The 12 Finest Black Leggings of 2024, Examined and Reviewed

Whereas Miranda Priestly could also be rolling her eyes, there’s no denying that black leggings have grow 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 now have 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 straightforward to get resolution paralysis. We’ve all heard the names lululemon and Alo, however it may be arduous to decipher if they’re simply pure hype or really definitely worth the cash? As editors who like to lounge and exercise in model, we examined greater than 20 of the most well-liked leggings throughout physique varieties and rated them on match, consolation, efficiency, and total worth. Listed here are the most effective black leggings that make us by no means wish to put on denims once more.

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28 inches

PHOTO: lululemon

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 desires to spend $100 on a pair, we do assume these are definitely worth the funding. Shannon Bauer, Byrdie’s affiliate editorial director, has owned a pair for 3 years, and so they look nearly 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 reasonably than compressing.

Whereas some leggings are meant only for understanding and others for enjoyable, the Aligns serve each functions. They maintain us cool throughout low-impact exercises—assume yoga, pilates, walks, and lightweight runs—and cozy whereas watching a film on our sofa. We want the dimensions vary was extra inclusive, however we admire how this model is available in 4 completely different inseam lengths. If we may solely purchase and put on one pair of leggings, it might be these.

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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.”

CRZ YOGA Butterluxe High Waisted Lounge Legging

PHOTO: Amazon

Dimension Vary: XXS-XL | Inseam: 26.5 inches | Supplies: 81% Polyamide, 19% Lycra

Amazon prospects are satisfied these leggings are dupes for the lululemon Aligns. From our testing, we are saying they’re pretty similar to the Aritzia Butter Legging, although they don’t are available petite or tall sizing, which is our greatest criticism. 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 once we don’t care concerning the aesthetics.

We’re impressed with how nicely the brushed nylon cloth retains us cool whereas strolling round in 70-degree climate. Identical to the Aritzia model, the design includes a butt-enhancing curved yoke within the again and a cushty waistband. Although we want these have been supplied in additional inseam lengths, we agree they’re a terrific worth for a $30 Amazon legging, rivaling these types which are twice or 3 times the value.

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Emily Cieslak, affiliate commerce editor: “These leggings have a really related brushed nylon really feel to the Aritzia Butter, although the fabric is barely thicker and never fairly as mushy, which can imply they’re extra sturdy. I feel they’re nice for sporting when working errands, touring, or chilling at residence, and also you don’t wish to put your $100 leggings by means of the wear and tear and tear.”

Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft 7/8 Leggings

PHOTO: Outdated Navy

Dimension Vary: XS-4X | Inseam: 23, 25, 28 inches | Supplies: 77% Polyester, 23% spandex

We now have handy it to Outdated Navy for at all times remembering to cater to all sizes and heights. This model goes as much as measurement 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 reasonably than bunching up. The mix of polyester and spandex feels clean and smooth, and with slight compression, the leggings elongate the legs. They’re a terrific alternative for the fitness center, because of the sweat-wicking, squat-proof cloth. But the aspect pockets are our favourite characteristic since they’re really massive and robust sufficient to hold a telephone, lip gloss, keys, and I.D.

Although these leggings come at half the value of others on this record, the standard remains to be spectacular and constructed to final. “I wore these leggings as my major ones for 2 years, and so they held up extraordinarily nicely,” says Cieslak. “By the top there was some piling round sure areas, however they served a great run, and I wouldn’t thoughts buying them once more for the value.”

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Cher Checchio, copy editor: “I feel these are an outstanding possibility for petite frames searching for moisture-wicking, compression leggings for exercises. Additionally they do a beautiful job at making your butt look good.”

Aritzia BUTTER New Cheeky Hi-Rise Legging

PHOTO: Aritzia

Dimension Vary: 00-16 | Inseam: 24.5, 26, 27.5 inches | Supplies: 80% Nylon, 20% elastane

In case your supreme legging is constituted of brushed nylon, we suggest Aritzia Butter Leggings. Because the identify suggests, the material is extraordinarily mushy and comfortable, but it additionally affords a pleasant quantity of sculpting and retains us feeling and searching cool on our sizzling lady walks. As additionally hinted within the identify, the curved waistband helps to emphasise your bottom in a refined manner. We ordered the quick size and have been happy with how nicely they match our 5’3” body. They hit us on the good spot above our ankles and barely above our stomach button. Like most brushed nylon supplies, they entice lint and hair, however we haven’t seen any piling after sporting and washing, only a few free threads.

