The best black leggings are one of the wardrobe staples that no one should miss. After all, in a drawer full of lingerie and activewear options, a trusty black pair is usually the first thing you look for. The right leggings are the perfect middle ground between loungewear and workwear. Let them form the basis for any outfit imaginable: from a perfect white T-shirt, an oversized blazer and heels for a classic office look, to a see-through blouse and heels for a night out.
In a sea of options, choosing the best black leggings is really the first step. With the loungewear trend taking off on the luxury and high-street high streets, a sheer glut of choice can result in an overwhelming search. A classic pair in high-quality stretch jersey is a must, but don’t forget fabrics like ribbed cotton, knitted matte viscose and even leather styles. Whatever style you have in mind – from stirrups and yoga pants to the best maternity styles on the market – let us know Vogues A selection of the best black leggings will lead you to the perfect pair.
Our top picks
Most stylish: Totem
- Why we love it: Stockholm-based Toteme is known for its quiet luxury solutions for comfortable workwear. Toteme’s black leggings are a constant favorite in the wardrobes of models, influencers and more. They have a high waist and an elastic fit that can be worn day or night.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Viscose, polyamide, elastane
Best for Everyday: Lululemon
- Why we love it: Lululemon’s Align super high-rise pants are a customer favorite for good reason. They are so weightless and buttery soft that they feel like a second skin. With this classic black pair you are always in the right place for training and weekend errands.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Nylon, elastane
- Why we love it: Thanks to a strategically placed zipper, The Frankie Shop’s tight-knit stretch jersey leggings are versatile in their appeal and can be worn slim or as flared pants when open. Wear it in combination with sneakers for errands on the weekend or kitten heels for a night out.
- Silhouette: Straight legs and flared
- Dust: Polyester, spandex
Most affordable: Zara
- Why we love it: The best black leggings don’t have to cost a fortune. This body-shaping pair from Zara costs less than $40 and still features plenty of designer details, like a fitted elastic waistband and a hidden zipper.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Viscose, polyamide, elastane
- Why we love it: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen of The Row have mastered the art of the elevated foundation. The Row’s best-selling range of leggings, including the Woolworth Stretch Ponte Leggings, are worth the investment.
- Silhouette: Slim pipes
- Dust: Polyamide, elastane
- Why we love it: Refining the best basics is the DNA of Garderobe.NYC. The black leggings with underwire pants are just as versatile for daytime, with a button-down and ballerinas, as they are for evening, when they can be effortlessly dressed up with a party top and heels.
- Silhouette: Stirrup
- Dust: Viscose, polyamide, elastane
Best leather: SPRWMN
- Why we love it: SPRWMN’s unique French plongé leather makes them the best in their category. The ankle-length leggings feel like a second skin, with breathable fabric technology that keeps you feeling cool in the warmer months and retains body heat in the colder months.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Learn
- Why we love it: It’s no secret that Alo Yoga has the ultimate activewear selection, but these long leggings are the perfect balance between workout and loungewear. The shaping Airlift material holds you in place without restricting freedom of movement and can be combined with sneakers and slippers.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Nylon, spandex
Best flare: Spanx
- Why we love it: In our opinion, the flare pants from Spanx are the most flattering. Strategically placed, curved seams hug and accentuate the figure, while a high waistband keeps everything in place. The best part? Wear this post-workout to weekend brunch with an oversized knit and ballet flats for a model-off-duty look that doesn’t scream, “I just got out of the gym.”
- Silhouette: Flared
- Dust: Nylon, elastane
Best for Travel: Wolford
- Why we love it: Wolford’s impeccable mastery of quality hosiery also translates into ready-to-wear clothing. These black high-waisted leggings are an essential travel accessory that you can wear on the plane and can dress up or down once you reach your destination.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Polyamide, elastane
Best for Lounging: Foams
- Why we love it: These Skims leggings are ribbed and extremely comfortable, for a weekend on the couch or during an après-ski by the fire. The soft thermal fabric is mainly made of cotton, so they are still extremely breathable even when they fit closely to the body.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Cotton, elastane
- Why we love it: Designed with expectant mothers in mind, Beyond Yoga leggings have a supportive and flexible high waist that hugs your belly without being uncomfortable. Moisture-wicking fabric helps you stay dry no matter what activity you undertake.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Polyester, spandex
Best Faux Leather: Command
- Why we love it: Whether your budget keeps you from splurging on real leather leggings, or you prefer to go the eco route with a vegan style, Commando’s faux leather leggings look just as good as the real thing. Thanks to the brand’s signature waistband, you can be sure they’ll be flattering too.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Viscose, elastane
- Why we love it: Girlfriend Collective’s best-selling leggings are made from 25 recycled water bottles, the most sustainable on our list. The ultra-high fit and firm compression ensure that when it comes to conscious shopping, functionality doesn’t have to be sacrificed.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Recycled polyester, spandex
- Why we love it: Slightly shorter yet ultra slim: these are not your everyday gym leggings. Crafted from the brand’s coveted Italian matte viscose knit, they offer a smooth, flattering fit that can be paired in true Khaite fashion with everything from lush cashmere knits to a billowy blouse.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Viscose, elastane, polyester
- Why we love it: The Sweaty Betty Power Leggings are designed for any type of workout. Made from a super stretchy fabric that is both sweat-wicking and quick-drying, these leggings also have a drawstring waist for a snug fit.
- Silhouette: Mounted
- Dust: Polyamide, elastane
