Whereas Miranda Priestly could also be rolling her eyes, there’s no denying that black leggings have turn out to be accepted as a trend staple. As demonstrated by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid, they’ll function the inspiration of an effortlessly stylish outfit, and also you greatest imagine they’re at all times a part of our journey wardrobe. We’ve additionally seen firsthand how investing in high quality leggings motivates us to exercise extra.
Because of the excessive demand, so many manufacturers are designing leggings at present, making it simple to get resolution paralysis. We’ve all heard the names lululemon and Alo, however it may be exhausting to decipher if they’re simply pure hype or really definitely worth the cash? As editors who like to lounge and exercise in type, we examined greater than 20 of the most well-liked leggings throughout physique sorts and rated them on match, consolation, efficiency, and total worth. Listed here are one of the best black leggings that make us by no means wish to put on denims once more.
Dimension Vary: 0-20 | Inseam: 23, 25, 28, 31 inches | Supplies: 81% Nylon, 19% Lycra elastane
Lululemon virtually made leggings the staple they’re at present, and whereas we perceive not everybody can or needs to spend $100 on a pair, we do suppose these are definitely worth the funding. Shannon Bauer, Byrdie’s affiliate editorial director, has owned a pair for 3 years, and so they look pretty much as good as new. She describes the Align’s brushed nylon cloth because the lightest leggings she’s tried, tremendous stretchy (she recommends sizing down), and physique hugging moderately than compressing.
Whereas some leggings are meant only for understanding and others for stress-free, the Aligns serve each functions. They preserve us cool throughout low-impact exercises—suppose yoga, pilates, walks, and lightweight runs—and cozy whereas watching a film on our sofa. We want the scale vary was extra inclusive, however we admire how this type is available in 4 completely different inseam lengths. If we may solely purchase and put on one pair of leggings, it will be these.
Shannon Bauer, affiliate editorial director: “I’ve purchased many cheaper ‘dupes’ and lululemon wins each time. The softness of the material, match, and longevity make the funding worthwhile.”
Dimension Vary: XXS-XL | Inseam: 26.5 inches | Supplies: 81% Polyamide, 19% Lycra
Amazon clients are satisfied these leggings are dupes for the lululemon Aligns. From our testing, we are saying they’re pretty akin to the Aritzia Butter Legging, although they don’t are available petite or tall sizing, which is our largest grievance. On our 5’3” tester, the leggings bunch on the ankles and are barely too excessive within the waist—reaching her ribcage whereas sitting down. This isn’t a deal breaker, and we nonetheless fortunately throw them on for informal events after we don’t care in regards to the aesthetics.
We’re impressed with how effectively the brushed nylon cloth retains us cool whereas strolling round in 70-degree climate. Similar to the Aritzia type, the design incorporates a butt-enhancing curved yoke within the again and a snug waistband. Although we want these have been supplied in additional inseam lengths, we agree they’re an ideal worth for a $30 Amazon legging, rivaling these kinds which might be twice or 3 times the value.
Emily Cieslak, affiliate commerce editor: “These leggings have a really comparable brushed nylon really feel to the Aritzia Butter, although the fabric is barely thicker and never fairly as gentle, which can imply they’re extra sturdy. I believe they’re nice for sporting when operating errands, touring, or chilling at house, and also you don’t wish to put your $100 leggings by means of the wear and tear and tear.”
Dimension Vary: XS-4X | Inseam: 23, 25, 28 inches | Supplies: 77% Polyester, 23% spandex
We’ve at hand it to Outdated Navy for at all times remembering to cater to all sizes and heights. This type goes as much as dimension 4X and is obtainable in each tall and petite inseams along with the common size. At 5’3”, Byrdie’s copy editor, Cher Checchio, was thrilled to seek out the petite size really hit her proper above the ankles moderately than bunching up. The mix of polyester and spandex feels clean and glossy, and with slight compression, the leggings elongate the legs. They’re an ideal alternative for the fitness center, due to the sweat-wicking, squat-proof cloth. But the aspect pockets are our favourite function since they’re really massive and powerful sufficient to hold a telephone, lip gloss, keys, and I.D.
Although these leggings come at half the value of others on this checklist, the standard continues to be spectacular and constructed to final. “I wore these leggings as my main ones for 2 years, and so they held up extraordinarily effectively,” says Cieslak. “By the top there was some piling round sure areas, however they served a very good run, and I wouldn’t thoughts buying them once more for the value.”
Cher Checchio, copy editor: “I believe these are an outstanding choice for petite frames in search of moisture-wicking, compression leggings for exercises. Additionally they do an exquisite job at making your butt look good.”