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Emily Cieslak, affiliate commerce editor: “These leggings match a singular area of interest—they’re extra snug than true efficiency leggings but extra put collectively than true lounge leggings.”

Aerie OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me High Waisted Crossover Flare Legging

PHOTO: Aerie

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 attempt 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 provide a no-pant really feel. We additionally rapidly 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 expect they’re particularly nice for many who wrestle with discovering pants that don’t hole on the waist, because the crossover waistband eliminates this drawback. Contemplating these are available each quick and lengthy inseams and always go on sale, you may as nicely choose up a pair so as to add some aptitude to your leggings rotation.

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Caitlyn Martyn, affiliate commerce editor: “I really like the high-waisted cross-over waistline that flatters my midsection. I’ve broad hips however a small body, so I wrestle to seek out pants that match my physique proper. This waistline model hugs me in all the correct locations and exhibits off my physique kind reasonably than hides it.”

Gymshark Everyday Seamless Legging

PHOTO: Gymshark

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 trip up, do not weigh us down, maintain 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 free threads post-wash. Should you don’t like entrance seams, Gymshark is understood for providing seamless leggings that don’t sag. This particular model solely is available in one size, and it suits our 5’10” tester proper on the ankle, so it may be barely too lengthy on those that are petite.

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Lauren Pardee, senior commerce editor: “I wore them all through my barre class and truly forgot I used to be sporting them in any respect. They handed all of the train assessments and did not weigh me down, trip up, or present sweat.”

Set Active Sculptflex

PHOTO: Set

Dimension Vary: XS-XL | Inseam: 23.75 inches | Supplies: 88% Microfiber nylon, 12% spandex

Should you’re searching for a legging to sculpt your curves and provide you with that additional enhance of confidence, these are it. They strike the elusive steadiness of being compressive but nonetheless snug and pleasant 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 nicely and don’t limit motion. Whereas they provide all-over shaping, the thick waistband particularly helps to clean the abdomen, and due to no entrance seam, you don’t have to fret about camel toe. The material is thick, opaque, and has held up nicely for years. Although they arrive in a single inseam, they match our 5’1” tester completely.

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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.”

Athleta Transcend Stash Tight

PHOTO: Athleta

Dimension Vary: XXS-3X | Inseam: 25, 27, 30 inches | Supplies: 75% Nylon, 25% Lycra

Discovering leggings that really are snug sufficient to lounge or journey in is more durable than it appears—many are too compressive or just not as cozy as sweats. So if you discover a pair that you may rot in for hours, you make investments, even when they’re on the pricier aspect. These leggings have that brushed, matte feeling just like lululemon, but they’re thicker than the Aligns, which makes them higher suited to leisurely actions or colder climate. Additionally they don’t choose up lint as simply because the Aligns, which is nice information for pet house owners. 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 any case these years, they nonetheless look nice and stay squat-proof.

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Shannon Bauer, affiliate editorial director: “I really like how snug these are. I attain for these on a regular basis for earn a living from 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 a terrific addition for journey the place you wish to maintain your telephone helpful.”

Amazon Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging

PHOTO: Amazon

Dimension Vary: XXS-4X | Inseam: 24 inches | Supplies: 87% Polyester, 13% elastane

Because of the broad waistband, these leggings are a terrific possibility for many 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, which means they’ll 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 includes a marbled design, which camouflages any cellulite behind your thighs. Past black, they arrive in a spread of vibrant colours and as much as measurement 4X.

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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.”

Years of Ours Ribbed Football Black Leggings

PHOTO: Years of Ours

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 (speak about a great recreation day outfit). Moreover wanting cute, this characteristic helps you snatch your waist and stop the leggings from rolling down. We additionally love the model’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 nicely they match her 5’11” body (it’s possible you’ll wish to measurement down) and the way nicely they maintain her cool throughout exercises. Should you’re bored of conventional black leggings and desire a model to change it up, these are your greatest guess.

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Dominique Hobdy, senior commerce editor: “I really like love love the fabric of those. They seem to be a mix of nylon and spandex so that they’re tremendous stretchy and provides nice protection. The fabric can be a bit thick so there is not any likelihood of underwear peeking by means of and no panty traces.”

Alo Alosoft High-waist ⅞ Highlight Legging

PHOTO: Alo

Dimension Vary: XXS-L | Inseam: 24 inches | Supplies: 87% Polyester, 13% elastane

A favourite amongst celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Alo Yoga is understood for its minimalistic aesthetic and costly units. We remorse to tell your pockets that we do assume 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 means that you can 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 maintain that in thoughts if you’re petite.

