The Tamesis
Among the many options, choosing the best black leggings is really the first step. Sometimes, too many choices can lead to an overwhelming search, but we’re here to solve the problem. For starters, a classic stretch knit is a must-have, but don’t overlook fabrics like ribbed cotton, knitted matte viscose, or even leather to get you through the coming months. Quickly becoming a wardrobe staple, Capri leggings are another simple, day-to-night styling piece worth investing in, and we’ll also show you which truly active performance shoes made it into our final cut.
No matter what style you want, from ankle pants to stirrup pants, yoga pants and the best maternity styles on the market, get it. fashion magazine Our editor-approved list of the best black leggings will guide you to the perfect pair.
Most Stylish: Tutmu
- Why we love it: Stockholm-based Toteme is known for its simple, everyday wear solutions. Toteme’s best-selling high-waisted leggings feature a stretchy cut for day or night and have been a wardrobe favorite among models, influencers, editors and more.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Viscose, polyamide, elastane
Best for Everyday Use: Lululemon
- Why we love it: Lululemon Align leggings are a customer favorite, and for good reason. These are super high-waisted pants that are lightweight, buttery soft and feel like a second skin. You can’t go wrong with these classic black leggings for both workouts and weekend errands.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Nylon, Lycra® elastane
Best of Capri: A Skim
- Why we love it: Skims’ Capri leggings are an effortless day-to-night option with a high-rise waistband that provides all-over smoothing and shaping. Wear it with a tight tank top and heels for a night out, or with a simple oversized T-shirt and ballet flats for a weekend out.
- contour: straight legs
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
Best Sustainable Manufacturing: Park
- Why we love it: The Park is a new brand that specializes in high-end basics, like these stretch leggings, made from a strong jersey fabric that’s both moisture-wicking and lightweight, and they’re also eco-friendly. The micro-Tencel and recycled elastane blend is fully biodegradable.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: MicroTencel, recycled elastane
Best stirrups: Leset
- Why we love it: Blending loungewear with fashion is a core founding principle of Leset, and its black stirrup pants are crafted from the softest jersey. As Kendall Jenner has proven, they’re as easy to throw on with an evening jacket and pumps for a night in as they are with an oversized T-shirt for an early morning barre class.
- contour: Straight legs to stirrups
- Fabric: Viscose, polyamide, elastane
- Why we love it: The Row’s Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have mastered the art of elevated basics. The Row’s best-selling range of leggings, including the Woolworth Stretch Double Rib Leggings, are worth investing in.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
Most affordable: papaya
- Why we love it: The best black leggings don’t have to cost a fortune. Quince’s buttery-soft body-shaping style is under $50 but still has plenty of thoughtful details, like back pockets for storage and a slim waistband that won’t roll down. They are also available in 25″ and 28″ inseam lengths.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best Leather: SPRWMN
- Why we love it: Sprwmn’s unique French Plongé leather makes it the best in its class. These ankle-length leggings feel like a second skin and feature breathable fabric technology to keep you cool in warmer months and maintain body temperature in colder months.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: leather
- Why we love it: It’s no secret that Alo Yoga has the ultimate activewear collection, but these full-length leggings strike the perfect balance between workout and casual wear. The sculptural Airbrush material allows you to keep moving without restricting movement, and pairs equally well with white minimalist sneakers and house slippers.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Nylon, elastic fiber
Best Flared Jeans: Spanx
- Why we love it: Strategically placed curved seams hug and flatter your figure, while a high-rise waistband keeps everything in place. The best part? Perfect for post-workout or weekend brunch, Spanx’s flared leggings are paired with an oversized knit and ballet flats for a model-casual look that doesn’t scream “I just got back from the gym.”
- contour: trumpet
- Fabric: Nylon, elastic fiber
- Why we love it: These simple compression leggings have a matte design that ticks all the boxes. Combining the best of both brands, this visibly fitted Skims shapewear has essential shaping and smoothing properties perfect for lounging, while Nike’s Dri-Fit technology will keep you dry and cool during your workouts from Pilates to running. Additionally, you can choose from 26-inch or 29-inch inseam options.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Polyamide, Lycra® spandex
Best for travel: Walford
- Why we love it: Wolford’s impeccable savoir-faire in quality socks is also reflected in its ready-to-wear garments. These high-waisted black women’s scuba material leggings are a travel essential that can be worn on the plane and dressed up or down once you arrive at your destination.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
- Why we love it: Designed specifically for moms-to-be, Bumpsuit’s top-notch seamless leggings are supportive and flexible, with a high-waisted design that cradles your tummy without causing discomfort, thanks to the softest fabric that won’t irritate you as you grow. Even Kylie Jenner is a fan of these.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Polyester, spandex
Best Faux Leather: Commando
- Why we love it: Whether your budget is holding you back from investing in a pair of leather leggings, or you’d rather go the eco route with a vegan twist, Commando’s faux leather leggings look just as good as the real thing. And thanks to the brand’s signature control waistband, you know they’ll be flattering, too.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Viscose fiber, elastic fiber
Best for high impact: Nike
- Why we love it: The Nike Swift Tights are designed for movement. The stretch fabric is made with the brand’s signature sweat-wicking technology, designed to reduce chafing and ensure you stay comfortable during any workout.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Recycled polyester, spandex
Best for low impact: Vuori
- Why we love it: Vuori’s recycled fabrics are pure bliss. Kaia Gerber’s favorite brand, the soft, breathable material has plenty of stretch and just the right balance of innovation to keep you comfortable as you transition from sun salutation to warrior pose.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Recycled polyamide, elastane
- Why we love it: These are not your everyday workout leggings. Beyond Yoga’s super-soft Spacedye leggings are loved for their incredible feel and shape your legs in all the right places.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Polyester fiber, elastic fiber
Best Warmth: On
- Why we love it: Whether you love running outside no matter the temperature, or you’re looking for something to ward off the winter chill on your weekend errands, the brushed interior fabric of these running leggings from On is guaranteed to meet your long-distance needs and provide plenty of warmth on the go.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Recycled polyester fiber, elastane fiber
Best Lightweight: Splits59
- Why we love it: The simplicity of activewear has its benefits—the fit is great and the material is light-as-air. You’ll be amazed at the comfort this fabric offers, with a heavenly soft touch and barely there feel, while also featuring sweat-wicking technology and quick-drying capabilities.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Nylon, spandex
- Why we love it: Running a few miles in the morning has never felt (or looked) better. These full-length compression leggings are made from luxurious French fabrics you have to truly believe. Clever details like smart pocket placement and reflective waistband will always keep you on track.
- contour: Installed
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
