20 Essential Black Leggings for Every Occasion Imaginable
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Black leggings are one of those wardrobe staples that no one closet should be without—after all, in a drawer full of activewear options, generally the first you reach for is a trusty black pair. However, the right black leggings split the difference between loungewear, casual outfitting, and workwear, not simply a sweaty workout or prolonged gym time.
Vogue’s Best Picks for Black Leggings:
Not just an athleisure lover’s dream pant, black leggings have become a runway staple, as well. Quiet luxury enthusiasts have come to rely on options from The Row and Toteme for years, featuring fashion-forward twists such as zippers, seam detailing, and luxe fabrications. Another fan-favorite brand of Vogue editors and celebrities alike is Leset. Kendall Jenner recently stepped out in the brand’s black stirrup leggings for a night out, paired with kitten-heeled pumps, redefining how to wear this luxe essential for evening. However, you can always style the capsule wardrobe heroes with smart shirting and a tailored blazer, for a work-friendly take.
In a sea of options, choosing the best black leggings is really the first step. Sometimes the sheer abundance of choice can result in an overwhelming search, but we’re here to problem solve. Firstly, a classic stretch-jersey pair is a must, but don’t overlook fabrications, such as ribbed cotton, knitted matte viscose, and even leather to carry you through the months ahead. Capri leggings have quickly become a wardrobe staple, another easy, day-to-night styling piece to invest in, and we’ll also show you which true active performance pairs made our final cut.
Whatever style you have in mind, from ankle-length, to stirrups, yoga pants, and the best maternity style on the market—let Vogue’s editor-approved list of best black leggings lead you to the perfect pair.
Most Stylish: Toteme
- Why We Love It: Stockholm-based Toteme is known for minimalist solutions for everyday wear. A constant wardrobe favorite of models, influencers, editors, and more, Toteme’s bestseller high-waisted leggings have a stretchy fit that works for day or night.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Viscose, polyamide, elastane
Best for Everyday: Lululemon
- Why We Love It: Lululemon Align leggings are a customer favorite, with good reason. It is a super high-rise pant that is so weightless and buttery soft, it feels just like a second skin. You can’t go wrong with this classic pair of black leggings for workouts and weekend errands.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Nylon, Lycra® elastane
Best Capri: Skims
- Why We Love It: An easy day-to-night choice, the capri leggings from Skims feature a high-waisted waistband, providing all-over smoothing and sculpting capabilities. Wear with a slinky tank and heels for a night out, or a simple oversized T-shirt and ballet flats for weekend errands.
- Silhouette: Straight leg
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
Best Sustainably-Made: The Park
- Why We Love It: New to the scene, The Park focuses on elevated basics, like these stretch leggings, crafted from a power jersey that is both moisture-wicking and lightweight, while incredibly eco-friendly. The micro Tencel and recycled elastane-blend is completely biodegradable.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: MicroTencel, recycled elastane
Best Stirrup: Leset
- Why We Love It: Blending loungewear with fashion is the core founding principle of Leset, whose black stirrup pants are made from the softest jersey. They can just as easily be paired with an evening jacket and kitten heels for a night out, as Kendall Jenner has proven, as an oversized T-shirt for an early morning barre class.
- Silhouette: Straight leg to stirrup
- 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 the Woolworth stretch-ponte leggings, are worth the investment.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
Most Affordable: Quince
- Why We Love It: The best black leggings needn’t cost a fortune. This buttery-soft, shaping pair from Quince comes in under $50 and still has plenty of thoughtful design details—such as a back pocket for stashing your stuff and a slim waistband that doesn’t roll down. They’re also available in 25-inch and 28-inch inseam lengths.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Nylon, spandex
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, Airbrush material holds you in without restricting movement, pairing just as well with white, minimalist sneakers as house slippers.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Nylon, elastane
Best Flare: Spanx
- Why We Love It: Strategically placed curved seams hug and accentuate the figure, while a high-rise waistband keeps everything in place. The best part? Spanx’s flared leggings can be worn 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 Collab: NikeSkims
- Why We Love It: Designed with a matte finish, this simple compression legging does it all. Combining the best of both brands, the fit is distinctly Skims shapewear, with essential sculpting and smoothing properties perfect for lounging, while Nike’s Dri-Fit technology will keep you dry and cool during movement, from Pilates to running errands. Plus, you can choose from both 26-inch or 29-inch inseam options.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Polyamide, Lycra® spandex
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 women’s leggings in a scuba material are a must.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
Best Maternity: Bumpsuit
- Why We Love It: Designed with expectant mothers in mind, Bumpsuit’s top-rated seamless leggings have a supportive and flexible, high-rise waist that will cradle your bump without discomfort, thanks to the softest of fabrics that won’t irritate as you grow. Even Kylie Jenner was a fan of these.
- 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 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 for High Impact: Nike
- Why We Love It: Nike’s Swift leggings are made for movement. The stretchy fabric is made with the brand’s signature, sweat-wicking technology, designed to reduce chafing and ensure you stay comfortable during any workout.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Recycled polyester, spandex
Best for Low-Impact: Vuori
- Why We Love It: Vuori’s recycled fabrication is pure bliss. A favorite brand of Kaia Gerber’s, the soft and breathable material has plenty of stretch with the right balance of innovation, to keep you moving from sun salutation to warrior pose with supreme comfort.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Recycled polyamide, elastane
Softest Material: Beyond Yoga
- Why We Love It: These are not your everyday gym leggings. Sculpting your legs in all the right places, Beyond Yoga’s super soft Spacedye leggings are beloved for its incredible touch.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Polyester, elastane
Best Warm: On
- Why We Love It: Whether you love running outside, no matter the temperature, or you’re looking for something to ward off winter chills on those weekend errands, the brushed inner fabric of On’s running leggings are guaranteed to go the distance, with plenty of warmth along the way.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Recycled polyester, elastane
Best Lightweight: Splits59
- Why We Love It: Simplicity in workout clothes has its benefits—when the fit is perfect and the materials are light as air. You’ll be surprised by the level of comfort this fabric delivers, with a heavenly soft touch and barely-there feel that still performs, offering sweat-wicking technology and a quick dry.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Nylon, spandex
Best for Running: Literary Sport
- Why We Love It: Getting those morning miles in never felt (or looked) better. This full-length compression tight is made from a luxe French fabric, that you truly have to feel to believe. Smart detailing, such as strategic pocket placement and a reflective waistband, will always keep you on track.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane