Madewell MWL Knit High-Rise 25-Inch Leggings
Sizes: Standard (XS to XXL, Plus (1X to 4X) | Materials: 79% recycled polyester, 21% spandex | Inseam: 25 inches
It can be a challenge to find thick black leggings that are made with a more substantial material. Reviewers say that Madewell’s are thick but not suffocating. This pair is breathable and has built-in stretch for comfort; just know that these are made for low-impact workouts. The fabric has UPF 40+ sun protection so they’re also great for hikes or days outside. Options for plus and standard sizes are available, too.
What the reviews say: “I tested them out by running a long run in them and I was even more impressed because they didn’t ride up or down, they stayed in their place and I enjoyed my run without having to worry about them slipping down like a lot of my other work out leggings, these are winners for me. The fabric is great, they’re comfortable, and run true to size.” —Nordstrom
Best Amazon Black Leggings
Ultra Stretchy And Endless Color Options
Satina High Waisted Leggings
Sizes: One Size, One Size Plus | Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandex | Inseam: One Size (27 inches), One Size Plus (28 inches)
There’s no shortage of black leggings on Amazon and this Satina pair is one of the most popular. It features a high 3-inch waistband, four-way stretch and soft material made of a blend of polyester and spandex. Length options include full-length, capri, or full-length with pockets. Also great: You can choose from black or 22 other colors.
What the reviews say: “These are amazing! So soft, so easy to put on, they’re not tight or feel icky clingy to my size 16/18 butt or calves. I’m going to need more of these to hoard…what if they run out or stop making them?! Heaven forbid. Buy them. You’ll want them hugging your legs all day.” —Amazon
Best Black Gym Leggings
A High Waist Pant That Holds You In And Won’t Roll Down
Girlfriend Collective Black Compressive High-Rise Legging
Sizes: XXS to 6XL | Materials: 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET), 21% spandex | Inseam: 28.5, 23.75, 19.5 inches
Not all leggings are meant for the gym, but the Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise leggings are designed for any workout such as high-impact classes, running, yoga and more. If lifting weights is more your style, good news, these black leggings are also squat-proof. Sizes range from XXS to 6XL and you can choose from different inseam lengths. There’s also a matching racerback bra to complete your set.
What the reviews say: “Super comfy and completely opaque, great for anything from a HIIT class to lounging around. Fun color for a tonal neutral look.” —Girlfriend Collective
Softest Black Leggings
An Ankle Length Option That Smooths And Sculpts
Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airbrush Legging
Sizes: XXS to XL | Materials: 87% nylon, 13% elastane | Inseam: XXS, XS, S (24 inches), M, L, XL (24.5 inches)
Alo’s Airbrush leggings are known for their extreme softness. The medium compression fabric has a matte look and smooth, cotton-like feel. The blend of nylon and elastane with four-way stretch moves with you while still being breathable. For added comfort, Alo skipped the side seam on these leggings, making them great for workouts like training and yoga, or lounging around the house.
What the reviews say: “I love how soft and comfortable this pair of leggings are! They’re my new favorite now.” —Alo Yoga
Best Black Leggings For Everyday Wear
Casual, Breathable And Extremely Comfortable
Aerie OG High Waisted Legging
Sizes: XXS to XXL in Regular, Short and Long | Materials: 56% cotton, 37% polyester, 7% elastane | Inseam: Regular (27.5 inches), Short (25.5 inches), Long (29.5 inches)
Whether you’re running errands or grabbing coffee, Aerie Offline leggings keep you comfortable and polished. The medium-weight fabric ensures these don’t feel too thick or thin and you’ve got light support so they’re comfortable. I own these and love the soft and stretchy feel thanks to the blend of cotton, polyester and elastane. Aerie offers short and long sizes and you they’re well priced at $25.
What the reviews say: “I recently just got these because I was in desperate need of new leggings and I am in love…They are very soft and true to size and they are now one of my favorite pairs of pants. I had to order another pair.” —American Eagle
Best Black Leggings For Work
Holds Their Shape All Day With Structured Fabric
Vince Camuto Seamed Back Ponte Leggings
Sizes: XX-Small to XX-Large| Materials: 67% rayon, 28% nylon, 5% spandex | Inseam: 28.5 inches
While athletic leggings are comfortable, they may not always be the best option for work, which is where these Vince Camuto leggings come in. They’re made with a ponte fabric, which is thicker than most legging materials, and holds its shape well throughout the day so you don’t have to worry about them stretching out. The structured fabric also creates a dressy look and the thick waistband prevents this pair from rolling down.
