11 Best Black Leggings, According to Clothing Experts

For starters, this pair is so incredibly comfortable. The fabric is buttery soft, lightweight, and fits like a glove. It also has a high-rise waistband that's smoothing, yet it doesn't feel constricting at all (and it comes in a super-high rise version if this one isn't high enough for you).

Lululemon is definitely expensive, but you'll get lots of use out of these leggings. They're not only perfect for studio workouts like yoga, but they're also ideal as loungewear and everyday use. This style in particular is so popular that it's available in lots of variations including different pant lengths and plenty of colors and prints.

If you're looking for the best affordable black leggings, this Amazon bestseller has a cult-like following from users who swear it’s the comfiest pair they own and it’s not see-through. It’s also stretchy and versatile to wear from lounging to work (if you style it properly); we just don’t recommend it for intense or high-impact exercise.

There are three sizes for regular and plus size: 2-12, 12-20, and 22W-32W. It also comes in tons of other colors and with the unbeatable price point, you can certainly buy a few pairs.

These high-waisted black leggings are an all-time favorite of Good Housekeeping's Fashion Director. They give you a firm, smoothing fit that isn't constricting thanks to its unique waistband. Reviewers say this style lives up to its name of “Perfect Control” because you get the support while still feeling comfortable. This pair is intended for everyday use as opposed to exercise. The fabric is a nylon/spandex blend with a matte finish, so it won’t look too shiny like some workout leggings.

Unlike the previous styles that are more lightweight, these black leggings are thicker and "figure-sculpting" according to the brand and thousands of reviewers. They're still stretchy and moisture-wicking so you can wear them during exercise.

Other features include a brushed fabric so it feels softer, a small hidden pocket at the waistband, and a high rise that sits above the waist. It's a popular style that some users say they like better than leggings double its price.

Most leggings don't come with pockets, but these black yoga leggings have deep pockets on the sides that lie flat against your leg so they don't stick out. They're made of Athelta's popular Powervita fabric, which is soft, smooth and slightly compressive.

On top of the comfort and convenience, these are available in regular, petite, tall and plus sizes so they're perfect for a variety of body types. And if you prefer shorter styles, you can find these in a capri or a short, both of which also have pockets.

This pair from sustainable fashion brand Pact is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton (with some spandex for stretch), so you know the entire manufacturing process follows strict standards. It's also Fair Trade Certified, which focuses on social aspects like safe working conditions.

Cotton isn't as popular for black leggings because it's not as moisture-wicking, stretchy, or opaque as synthetic performance fibers. Still, if it's for lounging or layering, cotton fabric feels soft and natural against your skin.

For black leggings you can wear to work or on a night out, this faux leather style is super chic and a bestseller. And since it’s coming from Spanx, it has the built-in shapewear you know and love, plus the nylon/spandex fabric has a sheen appearance that reviewers say makes their legs look long and lean.

If the leather look isn't for you, Spanx also has a black ponte version of these leggings made of a soft, stretchy, and thick fabric. Both the faux leather and ponte styles have slimming waistbands and are machine washable for easy care.

Each pair of these leggings is made with 25 recycled water bottles that have been turned into polyester fabric. Even better, users love wearing them and say they perform on par with pricier brands.

This style has a compressive fit for high-impact exercise and also comes in other colors, multiple lengths, and sizes that range from XXS to 6XL. The brand makes a Lite version with nylon from recycled fishing nets that’s better suited for sweaty activities like hot yoga or cycling.

If you’re a runner or prefer high-intensity exercise with lots of sweat and movement, this pair has smooth fabric to help reduce friction, plus it's moisture-wicking to help keep you dry. It also has compressive fit (i.e. it's tighter than others), which helps support your muscles.

Under Armour leggings have consistently done well in our evaluations. Our testers find them to be comfortable, flattering, and breathable, and in the Lab they're resistant to pilling, shrinking, and stretching out.

For leggings to wear under tunics or dresses (that don't need to be fully opaque if you bend over), plant-based fibers are ideal because they're soft and light. This one is a blend of cotton and rayon with a bit of spandex for stretch. This pick is affordable and has thousands of reviews on Amazon from users who say they're comfy and not too tight like some of the thicker, compressive leggings out there.

They come in a variety of colors, and reviewers say they've purchased multiple pairs because they're obsessed. On top of that, the high waistband is flattering without feeling like shapewear.

Yes, there are leggings you can actually wear as pants to your office. This black fabric is thick enough that you don’t feel like you’re wearing tights, but still stretchy so you get the yoga pant comfort. We were skeptical too, but Good Housekeeping editors tried them out and were impressed.

Our editors especially liked how comfortable they felt; one even said “I felt like I was getting away with wearing my PJs at the office.” It comes in a variety of styles, including straight-leg, boot-cut, skinny, cropped, and wide leg, plus four different inseam options to fit women of different heights.