I’ve always associated leggings with workouts, lounging and off-duty activities. But, after a two-week testing period, this pant category has become my favorite piece to wear — no matter the occasion.
In general, leggings are associated with comfort, athleisure and versatility. They are skin-tight, ultra-flexible and easy to match with most casual pieces. Yes, they can also be elevated with the right accessories and tops. Unlike denim and slacks, leggings offer the flexibility to perform strenuous movements and a style respite whenever you want to look chic yet relaxed.
With so many options in the market, I combined my expertise in style with the knowledge of industry connoisseurs to find the best black leggings. Whether you’re training for a marathon, getting down on a yoga mat or running errands, there is a right pair for each activity — including a date night. Read below to discover the winners, styling tips and expert advice on all things leggings and elasticity.
Best for leisure activities$19.99$39.99
Best for running$undefined$99.00
Features to look for in black leggings
Leggings come in different lengths, shapes and materials. Angelica Melendez, the chief product officer at Felina, says there are three main features to look for in leggings: fabric, fit and compression level.
- Fabric: The material you choose depends on the activity for which the legging will be used. “Leggings, like pants, come in a variety of materials and can either feel like you are wearing almost nothing or like a nice hug. It depends on your preference,” says Melendez. Deanne Buck, the president of Branwyn, tells us, “Most leggings will also have a mixture of nylon and elastane for durability and recovery.”
- Fit: “Look for different waistband widths and constructions, but also the shape of the back yoke,” says Melendez. (The yoke is the supportive panel within the waistband.) “Leggings often offer a skin-tight fit from waist to ankle, providing compression and muscle support,” shares director of training at GORUCK, Nichele Cihlar.
- Compression level: The type of compression will depend on your activity level. “A higher level of compression is sometimes required for higher impact activities such as running, HIIT or any form of cardio,” shares Melendez.
Some leggings have tummy control features for a shaped contour. According to the global brand president of Halara, Jessica Thompson, a contour-sculpting material enhances your shape in all the right places while providing a sleek, soft and breathable fabric.
Also, there are other important features to look for that are less visible, such as “the gusset, whether there is a gusset, and the measurements around the rise and width (the overall distance from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the crotch seam),” says Buck. “This can determine whether there is a grin in the crotch area or if it’s smooth.”
Below are six winners I [Espinal] tested. I found they encompass the fit, compression level and fabric for different daily activities.
Best overall black leggings
Average fabric score: 5/5 | Average fit score: 5/5 | Average compression score: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.6/5
The Baleaf leggings are one of my favorites for their numerous features. They have two wide side pockets, and one of them features an extra hidden interior pocket. The pockets are big enough to fit a cell phone and card wallet. However, the leggings are very long, which leaves a ruched design by the ankle area.
I went outside on a 5-mile run and felt comfortable throughout the workout while wearing these. My favorite part is the adjustable waistband which stays in place without rolling down. Since they’re water resistant, the moisture-wicking properties worked well. Nonetheless, I don’t think they’re thick enough for cold winter days.
While this is my favorite pair for exercise, they lack in the style department since the seams are pretty noticeable. They have the usual high-waisted design with a body-slimming silhouette. Another positive thing I could note is the elasticity component, as you don’t need to struggle to pull them up.
More black leggings, tested by the author
Best for leisure activities:
Average fabric score: 4/5 | Average fit score: 5/5 | Average compression score: 3/5 | Overall score: 4/5
These leggings from Old Navy have two wide, stretchy pockets on each side that allow you to place a phone while moving or running with ease.
The band stayed in place while I ran for 2.5 miles, and the fabric didn’t feel tight while doing ab workouts. The waistband has a great hold without pinching. While it has light compression, the fabric felt supportive throughout my entire exercise routine. They’re easy to pull up, they have a sweat-wicking property and kept me dry on a moist and humid day while it was raining.
Best for the gym:
Average fabric score: 4.5/5 | Average fit score: 5/5 | Average compression score: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.5/5
These leggings have great elasticity and support; the band doesn’t roll down due to the ribbed construction. However, this is a pair I wouldn’t keep on for long periods, as the wide band can make marks on your skin. It hugs my curves to perfection and I felt comfortable running in them without worrying about them sliding down.
