The 13 Best Black Leggings, for Workouts and Beyond

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. 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 a style that holds you in and gives you maximum support during your workouts, you need a fabric with compression. OV's warmup leggings are made using the brand's Textured Compression fabric, a durable material that hugs your body but won't ever feel restrictive.

Most leggings don't come with pockets, but these ones have a drop-in leg pocket thats lie flat against your leg so it won't stick out. They're made of moisture-wicking performance fabric, designed to keep you comfy whether you're doing HIIT workouts or just making your morning coffee run. Whatever your plans, the secure pocket makes it so you won't have to carry your phone or wallet while you wear these.

Not only is each pair of Allbirds' leggings carbon-neutral, but they're made from a sustainable combination of materials (including recycled nylon and eucalyptus tree fiber) that any eco-conscious consumer will appreciate. The result? A mid-weight fabric that will keep you secure while you break a sweat.

Whether lounging on the couch or running errands, sometimes you just need a little extra support. That's where Vuori's black leggings come in: They feature a drawstring tie at the waist so you can adjust to your fit, as well as a no-slip design that you won't have to worry about sagging.

For a perfectly sleek look, ditch the seams. Knix's ultra-smooth black leggings have a ribbed waistband, but the legs are fully seamless, giving off a sculpted result that (bonus!) also eliminates the possibility of any chafing.

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.

These give you a firm, smoothing fit that isn't constricting, thanks to the 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 tend to.

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.

Lululemon makes our list again, this time for its soft, matte fabric that stays in place like second-skin throughout workouts – i.e. perfect for the moving and stretching you'll do in exercises like yoga.On top of that, these leggings are breathable, opaque, and durable.

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.

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.

We know what you're thinking—but yes, some leggings can be work-appropriate, provided they look polished enough. Theory's chic ones definitely do: The imported Italian fabric is thick enough so that you don’t feel like you’re wearing tights, but still stretchy so you get the yoga pant comfort. Plus, thanks to slit detailing at the ankles, they have some design interest that sets them apart from the regular athletic variety.