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Ally Hirschlag, affiliate editorial director: “They take a second to kind 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 would not have a seam on the finish, so it feels prefer it simply melts away on the prime.”

Split59 Raquel High Waist Flare w/ Split Hem

PHOTO: Split59

Dimension Vary: XS-XL | Inseam: 30, 32 inches | Supplies: 87% Nylon, 13% Lycra

Whereas some could argue that your entire 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 the case of flare designs, Split59 does it greatest with its Raquel Break up Him. The flare begins on the calf, so it’s not too broad that it appears to be like like a pair of bell bottoms. The fabric is good 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.

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Emily Cieslak, affiliate commerce editor: “I really like a great 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 reasonably 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 (assume lulu Aligns, Aritzia Butter) or a efficiency materials that’s extra slick and glossy. “I desire a brushed legging for my fitness center exercises, lounge, pilates/yoga model exercises, and so on. The brushed materials today are nice and could be mushy together with sturdy,” says Kathryn Mueller, a trend content material creator recognized for her YouTube movies reviewing leggings. “I lean in the direction of efficiency leggings for actions like mountaineering, working—something the place there could also be extra alternative to wreck the leggings, and I desire a cloth that may maintain as much as friction or attainable snags.” Search for phrases like four-way stretch, sweat-wicking, and make sure you verify the transparency of the fabric—by popping a squat—earlier than committing to a pair.
  • Compression: Excessive compression leggings are usually geared in the direction of excessive depth exercises to maintain every part 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 model that’s smoothing however nonetheless snug.
  • Seams: The seams on a legging could be simply missed, but they’ll have a big effect on how the model appears to be like and feels. Most leggings not characteristic 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 private desire. “No entrance seam leggings usually 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 outside actions, whereas ⅞ and cropped leggings are higher for hotter situations or high-intensity exercises,” says Bibeau. “Cropped leggings can spotlight footwear or pair nicely with a flowy prime, whereas full-length leggings can tuck fantastically right into a pair of boots.” Understand that relying in your top, 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—a giant cause 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 nicely they flatter your bottom. “A legging that scores extremely on the booty scale goes to have seams that flatter and don’t minimize off the glutes (ideally at or barely above the hip bone), a cloth that isn’t too compressive so it doesn’t squish the glutes down, and so they rating even increased if there’s a scrunch or hidden elastic up the again rise to actually intensify the glutes,” says Mueller.

How We Examined Black Leggings

Byrdie/Jhett Thompson

To check the most effective black leggings, we first recognized probably the most promising pairs based mostly on buyer critiques, professional recommendation, and hype. Then, our workforce of editors, who span completely different heights and physique varieties, examined the leggings at residence by commonly sporting and washing them. Whereas testing the leggings, we took notice of the next:

  • Match: After following the dimensions information, we famous how nicely the leggings match our physique and top. We made notice if the legging bunched across the ankles, have been too excessive within the waist, or have been total too tight or free.
  • Consolation: After sporting the leggings for a number of hours, we famous how snug they felt and whether or not they moved round whereas energetic. Did they dig into the waistband or commonly 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 notice if the leggings picked up lint and hair.
  • Sturdiness: We seemed for any indicators of wear and tear and tear after washing, like piling, free threads, tears, or lack of authentic form.

FAQ

  • “Sometimes, washing gently in chilly water and avoiding the dryer helps preserve elasticity, shade, and cut back pilling over time,” says Bibeau. “Utilizing a fragile detergent, avoiding cloth softener, and turning the leggings inside out can all assist lengthen the lifetime of your leggings.”

  • Vogue trade professional and content material creator Sara Walker has a couple of favourite formulation for styling leggings past the fitness center. “I really like the outsized graphic tee, leggings, headband, and sneakers for the sporty look,” says Walker. “Leggings, tank prime, blazer, driving boots—this provides off the effortlessly cool tailor-made look whereas sporting leggings. Excellent for a journey day!”

Why Belief Byrdie

Emily Cieslak is an affiliate commerce editor, who commonly writes about trend. With expertise in trend shopping for and styling, she brings her vital eye and technical recommendation to each article she writes. She has tried a whole bunch of leggings through the years and took part on this Byrdie take a look at. For this text, she interviewed the next specialists:

  • Kathryn Mueller is dentist and trend content material creator. She is understood for her sincere YouTube critiques 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 professional and tastemaker famend for styling suggestions 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 line with our Variety Pledge, 15% of merchandise in our newly-published market roundups will characteristic 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 must always take into account, please e-mail us at contact@byrdie.com, and we are going to consider the product ASAP.