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The 10 Best Black Leggings, According To Women’s Health Editors And Rave Reviews

They all passed our squat tests.

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There is one closet staple I simply can’t live without: Black leggings. While colorful activewear is fun at times, black leggings are my real go-to because they're reliable, versatile, perfect for year-round wear, and totally camouflage sweat. I could go on and on.

That said, not all black leggings live up to the high standards of WH editors and writers like myself. The perfect pair of black leggings has to check alllll the boxes. They must be squat-proof, supportive yet comfortable, and able to go from workout to brunch. Understandably, that’s a lot to ask from a single piece of clothing, but that's also why I own a few pairs of black leggings.

Jump right to shopping all the WH editor-approved black leggings:

  • 1
    Naked Feeling Workout Leggings

    Best Affordable

    CRZ YOGA Naked Feeling Workout Leggings

    $26 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    High-Waist Airbrush Legging

    Best Overall

    Alo Yoga High-Waist Airbrush Legging

    Read more
  • 3
    High Rise Legging in Melt

    Best Low-Impact

    Carbon 38 High Rise Legging in Melt

    Read more
  • 4
    Align High-Rise Pant 28

    Best For Yoga

    Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28

    Read more
  • 5
    Essent High-Rise Legging

    Best For Hiking

    Arc'Teryx Essent High-Rise Legging

    Read more

There’s no need to settle for anything less than stellar or break the bank when shopping for this activewear staple, either. We have your back and took the liberty to lounge, sweat, and comb through thousands of customer reviews so you can confidently click buy on the best pair for you to match your fave workouts. There's something for everyone and every budget (from a $26 pair on Amazon to a $100+ Alo fan-fave) in this list.

Ahead, the 10 best black leggings that you won't be able to live without.

1
Best Affordable

CRZ YOGA Naked Feeling Workout Leggings

Naked Feeling Workout Leggings
1
Best Affordable

CRZ YOGA Naked Feeling Workout Leggings

$26 at Amazon$28 at Amazon$23 at Amazon
Pros
  • Four-way stretch
  • Seamless waistband
Cons
  • No thigh pockets

It may sound too good to be true, but these $26 leggings are tough to beat. They offer the perfect amount of compression, and the sleek, moisture-wicking material doesn’t stick to your skin. The seamless waistband is also extra comfortable and supportive.

Rave review: “I’m a big Lululemon fan, but I’ve come to love these leggings as a comparable (and budget friendly) alternative! They are true to size and even fit throughout and after pregnancy.”

Material71% Polyamide, 29% Spandex
Inseam25''
CareMachine wash cold, tumble dry low
2
Best Overall

Alo Yoga High-Waist Airbrush Legging

High-Waist Airbrush Legging
2
Best Overall

Alo Yoga High-Waist Airbrush Legging

Pros
  • Breathable
  • Medium compression
Cons
  • May run large, according to customer reviews

There’s something extra special about a pair of black leggings that can do it all, and these Alo high waist airbrush leggings do just that. The medium compression material is ultra-smooth, and the sculpting waistband is thoughtfully designed to hug all the right places. The four-way stretch also moves with you to keep you functioning at peak performance.

Rave review: “I love love love these leggings. They’re insanely soft and so flattering. They match with almost any black workout top, and I wear them both in and outside of the gym.”—Addison Aloian, WH editorial assistant

Material87% Nylon, 13% Elastane
Inseam28''
CareMachine wash cold inside out, tumble dry low
3
Best Low-Impact

Carbon 38 High Rise Legging in Melt

High Rise Legging in Melt
3
Best Low-Impact

Carbon 38 High Rise Legging in Melt

Pros
  • Buttery-soft
  • Moisture-wicking
Cons
  • Thin fabric

Looking for a pair of buttery-soft leggings that feel like a second skin? Here’s your pick. They’re lightweight, sweat-wicking, supportive, and perfect for all-day comfort whether you’re in the yoga studio or running errands.

Rave review: “I grab these for anything low impact and all things lounging around home. I feel like I melt into them just like the name of the fabric, and they become a second skin. They are so soft and weightless, yet the true black doesn’t show through at all either.”—Jennifer Nied, WH fitness editor

Material81% Nylon, 19% Spandex
Inseam31"
CareMachine was cold, hang to dry
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4
Best For Yoga

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28

Align High-Rise Pant 28
4
Best For Yoga

Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28

Credit: Lululemon
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
Cons
  • Pricey

Lululemon Align pants are a classic for a reason: They’re soft, stretchy, sweat-wicking, and have pockets. The barely-there, lightweight fabric is also perfect for the sweatiest of workouts.

Rave review: “They’re my go-to brand, and I’m not ashamed (okay, but only a little bit) to say I have everything from capris to 7/8 length to stirrup pants. And yes, they’re all in that oh-so-flattering black.”—Lindsay Geller, WH lifestyle director

Material81% Nylon, 19% Lycra Elastane
Inseam28"
CareMachine wash cold, hang to dry
5
Best For Hiking

Arc'Teryx Essent High-Rise Legging

Essent High-Rise Legging
5
Best For Hiking

Arc'Teryx Essent High-Rise Legging

Pros
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Durable
Cons
  • Pricey

Tough love doesn’t mean uncomfortable because these ultra-durable leggings will stand the test of time. Whether you’re hiking, trail running, or climbing, the high-rise waistband wicks moisture away from the body without compromising breathability or ever rolling down. Plus, the easily accessible thigh pockets are also perfect for all your necessities.

