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Black leggings are one of the must-have items in your wardrobe. After all, in a drawer full of lingerie and activewear options, your first choice is usually a pair of trusty black jeans. However, the right black leggings provide the perfect middle ground between loungewear and workwear, and not just for sweaty workouts or long gym sessions.
Our top picks:
Most Stylish: Totem, $200
Best for Every Day: Lululemon, $98
Most affordable: Zara, $36
Best Yoga Pants: Alo Yoga, $108
Best for Fun: Skims, $56
Attractive stirrups: Norba, $155
Quiet Luxury Package: The Row, $690
With the athleisure trend rapidly growing across the luxury and high street sectors, we’re now seeing these skinny black trousers return to the catwalks. Lovers of simple luxury have relied on options from The Row and Totem for years, but the fashion-forward looks on the Fall/Winter 2024 runways proved that black leggings really don’t have to be reserved for casual occasions only. Wear it with a transparent dress like this one from Proenza Schouler for a night out, pair it with ladylike tailoring for a board meeting, as seen at Versace, or even pair it with an oversized tweed jacket for a street-ready look, like this one from Tibi.
With so many options to choose from, choosing the best black leggings is really the first step; sometimes the plethora of options can make for an overwhelming search, but we’ve got you covered. Classic, high-quality, stretchy jersey is a must-have, but don’t overlook fabrics like ribbed cotton, knitted matte viscose or even leather styles to give you relief in the months to come. No matter what style you’re looking for, from stirrups and yoga pants to the best maternity styles on the market, Askum’s selection of the best black leggings will help you find your perfect match.
Most Stylish: Tutmu
Why we love it: Stockholm-based Totem is known for quietly great solutions to comfortable workwear. Totem’s black leggings feature a high-rise stretchy fit that’s perfect for day or night and have long been a favorite in the wardrobes of models, influencers, editors, and more.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Viscose, Polyamide, Elastane
Best for Everyday Use: Lululemon
Why we love it: Lululemon’s Align is 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 this pair of classic black shoes for working out or running errands on the weekend.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Nylon, Lycra® Elastane
Best Zippers: The Frankie Shop
Why we love it: Frankie Shop’s skinny-knit stretch-jersey leggings feature strategically placed zippers for a versatile fit that can be worn unzipped as a slim fit or flared. Wear it with sneakers for a weekend outing or low-heeled shoes for a night out.
Silhouette: Straight leg and spread out
Fabric: Polyester Fiber, Spandex
Most Affordable: Zara
Why we love it: The best black leggings don’t have to cost a fortune. This shapewear from Zara costs under $50 but still has plenty of designer details, like a form-fitting elastic waistband and body-shaping features.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Polyamide, Elastane
Best Luxury Hotel: The Row
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 Woolworths Stretch Double Rib Leggings, are worth the investment.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Polyamide, Elastane
Best Stirrups: Norba
Why we love it: Combining activewear with fashion is the main founding principle of Ukrainian brand Norba. Made from the softest knit fabric, its black stirrup pants easily pair with a blazer and pumps for a night out or an early morning barre class.
Silhouette: Stirrup
Fabric: Polyamide, Elastane
Best Leather: SPRWMN
Why we love it: Spruance’s unique French plange leather makes these the best in their class. These ankle-length leggings feel like a second skin and feature breathable fabric technology to keep you cool in the warmer months and maintain body temperature in the colder months.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Leather
Best Yoga Pants: Alo Yoga
Why we love it: It’s no secret that Alo Yoga has a great activewear line, but these full-length leggings strike the perfect balance between workout and loungewear. The sculpting airbrushed material keeps you comfortable without restricting movement, and pairs equally well with simple white sneakers and house slippers.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Nylon, Spandex
Best Flared Jeans: Spanx
Why we love it: Strategically placed curved seams hug and flatter your figure, while a high waistband keeps everything in place. The best part? Perfect for post-workout or weekend brunch, Spanx’s flared pants are perfect paired with oversized knitwear and ballet flats for a model-casual look that doesn’t scream “I just got back from the gym.”
Outline: Trumpet
Fabric: Nylon, Spandex
Best to Visit: Walford
Why we love it: Wolford’s impeccable value in quality socks extends to its ready-to-wear clothing. These high-waisted black leggings are a travel essential that can be worn on the plane and dressed up or down once you arrive at your destination.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Nylon, Polyamide, Elastane
Best for: Skimming
Why we like it: These Skims leggings are ribbed and comfortable enough for lounging on the couch during the weekend or relaxing near the fire après ski. The soft thermal garments are made mostly of cotton, so even though they fit tightly against the body, they’re still very breathable.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Cotton, Elastane
Best Maternity Wear: Jumpsuit
Why we love it: Designed specifically for moms-to-be, Bumpsuit’s leggings are supportive and flexible, with a high-waisted design that holds your belly in without causing discomfort, thanks to the softest fabric that won’t pinch you as you grow. Even Kylie Jenner is a fan of these.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Polyester Fiber, Spandex
Best Faux Leather: Commando
Why we love it: Whether your budget prevents you from spending money on a pair of leather leggings, or you want to go the eco route with a vegan style, 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 attractive, too.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Viscose, Elastane
Best Sustainably Made: Girlfriend Collective
Why we love it: Girlfriend Collective’s best-selling leggings are made from 25 recycled water bottles, making them the most sustainable product on our list. The ultra-high-rise cut and heavy-duty compression ensure that when shopping consciously, there’s no need to sacrifice functionality.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Recycled polyester fiber, spandex
Best Matte: Veronica Beard
Why we love it: These aren’t your everyday workout leggings. Veronica Beard’s dive shoes are made from flexible nylon for high performance. The smooth, slim fit pairs well with everything—from shirts and blazers to cozy cashmere knits.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Nylon, Spandex
Optimal High Impact: Taiyoshi
Why we like it: The Nike Pro Sculpt Tights are designed for movement. The stretch Dri-Fit fabric is made with sweat-wicking, quick-drying technology to ensure you stay cool during any activity, from burpees to cardio kickboxing.
Silhouette: Fit
Fabric: Nylon, Spandex
