As much as we love expressing ourselves in fun, brightly coloured leggings [1] or bold patterned leggings [2] every once in awhile, we all know that the true MVP of fitness gear is a pair of simple black leggings. They're ultraflattering, endlessly versatile, and conveniently suitable, whether for the gym or the office [3].
But finding the right pair can prove to be tricky. How many times have you purchased leggings only to discover after a few wears that they're not quite what you're looking for? Luckily, our editors have done the testing for you. To help you narrow down your search, we asked them to share their holy grail, can't-live-without, 10-out-of-10-would-recommend black leggings. Whether you're on the hunt for one that won't stretch over time or one that features pockets, read their testimonials ahead to discover your perfect pair.
lululemon Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight Full-On Luon 28"
lululemon Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight Full-On Luon 28" [4] ($98)
"I've had these pants for years, and I'm wearing them now! They're flattering, comfortable, and my favorite pair of black tights. I also love that I can mix them into my regular wardrobe. They're warm but don't make you feel like you're suffocating, and they're my go-to for yoga." — Dominique Astorino, staff writer, Fitness
Outdoor Voices Tech Sweat Legging
Outdoor Voices Tech Sweat Legging [5] ($95)
"I absolutely love these Outdoor Voices black leggings! I can't live without them. They're so versatile — perfect for everything from outdoor running to weight lifting to yoga." — Gina Florio, editor, Fitness
lululemon Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight Full-On Luxtreme 28"
lululemon Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight Full-On Luxtreme 28" [6] ($98)
"When it comes to leggings, it really doesn't get much better than a pair of Wunder Unders. I'm practically a certified leggings addict, and though I love my colorful Outdoor Voices leggings and superfun Ultracors, I always come back to these. I personally can't stand working out in leggings that feel like they weren't made to sweat in, so the Full-On Luxtreme fabric is the cooling, moisture-wicking, and spandex-y athletic material of my dreams. Even better, they last forever and are totally versatile and flattering." — Carrie Carrollo, assistant editor, Native
Koral Lustrous Legging
Koral Lustrous Legging [7] ($88)
"I love the Lustrous Legging in black from Koral. They are super lightweight and not too restrictive. I wear them with white or black APLs and my oversize fleece crew from Everlane to and from the gym." — Dana Avidan Cohn, executive style director
GapFit Blackout Technology gFast Leggings
GapFit Blackout Technology gFast Leggings [8] ($70)
"I am an avid purchaser of Gap's GapFit line. The leggings hold up to all classes and hiking. They never fade and never get too stretched out, and they also last for years." — Lauren Hendrickson, director, editorial product management
lululemon Speed Up Tight DWR 28"
lululemon Speed Up Tight DWR 28" [9] ($108)
"I swear by my lululemon black leggings with pockets on the side so I can just slip my phone in when I'm running." — Sarah Wasilak, editor, Fashion
Nike Sculpt High-Rise Training Tights
Nike Sculpt High-Rise Training Tights [10] ($95)
"I've had this same pair of Nike leggings forever, and I am obsessed. They're super high-waisted, suck everything in, and are the perfect thickness and warmth to wear year round." — Lindsay Miller, director, News and Culture
Beyond Yoga High Waisted Midi Legging
Beyond Yoga High Waisted Midi Legging [11] ($88)
"I cannot get enough of leggings from Beyond Yoga. The entire line is high-waisted, and the material feels like butter. So soft!" — Michele Foley, content director, Fitness
lululemon Fast & Free 7/8 Tight II Nulux 25"
lululemon Fast & Free 7/8 Tight II Nulux 25" [12] ($128)
"I am obsessed with the Fast & Free Nulux tights from lululemon. The fabric is insanely thin and comfortable, and the cut is really flattering and slimming. They stay in place and haven't pilled or stretched out after a zillion wears and washes. Another bonus: the concealed pockets along the legs and waistband. You will never want to take these pants off." — Joanna Douglas, senior native editorial director
Under Armour Coldgear Armour Leggings
Under Armour Coldgear Armour Leggings [13] ($50)
"I love this pair of supersimple and soft (and always easy to get on) Under Armour leggings. Even though they have no pockets (a major con for me), they are still my favorite pair. The polyester and elastane composition is the best material." — Rebecca Brown, editor, Shopping
Prana Transform High Waist Legging
Prana Transform High Waist Legging [14] ($75)
"I love these high-waisted leggings from Prana. The medium weight is the perfect coverage, the waist is really comfy, and these leggings stay in place. Perfect for yoga, Pilates, and strength training." — Susi May, senior content director