Rave review: “I’m always hesitant to wear leggings for hikes, but this pair is so durable it’s rock climbing proof. The material doesn’t snag or show signs of wear even sliding across granite and works well in a wide range of temps.”—Nied

MaterialChira, Nylon, Elastane
Inseam30''
CareMachine wash gentle, tumble dry low
6
Most Comfortable

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging

Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging
6
Most Comfortable

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Caught In The Midi High Waisted Legging

Pros
  • Buttery-soft
  • UV protection
Cons
  • Pricey

Say hello to the comfiest leggings because you’ll be living in this buttery-soft Beyond Yoga pick. The high waist is supportive but not constrictive, and the subtle compression is sculpting yet smoothing. The moisture-wicking breathability is also perfect yoga, Pilates, or long walks.

Rave review: “These leggings are always at the top of my drawer because they’re so soft, cozy, and functional. I’m usually not a fan of pockets, but I must say, these thigh pockets have won me over because they’re flattering, secure, and actually fit a ton.”—Andi Breitowich, WH contributor

Material87% Polyester, 13% Elastane
Inseam24''
CareMachine wash cold, tumble dry low
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7
Best For Weightlifting

Alala Primary Tight

Primary Tight
7
Best For Weightlifting

Alala Primary Tight

Pros
  • Seamless sides
  • Flexible
Cons
  • No pockets

These Alala leggings are sleek, stylish, and functional. They’re streamlined to hug the body, don’t slip down as you walk, and ultra-flexible for optimal range of motion. The glossy, subtle shine material is also squat-proof and made to move.

Rave review: “The quality is perfect, and I really like the material. It has a great shine and wears perfectly.”

Material76% Polyester, 24% Spandex
Inseam25''
CareMache was cold, tumble dry low
8
Best For Running

Sculpt+ Legging

Sculpt+ Legging
8
Best For Running

Sculpt+ Legging

Pros
  • Multi-layer waistband
  • Breathable
Cons
  • No pockets

These Sculpt+ leggings are specially designed to treat lower back pain, hip stiffness, and postpartum care with the multiple layers of tensile materials that engage 3D muscle memory in the core, glutes, and spine. The supportive fit is comfortable, flattering, and perfectly stretchy.

Rave review: “I’ve been asked multiple times if these leggings are worth it and I can’t say yes fast enough. They’re pricey, but the lightweight material is perfect for indoor or outdoor runs and the supportive waistband hugs in all the right places without feeling constricting.”—Breitowich

MaterialSpandex, Polyester, Lyocell, Nylon
InseamN/A
CareMachine wash cold, hang to dry
9
Best With Pockets

Colorfulkoala High Waisted Tummy Control Workout Leggings

High Waisted Tummy Control Workout Leggings
9
Best With Pockets

Colorfulkoala High Waisted Tummy Control Workout Leggings

Now 17% Off
Pros
  • Squat-proof
  • Seamless waist
Cons
  • Limited sizing options

It’s tough to beat an affordable pair of leggings with killer pockets, and this pair boasts both. The seamless waistband has the perfect amount of compression, and the four-way stretch is non-restrictive and made to move. Oh, and the super soft material makes them perfect for travel.

Rave review: “I never write reviews but I was soooo happy with these leggings. They are stretchy, perfect length, and non-see-through. As soon as I put them on I needed to buy MORE.”

Material75% Polyester, 25% Spandex
Inseam25''
CareMachine wash cold, tumble dry low
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10
Best Seamless

SL Seamless Full Length Tights

SL Seamless Full Length Tights
10
Best Seamless

SL Seamless Full Length Tights

Pros
  • Sculpting
  • Moisture-wicking
Cons
  • No pockets

Seamless leggings that are buttery-soft, moisture-wicking, and sculpting? Say less. The flexible, ribbed waistband is tailored for 24/7 comfort and full-length fit is perfect for year-round wear.

Rave review: “These leggings are super comfortable and fit like a glove. They also do wonders for the back side!”

Material94% Nylon 6% Spandex
InseamN/A
CareMachine wash cold, lay flat to dry

How We Chose The Best Black Leggings

best tummy control leggings

For the past few years, Women’s Health editors, including fitness editor Jennifer Nied, associate commerce editor Lily Wohlner, and editorial assistant Addison Aloian, have been researching and sweat-testing the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated black leggings. Additionally, the team evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best black leggings for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Headshot of Kristine Thomason
Kristine Thomason
Freelance Journalist

Kristine Thomason is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience creating content for print and digital publications. Previously, she was the health and fitness director at mindbodygreen, and the fitness and wellness editor at Women’s Health. Kristine's work has appeared in Men's Health, Travel + Leisure, Health, and Refinery29, among others. She holds a journalism degree from New York University, and is certified in personal training by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

Headshot of Jasmine Gomez
Jasmine Gomez
Commerce Editor

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.  

Headshot of Andi Breitowich

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.  

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