While they have no pockets, this is a pair I would choose for strength training or running. They are moisture-wicking and kept me dry after a 2-mile run.
The material feels smooth and adds a beautiful form to your bum. Because they’re seamless, you might want to be mindful of the type of underwear you wear, as the crotch area can be pronounced (but not much). They will shape your physique as they promise and offer a breathable experience during a sweat.
Best for running:
Average fabric score: 5/5 | Average fit score: 5/5 | Average compression score: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.6/5
The Beyond Yoga leggings are very easy to don and style. While they feature a more washed-out fabric, the leggings perform very well. Melendes says, “An opaque, brushed comfort material or silky-sleek fabric are the top choices for women. The brushed quality is more casual and better for travel.”
I wish I had chosen a pair with pockets since this is one of my favorites. The band is wide and hugs my figure without feeling constricting. These have a seam at the hips which helps the band stay in place.
I would say they have a medium compression level, but adequate stretch to perform complicated exercises — all that without smashing my calves. They’re not see-through and though I wore panties with seams, the seams were not noticeable or marked over the fabric. They’re easy to remove and put on when going to the bathroom, thanks to the higher percentage of elastane which provides a four-way stretch. Also, they kept me dry during my strength training class.
Best for style:
Average fabric score: 5/5 | Average fit score: 5/5 | Average compression score: 3.5/5 | Overall score: 4.5/5
I went on a 6-mile run with these leggings and they performed very well. If you want to cover your belly completely, this is the one to choose. They have a super high-rise silhouette, and I loved the leg areas’ support. Since the band is so wide, it did roll down after a few movements.
However, the leggings stayed put without compressing my stomach during the rest of my workout. These are great for cardio and high-intensity exercises since the fabric has a quick-drying feature. I wished they were a bit more compressive so the band didn’t fall. But, they feel buttery soft and easy to move in overall.
I wore these for work with a button-down shirt (featured below) and they look sophisticated, thanks to the smooth material and shine.
Best for mild workouts:
Average fabric score: 4/5 | Average fit score: 5/5 | Average compression score: 3.5/5 | Overall score: 4.1/5
I tested the Alo Yoga leggings for a full 8-hour shift and a dance class. The material feels compressive and tight on the first try, but the band tends to roll down if you do complicated movements. The design has a sculpting silhouette and covers my belly completely. However, I did experience some discomfort while dancing, as the band rolled down a bit.
While some shoppers mentioned feeling the stomach area tightly, I thought the fabric was still very stretchy. I wish these had some pockets to hold my phone and keys. Overall, the leggings have a chic silhouette and feel buttery-soft thanks to the mix of polyester and elastane. I would recommend these for in-studio workouts such as Pilates, yoga and strength training. I felt the snug fit around my calves and thighs, rather than the belly area, which helped in keeping the leggings in place.
How to style black leggings
There are many ways you can style black leggings. Whether you use them for exercise or leisure, these elastic superheroes are versatile due to their seamless and opaque silhouette.
“A cool sneaker, a ballet flat, an impressive heel —any of these can turn a legging into your most reliable wardrobe essential,” says Melendez.
Here are four simple ways I wore my leggings and how I mixed and matched them.
Black leggings with white sneakers
You can style black leggings with a simple white button-down shirt and a pair of white sneakers for a laid-back, yet professional feel. I like to add crew socks for an added casual aesthetic and always opt for minimalist accessories. Personal stylist Samantha Dawn also shares the same sentiment and says, “I love pairing leggings with a button-down and sneakers to create a more elevated casual look.”
“Post-workout, throwing on a hip-length or little longer sweater or button-down shirt makes the perfect silhouette,” says Buck.
Black leggings with heels
For an elevated look, add a pair of chunky heels, a sweater, and a jacket. I chose a faux-leather vest that had been hidden in my closet since 2021 and completed the look with some gold jewelry. This outfit is easy to put together and will easily take you from work to happy hour.
Black leggings with flats
You can never go wrong with an all-black attire. But, to make it more professional, add a coat in another hue with a pair of flats. This look is simple and easy to style.
“The beauty of the right leggings is that they can shape-shift from dressy to casual depending on what you pair them with,” says Buck.
Black leggings with cowboy boots
With festival season on the horizon, I opted to have more fun with this look. I chose a pair of cowboy boots, a white T-shirt and a blazer for a professional-yet-fun aesthetic. You can also opt for knee-high boots or other length styles if you want more warmth.
Gianna Nucci, a Maryland-based fashion stylist, previously told Shop TODAY that she prefers wearing knee-high boots “with leggings, a faux leather or thick ponte knit fabric and a chunky sweater.”
How we tested the black leggings
In order to find the best black leggings, I [Espinal] tested 11 pairs from top brands with high ratings. During the testing period, which lasted two weeks, I measured each pair’s comfort level, fit, performance, material quality and elastane component. I wore the leggings for a period of 8 to 10 hours each to evaluate the waistband quality, the compression level, if the material had sweat-wicking properties, fit and how they looked after washing.
- Fit: My main observation was to see if the waistband was compressive enough around the tummy area, if it rolled down, and how easy was to pull it up from the calf area, especially for those who have wide calves. Additionally, I checked for inseams measurements, where the pockets were places and how the stitches could affect chafing.
- Fabric: I performed at least a 1-hour workout with each pair to measure their drying period, moisture-wicking properties, and how stretchy the material was. I gauge how long it took for each waistband to roll down or if it ever did while running during my training. Finally, I looked at every fabric’s thickness to analyze if it had any see-through features.
- Compression: The elastane component was my main observation when wearing these leggings and how well they could hold up for 8 hours without feeling constricted. Also, I looked at how well each pair sculpted the body, adjustability feature, and overall silhouette for everyday wear.
*Espinal’s height is 5’8” and she usually wears a size medium. The author considered size availability and measurements when choosing the leggings for the testing period.
Frequently asked questions
The best material will depend on the activity level and weather conditions. Experts recommend choosing a fabric that is moisture wicking and breathable. Also, opt for a material that is "not see-through and doesn’t slide down while you are moving [and] exercising," says Cihlar.
"If you are in the heat and humidity, you want something breathable and able to dry quickly. When doing workouts with a barbell, you want a material that will not pill," adds Cihlar.
But, if you live in a colder city opt for a pair of leggings that are made with merino wool and a seamless knit construction. "This gives leggings a sculpting feel and look," says Buck.
According to Cihlar, moisture-wicking fabrics use a process known as capillary action. "The fibers keep the sweat on the surface, acting like channels to transport the sweat to the outer layer of your leggings. Once there, the sweat evaporates in the air."
"Fabrics, such as nylon, are commonly used for moisture wicking because they have hydrophobic properties that repel water rather than absorb it," says Thompson.
According to the experts, it depends on the fit you're looking for. "If you prefer a snugger fit or more compression, sizing down is the way to go. It might take a little getting used to if you are not used to compression around the stomach area," says Buck.
"If the waistband rolls down that means the size is too small. You want them to feel snug, but not constricting," shares Dawn. However, you can opt for your size or a size up if you want a more relaxed fit.
Why trust Shop TODAY
We selected 11 black leggings based on expert insight, size availability, and inclusivity, including those with high ratings from shoppers. The author tested each pair of leggings individually for two weeks, measuring their fit, comfort level, compression, and fabric quality.
Espinal has an M.A. degree in fashion journalism, specializing in coverage related to materials, shopping trends and brand launches. She focuses on testing products that meet the standards and quality of the Shop TODAY audience.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Angelica Melendez is the chief product officer at Felina, a brand focused on women’s apparel, lingerie and sleepwear.
- Deanne Buck is the president of Branwyn, a brand that offers women’s activewear and performance innerwear.
- Jessica Thompson is the global brand president of Halara, a women’s brand offering laidback pieces for everyday wear.
- Nichele Cihlar is the director of training at GORUCK, a brand focused on building rucking gear and clothes.
- Samantha Dawn is a personal stylist and style coach.
- Gianna Nucci is a Maryland-based fashion stylist.