Dimension Vary: 00-16 | Inseam: 24.5, 26, 27.5 inches | Supplies: 80% Nylon, 20% elastane
In case your very best legging is created from brushed nylon, we suggest Aritzia Butter Leggings. Because the title suggests, the material is extraordinarily gentle and comfortable, but it additionally affords a pleasant quantity of sculpting and retains us feeling and looking out cool on our scorching lady walks. As additionally hinted within the title, the curved waistband helps to emphasise your bottom in a refined manner. We ordered the quick size and have been happy with how effectively they match our 5’3” body. They hit us on the excellent spot above our ankles and barely above our stomach button. Like most brushed nylon supplies, they appeal to lint and hair, however we haven’t observed any piling after sporting and washing, just some unfastened threads.
Emily Cieslak, affiliate commerce editor: “These leggings match a novel area of interest—they’re extra snug than true efficiency leggings but extra put collectively than true lounge leggings.”
Dimension Vary: XXS-XXL | Inseam: 30, 32, 34 inches | Supplies: 88% Nylon, 12% elastane
It’s secure to say these TikTok-viral leggings popularized the crossover waistband, so we needed to strive these out. After we first pulled them out of the bag, the fabric felt very skinny, however after placing them on, we realized that’s a part of the attract—they’re very breathable and supply a no-pant really feel. We additionally shortly understood the hype, because the crossover waistband and curved seams snatched our midsection whereas the flared leg performed up our hips and accentuated an hourglass form. We predict they’re particularly nice for individuals who wrestle with discovering pants that don’t hole on the waist, because the crossover waistband eliminates this downside. Contemplating these are available each quick and lengthy inseams and always go on sale, you may as effectively decide up a pair so as to add some aptitude to your leggings rotation.
Caitlyn Martyn, affiliate commerce editor: “I really like the high-waisted cross-over waistline that flatters my midsection. I’ve huge hips however a small body, so I wrestle to seek out pants that match my physique proper. This waistline type hugs me in all the fitting locations and reveals off my physique kind moderately than hides it.”
Dimension Vary: XXS-XXL | Inseam: 24.4 inches | Supplies: 88% Nylon, 12% elastane
These Gymshark leggings carry out precisely as we hope throughout exercises: they keep in place, do not experience up, do not weigh us down, preserve us cool, and do not present sweat. The thick waistband compresses and smooths the abdomen but nonetheless is snug. The remainder of the legging is skinny and light-weight and affords a cooling sensation on the pores and skin. It’s sturdy too, with no piling or unfastened threads post-wash. Should you don’t like entrance seams, Gymshark is thought for providing seamless leggings that don’t sag. This particular type solely is available in one size, and it matches our 5’10” tester proper on the ankle, so it is perhaps barely too lengthy on those that are petite.
Lauren Pardee, senior commerce editor: “I wore them all through my barre class and really forgot I used to be sporting them in any respect. They handed all of the train assessments and did not weigh me down, experience up, or present sweat.”
Dimension Vary: XS-XL | Inseam: 23.75 inches | Supplies: 88% Microfiber nylon, 12% spandex
Should you’re in search of a legging to sculpt your curves and offer you that additional enhance of confidence, these are it. They strike the elusive stability of being compressive but nonetheless snug and fulfilling to put on. Alyssa Kaplan, affiliate commerce editor, says they could be a bit stiff proper out of the field, however when you break them in, they hug the physique so effectively and don’t limit motion. Whereas they provide all-over shaping, the thick waistband particularly helps to clean the abdomen, and because of no entrance seam, you don’t have to fret about camel toe. The material is thick, opaque, and has held up effectively for years. Although they arrive in a single inseam, they match our 5’1” tester completely.
Alyssa Kaplan, affiliate commerce editor: “I really like the thick, compressive materials as a result of it hugs the physique properly and is extraordinarily sturdy.”
Dimension Vary: XXS-3X | Inseam: 25, 27, 30 inches | Supplies: 75% Nylon, 25% Lycra
Discovering leggings that truly are snug sufficient to lounge or journey in is tougher than it appears—many are too compressive or just not as cozy as sweats. So while you discover a pair that you could rot in for hours, you make investments, even when they’re on the pricier aspect. These leggings have that brushed, matte feeling much like lululemon, but they’re thicker than the Aligns, which makes them higher suited to leisurely actions or colder climate. Additionally they don’t decide up lint as simply because the Aligns, which is nice information for pet homeowners. Since they aren’t as compressive within the waist, they’ll roll down with extreme motion, which is a tradeoff for consolation.
