Hormones, weight gain and water retention, then skin and muscles that need months to recover Time, daily walks and gentle strength work once your midwife or doctor agrees
Starting or stopping the pill Hormone changes can change water retention, and so how cellulite looks for a while No study shows the pill causes or removes cellulite. If the change is sudden or large, talk to your doctor
Menopause Falling estrogen: less collagen, thinner skin, fat stored more on the hips and stomach Strength work, a stable weight, and clothes that smooth the look
After losing weight Looser skin can make dimples stand out Strength work and slow, steady weight loss
Working from home or sitting more Less movement and less muscle tone in the glutes and thighs Get up every hour, walk daily, add strength work

Creams, dry brushing, massage, lymphatic drainage, salon treatments, leggings: what does each one do?

None of them removes cellulite.

They differ in how long the effect lasts and what they cost you in time and money.

Option What it does Does it last? Effort and cost
Our 3D leggings Smooth the look while you wear them, with a light massage feel No, the visible effect stops when you take them off No extra time, one purchase
Anti-cellulite creams Some may smooth or firm the skin surface a little Weak evidence. Any effect stops when you stop A few minutes a day, ongoing cost
Dry brushing, cupping, foam roller, massage gun Brief smoothing from extra blood flow to the skin No good evidence 10 to 20 minutes a day, low cost
Manual lymphatic drainage, palpate-and-roll massage Brief smoothing. Lymphatic drainage is a medical technique for lymphedema Short-lived for cellulite Appointments, repeated sessions
Salon devices (radiofrequency, mechanical massage, pressotherapy) Temporary improvement in the look in some studies Needs repeated sessions Appointments, high cost
Treatments by a doctor (subcision, acoustic waves, some lasers) Act on the bands or the skin under the dimples Some show results lasting a year or more in studies Medical procedure, high cost

Can you wear the leggings between salon sessions? Yes, they do not interfere with any treatment. They do not replace one either: a legging does not do what a hands-on massage does. For brands and products, read Best anti-cellulite leggings. For what consumer tests found, see Anti-cellulite leggings: what consumer tests say.

I have a vacation or a wedding in a few weeks. What can I do?

You can change how your legs look on the day.

You cannot change the cellulite itself in a few weeks.

When What you can realistically do
On the day Wear our 3D shorts under a dress or our leggings with your outfit. A self-tanner evens out skin tone and makes dimples less noticeable
Over the next few weeks Walk every day, add two or three short strength sessions for the glutes and thighs, and go easy on salt to limit water retention
What will not work in that time Creams, detox products and crash diets. A crash diet can even make skin look looser
02

Our 3D leggings and cellulite

Do anti-cellulite leggings actually work?

They work on how cellulite looks while you wear them.

They do not remove it.

What our 3D leggings do

  • Smooth the look of thighs and glutes the moment you put them on
  • Hold the skin so dimples show less, even in a deep squat
  • Leave legs feeling lighter in the evening, according to many customers
  • Give a light massage feel with every step, from the raised 3D lines

What they do not do

  • Remove cellulite, which no garment can do
  • Burn fat or make you lose weight
  • Replace walking, strength work and a stable weight
  • Keep working once you take them off

How does the 3D knit work?

The relief is knitted into the fabric, not printed on it.

Each part has one job.

Part of the legging What it does
Raised 3D lines on the thighs and glutes Press and release on the skin as you move, like a light massage
Zone compression Firmer on the thighs, softer at the waist, so nothing digs in
High waist Stays in place when you bend, sit or squat
Light ruching at the back Lifts the look of the glutes
Dense, opaque knit Evens out the surface so dimples do not show through

How long before I see a difference?

The visible effect is immediate and lasts as long as you wear them.

When What to expect
As soon as you put them on A smoother, lifted look while you wear them
End of the first day Customers often tell us their legs feel lighter in the evening
When you take them off Cellulite is still there. The visible effect is tied to wearing them

The leggings change the look while you wear them, not the cellulite itself. Walking and strength work for the legs are what change the look over time.

How many hours a day should I wear them?

There is no minimum.

Customers often say they notice a difference from about two hours a day, and most simply keep them on from morning to evening. Take them off if you feel tingling, numbness or pain, or if they leave deep marks.

Can I wear them at night?

You do not need to.

Compression is made to work while you are upright and moving. Lying down, your legs drain on their own. Do not sleep in compression garments unless a doctor has told you to.

Will they help me lose weight?

No.

No legging makes you lose weight or burns fat, whatever the label says. The knit changes how your silhouette looks while you wear it. Weight, fat and cellulite depend on what you eat, how much you move, your hormones and your genes.