What the reviews say: “These are the weight of a great athletic legging, but the style is more refined. The seam running up the back is a slimming vertical line and adds a little something extra.” —Nordstrom
Best Lululemon Black Leggings
Compressive And High-Waisted With A Soft-Touch Feel
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight
Sizes: 0 to 20 | Materials: 77% nylon, 23% Lycra elastane | Inseam: 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches
Lululemon has a ton of great options for leggings (see our full review here) but the Wunder Train tights have an ultra-fast drying fabric so you can wear them from the studio to street. They feel sleek and cool on the inside with brushed softness on the outside. And you won’t have to worry about these falling down thanks to the drawcord that keeps it in place. They come in a 31-inch length that can be harder to find along with 23-, 25- and 28-inch lengths.
What the reviews say: “My favorite tights for everything; strength training, yoga, lounging, I highly recommend. They fit true to size, fabric has compression but not so much that you feel like you can’t breathe and no pilling. You need these.” —Lululemon
Best Quality Black Leggings
Curve-Hugging Comfort That Gives A Boost
Spanx Booty Boost Active 7/8 Leggings
Sizes: XS to 3X | Materials: 68% nylon, 32% elastane | Inseam: 25 inches
Spanx is known for its high-quality shapewear, so it’s no surprise its leggings are just as good. These unique leggings are engineered to give your bottom a little lift and the sculpting fabric is sweat-wicking and breathable to keep you dry and cool. The hidden pocket in the waistband is big enough to fit a phone and Spanx eliminated the center seam so you don’t have to worry about bunching.
What the reviews say: “These are literally the best leggings I have ever owned. I love that they do not have a seam going up the crotch area. High waisted, thick material and I love how they are finished at the ankle area.” —Spanx
Best Tummy-Control Black Leggings
Tucking Compression In The Midsection
Colorfulkoala Women’s High Waisted Tummy Control Workout Leggings 7/8 Length
Sizes: XS to XL | Materials: 75% polyester, 25% spandex | Inseam: 25, 28 inches
If you prefer extra compression in the tummy area for high-intensity workouts or taking a brisk walk, these leggings have a seamless waistband for extra comfort and just enough tummy control to hold you in without feeling ultra restrictive. These are a bestseller on Amazon, with some reviewers saying they are a thicker Lululemon Align dupe at a fraction of the price. They come in 25- and 28-inch lengths, with 33 color and print options to choose from.
What the reviews say: “I am so in love with these. I got a Medium even though I normally wear a large and it is not see-through and the tummy control is amazing. I am so confident wearing it with cropped tops.” —Amazon
Why Trust Forbes
Here at Forbes Vetted we’ve spent hours researching, and browsing through dozens of black leggings—and have tried and tested many items ourselves. The author of this story, Jamie Ueda, has extensive experience testing apparel products such as leggings, running socks and more. She’s seasoned at analyzing apparel and textile products, having worked in material development and quality engineering at Nike. There, she was tasked with making sure materials met the highest standards, including those used in leggings. Ueda holds two degrees in apparel and textile design, and mechanical engineering.
How We Chose The Best Black Leggings
To find the best black leggings, we relied on prior knowledge of tested leggings and reliable brands. We read through hundreds of product reviews and assessed options from well-known and emerging brands. We ultimately chose the best black leggings from ones that we’ve owned (and worn extensively) that have held up over the years. We also opted for leggings that were highly rated and reviewed. Price point, sizes, inseam lengths and available colors were also taken into consideration.
What To Consider When Buying Black Leggings
Most leggings are versatile enough to wear for different activities but you’ll want to choose leggings for their primary intended use. Leggings that are made for lounging or everyday wear may not work for high-impact workouts, since they might slip a bit or absorb (and hold onto) sweat. On the other hand, leggings made for the gym may be too compressive and uncomfortable for work or just relaxing at home.
Most leggings are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon and spandex. Some leggings may also contain natural fibers like cotton. While there’s no one-size-fits-all material, leggings made out of synthetic materials that are moisture-wicking and quick-drying are best suited for sweaty workouts. Cotton is a soft material, but holds on to moisture so you’ll want to save these for low-key activities where you won’t sweat.
There’s no standard length for leggings, so be sure to look at the inseam length to make sure they are not too long or short. Those that are shorter may find that 7/8 or capri lengths work as full-length leggings. Taller individuals will want to check that full-length leggings are long enough. If you’re not sure what inseam length will work for you, take a measuring tape and measure from your crotch down the inside of your leg, which will tell you where the cuff of the legging will end on your leg.
