16 Best Black Leggings for Every Occasion Imaginable

The best black leggings are one of those wardrobe staples that no one should be without. After all, within a drawer full of lingerie and activewear options, generally, a trusty black pair is the first you’ll reach for. The right leggings provide the perfect middle ground between loungewear and workwear. Let them play the foundation to every outfit imaginable—from a perfect white T-shirt, an oversized blazer, and heels for a classic office look, to a sheer blouse and heels for a night out.

In a sea of options, choosing the best black leggings is really the first step. As the loungewear trend has boomed across the luxury and high-street commerce spaces, a sheer abundance of choice can result in an overwhelming search. A classic, high-quality, stretch jersey pair is a must, but don’t overlook fabrications, such as ribbed cotton, knitted matte viscose, and even leather styles. Whatever the style you have in mind—from stirrups and yoga pants, to the best maternity styles on the market—let Vogue’s picks of the best black leggings lead you to the perfect pair.

Our top picks

• The Most Stylish: Toteme, $200
• The Best for Everyday: Lululemon, $128
• The Most Affordable: Zara, $36
• The Best Yoga Pant: Alo Yoga, $125
• The Best for Lounging: Skims, $54
• The Chic Stirrup: Wardrobe.NYC, $400
• The Quiet Luxury Pair: The Row, $590

Most Stylish: Toteme

• Why We Love It: Stockholm-based Toteme is known for quiet luxury solutions to comfortable workwear. A constant wardrobe favorite of models, influencers, and more, Toteme’s black leggings have a high waist and stretchy fit that can be works for day or night.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Viscose, polyamide, elastane

Best for Everyday: Lululemon

• Why We Love It: Lululemon’s Align super high-rise pants are a customer favorite, for good reason. They are so weightless and buttery soft that they feel like a second skin. You can’t go wrong with this classic black pair for workouts and weekend errands.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Nylon, elastane

Best Zip: The Frankie Shop

• Why We Love It: Thanks to a strategically placed zip, The Frankie Shop’s tight-knit, stretch-jersey leggings are versatile in their appeal and can be worn slim or as flared pants when unzipped. Wear paired with sneakers for weekend errands or kitten heels for a night out.
• Silhouette: Straight leg and flared
• Fabric: Polyester, spandex

Most Affordable: Zara

• Why We Love It: The best black leggings needn’t cost a fortune. This body-shaping pair from Zara comes in under $40 and still has plenty of designer details—such as a fitted elastic waistband and hidden zip closure.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Viscose, polyamide, elastane

Best Luxe: The Row

• Why We Love It: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen of The Row have mastered the art of elevated basics. The Row’s best-selling range of leggings, including its Woolworth stretch-ponte leggings, are worth the investment.
• Silhouette: Slim-leg
• Fabric: Polyamide, elastane

Best Stirrup: Wardrobe.NYC

• Why We Love It: Refining the best basics is the DNA of Wardrobe.NYC’s core. Its black stirrup pant leggings is as versatile for daytime, with a button down and ballet flats, as evening, when it can effortlessly be dressed up with a party top and heels.
• Silhouette: Stirrup
• Fabric: Viscose, polyamide, elastane

Best Leather: SPRWMN

• Why We Love It: SPRWMN’s unique, French plongé leather is what makes these the best in their category. The ankle-length legging feels just like a second skin, with breathable fabric technology that allows you to feel cool in warmer months and retain body heat in colder.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Leather

Best Yoga Pant: Alo Yoga

• Why We Love It: It’s no secret that Alo Yoga has the ultimate activewear edit, but these full-length leggings strike the perfect balance between workout and loungewear. The sculpting Airlift material holds you in without restricting movement, pairing as well with sneakers as house slippers.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Nylon, spandex

Best Flare: Spanx

• Why We Love It: Spanx’s flare pants are the most flattering, in our opinion. Strategically placed curved seams hug and accentuate the figure, while a high-rise waistband keeps everything in place. The best part? Wear these post-workout to a weekend brunch with an oversized knit and ballet flats for a model-off-duty look that doesn’t scream “I just came from the gym.”
• Silhouette: Flared
• Fabric: Nylon, elastane

Best for Travel: Wolford

• Why We Love It: Wolford’s impeccable mastery when it comes to quality hosiery translates to its ready-to-wear as well. A travel essential that can be worn on the plane and then dressed up or down once you reach your destination, these high-waisted black leggings are a must.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Polyamide, elastane

Best for Lounging: Skims

• Why We Love It: These Skims leggings are ribbed and ultra comfy, for weekends on the couch or lounging by a fire après ski. The soft thermal is made primarily from cotton, so they will still be extremely breathable, even as they hug the body with a tight fit.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Cotton, elastane

Best Maternity: Beyond Yoga

• Why We Love It: Designed with expectant mothers in mind, Beyond Yoga’s leggings have a supportive and flexible high-rise waist that will cradle your bump, without being uncomfortable. Moisture-wicking fabric ensures dryness, no matter whatever activity you’re facing.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Polyester, spandex

Best Faux Leather: Commando

• Why We Love It: Whether your budget is hindering you from splurging on a pair of real leather leggings, or you’d prefer to go the eco route with a vegan style, Commando’s faux leather leggings look just as good as the real thing. Thanks to the brand’s signature control waistband, you know they will be flattering, too.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Viscose, elastane

Best Sustainably-Made: Girlfriend Collective

• Why We Love It: Girlfriend Collective’s best-selling legging is crafted out of 25 recycled water bottles—the most sustainably-made on our list. The ultra-high rise fit and heavy-duty compression ensure that when it comes to conscious shopping, function does not need to be sacrificed.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Recycled polyester, spandex

Best Matte: Khaite

• Why We Love It: Slightly cropped yet ultra-sleek, these aren’t your everyday gym leggings. Made from the brand’s coveted Italian matte viscose knit, they provide a smooth, flattering fit that can be paired in true Khaite fashion with everything from sumptuous cashmere knits to a billowy blouse.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Viscose, elastane, polyester

Best for High Impact: Sweaty Betty

• Why We Love It: The Sweaty Betty Power leggings are designed to work for every type of workout. Made from a super-stretchy fabric that is both sweat-wicking and quick-drying, these leggings also have a drawcord waist to ensure a secure fit.
• Silhouette: Fitted
• Fabric: Polyamide, elastane