How are they different from regular compression or sculpting leggings?

The difference is the raised 3D texture and the pressure mapped by zone.

Our 3D leggings Regular compression or sculpting leggings Graduated medical compression
Surface Raised 3D lines Smooth Smooth
Pressure Gentle, mapped by zone Even, often firm Measured in mmHg, highest at the ankle
Made for Smoother look, all-day comfort Sport, hold Swelling and vein conditions, often on prescription
Pressure stated in mmHg No Rarely Yes

Can you see cellulite through them? Are they see-through?

No.

The knit is dense and textured, so it evens out the surface and stays opaque, even in a deep squat or a forward bend in daylight.

Push-up, shaping, sculpting leggings: are they the same thing?

Not quite.

A push-up legging lifts the glutes with a seam or ruching. A shaping legging holds the stomach with a firm waistband. A sculpting legging, like ours, combines a textured knit with zone compression to smooth the look of thighs and glutes. Our light back ruching also lifts the look of the glutes. We compare the three in Leggings to hide cellulite.

What should I look for when buying anti-cellulite leggings?

Check these points before you buy, whatever the brand.

Check Why it matters
Opaque in a squat, in daylight Otherwise dimples show through
Texture knitted in, not printed A printed texture flattens or peels with washing
A size chart with waist and hip measurements Compression in the wrong size rolls down or digs in
A wide size range Larger sizes should get the same knit, not a cut-down version
A waistband that stays flat when you sit A rolling waistband means the wrong size or a weak knit
Honest claims "Slimming", "burns fat" or "drains toxins" are red flags
A pressure in mmHg, if you want to control swelling Only measured compression is proven for swelling. Ours does not state one
A clear return policy You may need to change size

I have cellulite on my stomach or arms. Which product?

Where it shows Product Why
Thighs and glutes 3D Anti-Cellulite Leggings or 3D Pocket Leggings Raised lines where cellulite shows most
Thighs, in summer or under a dress 3D Shorts Same knit, cut to mid-thigh
Stomach, sides and back 3D Sculpting T-Shirt Knitted bands that hold the middle
Upper arms 3D Sculpting Arm Sleeves Hold from shoulder to elbow

For arms, strength work for the triceps and shoulders is what firms the area over time. The sleeves smooth the look under a top while you wear them.

03

Heavy and swollen legs

Why do my legs feel heavy at the end of the day?

Most often because blood and fluid pool in the lower legs when you stay still for hours, standing or sitting.

Cause Why it makes legs heavy
Standing or sitting for hours The calf muscle, which pumps blood back up, barely works
Crossing your legs for long periods It can slow blood flow back up from the lower legs
Heat and humidity Veins widen and fluid leaks more easily into the tissue
Hormones (the days before your period, pregnancy, menopause, the pill) Some hormones relax vein walls and favor water retention
Salty food and alcohol Salt makes the body hold on to water, and alcohol widens the veins
Vein problems Weak valves let blood flow back down

We go through each cause and what helps in Why do my legs feel heavy?.

Is it normal to have heavy legs at 30, or before my period? Is it lack of water?

Yes, it is common at any age, and especially in the days before your period, when hormones favor water retention.

Not drinking enough is rarely the cause: staying still, heat and salt play a much bigger part. Heaviness that is new, gets worse or comes with swelling in one leg should be checked by a doctor (see the table below).

What do your leggings do for heavy legs?

Many customers tell us their legs feel lighter in the evening when they wear them.

Our leggings are not medical compression and do not state a pressure in mmHg. If your ankles and calves swell a lot, see a doctor first: the cause needs checking, and graduated compression stockings (15 to 20 mmHg) are often what they suggest.

Do micro-massage leggings help with heavy legs or water retention?

They can make legs feel lighter while you wear them.

They do not move fluid out of the legs. For visible swelling and water retention, the proven tool is graduated compression with a stated pressure in mmHg, worn during the day, along with movement and legs up in the evening.

What is the difference between your leggings and compression stockings? Can one replace the other?

No, they do different jobs.

Leonie & Co 3D leggings Medical compression stockings
Pressure Gentle, not measured Measured in mmHg, decreasing from ankle to thigh
Who decides You Often your doctor, sometimes on prescription
Made for Smoother look, comfort, lighter-feeling legs Swelling, varicose veins, lymphedema, after surgery
Fitting Size chart (waist, hips) Measured at the ankle, calf and thigh
Can replace the other No No

If you only have mild heaviness in the evening and no vein condition, many people find light everyday leggings more comfortable. If your legs swell, or a doctor prescribed stockings, keep the stockings.

