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No wardrobe is complete without a pair of the best black leggings. Soft, stretchy tights have become as essential as blue jeans and white T-shirts—wear ’em on cozy nights in, wear ’em while exercising, throw on an oversized blazer or sweater and wear ’em to the office (if your dress code permits…use your judgement, we’re not your boss).
But when it comes to options for black leggings, the limit does not exist. So the SELF team got to work testing tights from fan-favorite brands like Athleta, Lululemon, Old Navy, and more. Shop our favorites for running laps, running errands, namaste-ing, and staying in below.
Our top picks
Best Overall: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight, $98Best Opaque: Aritzia PowerSculpt New Cheeky Hi-Rise Legging, $78 $47Best for High-Impact Workouts: Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging, $128Best Compressive: Spanx Shape Booty Boost 7/8 Leggings, $98Best with Pockets: Athleta Salutation Stash High-Rise Legging, $109Best Budget Pick: Old Navy High-Waisted PowerSoft Leggings, $40 $28Best for Everyday Wear: Vuori AllTheFeels Legging, $98Best for Lifting: Under Armour Meridian Leggings, $80Best for Yoga: Adidas Women’s All Me 7/8 Leggings, $60 $36Best Maternity Leggings: Gap Maternity Everyday Full Panel Leggings, $60 $29Shop the best black leggings
In a sea of seemingly similar pairs, these are prime catches.
Best Overall: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight
Under Armour
Women’s UA Meridian Leggings
SELF’s director of fitness and food, Christa Sgobba, is a leggings expert: She’s worn dozens of different styles over the years for business and pleasure—because, hey, when you’re a fitness editor, working out is both of those things. Her top tights for strength training are the Under Armour Meridian Leggings.
“The material is so smooth and light—it doesn’t feel constricting,” she says. That being said, “These are absolutely squat-proof,” she promises (a must when you’re lifting). Bonus: UA reviewers say these make their butts look great.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Lengths: Short (27 inches), regular (29 inches), tall (31 inches) | Materials: Polyester, Lycra elastane
Best for Yoga: Adidas All Me 7/8 Leggings
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