After proudly owning them for 3 years, Bauer says they’re her go-to for film marathons, walks, and flights, particularly since they’ve a roomy pocket to go hands-free. And in spite of everything these years, they nonetheless look nice and stay squat-proof.
Shannon Bauer, affiliate editorial director: “I really like how snug these are. I attain for these on a regular basis for work at home or informal days the place I refuse to put on uncomfortable or inflexible pants. It is my go-to for rot days on the sofa, walks, and long-haul flights. The pockets are an ideal addition for journey the place you wish to preserve your telephone helpful.”
Dimension Vary: XXS-4X | Inseam: 24 inches | Supplies: 87% Polyester, 13% elastane
Because of the huge waistband, these leggings are an ideal choice for individuals who need extra assist within the abdomen space. Ally Hirschlag, affiliate editorial director, describes these because the Goldilocks of leggings—they don’t seem to be too compressive nor too light-weight, that means they are going to clean your midsection with out feeling like shapewear. In reality, the Spacedye cloth could also be one of many softest materials we’ve felt in leggings. Regardless of its thick texture, it nonetheless retains us cool and dry in heat climate and heated exercises. The material incorporates a marbled design, which camouflages any cellulite behind your thighs. Past black, they arrive in a spread of vibrant colours and as much as dimension 4X.
Ally Hirschlag, affiliate editorial director: “The fabric is among the many softest leggings materials I’ve skilled. It is so clean, substantial, but light-weight. I am as snug sporting them in 80-degree climate as I’m within the lifeless of winter.”
Dimension Vary: XS-2X | Inseam: 26.5 inches | Supplies: 85% Nylon, 15% spandex
What makes these leggings stand out is the lace-up design that takes inspiration from soccer pants (discuss a very good recreation day outfit). In addition to trying cute, this function helps you snatch your waist and stop the leggings from rolling down. We additionally love the type’s thick, ribbed materials, which provides some visible curiosity, smooths us out, and hides any panty traces. Byrdie senior commerce editor Dominique Hobdy is shocked at how effectively they match her 5’11” body (you could wish to dimension down) and the way effectively they preserve her cool throughout exercises. Should you’re bored of conventional black leggings and desire a type to modify it up, these are your greatest guess.
Dominique Hobdy, senior commerce editor: “I really like love love the fabric of those. They are a mix of nylon and spandex so that they’re tremendous stretchy and provides nice protection. The fabric can also be a bit thick so there isn’t any probability of underwear peeking by means of and no panty traces.”
Dimension Vary: XXS-L | Inseam: 24 inches | Supplies: 87% Polyester, 13% elastane
A favourite amongst celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Alo Yoga is thought for its minimalistic aesthetic and costly units. We remorse to tell your pockets that we do suppose the Alosoft leggings are definitely worth the hype. Providing medium-level compression, they are perfect for low-impact exercises the place you need one thing supportive however don’t want a really compressive pair. 4-way stretch lets you do all of the downward canine whereas staying dry. They do run a bit lengthy—our 5’4” tester says the ⅞ size hit her like a full—so preserve that in thoughts if you’re petite.
Ally Hirschlag, affiliate editorial director: “They take a second to type to your physique on first put on, however as soon as they do, they really feel like a second pores and skin. I really like that the waistband does not have a seam on the finish, so it feels prefer it simply melts away on the high.”
Dimension Vary: XS-XL | Inseam: 30, 32 inches | Supplies: 87% Nylon, 13% Lycra
Whereas some could argue that the whole level of leggings is to be form-fitting, there’s something about flare leggings that may’t be beat. You continue to get the booty-hugging match of your common legging, whereas the flared leg balances out your hips and creates an hourglass form. In relation to flare designs, Split59 does it greatest with its Raquel Cut up Him. The flare begins on the calf, so it’s not too huge that it appears like a pair of bell bottoms. The fabric is sweet and thick, sculpting our curves and resisting any put on or tear. We first ordered the 32-inch inseam, and it was too lengthy, so we propose ordering the 30 if you’re petite.
Emily Cieslak, affiliate commerce editor: “I really like a very good pair of flare leggings, and these are undoubtedly excessive up there. I personally like how the fabric is thicker than the Aerie flare leggings. Because of the fabric and silhouette, I can put on these out and about and really feel put collectively moderately than like I’m sporting loungewear.”