I'm on my feet or at a desk all day. What helps?

The same routine works for nurses on 12-hour shifts, retail workers, teachers and office workers.

When What to do
Morning If you wear graduated compression, put it on before your legs swell
Every hour Two minutes of calf raises, or a short walk
At your desk Feet flat, legs uncrossed, a footrest if your feet do not reach the floor
Lunch Water, and go easy on salt
Evening Legs up above your heart for 15 minutes, then a cool rinse

Our leggings are made to be worn all day, and the high waist stays put when you bend, lift or kneel. If your legs swell a lot by the end of a shift, graduated compression stockings work better on swelling. Some people wear stockings at work and our leggings on other days.

Can I wear them under work trousers or at the office?

Yes.

The knit is thin enough to wear under trousers or jeans, and it is matte and opaque, so it does not look medical. Worn on their own with a long top, the black and dark gray leggings can replace trousers where your dress code allows it.

What should I wear on a long flight, train or car trip?

Get up and walk every hour or two, flex your ankles while seated and drink water.

On long-haul flights, graduated travel socks are the usual advice. If you have had a blood clot, are pregnant, have recently had surgery or take hormones, ask your doctor before you travel. Our leggings are comfortable for travel, but they do not replace medical travel socks.

My legs swell in hot weather. Is that normal?

Mild swelling in both ankles on hot days, gone by the next morning, is common.

Heat widens the veins. Keep moving, raise your legs in the evening, rinse them with cool water and limit salt. Swelling in one leg only, or swelling still there in the morning, should be checked by a doctor.

Can I wear them during pregnancy or after giving birth?

Period Our advice
During pregnancy Ask your midwife or doctor first. Swelling in pregnancy is common, but some swelling needs a check (see below)
First weeks after birth Wait until your midwife or doctor says it is fine, especially after a C-section
After that Many customers wear them to feel held and supported as they get back to their routine

Do legs feel heavier at menopause?

They can.

Falling estrogen affects water balance and vein tone, and many women notice more bloating and heavier legs. Moving every day, limiting salt and keeping a stable weight help. Read Menopause belly for what changes and what helps.

I have spider veins or varicose veins. Can I wear them?

Spider veins, the small red or blue lines under the skin, are mostly a cosmetic issue: you can wear our leggings.

Varicose veins, which bulge and twist, or legs that ache and swell, need a doctor's opinion. Graduated compression stockings are often part of the care, and our leggings do not replace them.

Can I wear them if I have lipedema or lymphedema?

They are not a treatment for either condition.

Lymphedema is managed with fitted medical compression and therapy. For lipedema, compression is part of many care plans, and the right garment is the one your doctor or therapist chooses with you. Some women with lipedema wear our leggings for comfort on top of their care, but they do not replace a prescribed garment. More in Compression leggings for lipedema.

Can a legging do lymphatic drainage?

No.

Lymphatic drainage is a hands-on technique done by a trained therapist. A legging cannot perform it, and it cannot "drain" fat, toxins or cellulite. We explain what a legging can and cannot do in Lymphatic drainage leggings.

Do compression leggings help recovery after running, skiing or a workout?

A little, at most.

Studies on sports compression garments show a small effect on how sore and tired muscles feel in the days after exercise. Our leggings are made for everyday wear, not as recovery garments with a measured pressure. They are comfortable after a run or a day on the slopes, but rest, legs up and gentle movement do more.

When should heavy or swollen legs be seen by a doctor?

What you notice What to do
One leg swollen, painful, red or warm See a doctor the same day: it can be a blood clot
Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood, with or without leg swelling Call 911
Sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet in pregnancy or in the 6 weeks after birth, especially with headache, blurred vision or pain under the ribs Call your midwife or doctor right away. If the signs are severe or you cannot reach them, call 911
A cold, pale or bluish foot, or leg pain at rest See a doctor the same day
Red, hot skin that spreads, with fever See a doctor the same day
Swelling that came on suddenly See a doctor the same day
Swelling still there in the morning, or getting worse Book a doctor's appointment
Calf pain when walking that stops when you rest Book a doctor's appointment, and do not wear compression until you have been checked
Swelling that started with a new medicine Ask your doctor or pharmacist, and do not stop the medicine yourself
Skin turning brown or darker around the ankles, or a sore that does not heal Book a doctor's appointment

Who should not wear compression leggings?

Ask a doctor first if you have arterial disease in the legs, diabetes with numb feet, heart failure, a past blood clot, open wounds or a skin infection on the legs, or if you are pregnant.

