As the athleisure trend has boomed across the luxury and high-street commerce spaces, we’re now seeing these figure-hugging, black pants make a return to the runway. Quiet luxury enthusiasts have come to rely on options from The Row and Toteme for years, but fashion-forward styling at the fall/winter 2024 shows proved black leggings truly shouldn’t be reserved just for casual settings. They can be worn for a night out under a sheer dress, à la Proenza Schouler, with ladylike tailoring for a boardroom meeting, as shown by Versace, or even with an oversized, tweed jacket for a street style-friendly look, like Tibi.
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’ve got you covered. 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 to take you through the months ahead. Whatever style you have in mind, from stirrups and yoga pants, to the best maternity style on the market—let Vogue’s picks of the best black leggings lead you to the perfect pair.
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, editors, and more, Toteme’s black leggings have a high-waist and stretchy fit that works for day or night.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Viscose, polyamide, elastane
Best for Everyday: Lululemon
- Why We Love It: Lululemon’s Align is 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, black pair for workouts and weekend errands.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Nylon, Lycra® elastane
- 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 heel boots 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 $50 and still has plenty of designer details—such as a fitted, elastic waistband and sculpting properties.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Polyamide, elastane
- 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
Best Stirrup: Norba
- Why We Love It: Blending activewear with fashion is the core founding principle of Norba, a Ukrainian-based brand. Its black stirrup pants are made from the softest jersey, and can just as easily be paired with a blazer and kitten heels for a night out, as an early morning barre class.
- Silhouette: Stirrup
- Fabric: 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
- 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 flare pants 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 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: Nylon, 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
- Why We Love It: Designed with expectant mothers in mind, Bumpsuit’s 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
- Why We Love It: Girlfriend Collective’s bestselling 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
- Why We Love It: These are not your everyday gym leggings. Veronica Beard’s scuba pair is made from a stretch-nylon that really delivers. The smooth, flattering fit can be paired with anything—from a blouse and blazer to cozy, cashmere knitwear.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Nylon, elastane
Best for High Impact: Nike
- Why We Love It: Nike’s Pro Sculpt leggings are made for movement. The stretchy, Dri-Fit fabric is made with sweat-wicking and quick-drying technology, ensuring you stay cool during any workout, from burpees to cardio kickboxing.
- Silhouette: Fitted
- Fabric: Polyamide, spandex
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