What to Search for in Black Leggings
- Materials: Leggings usually fall into two teams—a brushed, barely fuzzy nylon materials (suppose lulu Aligns, Aritzia Butter) or a efficiency materials that’s extra slick and glossy. “I want a brushed legging for my fitness center exercises, lounge, pilates/yoga type exercises, and so forth. The brushed materials lately are nice and will be gentle together with sturdy,” says Kathryn Mueller, a trend content material creator recognized for her YouTube movies reviewing leggings. “I lean in direction of efficiency leggings for actions like mountain climbing, operating—something the place there could also be extra alternative to break the leggings, and I desire a cloth that may maintain as much as friction or potential snags.” Search for phrases like four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, and make sure to examine the transparency of the fabric—by popping a squat—earlier than committing to a pair.
- Compression: Excessive compression leggings are usually geared in direction of excessive depth exercises to maintain all the things in place and supported, whereas low compression is greatest for lounging. Stylist Catherine Bibeau recommends gentle to medium compression for an on a regular basis type that’s smoothing however nonetheless snug.
- Seams: The seams on a legging will be simply ignored, but they’ll have a huge impact on how the type appears and feels. Most leggings now not function an outer seam to scale back pores and skin irritation, however there are some manufacturers which have dropped the front-seam altogether. Mueller personally avoids the front-seam, although says it comes down to non-public desire. “No entrance seam leggings typically give much less of the dreaded ‘camel toe’ since there isn’t any seam to drag up within the center,” says Mueller.
- Size: “Full-length leggings are nice for cooler climate and out of doors actions, whereas ⅞ and cropped leggings are higher for hotter circumstances or high-intensity exercises,” says Bibeau. “Cropped leggings can spotlight footwear or pair effectively with a flowy high, whereas full-length leggings can tuck fantastically right into a pair of boots.” Remember the fact that relying in your peak, the leggings could not fall precisely the place described, so Mueller recommends determining which inseam size works greatest for and sticking to that when procuring.
- Bottom: Let’s be actual—an enormous purpose why we love leggings is that they make us look nice whereas additionally being extraordinarily snug. In her movies, Mueller charges each legging on the “booty scale” to find out how effectively they flatter your bottom. “A legging that scores extremely on the booty scale goes to have seams that flatter and don’t lower off the glutes (ideally at or barely above the hip bone), a material that isn’t too compressive so it doesn’t squish the glutes down, and so they rating even larger if there’s a scrunch or hidden elastic up the again rise to actually intensify the glutes,” says Mueller.
How We Examined Black Leggings
To check one of the best black leggings, we first recognized essentially the most promising pairs primarily based on buyer opinions, knowledgeable recommendation, and hype. Then, our group of editors, who span completely different heights and physique sorts, examined the leggings at house by often sporting and washing them. Whereas testing the leggings, we took observe of the next:
- Match: After following the scale information, we famous how effectively the leggings match our physique and peak. We made observe if the legging bunched across the ankles, have been too excessive within the waist, or have been total too tight or unfastened.
- Consolation: After sporting the leggings for a number of hours, we famous how snug they felt and whether or not they moved round whereas lively. Did they dig into the waistband or often roll down?
- Material: We seemed for leggings that saved us cool and dry whereas understanding. We additionally seemed for leggings that stretched to permit us to maneuver comfortably whereas nonetheless offering sufficient protection within the again. We additionally made observe if the leggings picked up lint and hair.
- Sturdiness: We seemed for any indicators of damage and tear after washing, like piling, unfastened threads, tears, or lack of unique form.
Why Belief Byrdie
Emily Cieslak is an affiliate commerce editor, who often writes about trend. With expertise in trend shopping for and styling, she brings her crucial eye and technical recommendation to each article she writes. She has tried lots of of leggings over time and took part on this Byrdie check. For this text, she interviewed the next consultants:
- Kathryn Mueller is dentist and trend content material creator. She is thought for her trustworthy YouTube opinions of activewear manufacturers, particularly leggings.
- Catherine Bibeau is a famend trend stylist with over a decade of expertise within the trade.
- Sara Walker is trend trade knowledgeable and tastemaker famend for styling ideas and trend content material. She has labored within the trend trade for greater than eight years in roles throughout advertising, shopping for, consulting, merchandising, and styling.
In keeping with our Variety Pledge, 15% of merchandise in our newly-published market roundups will function Black-owned and/or Black-founded manufacturers. On the time of publishing, we weren’t capable of finding sufficient black leggings from Black-owned and/or Black-founded companies to fulfill this share. If you realize of 1 we should always contemplate, please e-mail us at contact@byrdie.com, and we are going to consider the product ASAP.