Take any compression garment off if you feel tingling, numbness, pain or skin color change.

04

Choosing your product

Which Leonie & Co product is right for me?

Your goal Best choice Sizes
Smoother-looking thighs and glutes, every day 3D Anti-Cellulite Leggings S to 5XL
Same, with a phone pocket for walks and the gym 3D Pocket Leggings S to 5XL
Warm days, under a dress or skirt, no thigh rub 3D Shorts S to 2XL (hips up to 42 in / 107 cm)
A held, smoother-looking stomach and back 3D Sculpting T-Shirt S to 3XL
Smoother-looking upper arms 3D Sculpting Arm Sleeves One size
The whole range in one order 3D Complete Set A size per piece

What is the difference between the original leggings and the pocket leggings?

The knit, the raised lines and the high waist are the same.

The pocket leggings add a side pocket that fits a phone and lies flat against the thigh. Both go from S to 5XL.

Do the 3D shorts stop thigh chafing? Can I wear them under a dress?

Yes to both.

The fabric sits between your thighs, so skin does not rub on skin, and the hem stays in place. They are made to be worn under a dress or a skirt, invisible from the outside. They come in sizes S to 2XL.

Does the 3D T-shirt flatten the stomach?

It holds the stomach, sides and back and smooths their look under your clothes while you wear it.

It does not reduce belly fat. It is an everyday shaping top, not a sports compression shirt and not a medical garment.

Are the arm sleeves medical compression sleeves?

No.

They are shaping sleeves with gentle compression, from just below the shoulder to just above the elbow, made to smooth the look of the upper arms under a top. If you have arm swelling or lymphedema, ask your doctor which medical sleeve you need.

What is in the 3D Complete Set?

Our 3D leggings, 3D shorts and 3D sculpting T-shirt, with a size for each piece, plus our 3D arm sleeves as a free gift.

The set costs less than the pieces bought one by one.

Which activities can I wear the leggings for?

One pair works for everyday wear and for most workouts.

Activity Our advice
Pilates, yoga, stretching Yes. They stay opaque in deep bends and squats
Gym, spin, cross-training Yes. The high waist stays put when you squat and lift
Walking, Nordic walking, hiking Yes, for day hikes. Choose the pocket leggings to carry your phone
Hot yoga Possible, but full-length leggings stay warm. The shorts are cooler
Long runs and intense training A technical running tight may suit you better
Office, school run, errands Yes, they are made to be worn all day

Can I wear them in hot or humid weather? And in winter?

Yes, with a few adjustments.

Season Our advice
Hot or humid days The knit is breathable, but full-length leggings stay warm. The 3D shorts are the cooler option
Heat waves with swollen legs Legs up in the evening, cool water on the legs, less salt. See the table on swelling if it does not go down overnight
Winter The leggings are not lined. Wear them under trousers or a dress, or with an extra layer outdoors

Do you make plus size compression leggings?

Yes.

The leggings and pocket leggings go up to 5XL (hips up to 61 in / 154 cm) and the T-shirt to 3XL. The shorts run smaller: up to 2XL, for hips up to 42 in / 107 cm. The original leggings in 3XL to 5XL come in Black, Dark Gray and Teal. The hold is softer at the waist than on the thighs, so the waistband does not dig in. Read Plus size compression leggings for fit tips.

Are they easier to put on than compression stockings?

Yes.

They go on like ordinary leggings: no foot, no zip, and a gentler hold. Medical stockings are tighter at the ankle by design, and some people need a donning aid. If your doctor prescribed stockings, the leggings do not replace them: ask a pharmacist about donning aids that make stockings easier to put on.

05

Sizes and fit

How do I measure myself?

Measurement How
Waist Around your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso
Hips Around the fullest part of your hips and glutes, feet together
Bust (T-shirt) Around the fullest part of your chest, tape level under the arms

Measure on your body, not on your clothes, with the tape level and snug but not tight.

Size chart: 3D leggings and pocket leggings

Size US size Waist (in)Waist (cm) Hips (in)Hips (cm)
S 4-6 24-2761-69 34-3786-94
M 8-10 28-3271-80 38-4297-106
L 12-14 33-3584-89 43-45109-115
XL 16 36-4090-103 46-48116-124
2XL 18-20 41-43104-110 49-51125-130
3XL 22-24 45-47114-120 54-56136-142
4XL 26-28 47-50120-126 56-58142-148
5XL 30-32 50-52126-132 58-61148-154

If your measurements fall between two ranges, take the larger size.

Size chart: 3D shorts

The shorts have their own chart.

Do not use the leggings chart.

Size Waist (in)Waist (cm) Hips (in)Hips (cm)
S 26-2866-71 32-3481-86
M 28-3071-76 34-3686-91
L 30-3276-81 36-3891-97
XL 32-3481-86 38-4097-102
2XL 34-3686-91 40-42102-107

Size chart: 3D sculpting T-shirt

Go by your bust: it decides how the tee sits on your chest and shoulders.

Size US size Bust (in)Bust (cm) Waist (in)Waist (cm)
S 0-4 31-3378-83 26-2865-71
M 6-8 33-3583-89 28-3071-77
L 10-12 35-3789-95 30-3377-83
XL 14 37-4095-102 33-3583-88
2XL 16-18 40-43102-108 35-3788-94
3XL 20 43-45108-115 37-3994-100

What size are the arm sleeves?

One size, sold as a pair.

Measured flat and unstretched, a sleeve is 3.5 in (9 cm) wide at the top, 3.1 in (8 cm) at the bottom and 7.3 in (18.5 cm) long. The four-way stretch knit fits from a slim arm to a fuller one.

I am between two sizes. Which one should I take?

Take the larger one.

Compression that is too tight is less comfortable, rolls more easily at the waist and wears out faster. If the size is wrong when your order arrives, you can exchange it (see Returns and exchanges).

Will the waistband roll down?

Not in the right size.

The high waist is knitted to stay flat when you sit and bend. If it rolls, the size is usually too small: go up one size.

They feel tight the first time. Is that normal?

A firm, even hold is normal.

Put them on sitting down, gather each leg like a stocking and roll it up from the ankle, then adjust the waist last. Tingling, numbness, pain or deep marks are not normal: take them off and switch to a larger size.

06

Care

How do I wash them without flattening the 3D lines?

Do Do not
Machine wash at 30°C (86°F) Fabric softener: it flattens the relief
Turn them inside out Tumble dryer
Wash with similar colors Iron on the 3D lines
Air dry, flat or hung Bleach

Arm sleeves: dry flat. Empty the pocket of the pocket leggings before washing.

Will the 3D relief wear off? When should I replace them?

The relief is knitted into the fabric, so it does not crack or peel like a print.

What flattens it is fabric softener, the dryer and high heat. Replace a pair when the waistband no longer stays up or the knit no longer holds as it did at first.

07

Orders, delivery and returns

Where are your products made and shipped from?

Step Where and how
Design Leonie & Co, founded in 2025
Knitting Partner workshops in China that our team has worked with for more than 7 years
Quality check Done before every shipment
Storage and shipping Our warehouse in Hong Kong

More about how we work on our About page.

How long does delivery take?

Step Time
Order preparation Within 48 hours
Carrier UPS, with a tracking number sent by email
Delivery in the US 5 to 7 days on average

Busy periods such as holidays and sales can add a few days.

How do I track my order?

As soon as your parcel leaves, we email you a tracking number.

You can follow it from the link in that email or on our order tracking page. If your parcel stops moving, or shows as delivered but never arrived, email us your order number and we will open a claim with the carrier.

How much is shipping?

Shipping is free over $55 in the US.

Below that amount, the shipping cost is shown at checkout before you pay.

Will I pay customs duties?

No.

Our US prices include import duties: there is nothing to pay on delivery.

Can I return or exchange an item?

Question Answer
How long do I have? 30 days from delivery
In what condition? Unworn, in the original packaging
How do I start? Email us your order number at contact@leonieandco.com. We send you the form and the return address
Who pays for the return? Returns and size exchanges are free, except for items bought on promotion
When am I refunded? Once we receive and check the item, on your original payment method

Can I cancel my order?

Yes, within 6 hours of placing it.

Email contact@leonieandco.com with your order number. Once the order has been prepared and has a tracking number, it can no longer be cancelled, but you can return it when it arrives.

Which payment methods do you accept?

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, PayPal, Venmo, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Amazon Pay, charged in your local currency.

The options available in your country are shown at checkout.

How do I contact customer service?

Contact Details
Email contact@leonieandco.com
Reply time Usually within 24 hours
Days 7 days a week, in every language
Hours (French time) Monday to Saturday 8 am to 7 pm, Sunday 8 am to noon

Is Leonie & Co a reliable brand?

Here is what you can check yourself.

We are a brand founded in 2025 that sells online in 25 languages. Our products are knitted in partner workshops in China and shipped from our warehouse in Hong Kong, as explained on our About page. On Trustpilot, you can read 2,957 customer reviews (as of October 6, 2026), the negative ones included. Most negative reviews are about delivery times, and that is what we are working on first.